PDFWAC 296-820-815
Identification of harmful exposures.
The employer must determine the current PM2.5 for worksites covered by WAC 296-820-805 through 296-820-860 periodically as needed. The employer may use any of the following methods to determine employee exposures such that they are able to comply with the requirements in WAC 296-820-805 through 296-820-860:
(1) Check PM2.5 forecasts and the current PM2.5 from any of the following:
(a) Washington department of ecology website;
(b) Air Quality WA mobile app;
(c) Washington smoke information website;
(d) U.S. EPA Fire and Smoke Map;
(e) U.S. EPA AirNow website;
(f) U.S. EPA AirNow mobile app;
(g) U.S. Forest Service AirFire website; or
(h) Local clean air agency website.
(2) Obtain PM2.5 forecasts and the current PM2.5 directly from the Washington state department of ecology, U.S. EPA, U.S. EPA EnviroFlash.info, or local clean air agency by telephone, email, text, or other effective method; or
(3) Measure current PM2.5 levels at the work location in accordance with WAC 296-820-845.
The following table indicates the NowCast AQI values that may be used from the Washington state department of ecology, local clean air agency, or EPA to comply with this section:
CURRENT PM2.5 | NOWCAST AIR QUALITY INDEX FOR PM2.5 (AQI) |
20.5 μg/m3 | 69 |
35.5 μg/m3 | 101 |
250.5 μg/m3 | 301 |
500.4 μg/m3 | 500 |
555 μg/m3 | Beyond the AQI |
Notes: | • The current PM2.5 is updated hourly. |
• Employers are not responsible for tracking employee exposures outside of working hours. |