Tesla has updated its factory’s heating, cooling, and ventilation system and warned employees to wear N95 masks outside as wildfire smoke spreads through nearby towns, according to a recent report from CNBC.
The publication said Tesla sent out a memo to workers at its gigafactory in Nevada last week regarding the Mosquito Fire, and work has continued since then.
In the memo, which was viewed by CNBC, Tesla said it had updated its HVAC system to “recirculation mode” in order to avoid pulling air from outside the building into the factory.
The company also told workers it had upgraded the HVAC filters over the past year to better capture smoke particles and filter them out, and was replacing the filters more frequently, CNBC reported.
A spokesperson for Tesla did not respond to a request for comment from Insider.
On Thursday and Friday, air quality in the area was rated between “unhealthy” to “very unhealthy.” Since, the quality of air in the area has risen to “good” after rains came through the area over the weekend. On Wednesday, public school officials closed several campuses in Reno and Sparks, Nevada over the hazardous air quality.
It’s not the first time the factory has had to deal with the effects of a wildfire. Last year, California saw a slew of wildfires, several of which contributed to smoke concerns in Nevada.
But, Tesla workers at the Nevada gigafactory might not have a choice when it comes to remote work options.
Insider previously reported that Tesla had begun sending automated emails to workers who didn’t visit the office enough. Last month, CNBC reported Tesla managers were receiving weekly reports on employees’ office attendance.
Do you work at Tesla? Reach out to the reporter from a non-work email at gkay@insider.com
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