Tips for Businesses to Follow on Air Quality Advisory Days
The Southwest Ohio Air Quality Agency (Agency) measures the concentrations of the six criteria
pollutants to a series of U.S. EPA health-based standards in Butler, Clermont, Hamilton and
Warren counties. Under the current U.S. EPA standards, if ozone or particulate matter causes
the Air Quality Index to exceed 100, the Agency will issue an Air Quality Advisory. This is a
public information message that encourages at-risk individuals (those with asthma and other
pulmonary issues, young children and older adults) to avoid strenuous outdoor activity until air
quality improves.
An Air Quality Advisory is issued by the Agency the day before high ozone and/or high
particulate matter levels are anticipated.
The Southwest Ohio Air Quality Agency encourages businesses to follow these tips to reduce
emissions and conserve energy year-round and especially during an Air Quality Advisory.
Outdoor Activities
 Suspend mowing
 Avoid using gasoline-powered maintenance equipment
 Avoid use of oil-based paints and stains
 Do not idle vehicles
Offices
 Turn off unnecessary lights in hallways
 Take advantage of natural light in offices and conference rooms
 Turn off lights when leaving individual offices, conference rooms, break rooms and
restrooms
 Shut down computers at the end of the work day
 Unplug unused “standby” electronics at the end of the work day, such as conference
room televisions, DVD players, Smartboards, as well as break room/kitchen microwaves.
 Encourage employees to carpool or take public transportation to work
 Allow employees to telecommute
 Consider installing motion sensor office lights
Business with Fleets
 Refuel vehicles before 8 a.m. or after 8 p.m. when day time temperatures and air
pollutant levels tend to be lower.
 Strategically plan routes to reduce driving time and lower fuel use.
 Establish an idle-free policy that limits company vehicle idling to no more than two
minutes.
Outdoor Fires
 Fire departments and park districts are encouraged to postpone live fire training and
controlled prairie burns during an Air Quality Advisory, especially if it were prompted by
elevated particulate matter levels.
 Similarly, construction projects should limit outdoor fire pits for workers’ warmth and
offer an alternative such as breaks from the cold inside trailers.
What Else Can Be Done?
 Educate employees about the Air Quality Index. Include articles in your employee
newsletter, and post flyers at time clocks and break areas.
 Install our free “Idle Free Zone” signs at your business’s public and employee parking
areas to remind customers and staff to turn off their vehicles when parked.
 Strive make energy conservation a daily practice at your business; it may help reduce
expenditures.
 Create an action plan for Air Quality Advisory days utilizing these tips. The Agency can
assist with customizing a plan for your business.