WSR 98-23-085

PROPOSED RULES

DEPARTMENT OF

LABOR AND INDUSTRIES

[Filed November 17, 1998, 4:16 p.m.]

Original Notice.

Preproposal statement of inquiry was filed as WSR 98-08-104.

Title of Rule: Respiratory protection and methylene chloride.

Purpose: Proposed changes improve worker protection and make the rules as effective as OSHA by adding new OSHA requirements, improving clarity and consistency, eliminating redundancy, and correcting errors.

Statutory Authority for Adoption: RCW 49.17.040.

Statute Being Implemented: RCW 49.17.010, 49.17.050, and 49.17.060.

Summary:

Respiratory Protection

BACKGROUND

What are respiratory protection rules?

The general respiratory protection requirements are located in chapter 296-62 WAC, Part E, Respiratory protection. They were first adopted in July 1981 and have been revised several times. The respiratory protection rules describe an employer's responsibilities for protecting employees from occupational diseases caused by breathing air contaminated with harmful dusts, fogs, fumes, mists, gases, smokes, sprays, vapors, or aerosols.

Numerous other standards, such as lead and asbestos, include additional respiratory protection requirements related to the particular chemical or substance. These substance specific requirements provide a higher level of protection to workers using these substances. The following chapters contain respiratory protection requirements or refer the user to chapter 296-62 WAC, Part E:

Chapter 296-62 WAC, General occupational health standards.

Chapter 296-24 WAC, General safety and health standards.

Chapter 296-56 WAC, Safety standards for longshore, stevedore and related waterfront operations.

Chapter 296-78 WAC, Safety standards for sawmills and woodworking operations.

Chapter 296-79 WAC, Safety standards for pulp, paper, paperboard mills, finishing and converters.

Chapter 296-155 WAC, Safety standards for construction work.

Chapter 296-304 WAC, Safety standards for ship repairing, shipbuilding and shipbreaking.

Chapter 296-305 WAC, Safety standards for fire fighters.

Chapter 296-307 WAC, Safety standards for agriculture.

Why is WISHA reviewing and proposing changes [to] the respiratory protection rules?

On January 8, 1998, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) published comprehensive changes to the federal respiratory protection rules (Federal Register Vol. 63, No. 5, pp. 1152 - 1300) found in 29 CFR 1910 and 29 CFR 1926. OSHA published additional changes [to] 29 CFR 1910 and 29 CFR 1926 on April 23, 1998 (Federal Register Vol. 63, No. 78) making additional changes to 29 CFR 1910 and 29 CFR 1926. OSHA recently finalized a compliance policy explaining many of the new requirements. The federal registers and compliance policies are available on OSHA Internet home page located at www.osha.gov.

Based on the OSHA changes, WISHA began a thorough review of its rules to determine what changes are needed to be as effective as OSHA and to provide for safe and healthful work places throughout the state of Washington.

STAKEHOLDERING

Flyer Requesting Input. WISHA sent a flyer to chapter 296-62 WAC, General occupational health standards manual holders asking for input related to respiratory protection. The flyer asked about keeping and updating assigned protection factors, keeping the information currently in Tables I-IV in WAC 296-62-07113 How often medical evaluations are needed, and the minimum number of standby employees needed in IDLH situations other than structural fire fighting.

Results of Flyer. One hundred four people responded to the flyer providing valuable insight into each of the issues. The most valuable input came from narrative answers people included explaining their answers.

Question 1: Assigned Protection Factors. Seventy-five people suggested that the assigned protection factors be updated in some fashion. Nineteen people suggested no change in the assigned protection factors, and four people suggested that the department delete them to be like OSHA. This supports the department's proposal, which keeps assigned protection factors and updates them to the most current 1992 ANSI Z88.2 standard (see proposed wording in WAC 296-62-07131).

Question 2: Information in Tables I-IV. Eighty-four people suggested WISHA keep the information currently in Tables I-IV in WAC 296-62-07113. Eight people suggested that it not be included - usually because they found it confusing. Three people recommended that it be provided as guidance or in a nonmandatory appendix. A number of people suggested that the information in the tables was helpful, but the format was confusing and needed to be improved. The proposal moves the information currently in these tables to a nonmandatory appendix and converts the table format into question and answer text. The proposal also organizes the information by type of respirator, adds new information about filters, cartridges and canisters, and updates the information to be current and accurate (see proposed wording in WAC 296-62-07260 through 296-62-07295).

Question 3: Frequency of Medical Evaluations. Fifty-two people suggested that WISHA modify the respiratory protection rules to be like OSHA. Thirty-two indicated that an annual requirement would be better. Thirteen people provided other options. Based on this input, the proposal includes the same requirements as OSHA (see proposed wording in WAC 296-62-07152 and 296-62-07156).

Question 4: Standby Employees for IDLH. Forty-five people recommended WISHA maintain the current requirement of two standby employees for IDLH situations. Thirty-four people recommended using OSHA's new requirement. Seventeen people provided other suggestions. Based on a thorough review of the issues, stakeholder input and lengthy discussions with the Advisory Committee, the proposal reduces the current state requirements to allow one standby employee. However, WISHA's proposal clarifies the OSHA requirements by describing the employer's responsibility when deciding the appropriate number of standby employees needed outside an IDLH situation, making it easier to comply with the requirements (see proposed wording WAC 296-62-07172).

Advisory Committee. The Respiratory Protection Advisory Committee consisted of representatives from labor, business, and the department. The committee met three times in June, July, and August of 1998 to have more in-depth discussions about the major issues and wording to the general respiratory protection standard in chapter 296-62 WAC, Part E. Many changes were made to the draft proposal based on requests and discussion in the advisory committee. Some of these new features include:

Adding an exemption to medical evaluations for certain types of escape-only respirators (see WAC 296-62-07150(3)).

Adding language describing how an employer can use a previous employer's medical evaluations if done within the last year (see WAC 296-62-07150(2).

Adding a new form in WAC 296-62-07257, Appendix D: Health Care Provider Respirator Recommendation Form to make it easier to use a previous employer's medical evaluation and to comply with the written opinion requirements in WAC 296-62-07155.

Adding clarity to the scope of the standard in WAC 296-62-07103(1) to specify that respirators are required for any exposures in excess of the permissible exposure limit.

Other improvements from the advisory committee include:

Maintaining Table 3 - Color Coding of Respirator Filters, Cartridges and Canisters to help employers select the appropriate respirators.

Adding complete definitions for the terms particulate, dust, fog, fume, mist, smoke, and spray in WAC 296-62-07105 to help employers understand these terms and their use when selecting the appropriate respirator.

Adding more information describing filters, canisters, cartridges, and disposable respirators in WAC 296-62-07269 and 296-62-07279 to help employers select the appropriate air-purifying respirator.

Adding WAC references to each of the written respiratory protection program requirements in WAC 296-62-07111 to make it easier for users to find the specific requirements related to each of the general categories required in the written program.

