Compliance with USEPA AQI and ASHRAE Smoke Preparedness Guidelines

Wildfires leave behind more than just visible damage - they generate hazardous airborne particulates that can linger long after the flames are extinguished. For disaster response agencies and fire departments, as well as contractors, monitoring air quality is essential to determining when it is safe to continue clean-up operations, when additional controls are needed, and when public health remains at risk.

The Need for Air Quality Monitoring in Post-Fire Clean-Up

Post-fire environments contain a complex mix of fine and respirable particulate matter (PM), volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and other pollutants that pose serious health risks to clean-up crews and nearby communities.

Key Concerns for Clean-Up Crews:

• PM2.5 & Respirable Particulates – Fine particulates can penetrate deep into the lungs, leading to respiratory and cardiovascular issues.
• ASHRAE Smoke Preparedness Guidelines – Indoor and outdoor air quality must be assessed before re-entry or restoration efforts begin.
• U.S. EPA’s Air Quality Index (AQI) – Proper monitoring ensures compliance with regulatory standards and helps guide mitigation strategies.
• Heat Stress Risks – Workers in full PPE and high-temperature environments face increased risk of heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

Recommended TSI Air Quality Monitoring Solutions

TSI’s real-time monitors provide accurate, reliable data to support post-fire clean-up decisions, helping to ensure worker safety and regulatory compliance.

Air Quality Monitoring for Particulate Exposure

SidePak™ AM520 Personal Aerosol Monitor

• Measures real-time personal exposure to PM2.5 and respirable fractions
• Lightweight, portable design for use in high-risk clean-up zones
• Helps ensure compliance with OSHA and NIOSH exposure limits

DustTrak™ Aerosol Monitors

• Measures PM1, PM2.5, PM4, PM10, and total PM simultaneously
• Real-time monitoring for assessing clean-up area conditions
• Stationary or portable models for continuous site assessment

DustTrak™ Environmental Monitor

• Designed for long-term outdoor air monitoring in affected regions
• Supports EPA AQI-based air quality assessments
• Helps determine when clean-up sites are safe for workers and residents

Heat Stress Monitoring for Worker Safety

QUESTemp™ Heat Stress Monitors

• Real-time monitoring of temperature, humidity, and heat stress index
• Helps prevent heat-related illnesses in workers wearing PPE
• Supports compliance with OSHA and NIOSH heat stress guidelines

Make Data-Driven Clean-up Decisions 

TSI’s air quality monitoring instruments provide the critical data needed to assess post-fire hazards, protect workers, and ensure compliance with air quality standards. By integrating these tools into your clean-up strategy, you can confidently manage wildfire recovery efforts while prioritizing safety.

Get Expert Guidance on Post-Fire Air Quality and Heat Stress Monitoring

Contact us today to learn more about TSI’s air and heat stress monitoring solutions and how they support post-fire clean-up operations.

Find Out How TSI's Exposure Monitoring Solutions Can Help You To Respond To Wildfire Challenges!