Cal/OSHA Provides Guidance for Managing Post-Fire Cleanup Efforts

In light of the devastating fires in Los Angeles County, the California Division of Occupational Safety and Health (Cal/OSHA) released new guidance to ensure the safety and health of workers involved in fire damage cleanup.

Of note, Cal/OSHA’s standards may apply to some household domestic service workers. Historically, domestic service workers have not been subject to Cal/OSHA’s standards while cooking, cleaning, and providing child care for a family. Cal/OSHA reminded employers that household domestic service workers are governed by Cal/OSHA’s standard if the workers are engaged in fire cleanup work, such as removing ash and debris and cleaning fire-damaged structures. As such, it’s important for those employers who have employees performing post-fire cleaning to take note of the Cal/OSHA guidance.

As a reminder (and unrelated to this recent guidance), effective July 1, Cal/OSHA will gain control over workplace safety for some household domestic services.

Key Points

1. Employers are required to identify and evaluate potential hazards in fire-damaged areas. This includes assessing risks such as unstable structures, hazardous materials, and environmental dangers like ash and soot.

2. Proper training and instruction must be provided to employees before they begin cleanup work. This training should cover the specific hazards they may encounter and the safety measures they need to take.

3. Employers must ensure that workers have access to and use appropriate personal protective equipment. This includes respirators certified by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, gloves, eye protection, and other necessary gear to protect against inhalation of harmful substances and physical injuries.

4. Cal/OSHA emphasizes the importance of adhering to existing health and safety standards. These include regulations on heat illness prevention, confined space entry, and handling of hazardous materials.

5. Employers must establish and communicate clear emergency procedures, including protocols for evacuations, first aid, and the reporting of unsafe conditions.

Joshua M. Henderson is an attorney with Jackson Lewis in San Francisco. Sierra Vierra is an attorney with Jackson Lewis in Salt Lake City and Sacramento, Calif. © 2025 Jackson Lewis. All rights reserved. Reposted with permission.