Improving the wording in WAC 296-62-07172 related to standby procedures in IDLH situations.

Correcting errors and making housekeeping and structural changes to make the rules easier to understand and use.

SUMMARY OF PROPOSED CHANGES TO RESPIRATORY PROTECTION RULES

After a thorough review, WISHA concluded that changes were needed in the following chapters.

Chapter 296-62 WAC, General occupational health standards.

Chapter 296-24 WAC, General safety and health standards.

Chapter 296-56 WAC, Safety standards for longshore, stevedore and related waterfront operations.

Chapter 296-78 WAC, Safety standards for sawmills and woodworking operations.

Chapter 296-155 WAC, Safety standards for construction work.

Chapter 296-304 WAC, Safety standards for ship repairing, shipbuilding and shipbreaking.

Chapter 296-305 WAC, Safety standards for fire fighters.

No changes are needed in chapter 296-79 WAC. Only minor changes to WAC references are needed in chapter 296-307 WAC and they will be addressed in a separate WISHA standards project, which is currently in process. WISHA's printing of chapter 296-62 WAC, Part E, will include a table of contents and index after adoption of final wording, to help users find and use the requirements.

WISHA's proposal includes the following:

Updates to the Assigned Protection Factor Table in chapter 296-62 WAC, Part E, to the most current 1992 ANSI Z88.2 standard. The existing table is based on the 1980 ANSI Z88.2 standard.

All of the new OSHA requirements in respiratory protection and methylene chloride rules in order to provide better worker protection from breathing hazards [hazardous] chemicals or substances.

Retains some existing requirements that exceed the new OSHA requirement in order to provide appropriate worker protection.

Comprehensive changes to chapter 296-62 WAC, Part E, general respiratory protection standard (for example, changing the order to parallel OSHA's new rule), clarifying requirements so that it is easier to understand, use and comply with the standard.

Eliminates redundant and inconsistent fit test procedures throughout all of the chapters, which significantly reduces the number of pages in WISHA's rules.

Deletes many of the old effective dates and startup dates to eliminate unnecessary wording.

Changes WAC references, corrects errors, and makes other housekeeping changes to make the rules easier for users to find, understand, and comply with the provisions.

Methylene Chloride

What are the methylene chloride rules?

Methylene chloride rules are located in WAC 296-62-07470, 296-62-07473, 296-62-07475, and 296-62-07477. The rules describe an employer's responsibilities to protect workers from occupational diseases caused by breathing methylene chloride.

Why is WISHA proposing changes to the methylene chloride rule?

OSHA published changes to the methylene chloride standard in 29 CFR 1910.1052 on September 22, 1998 (Federal Register Vol. 63, No. 183, pp. 50712-50732). OSHA added new provisions for temporary medical removal protecting employee benefits. These provisions provide additional protection to employees who are removed or transferred to another job because of a medical determination that exposure to methylene chloride may aggravate or contribute to the employee's existing skin, heart, liver, or neurological disease. OSHA also extended the start-up dates for certain situations and changed Table 1 - Initial Determination Exposure Scenarios and Their Associated Monitoring Frequencies under periodic monitoring in the exposure monitoring section. WISHA's proposal would make the same changes to provide better worker protection and to remain as effective as OSHA's rules.

RATIONALE BEHIND SPECIFIC PROPOSED CHANGES

1. Assigned Protection Factor Table. WISHA is updating the current values in the assigned protection factor (APF) table to the more recent 1992 ANSI Z88.2 standard (see proposed wording in WAC 296-62-07131). The existing APF table is based on the 1980 ANSI Z88.2 Standard. OSHA reserved a section in its standard for APFs. WISHA is keeping an APF table in order to provide employers an important tool when selecting the appropriate respirator. This decision is supported by the input received from the flyer mailed to chapter 296-62 WAC, Part E manual holders and discussions of the advisory committee. WISHA considered whether to leave in the current values or update to the more current values. Since the more current values are based on more recent and complete scientific data and because we received considerable input suggesting we update the table in some fashion, WISHA determined that updating the table was the best solution. When OSHA adopts APFs, this table will need to be reviewed and may need to be changed. Updating the table is exempt from the significant rule criteria in RCW 35.05.328 [34.05.328] because WISHA is incorporating a national consensus code generally accepted by industry.

2. Standbys for IDLH. Why did WISHA propose language that is different than OSHA related to standbys for IDLH situations other than structural fires (see proposed wording in WAC 296-62-07172 (1), (2) and (3))? Currently, WISHA requires two standby employees for IDLH situations in WAC 296-62-07115 (1)(b). The proposed language relaxes the current requirement to allow more flexibility to employers by allowing for one standby employee in certain situations. WISHA's proposal provides a more complete description of the standby requirements to help users comply with the changes in the requirements.

The new language is taken from OSHA's preamble in the January 8, 1998, Federal Register on page 1243 in the 3rd column. "In most fixed workplaces, the atmosphere is known, i.e., has been well characterized either through analysis of monitoring results or through a process hazard analysis… In such situations, effective communication systems and rescue capabilities have been established. In addition, in many industrial IDLH situations, only one respirator user is exposed in the IDLH atmosphere at a time, which means that a single standby person can easily monitor that employee's status. Even in situations where more than one respirator user is inside an IDLH atmosphere, a single person can often provide adequate communication and support."

WISHA's proposal is consistent with OSHA's intent described in the preamble. It provides more clarity and certainty, making it easier for employers to comply with the new requirement.

3. Why is WISHA covering agriculture and tuberculosis? OSHA's new general respiratory protection standard in 29 CFR 1910.134 does not cover agriculture or tuberculosis (TB). WISHA's proposal applies the same requirements to these situations that it applies to others requiring respiratory protection (see proposed wording in WAC 296-62-07101).

Agriculture: Environmental Protection Agency regulations govern pesticide exposure, including some provisions on respirators. However, OSHA did not cover other air-borne chemical exposures where respirators may be needed. The previous general OSHA respiratory protection standard did not apply to agricultural operations. OSHA received no public comment requesting a change in coverage. Therefore, the issue was not addressed or seriously considered in the federal rule making. In contrast, the current WISHA standard covers agricultural workplaces, and worker protection from pesticide exposure is enforced by WISHA. The proposal maintains past WISHA practice of providing equivalent coverage to agriculture workers. This is consistent with WISHA's stated commitment to provide equal protection to all employees in the state of Washington.

TB: OSHA received a number of comments about whether biological hazards, such as the infectious agent that causes TB, are covered by the standard. In response, OSHA emphasized that this respiratory protection standard applies to biological hazards. However, in relation to respirator use specifically to protect employees from the risk of occupational exposure to TB, OSHA is deferring the issue until their proposed TB standard is finalized. For that reason, OSHA will continue to enforce its previous respirator standard in relation to TB exposure now in 29 CFR 1910.139. This means that the new requirements will not apply to those limited health care activities where there is no potential for exposure to other contaminants requiring respiratory protection.

