Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) filed an emergency rule effective July 16, 2021, to protect workers from potential hazards related to wildfire smoke. The emergency rule applies to workplaces where employers “reasonably anticipate that employees may be exposed to wildfire smoke.” Wildfire smoke exposure is potentially a serious health risk to all workers, but those working outside in industries such as construction and agriculture are significantly impacted.

Inhalation of particulate matter measured at 2.5 micrometers (PM_2.5), which is elevated during wildfire smoke events, has been shown to cause adverse cardiovascular health effects. The emergency rule includes employer requirements for checking PM_2.5 levels, communication, training, monitoring, and implementation of various exposure controls, as well as requirements for providing respiratory protection when PM_2.5 levels reach certain levels.

The rule goes into effect July 16, 2021, and enforcement of the rule occurs at later dates: July 23, 2021, for exposure controls and the respiratory protection provision, and August 2, 2021, for worker training.

For more information regarding the rule, its requirements and exemptions, and wildfire smoke hazards, see https://lni.wa.gov/safety-health/safety-topics/topics/wildfire-smoke.