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Wildfire Smoke: Cal/OSHA’s Regulation

Cal/OSHA implemented a regulation protecting employees from wildfire smoke.  The mandatory appendix to this regulation describes the health effects of wildfire smoke, how to obtain air quality information, how the University will communicate air quality information to the campus community, and how to properly use an N95 mask. 

Attached is the Mandatory Appendix B for Sonoma State employees, which provides information concerning health hazards of wildfire smoke, Sonoma State University’s plan for reducing exposures to wildfire smoke, when PPE is to be offered to employees and how to properly put on and wear an N95 mask.

To learn more about Wildfire Smoke, CSU Learn offers a short training presentation for employees.

Sonoma State University monitors information for the campus from AirNow and Purple Air websites. Out of an abundance of caution, Sonoma State utilizes the higher reading from one of the two sites for decisions affecting PPE, curtailed outdoor work and non-essential campus closure.

California wildfire season is a difficult and stressful time for all employees.  Please continue to check the Sonoma State website for updated news and information concerning campus air quality.  If you should have any questions please contact the Office of Risk Management & Safety Service at risk@sonoma.edu.