WISHA proposes to cover TB to provide both consistent and appropriate protection and to avoid confusion caused by having two general respiratory protection standards that apply to health care activities and to workers. In addition, the difference between the proposed and the existing state standards is not as great as that between the two federal standards, minimizing the impact of the change as it applies to TB.

4. Plain Language. Chapter 296-62 WAC, Part E, has been restructured to more closely parallel the new federal rule. The text of the rule has been separated into distinct sections to make it easier for readers to locate the information they need. Section titles are written as questions, specific to the requirements in the section. The rules are written in second person. "You" and "your" refer to the employer, making the requirements easier to understand. A table of contents and index will be added in the final printing of chapter 296-62 WAC, Part E after final adoption. WISHA's proposal includes all of the new OSHA requirements, although several have been reworded to make them easier to understand.

5. Fit Testing. The proposed fit testing procedures would be standardized throughout all of the WISHA rules by eliminating redundant and often inconsistent requirements and by referencing chapter 296-62 WAC, Part E, Appendices A-1, A-2, and A-3. This will significantly reduce the number of pages in WISHA rules and make it easier for users to find and comply with the requirements. WISHA's proposed fit testing requirements are consistent with the new OSHA standard.

6. Medical Evaluation Exception for Escape-Only Respirators. The proposal adds a provision that makes an exception to medical evaluations for certain escape-only respirators. This issue was raised by the advisory committee and included in the proposal as a result of those discussions.

7. Portability of Medical Evaluations. The proposal includes provisions describing when employers can use medical evaluations by a previous employer (portability of medical evaluations) to avoid the cost of unnecessary repeat medical evaluations. This issue was raised by the advisory committee and included in the proposal as a result of those discussions.

8. Portability of Fit Tests. The proposal includes provisions describing when employers can use fit tests by a previous employer (portability of fit testing) to avoid the cost of unnecessary fit tests.

9. PLHCP Form. The proposal includes a nonmandatory form that physicians and other licensed health care professionals (PLHCPs) can use to help employers meet the requirements for a written recommendation in WAC 296-62-07155(1). The form also will make it easier for employers to use medical evaluations completed by a previous employer (see proposed wording in WAC 296-62-07257). The form was suggested at an advisory committee meeting and developed to help employers and PLHCPs comply with the requirements of the standard.

10. Appendix E: Additional Information Regarding Respirator Selection--Nonmandatory (see proposed wording in WAC 296-62-07260 through 296-62-07295). The proposal moves the information currently in Tables I-IV in WAC 296-62-07113, which describes respiratory hazards, different types of respirators and limitations of respirators, to a nonmandatory appendix. The information in the existing Tables I-IV is from the 1980 ANSI Z88.2 standard. The proposal updates this information to be consistent with the most current 1992 ANSI Z88.2 standard, the new OSHA Respiratory Protection Standard in 29 CFR 1910.134, and current practices related to respiratory protection to provide the most current and accurate information.

The proposed format converts the information currently in the four tables to text. Section titles in the form of questions describe the information contained in each section helping users find and use the information when selecting an appropriate respirator. The proposal also organizes the information by type of respirator. In addition, the proposal includes new information about filters, cartridges, canisters, and disposable respirators based on a request from the advisory committee (see proposed wording in WAC 296-62-07269 and 296-62-07279). These changes make it easier for people unfamiliar with respirators to find additional information to help them select an appropriate respirator and clarify what provisions are provided as information only.

11. Nonroutine and Rescue Situations. WISHA's proposal maintains existing provisions regarding use of respirators in nonroutine and rescue situations to provide workers with appropriate protection in such situations. The proposal retains the following provisions:

The definition of nonroutine respirator use.

An existing provision in WAC 296-62-07115(1) on standard operating procedures for the issuance of respirators (see proposed wording in WAC 296-62-07111(5).

Respiratory protection program provisions currently in WAC 296-62-07115(1) for the use of respirators in nonroutine and rescue situations by adding "nonroutine" and "rescue" (see proposed wording in WAC 296-62-07111 (4) and (8).

Current provisions in WAC 296-62-07115 [(1)](b)(i) and (ii) related to hazard analysis and standard operating procedures for use of respirators in emergency and rescue situations (see proposed wording in WAC 296-62-07133). The proposal clarifies the current requirements with minor changes to the existing wording and use of bullet points to help employers understand and comply with the requirements.

The existing provisions requiring employers to keep an adequate number of emergency respirators in the work area (see proposed wording in WAC 296-62-07176 (2)(d) and 296-62-07113(2)).

12. Ensuring Use of Respirators. The proposal retains the current provision in WAC 296-62-07107 (2)(a) requiring employers to make sure employees use respirators when respirators are required (see proposed wording in WAC 296-62-07103(3). This requirement is needed to maintain a safe and healthful workplace. 13. Training. The proposal retains the current provision in WAC 296-62-07115(2) requiring employers to keep training records (see proposed wording in WAC 296-62-07194(1)). Training records document that an employer has complied with the training requirements of the standard. The proposal also retains the current provisions in WAC 296-62-07115(2) requiring employers to:

Provide effective training to supervisors, persons issuing respirators, and employees required to use respirators;

Train employees in a manner they understand; and

Provide training using a qualified person.

The existing requirements are rewritten to help employers understand and comply with the training requirements (see proposed wording in WAC 296-62-07186). It is important to keep these requirements to make sure that employees are properly trained and that a qualified person provides the training.

14. Periodic Inspections by Supervisors. The proposal maintains the current provision in WAC 296-62-07109(11) for supervisors to conduct periodic inspections to make sure respirators are worn properly (see proposed wording in WAC 296-62-07192(2). This requirement relates to the current provision in WAC 296-62-07107 (2)(a) requiring employers to make sure employees use respirators when respirators are required (see #11 above). These requirements will help protect workers from breathing hazardous chemicals by making sure supervisors monitor respirator use and correct situations when respirators are not worn properly.

15. Costs Related to Respirator Use. The proposal clarifies the employer's responsibility for costs related to voluntary use of respirators as opposed to required use of respirators (see proposed wording in WAC 296-62-07115 and 296-62-07117(3). Questions were raised at the advisory committee about costs related to the new OSHA requirements. WISHA's proposal references fit testing and expenses such as wages and travel in WAC 296-62-07115 to clarify the employer's responsibility for costs related to required respirator use. WISHA's proposal adds wording in WAC 296-62-07117(3) to indicate that the employer must pay for the respirator program elements that are required when employees use respirators voluntarily.

