August 16, 2018 - The USW Local 1944 Health and Safety Committee would like to alert members to the potential dangers of airborne particulate being caused by forest fires.
The Canada Labour Code defines “danger” as “any hazard, condition or activity that could reasonably be expected to be an imminent or serious threat to the life or health of a person exposed to it before the hazard or condition can be corrected or the activity altered.”
The Provinces of BC and Alberta have issued Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) Advisories as a result of the forest fires burning in BC and the North West United States.
An AQHI Advisory is issued when the air quality rating reaches level 5 or above. AQHI ratings have already reached 10+ in some areas of BC and Alberta. Download the AQHI App or check current AQHI ratings online.
| HEALTH RISK | AQHI | AT RISK POPULATION* | GENERAL POPULATION |
LOW | 1 – 3 | Enjoy your usual outdoor activities. | Ideal air quality for outdoor activities. |
MODERATE | 4 – 6 | Consider reducing or rescheduling strenuous activities outdoors if you are experiencing symptoms. | No need to modify your usual outdoor activities unless you experience symptoms such as coughing and throat irritation. |
HIGH | 7 – 10 | Reduce or reschedule strenuous activities outdoors. Children and the elderly should also take it easy. | Consider reducing or rescheduling strenuous activities outdoors if you experience symptoms such as coughing and throat irritation. |
VERY HIGH | Above 10 | Avoid strenuous activities outdoors. Children and the elderly should also avoid outdoor physical exertion. | Reduce or reschedule strenuous activities outdoors, especially if you experience symptoms such as coughing and throat irritation. |
* People with heart or breathing problems are at greater risk. Follow your doctor’s usual advice about exercising and managing your condition.
The following are 3 recommendations from the USW Local 1944 Health and Safety Committee for our members working in areas with an AQHI higher than 5:
- Recommendation #1: The USW Local 1944 National Health and Safety Committee does not recommend the use of surgical masks as Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
- Recommendation #2: The use of partial or full facial respiratory masks with particulate and gas type filters (N95 or greater) are the CDC BC’s recommended individual intervention that will filter most harmful gases out of forest fire smoke.
If you do not have a respiratory mask or have not been trained in the proper use of this PPE, please notify your manager immediately before starting work. Improperly fitted PPE will not prevent or reduce health risks.
- Recommendation #3: If physical particulate is visible a full Tyvek protective suit should be worn to reduce the amount of skin exposed. This is to protect against irritation and/or burns to the skin upon contact. If the suit becomes damaged, leave the area immediately, notify your supervisor and seek direction on where to find replacement PPE. Gloves and safety boots should always be worn. If you do not have this PPE, notify your manager immediately to receive it. If this type of PPE is not available, you should not be working in the area as you have not been provided with the training and tools to do the work safely.
If you do not have this PPE, notify your manager immediately to receive it.
If this type of PPE is not available, you should not be working in the area as you have not been provided with the training and tools to do the work safely.
People with asthma, chronic illness including heart and lung problems, should monitor their condition and follow doctor’s instruction accordingly.
If you have any of the following symptoms:
- Cough or shortness of breath,
- Scratchy or sore throat,
- Chest pain,
- Burning pain in the eyes,
- Runny nose or inflamed sinuses,
- Headache,
- Increased heart rate,
- Tiredness,
Please notify your manager immediately and seek medical assistance if the symptoms continue.
At no time should you risk your health, and that of others you work with. If in doubt, call your manager and ensure that you have all of the proper PPE to do the job safely.
Due to the importance of our members’ safety at work, Our Safety Creed message has been included on the back of every Telus/TWU collective agreement for more than 40 years: “The demands of the service or the importance of the job are never so great that we cannot do the job safely.” In light of this and the importance of workplace safety, every member should follow all safety precautions.
Additional information can be found on the USW Local 1944 Safety Facebook Page.
In Solidarity,
The USW Local 1944 Health and Safety Committee
