Construction Work AQI Safety Thresholds
AQI 0-50: Normal Work Conditions
All construction activities safe. Standard PPE only.
AQI 51-100: Monitor Conditions
Work continues. Increase breaks 25%. Hydration important. Watch for symptoms.
AQI 101-150: Modify Work
N95 masks required. Reduce heavy exertion. Increase breaks 50%. Early start/stop times.
AQI 151-200: Minimal Outdoor Work
Only essential tasks. Full respiratory protection. Frequent breaks. Reduce shift length.
AQI 201+: Work Stoppage
Halt outdoor construction. Indoor tasks only. Serious health risk.
Work Intensity Guidelines
Light Work (Inspection, Measurement, Light Tools)
- Safe up to: AQI 150 with N95 mask
- Breathing rate: 2-3x resting
- Breaks: Every 30 minutes above AQI 100
Moderate Work (Framing, Electrical, Plumbing)
- Safe up to: AQI 100
- AQI 101-150: N95 mask required, reduce pace
- Breathing rate: 3-4x resting
Heavy Work (Demolition, Digging, Hauling)
- Safe up to: AQI 75
- AQI 76-100: Reduce intensity significantly
- AQI 101+: Postpone or assign light tasks
- Breathing rate: 5-7x resting
Respiratory Protection Requirements
AQI 0-100: Standard Construction PPE
- Dust masks for dust-generating activities
- Regular safety protocols
- No additional respiratory protection needed for air quality
AQI 101-150: N95 Respirators Required
- NIOSH-approved N95 or equivalent
- Fit testing required
- Replace when breathing becomes difficult
- Clean-shaven for proper seal
- Medical clearance for workers
AQI 151-200: Enhanced Respiratory Protection
- P100 or powered air-purifying respirator (PAPR)
- Full-face protection recommended
- Mandatory for any outdoor work
- Continuous monitoring of workers
Work Schedule Modifications
Best Work Hours by Season
Summer (High Ozone Risk):
- Start: 6 AM or earlier
- End: By 2 PM to avoid peak ozone
- Mid-shift break: 11 AM - 12 PM in shade/AC
Winter (Inversion Risk):
- Start: 10 AM after inversion lifts
- End: Before 4 PM before evening cooling
- Monitor valley sites closely
Site Safety Measures
Employer Responsibilities
- Monitor AQI at job sites daily
- Provide N95 masks when AQI exceeds 100
- Establish break areas with clean air (AC trailers)
- Adjust schedules based on AQI forecasts
- Train workers on air quality health effects
- Allow workers to stop work if symptomatic
Worker Rights
- Right to know current AQI levels
- Right to respiratory protection when needed
- Right to refuse unsafe work in extreme AQI
- Right to medical evaluation if symptoms develop
Additional Hazards
Construction Dust + Poor AQI
- Combined exposure significantly worse
- Minimize dust generation on poor air days
- Water down work areas to reduce dust
- Enhanced respiratory protection required
Heat + Poor Air Quality
- Double stress on cardiovascular system
- Increase hydration breaks 2-3x
- Watch for heat exhaustion and air quality symptoms
- Masks increase heat stress - monitor closely
High-Risk Cities for Construction Workers
Frequent Air Quality Concerns
- Los Angeles, CA - Summer ozone
- Phoenix, AZ - Dust and summer heat
- Bakersfield, CA - Central Valley pollution
- Salt Lake City, UT - Winter inversions
- Denver, CO - Winter air quality issues
Health Monitoring
Daily Symptom Checks
- Coughing or wheezing
- Shortness of breath
- Chest tightness
- Eye, nose, throat irritation
- Unusual fatigue
- Headache
When to Seek Medical Attention
- Persistent cough lasting days
- Difficulty breathing at rest
- Chest pain
- Wheezing that doesn't resolve
- Symptoms worsening over multiple shifts