16. Substance-Specific Standards. The proposal changes substance-specific standards in chapters 296-24, 296-62, and 296-155 WAC to make substantially similar changes to the respirator protection rules OSHA adopted in the January 8, 1998, and April 23, 1998, federal registers. The substance specific-standards are reorganized to parallel OSHA's rules. The proposal also shortens these rules, eliminating redundant or inconsistent requirements in the general respiratory protection standard in chapter 296-62 WAC, Part E and 29 CFR 1910.134. The proposal makes all of WISHA's respiratory protection rules consistent and clarifies the requirements, making them easier to use and understand. The proposal eliminates fit test procedures in substance-specific standard and references chapter 296-62 WAC, Part E, making them consistent and reducing the number of pages in WISHA's rules.

What are the anticipated effects of these changes?

New OSHA requirements added to the methylene chloride standard will provide additional protection for employees who are removed or transferred to another job because of a medical determination. Proposed changes to the methylene chloride standard make WISHA's standard nearly identical to OSHA's standard. New OSHA requirements proposed to the respiratory protection rules will provide more effective protection of workers. Other proposed changes make the rules much easier to understand and use, clarify the requirements, eliminate redundancy, and provide consistent requirements for use of respirators in all work situations. In addition, the order of most state requirements will be changed to closely parallel the federal requirements, making it easier for employers - particularly those operating to other states - to understand and comply with WISHA's rules.

DESCRIPTION OF PROPOSED CHANGES

WAC 296-24-07501 General requirements in Part A-2, Personal protective equipment. The proposal makes a WISHA change correcting the reference to chapter 296-62 WAC, Part E, which makes the WISHA's rules consistent.

WAC 296-24-51005 Definitions in Part F-2, Storage and handling of anhydrous ammonia. The proposal makes a WISHA change eliminating the reference to ANSI Z88.2 and Appendix C, which makes the WISHA rules consistent.

WAC 296-24-51009 Basic rule in Part F-2, Storage and handling of anhydrous ammonia. The proposal changes subsection (10)(c) to be like the federal rule in 29 CFR 1910.111 (b)(10). The proposal makes WISHA changes clarifying the requirements by eliminating the notes and moving the information in the notes next to the appropriate provisions.

WAC 296-24-58513 Protective clothing in Part G-2, Fire protection. The proposal makes a WISHA change correcting the reference to chapter 296-62 WAC, Part E, which makes the WISHA's rules consistent.

WAC 296-24-58515 Respiratory protection devices in Part G-2, Fire protection. The proposal changes subsection (1)(a) to be like the federal rule in 29 CFR 1910.156 (f)(1)(i); subsection (1)(b) changes to be like 29 CFR 1910.134 (g)(4)(iii); and subsection (1)(e) changes to be like 29 CFR 1910.156 (f)(1)(v). The proposal also deletes a sentence in subsection (2)(c) because fit test procedures will be located in WAC 296-62-07201 through 296-62-07248.

WAC 296-24-58516 Procedures for interior structural fire fighting in Part G-2, Fire protection. This is a new section. Proposed wording is identical to the federal wording in 29 CFR 1910.134 (g)(4)(i) and (ii), including notes 1 and 2. The proposal puts these new OSHA provisions that relate to fire brigade activities, found in OSHA's general respiratory protection standard, into chapter 296-24 WAC, Part G-2. This will keep the fire brigade provisions in one place and make it easier for employers to find and comply with the requirements.

WAC 296-24-58517 Appendix A--Fire brigades. The proposal eliminates redundant provisions that are covered in chapter 296-62 WAC, Part E of the proposal, reducing the number of pages and making the state's respiratory protection rules consistent.

WAC 296-24-67507 Definitions in Part H-2, Abrasive blasting. The proposal changes the definition for abrasive-blasting respirator to be like the federal definition in 29 CFR 1926.57 (f)(1)(ii) and deletes "or a fume" from the definition for particulate-filter respirator.

WAC 296-24-67515 Personal protective equipment in Part H-2, Abrasive blasting. The proposal changes subsection (1) to be like the federal rule in 29 CFR 1926.57 (f)(5)(i), updates the references in subsections (2), (3)(d) and (4), and changes subsection (3)(a) and (c) to be like 29 CFR 1926.56 (f)(5)(iii).

WAC 296-24-67517 Air supply and air compressors in Part H-2, Abrasive blasting. The proposal changes the existing wording to be like the federal rule in 29 CFR 1926.57 (f)(6).

WAC 296-24-71507 Ventilation in confined spaces in Part I, Welding, cutting and brazing. The proposal changes subsection (2) to be like the federal rule in 29 CFR 1910.252 (c)(4)(ii) and subsection (3) to be like 29 CFR 1926.252 (c)(4)(iii).

WAC 296-24-71513 Lead in Part I, Welding, cutting and brazing. The proposal changes subsection (3) to be like the federal rule in 29 CFR 1910.252 (c)(7)(iii).

WAC 296-24-71517 Cadmium in Part I, Welding, cutting and brazing. The proposal changes subsection (1) to be like the federal rule in 29 CFR 1910.252 (c)(9)(i).

WAC 296-24-71519 Mercury in Part I, Welding, cutting and brazing. The proposal changes the existing wording to be like the federal rule in 29 CFR 1910.252 (c)(10).

WAC 296-56-60053 Hazardous atmospheres and substances and 296-56-60235 Welding, cutting and heating (hot work). The proposal makes a WISHA change correcting the reference to chapter 296-62 WAC, Part E, and eliminates redundant provisions covered in chapter 296-62 WAC, Part E.

General respiratory protection standard (chapter 296-62 WAC, Part E): In the proposal, chapter 296-62 WAC, Part E includes WAC 296-62-071 through 296-62-07295. The proposal changes the organization of the standard so that it parallels the OSHA's new standard in 29 CFR 1910.134.

In the proposal, the body of the standard includes WAC 296-62-071 through 296-62-07194. OSHA's standard has information at the beginning of each paragraph. This wording is not included in WISHA's proposal in order to avoid confusion between requirements and information. It will also reduce the number of pages in the standard.

Fit testing procedures are located in WAC 296-62-07201 through 296-62-07248, Appendix A-1, A-2 and A-3 and will be mandatory appendices.

Other mandatory appendices will include WAC 296-62-07251 Appendix B-1: User seal check procedures, 296-62-07253 Appendix B-2: Respirator cleaning procedures, and 296-62-07255 Appendix C: WISHA Respirator Medical Evaluation Questionnaire.

Nonmandatory appendices D and E are in WAC 296-62-07257 through 296-62-07295 and include a health care provider respirator recommendation form and additional information regarding respirator selection.

WAC 296-62-071 Respiratory protection. The proposal deletes the existing text, making this section simply the title of the general respiratory protection standard (WAC 296-62-071 through 296-62-07295).

WAC 296-62-07101 Scope. The proposal changes the title of this section to "To whom does chapter 296-62 WAC, Part E apply?" Proposed wording simplifies the existing wording, clarifies to whom the standard applies, and makes it similar to the OSHA's new respiratory protection standard (see the first sentence in 29 CFR 1910.134).

