HAZMAT MANAGEMENT

AIR POLLUTION 

This procedure addresses air pollution episodes and the District's responsibility to notify employees, students, and visiting athletes about air pollution episodes.

CODES, REGULATIONS, AND DISTRICT POLICIES RELATED TO THIS PROCEDURE
Governing Board Policy 805, Air Pollution Control

PRIMARY STAKEHOLDER:
EHS

COMMENTS

This procedure describes the process for releasing air pollution episode information to appropriate personnel. In addition, the procedure discusses air pollution, air quality standards, and ways to reduce air pollutants as a means of preventing air pollution episodes. Information on Commuter Computer is provided.

SAN DIEGO COUNTY APCD PHONE NUMBERS:
Air Quality Forecast Message  858-586-2800
Smoking Vehicle Reporting  1-800-28-SMOKE
Citizen Complaints 858-586-2650
Public Information 858-586-2800
 

GENERAL INFORMATION

1. Air Pollution
   San Diego's main air pollution problem is ozone (smog), formed from chemical reactions of hydrocarbons and oxides in the presence of sunlight. According to County of San Diego Air Pollution Control District 1993 Annual Report, short-term exposure (one to two hours) to smog adds stress to the body and can cause constriction of the airways, forcing the respiratory system to work harder to provide oxygen. Long term or chronic exposure to smog can cause damage to the deep lung tissue even after obvious symptoms of coughing or sore throats disappear. Ozone damages the individual air sacs (alveoli) in the lungs where oxygen and carbon dioxide are exchanged. Over time, these tissues can become permanently damaged, reducing the "ability to function and essentially accelerating the natural loss of lung capacity". Ozone is particularly harmful to senior citizens, children, and individuals who suffer heart or lung disease.Nearly 1.3 million county residents are considered to be at a high health risk from polluted air.
    

2. Definitions
   The following stages of air pollution episodes are used by the APCD which monitors and declares the episodes for forecasts.

   1. Air quality is considered "good" when the Pollution Standard Index (PSI) is between 0 and 50.

   2. Air quality is moderate when the PSI is between 51 and 100. Sensitive persons should reduce strenuous outdoor activities.>

   3. Air quality is unhealthful when the PSI is between 101 and 199. A Health Advisory is declared when the air quality PSI is 138 or more. When a Health Advisory is issued, athletes should avoid strenuous outdoor activities. (California established the health advisory in 1991 after medical research showed that ozone poses a health threat at lower concentrations than those specified by federal standards.)

   4. Stage I Alert (Very Unhealthful):  the air quality PSI is 200 or more.  During a Stage I episode, the general public should avoid strenuous outdoor activities.

   5. Stage II Alert (Hazardous):  the air quality PSI is 275 or more.  During a Stage II episode, everyone should remain indoors.

Procedure to follow:

Air Pollution Awareness and Abatement:

Students, Faculty and Staff  Reduce Pollutants

Cars pollute most during start-up.  According to the APCD, hydrocarbon emissions generated during start-up are six times more polluting as the emissions produced during a ten mile commute.  Reduce driving: combine errands, carpool, use public transportation, ride a bicycle or walk.  

Keep vehicles in good running condition.  Keep tires properly inflated.  Use reformulated gasoline or drive a clean-fuel vehicle.

Don't top off the gas tank.  Gasoline spills evaporate and contribute to smog.

Support the smog check program.  Removing emission control equipment does not improve engine performance.

Report "smoking" vehicles.  Call 1-800-28-SMOKE to report vehicles with excessive tailpipe emissions.

Don't use aerosol spray products.  Most aerosols contribute to smog.

Use water-based paints and solvents.  Oil-based paints and solvents contain three to vie times more toxic solvents than water-based latex paints.  Use brushes or rollers instead of sprayers.

When starting a barbecue don't use traditional charcoal lighter.   Alternatives include electric lighters, cardboard chimneys, or low Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) fire lighter fluids.

Use energy efficient lighting; turn off appliances when not in use.  Raise the air conditioner temperature level and lower the heater temperature setting.

If an air pollution episode is declared:

STEP 1

Announce Air Pollution Episodes

Using the Air Pollution Episode Notice form and the District E-mail system, advise District employees of Smog Alerts and Health Advisories as they are set and removed.   Ensure, at minimum, that the following individuals receive appropriate notice:

• Chancellor & Presidents
• Athletic Directors
• Evening Division and Night Administrator
• Health Services
• Student Services
• Operations
• Maintenance
• Warehouse
• Public Information
• Public Safety
• Switchboard

Ensure that the Notice form details recommended activity for the specific episode.

Continuously monitor and evaluate air pollution conditions until the episode is terminated.

STEP 2

Physical Education Instructors,  Event Coordinators  Reduce Class Activity Levels

Ensure student activity levels reflect recommendations established for each smog alert stage.  If necessary, cancel and/or reschedule events around forecasted and ongoing air pollution episodes.

STEP 3

Faculty, Staff, and Students  Reduce Physical Activity

Do not increase personal respiratory rate more than necessary.  persons with respiratory or cardiac difficulties, the young and the elderly, are at greater risk.

Do not smoke.  Limit or curtail activities that will add other pollutants (spray paint, solvents) to the air being breathed.

Remain indoors (exposure can be reduced by as much as fifty percent).

Student participation in outdoor physical activity is not required during episodes; however, students should report to all classes.

STEP 4

Operations and Maintenance  Reduce Pollutants

Discontinue burning, spray painting, roofing, asphalt paving and surface coating activities as required by the specific episode requirements.