Air Quality Health Index
In Canada, wildfires are increasing in frequency, severity and duration, heightening the need to understand the health effects of wildfire exposure. Wildfires can create conditions of poor air quality throughout our communities – including University of Regina campuses. Regina and surrounding areas have seen an increase in the number of days with diminished air quality due to wildfires.
The Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) has been developed in partnership with Health Canada and provides daily forecasts for air quality levels and is measured on a scale from one to ten.
The University of Regina has adopted the Air Quality Health Index and public information, to assess air pollution in Regina and its impact on our campus community and scheduled activities. Our goal is to implement actions, based on Air Quality Health Index levels, to protect the health and safety of our students, faculty, staff, and visitors.
To support the safe operation and environment of our campuses, Health and Safety will consult with senior leaders to recommend the best-practice guidelines to reduce the likelihood of wildfire smoke related illness and injuries.
The University of Regina has developed guidelines to meet the Saskatchewan Employment Act and Occupational Health and
Safety Regulations, 2020.
The following table provides a summary of the University of Regina recommendations for Air Quality Health Index levels:
Recommendations for University of Regina Students, Faculty, and Staff
|
Air Quality Health Index |
Protective Action |
|
AQHI 4 to 6 |
Health and Safety (Human Resources) notifies Facilities Management and all faculties of AQHI levels. Recommend the voluntary use of N95 masks for at-risk populations. |
|
AQHI 7 to 10
|
Health and Safety (Human Resources) will notify Facilities Management and all faculties of AQHI levels. Advise those working outdoors to work indoors, to the extent possible. N95 masks required for essential outdoor work. |
|
AQHI above 10
|
Health and Safety (Human Resources) will notify Facilities Management and all faculties of AQHI levels. |
Recommendations for University of Regina Outdoor Events and Activities
|
Air Quality Health Index |
Protective Action |
|
AQHI 4 to 6 |
Recommendation for University of Regina hosted outdoor programs, activities/events, and research be limited or moved indoors. |
|
AQHI 7 to 10 |
Recommendation for University of Regina hosted outdoor programs, activities/events, and research be suspended. |
|
AQHI above 10
|
University of Regina hosted outdoor programs, activities/events, and research shall be suspended or moved indoors. |
University of Advancement and Communications (UAC) will provide email communication(s) to members of the campus community when the Air Quality Health Index exceeds 7.
Members of the campus community are asked to exercise their best judgement when assessing the risk of smoke relative to
the activity and/or event they are hosting and/or participating in based on individual circumstance.
Certain populations are at higher risk during increases in the air quality health index; people with heart and lung disease,
children, pregnant women and older adults.