WAC 296-62-07102 When are you allowed to rely on respirators to protect employees from breathing contaminated air? The proposal changes the title of this section to "When are you allowed to rely on respirators to protect employees from breathing contaminated air?." Proposed wording replaces the existing text with the new OSHA provisions in 29 CFR 1910.134 (a)(1). WISHA changes will add the words "fogs" and "aerosols" to the list of air contaminants and make other minor wording changes to help employers understand and comply with the requirements.

WAC 296-62-07103 Purpose. The proposal changes the title of this section to "What are your responsibilities as an employer?." Proposed wording replaces the existing text with the new OSHA provisions in 29 CFR 1910.134 (a)(2). In subsection (1), a WISHA change adds the phrase "including any exposures in excess of the permissible exposure limit" to make it easier for employers unfamiliar with regulations to understand and comply with the provisions.

WAC 296-62-07105 Definitions. The proposal adds all of the new OSHA definitions and retains some of the existing WISHA definitions to help users understand key terms used in the standard.

WAC 296-62-07107 Permissible practice. The proposal changes the title of this section to "When is a respiratory protection program required?" and replaces existing wording with the new OSHA provisions in 29 CFR 1910.134 (c)(1). The proposal includes OSHA's note found in the first paragraph of 29 CFR 1910.134(c) describing OSHA's Small Entity Compliance Guide. The proposal retains an existing provision that requires employers to provide the director's representative with a copy of their written respiratory protection program upon request (currently found in WAC 296-62-07109(1)).

WAC 296-62-07109 Minimal acceptable respirator program. The proposal changes the title of this section to "When must you update your written respiratory protection program?" and replaces the existing wording with the new OSHA provisions in 29 CFR 1910.134 (c)(1).

WAC 296-62-07111 Respirable air and oxygen for self-contained breathing apparatus and supplied air respirators. The proposal changes the title of this section to "What must be included in your written respiratory protection program?" and replaces the existing wording with the new OSHA provisions in 29 CFR 1910.134 (c)(1)(i) through (ix). WISHA's proposal adds references for each of the general program requirements to help employers find more specific requirements and comply with these provisions. The proposal retains an existing provision currently in WAC 296-62-07115(1) requiring procedures for issuing the proper type of respirator based on the respiratory hazards (see proposed wording in subsection (5)).

WAC 296-62-07113 Selection of respirators. The proposal changes the title of this section to "What are the requirements for a program administrator?" and replaces existing wording with the new OSHA requirements in 29 CFR 1910.134 (c)(3). The requirements are listed to make them easier to understand.

WAC 296-62-07115 Use of respirators. The proposal changes the title of this section to "Who pays for the respirators, training, and medical evaluations?" and replaces the existing wording with the new OSHA requirements in 29 CFR 1910.134 (c)(4). The proposal makes a WISHA change adding the words "fit testing" and "(including expenses such as wages and travel)," which clarifies the employer's responsibility for costs related to required respirator use.

WAC 296-62-07117 Maintenance of respirators. The proposal changes the title of this section to "What must you do when employees choose to wear respirators when respirators are not required?" and replaces the existing wording with the new OSHA provisions in 29 CFR 1910.134 (c)(2) on voluntary use of respirators. The proposal makes a WISHA change moving the new OSHA provisions in 29 CFR 1910.134 Appendix D: Information for Employees Using Respirators When Not Required Under the Standard into this section as Figure 1. This will make it easier for employers to locate the required information. In subsection (2), a WISHA change adds the wording "and pay for," clarifying that the employer must pay for those respirator program elements that are required when employees use respirators voluntarily.

WAC 296-62-07119 Identification of air-purifying respirator canisters. This section will be repealed.

New sections added to chapter 296-62 WAC, Part E. The proposal adds WAC 296-62-07130 through 296-62-07295 as new sections to the general respiratory protection standard in chapter 296-62 WAC, Part E.

WAC 296-62-07130 What must be considered when selecting any respirator? The proposal adds the new OSHA requirements in 29 CFR 1910.134 (d)(1), changing the sequence in the order that most employers need to follow when selecting appropriate respirators. Subsection (1) matches OSHA's subsection (d)(1)(iii). Subsections (2) and (3) separate the provisions in OSHA's subsection (d)(1)(i). Subsection (4) matches OSHA's subsection (d)(1)(ii) and subsection (5) matches OSHA's subsection (d)(1)(iv).

WAC 296-62-07131 What else must you consider when selecting a respirator for use in atmospheres that are not IDLH? The proposal adds the new OSHA requirements in 29 CFR 1910.134 (d)(3). WISHA is retaining assigned protection factors currently in WAC 296-62-07113 Table V and updating them to the most current 1992 ANSI Z88.2 standard (see proposed wording in Table 1). The proposal does not reserve a section for maximum use concentration (MUC) like OSHA. MUC provisions can be added when OSHA changes its standard.

WAC 296-62-07132 What else must you consider when selecting a respirator for use in IDLH atmospheres? The proposal adds the new OSHA requirements in 29 CFR 1910.134 (d)(2). The proposal changes OSHA order slightly by moving IDLH provisions after non-IDLH provisions, ordering the provisions so that the more widely used and more general requirements appear before more specific requirements.

WAC 296-62-07133 What else must you consider when selecting a respirator for emergency and rescue use? The proposal retains existing provisions currently in WAC 296-62-07115 (1)(b)(i) and (ii). The proposal makes minor changes and uses bullet points, clarifying the current provisions to help employers understand and comply with the requirements.

WAC 296-62-07150 What are the general requirements for medical evaluations? The proposal adds the new OSHA requirements in 29 CFR 1910.134 (e)(1). A WISHA change adds two new features to the standard to help employers. Subsection (2) describes when employers can use medical evaluations by a previous employer (portability of medical evaluations). Subsection (3) makes an exception to medical evaluations for certain escape-only respirators to avoid the cost of unnecessary repeat medical evaluations.

WAC 296-62-07151 What are the procedures for determining if your employee is able to use a respirator? The proposal adds the new OSHA requirements in 29 CFR 1910.134 (e)(2). The first sentence in the proposal comes from 29 CFR 1910.134 (e)(1). The proposal changes the wording in subsection (1) to provide greater clarity.

WAC 296-62-07153 How must the medical questionnaire and examinations be administered? The proposal adds the new OSHA requirements in 29 CFR 1910.134 (e)(4).

WAC 296-62-07154 What information must you provide to the PLHCP in addition to the questionnaire? The proposal adds the new OSHA requirements in 29 CFR 1910.134 (e)(5).

WAC 296-62-07155 What medical determinations are required when establishing your employee's ability to use a respirator? The proposal adds the new OSHA requirements in 29 CFR 1910.134 (e)(6).

WAC 296-62-07156 When are additional medical evaluations required? The proposal adds the new OSHA requirements in 29 CFR 1910.134 (e)(7). In subsection (2), the proposal adds the second sentence from 29 CFR 1910.134 (e)(1) to this section, keeping all of the requirements about additional medical evaluations in one place.

