Guidance for Supervisors

(The guidelines listed below are recommended when the EPA's outdoor AQI of 101 is reached to align with LBNL buildings being placed in ventilation "Wildfire Smoke Mode", to account for sensitive groups and the National Ambient Air Quality Standard; however, Lab Operations may only begin to send out Lab wide air quality notifications when air quality is considered unhealthy for the general public or an AQI level of 151-200. See LBNL Guidance / Response Actions by AQI Level).

General guidance for supervisors of all workers (i.e., indoor or outdoor workers):

• If you are onsite, consider performing daily walkthroughs of worker locations to ensure all exterior windows and doors are closed.  If you are not onsite, consider sending reminders of sufficient frequency to staff who are onsite.

• Encourage staff to implement administrative controls listed under “Guidance for Building Occupants.”

• Discuss alternative work schedules, work locations, and length of time onsite with staff depending on AQI levels and their smoke sensitivity.

• Paid Administrative Leave will only apply should the Lab decide to curtail operations and will apply only for employees who are prevented from working on-site and who are unable to telework. The Lab will distribute guidance should this occur and if approved by the Deputy Lab Director for Operations. Instructions for requesting and approving paid Administrative Leave will be included in the communication, along with details on LETS recording.

• Supervisors should take necessary measures to ensure continuity of work to the extent possible and feasible. This includes exploring alternate work arrangements where feasible, such as temporary alternate work schedules, performance of work at an alternate work site, or temporary telework. If, even after appropriate safety controls are put in place, an employee feels they need to be absent from work due to the conditions, they may opt to request use of their accrued leave (sick, vacation, or PTO as applicable). Employees may also contact Health Services if they have questions about health symptoms caused by environmental smoke conditions, if they are experiencing health symptoms, or for discussions related to concerns about personal, increased risk factors.

• Consider making all these suggestions “talking points” during your Plan Of the Day (POD) safety discussions.

More specific guidance for supervisors of outdoor workers can be found here.