It seems inevitable that with summer comes a season of wildfire smoke.

Over the years, as smoke from wildfire incidents have increased, regulations have been put in place for the protection of outdoor workers and guidelines for the public to alleviate smoke-related exposure risks. Air quality monitors have popped up everywhere – from schools and recreation facilities to personal homes and businesses.

Businesses with outdoor workers are now responsible for the health of their workers by providing the option to work indoors (so long as indoor air quality is acceptable) or modify work schedules until conditions improve.

Both SHARC and SROA’s Member Pool rely heavily on high-school aged lifeguards. Any school-aged youth, or those with underlying health conditions, fall under the “unhealthy” air quality threshold of 151 or higher (same as last year). This follows the Oregon School Activity Association guidelines to be consistent with outdoor sport activities on the basis that youth lifeguards must be outside to do their job. Extended smoke exposure at those levels can have detrimental health effects.

Employees in other SROA departments and facilities will follow Occupational Safety and Health Administration guidelines and continue to work outdoors until air quality measurements reach 201 or higher (very unhealthy).

“Some of our employees can work inside and have more flexibility in how they address their work schedules related to smoke – our lifeguards do not,” said SROA General Manager James Lewis. 

A new air monitor has been installed at SHARC. As a centralized location, this will be the air quality gauge utilized for SHARC and other SROA-managed facilities. What you see on your phone or home sensor may not be the same air quality levels in other areas of the community.