WAC 296-62-07160 When is fit testing required? The proposal adds the new OSHA requirements in 29 CFR 1910.134 (f)(1), (2) and (3). WISHA is adding new provisions in subsection (5) describing when employers can use fit tests by a previous employer (portability of fit testing).

WAC 296-62-07161 What is required when an employee finds the respirator's fit unacceptable? The proposal adds the new OSHA requirements in 29 CFR 1910.134 (f)(4), listing them to make it easier to understand and comply with the requirements.

WAC 296-62-07162 How must fit testing be done? The proposal adds the new OSHA requirements in 29 CFR 1910.134 (f)(5) through (8).

WAC 296-62-07170 How must you prevent problems with the seal on tight-fitting facepieces? The proposal adds the new OSHA requirements in 29 CFR 1910.134 (g)(1).

WAC 296-62-07171 How do you monitor continuing effectiveness of your employees' respirators? The proposal adds the new OSHA requirements in 29 CFR 1910.134 (g)(2). The proposal separates OSHA requirements in 29 CFR 1910.134 (g)(2)(i) into subsections (1) and (2). The proposal retains existing provisions currently in WAC 296-62-07115 (9)(e) and (f), maintaining an appropriate level of protection for workers (see proposed wording in subsections (3)(d) and (3)(e)).

WAC 296-62-07172 What are the standby procedures when using respirators in IDLH atmospheres? The proposal adds the new OSHA provisions in 29 CFR 1910.134 (g)(3). WISHA's proposal is different than the OSHA language for standby employees in IDLH situations other than structural fire fighting (see proposed wording in subsections (1), (2) and (3). WISHA's proposal makes it easier for employers to know how many standby workers are required in a particular IDLH situation. Much of the WISHA language was taken directly from the OSHA preamble without changing the standard's intent. Currently WISHA requires two standby employees for IDLH situations, in WAC 296-62-07115 (1)(b). The proposed language relaxes the current requirement to allow more flexibility for employers by allowing one standby employee in certain situations. WISHA's proposal provides a more complete description of the standby requirements to help users comply with the changes in the requirements.

WAC 296-62-07175 How must respirators be cleaned and disinfected? The proposal adds the new OSHA provisions in 29 CFR 1910.134 (h)(1), listing the provisions to make it easier to understand and comply with the requirements.

WAC 296-62-07176 How must respirators be stored? The proposal adds the new OSHA requirements in 29 CFR 1910.134 (h)(2). In subsection (2)(d), the proposal retains an existing requirement currently in WAC 296-62-07115 (1)(b)(ii) for employers to provide an adequate number of emergency respirators for each work area.

WAC 296-62-07177 When must respirators be inspected? The proposal adds the new OSHA requirements in 29 CFR 1910.134 (h)(3)(i).

WAC 296-62-07178 How must respirators be inspected? The proposal adds the new OSHA requirements in 29 CFR 1910.134 (h)(3)(ii), (iii) and (iv).

WAC 296-62-07179 How must respirators be repaired and adjusted? The proposal adds the new OSHA requirements in 29 CFR 1910.134 (h)(4).

WAC 296-62-07182 What are the breathing gas requirements for atmosphere-supplying respirators? The proposal adds the new OSHA requirements in 29 CFR 1910.134(i).

WAC 296-62-07184 How must filters, cartridges and canisters be labeled? The proposal adds the new OSHA requirements in 29 CFR 1910.134(j). WISHA retains a table describing color coding of respirator filters, cartridges, and canisters currently in WAC 296-62-07119 Table I. The proposal changes the title of the table.

WAC 296-62-07186 What are the general training requirements? The proposal retains existing WISHA requirements currently in WAC 296-62-07115(2). The existing requirements are rewritten to help employers understand and comply with the training requirements. It is important to keep these requirements to make sure that employees are properly trained and that a qualified person provides the training.

WAC 296-62-07188 How do you know if you adequately trained your employees? The proposal includes new OSHA requirements in 29 CFR 1910.134 (k)(1).

WAC 296-62-07190 When must your employees be trained? The proposal includes new OSHA requirements in 29 CFR 1910.134 (k)(2) through (5). OSHA's requirements in CFR 1910.134 (k)(6) are not included in this section because it duplicates what is required in 29 CFR 1910.134 (c)(2)(i) and in the proposed wording in WAC 296-62-07117(2).

WAC 296-62-07192 How must you evaluate the effectiveness of your respiratory protection program? The proposal includes new OSHA requirements in 29 CFR 1910.134(l). In subsection (2), the proposal maintains the current provisions in WAC 296-62-07109(11) for supervisors to conduct periodic inspections to make sure respirators are worn properly.

WAC 296-62-07194 What are the recordkeeping requirements? The proposal includes new OSHA requirements in 29 CFR 1910.134(m). In subsections (1) and (4), the proposal retains existing provisions currently in WAC 296-62-07115(2), which are written to be more easily understood.

Appendices A-1, A-2 and A-3 to the general respiratory protection standard (chapter 296-62 WAC, Part E). WAC 296-62-07201 through 296-62-07248 will contain the same fit testing provisions as OSHA's new standard in 29 CFR 1910.134 Appendix A. The proposal places the general requirements in Appendix A-1, the qualitative fit testing protocol in Appendix A-2, and the quantitative fit testing protocol in Appendix A-3. The proposal separates the provisions into different sections and adds titles closely matching the provisions included [in] the section. This will make it easier to find procedures for a specific test. For example, WAC 296-62-07236, "How are fit factors calculated (QNFT)?" contains specific guidance regarding fit factor calculation. In the federal standard, this information is somewhat more difficult to locate.

WAC 296-62-07201 Appendix A-1: General fit testing requirements for respiratory protection--Mandatory. Appendix A-1 includes the following sections:

WAC 296-62-07202 What are the general requirements for fit testing?

WAC 296-62-07203 What are the fit test exercise requirements?

WAC 296-62-07205 Appendix A-2: Qualitative fit testing (QLFT) protocols for respiratory protection--Mandatory. Appendix A-2 includes the following sections:

WAC 296-62-07206 What are the general qualitative fit testing (QLFT) protocols?

WAC 296-62-07208 Isoamyl acetate protocol (QLFT).

WAC 296-62-07209 What are the odor threshold screening procedures for isoamyl acetate (QLFT)?

WAC 296-62-07210 What are the isoamyl acetate fit testing procedures (QLFT)?

WAC 296-62-07212 Saccharin solution aerosol protocol (QLFT).

WAC 296-62-07213 What are the taste threshold screening procedures for saccharin (QLFT)?

WAC 296-62-07214 What is the saccharin solution aerosol fit testing procedure (QLFT)?

WAC 296-62-07217 Bitrex^TM (denatonium benzoate) solution aerosol qualitative fit testing (QLFT) protocol.

WAC 296-62-07218 What is the taste threshold screening procedure for Bitrex ^TM (QLFT)?

