A Guide to Wildfire Cleanup PPE
Persistently dry conditions, combined with unpredictable weather patterns, have experts issuing warnings of an above average, severe wildfire season. As a result, many workplaces are now wondering, “Are we properly prepared for the potentially higher risk?”
From its nearly three decades of experience responding to natural disasters around the globe, CTEH knows selecting, and utilizing, the correct personal protective equipment (PPE) is essential to keeping workers safe and healthy during incident cleanup.
If your workplace is affected by a wildfire, qualified professionals can help you determine what PPE may be needed. In the meantime, however, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the CDC recommend having the following items on hand:
- Ear protection like earplugs or earmuffs for working with or around loud equipment
- Head, eye, and face protection, including hard hats that meet American National Standards Institute requirements; safety goggles; safety glasses with side shields; and face shields, only to be worn with glasses or goggles
- General body protection, such as heavy work gloves; steel-toed boots; fire-retardant clothing; or dielectric overshoes, if working near downed or live power lines
- Respiratory protection, including OSHA and National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health-certified devices, as determined by medical evaluations
Prior to use, workplaces should train employees on how to properly use PPE, including how to follow safe work practices and procedures. If you need help determining what PPE may be needed during the clean-up of your facilities or worksites, contact us at webquestion@cteh.com.