WAC 296-62-07219 What is the Bitrex^TM solution aerosol fit testing procedure (QLFT)?

WAC 296-62-07222 Irritant smoke (stannic chloride) protocol (QLFT).

WAC 296-62-07223 What are the general requirements and precautions for irritant smoke fit testing (QLFT)?

WAC 296-62-07224 What is the sensitivity screening check protocol for irritant smoke (QLFT)?

WAC 296-62-07225 What is the irritant smoke fit testing procedure (QLFT)?

WAC 296-62-07230 Appendix A-3 Quantitative fit testing (QNFT) protocols for respiratory protection--Mandatory. Appendix A-3 includes the following sections:

WAC 296-62-07231 What are the general requirements for quantitative fit testing (QNFT)?

WAC 296-62-07233 Generated aerosol quantitative fit testing protocol (QNFT).

WAC 296-62-07234 What equipment is required for generated aerosol fit testing (QNFT)?

WAC 296-62-07235 What are the procedures for generated aerosol quantitative fit testing (QNFT)?

WAC 296-62-07236 How are fit factors calculated (QNFT)?

WAC 296-62-07238 Ambient aerosol condensation nuclei counter (CNC) quantitative fit testing protocol.

WAC 296-62-07239 General information about ambient aerosol condensation nuclei counter (CNC) protocol (QNFT).

WAC 296-62-07240 What are the general requirements for ambient aerosol condensation nuclei counter (CNC) protocol (QNFT)?

WAC 296-62-07242 What are the portacount fit testing procedures?

WAC 296-62-07243 How is the portacount test instrument used?

WAC 296-62-07245 Controlled negative pressure (CNP) quantitative fit testing protocol (QNFT).

WAC 296-62-07246 How does controlled negative pressure (CNP) fit testing work (QNFT)?

WAC 296-62-07247 What are the controlled negative pressure (CNP) fit testing requirements and procedures (QNFT)?

WAC 296-62-07248 What test exercises are required for controlled negative pressure (CNP) fit testing (QNFT)?

WAC 296-62-07251 Appendix B-1: User seal check procedures--Mandatory. The proposal includes the new OSHA requirements in CFR 1910.134 Appendix B-1, making minor changes to improve the clarity of requirements.

WAC 296-62-07253 Appendix B-2: Respirator cleaning procedures--Mandatory. The proposal includes the new OSHA requirements in CFR 1910.134 Appendix B-2, making minor changes to improve the clarity of requirements.

WAC 296-62-07255 Appendix C: WISHA respirator medical evaluation questionnaire--Mandatory. The proposal adds the new OSHA requirements in CFR 1910.134 Appendix C, making no changes to the OSHA questionnaire.

WAC 296-62-07257 Appendix D: Health care provider respirator recommendation form--Nonmandatory. The proposal adds a new WISHA feature in this section. A nonmandatory form that physicians and other licensed health care professionals (PLHCPs) can use that will help employers meet the requirements for a written recommendation in WAC 296-62-07155(1). The form also will make it easier for employers to use medical evaluations completed by a previous employer (see proposed wording in WAC 296-62-07257). The form was developed to help both employers and physicians and other licensed health care professionals comply with the requirements of the standard.

WAC 296-62-07260 Appendix E: Additional information regarding respirator selection--Nonmandatory. The proposal moves the information currently in Tables I-IV in WAC 296-62-07113 into WAC 296-62-07261 through 296-62-07295. The proposal updates this information to be consistent with the most current 1992 ANSI Z88.2 standard, the new OSHA respiratory protection standard in 29 CFR 1910.134, and current practices related to respiratory protection to provide the most current and accurate information. The proposed format converts the information currently in the four tables to text. The proposal also organizes the information by type of respirator. In addition, the proposal includes new information about filters, cartridges, canisters, and disposable respirators based on a request from the advisory committee (see proposed wording in WAC 296-62-07269 and 296-62-07279). These changes make it easier for people unfamiliar with respirators to find additional information to help them select an appropriate respirator and clarify what provisions are provided as information only. Appendix E includes the following sections.

WAC 296-62-07261 How do you classify respiratory hazards?

WAC 296-62-07263 What are oxygen deficient respiratory hazards?

WAC 296-62-07265 What needs to be considered when combination of gas, vapor, and particulate contaminants occur in the workplace?

WAC 296-62-07267 What are the two major types of respirators?

WAC 296-62-07269 What are air-purifying respirators (APRs)? The proposal includes new information on disposable respirators requested by the advisory committee.

WAC 296-62-07271 What are the general limitations for air-purifying respirators (APRs)?

WAC 296-62-07273 What are particulate-removing respirators?

WAC 296-62-07275 What are vapor- and gas-removing respirators?

WAC 296-62-07277 What are combination particulate- and vapor- and gas-removing respirators?

WAC 296-62-07279 What types of filters, canisters, and cartridges are available for air-purifying respirators (APRs)? The proposal includes new information describing filters, canisters, and cartridges requested by the advisory committee.

WAC 296-62-07281 How do atmosphere-supplying respirators work?

WAC 296-62-07283 What are capabilities and limitations of atmosphere-supplying respirators?

WAC 296-62-07285 What is a supplied-air respirator?

WAC 296-62-07287 What are the general capabilities and limitations of supplied-air respirators?

WAC 296-62-07289 What are combination supplied-air and air-purifying respirators?

WAC 296-62-07291 What are combination supplied-air respirators with auxiliary self-contained air supply?

WAC 296-62-07293 What is a self-contained breathing apparatus respirator (SCBA)?

WAC 296-62-07295 What are the limitations for self-contained breathing apparatus respirators (SCBA)?

Substance-Specific Sections. The proposal changes the following substance-specific sections to make them like the corresponding federal rules in 29 CFR 1910 and 29 CFR 1926. The proposal standardizes the order of these requirements, eliminates redundant language, leaves substance-specific requirements, and makes the respiratory protection rules consistent. No new state requirements are added.

WAC 296-62-07306 Requirements for areas containing carcinogens listed in WAC 296-62-07302.

WAC 296-62-07308 General regulated area requirements.

WAC 296-62-07329 Vinyl chloride.

WAC 296-62-07336 Acrylonitrile.

WAC 296-62-07337 Appendix A--Substance safety data sheet for acrylonitrile.

WAC 296-62-07342 1,2-dibromo-3-chloropropane.

WAC 296-62-07343 Appendix A--Substance safety data sheet for DBCP. The proposal makes changes that are similar to those made in WAC 296-62-07337, making respiratory protection rules consistent.

WAC 296-62-07347 Inorganic arsenic.

WAC 296-62-07367 Respiratory protection and personal protective equipment in ethylene oxide standard.

WAC 296-62-07369 Emergency situations in ethylene oxide standard. The proposal moves Table 1--Minimum requirements for respiratory protection for airborne EtO to WAC 296-62-07367.

WAC 296-62-07383 Appendix A--Substance safety data sheet for ethylene oxide (nonmandatory).

WAC 296-62-07413 Respirator protection in the cadmium standard.

WAC 296-62-07425 Communication of cadmium hazards to employees. The proposal adds a reference to chapter 296-62 WAC, Part E, making the respiratory protection rules consistent.

WAC 296-62-07441 Appendix A--Substance safety data sheet--Cadmium.

WAC 296-62-07460 Butadiene.

WAC 296-62-07470 Methylene chloride. The proposal includes new OSHA changes to respiratory protection provision, periodic exposure monitoring, medical surveillance and startup dates. Proposed changes incorporate new OSHA changes published in the January 8, 1998, April 23, 1998, and September 22, 1998, federal registers. The proposal includes only those startup dates that are after September 1, 1999, which is the tentative effective date for these proposed changes.

WAC 296-62-07521 Lead.

WAC 296-62-07523 Benzene.

WAC 296-62-07540 Formaldehyde.

WAC 296-62-07615 Respiratory protection in the MDA standard.

WAC 296-62-07715 Respiratory protection in the asbestos standard.

WAC 296-62-07722 Employee information and training in the asbestos standard. The proposal separates the training requirements for respiratory protection and includes a reference to chapter 296-62 WAC, Part E, making the respiratory protection rules consistent.

WAC 296-62-07733 Appendices. Proposal makes minor WISHA changes removing the reference to Appendix C--Qualitative and quantitative fit testing procedures in WAC 296-62-07739 because this section will be repealed.

WAC 296-62-11019 Spray-finishing operations.

WAC 296-62-11021 Open surface tanks.

WAC 296-62-14533 Cotton dust.

WAC 296-62-20011 Respiratory protection in the coke oven emissions standard.

WAC 296-62-20019 Employee information and training. The proposal includes a reference to chapter 296-62 WAC, Part E, making the respiratory protection rules consistent.

WAC 296-62-20027 Appendix A--Coke oven emissions substance information sheet. The proposal eliminates out-of-date provisions, making the respiratory protection rules consistent.

WAC 296-78-655 Sanding machines and 296-78-71019 Exhaust systems. The proposal includes WISHA changes updating references to chapter 296-62 WAC, Part E.

WAC 296-155-17317 Respiratory protection for MDA in Part B-1, Occupational health and environmental control. The proposal includes the new OSHA provisions in 29 CFR 1926.60, making the state requirements the same as the federal standard.

WAC 296-155-17337 Appendices for MDA in Part B-1, Occupational health and environmental control. The proposal makes a WISHA change, eliminating the last sentence about the fit testing protocols in WAC 296-155-17349, which makes WISHA's rules consistent.

WAC 296-155-17341 Appendix A to WAC 296-155-173--Substance data sheet, for 4-4'-methylenedianiline in Part B-1. The proposal makes a WISHA change, replacing wording about the joint Mine Safety and Health Administration with wording indicating that respirators must be certified by NIOSH. This change is consistent with similar language in many of the other substance-specific standards, making WISHA's rules consistent.

WAC 296-155-174 Cadmium in Part B-1. The proposal updates the respiratory protection provisions in subsection (7) to parallel federal changes made to CFR 1926.1127. The proposal makes a WISHA change, eliminating the effective date and startup dates in subsection (16). In subsection (17), the proposal makes another WISHA change, updating the reference for fit testing protocols to chapter 296-62 WAC, Part E, making WISHA's rules consistent.

WAC 296-155-17613 Respiratory protection for lead in Part B-1. The proposal updates the respiratory protection provisions to parallel federal changes made to CFR 1926.62.

WAC 296-155-17625 Employee information and training for lead in Part B-1. The proposal makes a WISHA change correcting the reference to chapter 296-62 WAC, Part E, which makes the WISHA's rules consistent.

WAC 296-155-17652 Appendix B to WAC 296-155-176--Employee standard summary. The proposal changes the wording to be like the federal standard in 29 CFR 1926.62.

WAC 296-155-220 Respiratory protection in Part C PPE and life saving equipment. The proposal includes new OSHA language in 29 CFR 1926.103, but eliminates the word "note" from the federal language to avoid confusion about this provision.

WAC 296-155-367 Masonry saws in Part G. The proposal makes a WISHA change correcting the reference to chapter 296-62 WAC, Part E, which makes the WISHA's rules consistent.

WAC 296-155-655 General protection requirements in Part N, Excavation, trenching and shoring. The proposal makes a WISHA change correcting the reference to chapter 296-62 WAC, Part E, which makes the WISHA's rules consistent.

WAC 296-155-730 Tunnels and shafts in Part Q, Underground construction. The proposal includes new OSHA changes in 29 CFR 1926.800 (g)(2) to subsection (7). The proposal also includes a WISHA change, updating subsection (13)(f), making WISHA's rules consistent.

WAC 296-304-03005 Mechanical paint removers. The proposal updates a reference to chapter 296-62 WAC, Part E.

WAC 296-305-02501 Emergency medical protection. The proposal updates a reference to chapter 296-62 WAC, Part E.

Repealed sections containing fit test protocols. The proposal repeals the following sections, changes WISHA's rules to reflect the new OSHA changes to fit test protocols, and eliminates redundant and sometimes inconsistent fit test procedures. Proposed fit test procedures are located in the general respiratory protection standard in WAC 296-62-07201 through 296-62-07248.

WAC 296-62-07445 Appendix C--Qualitative and quantitative fit testing procedures--(Fit test protocols).

WAC 296-62-07550 Appendix E--Qualitative and quantitative fit testing procedures.

WAC 296-62-07533 Appendix E Qualitative and quantitative fit testing procedures.

WAC 296-62-07662 Appendix E to WAC 296-62-076--Qualitative and quantitative fit testing.

WAC 296-62-07664 Appendix E-1--Qualitative fit test protocols.

WAC 296-62-07666 Appendix E-1-a--Isoamyl acetate (banana oil) protocol.

WAC 296-62-07668 Appendix E-1-b--Saccharin solution aerosol protocol.

WAC 296-62-07670 Appendix E-1-c--Irritant fume protocol.

WAC 296-62-07672 Appendix E-2--Quantitative fit test procedures.

WAC 296-62-07739 Appendix C--Qualitative and quantitative fit testing procedures--Mandatory.

WAC 296-155-17349 Appendix E to WAC 296-155-173--Methylenedianiline--Qualitative and quantitative fit testing procedures.

WAC 296-155-17351 Appendix E-1--Qualitative protocols.

WAC 296-155-17353 Appendix E-1-a--Isoamyl acetate (banana oil) protocol.

WAC 296-155-17355 Appendix E-1-b--Saccharin solution and aerosol protocol.

WAC 296-155-17357 Appendix E-1-c--Irritant fume protocol.

WAC 296-155-17359 Appendix E-2--Quantitative fit test procedures.

WAC 296-155-17656 Appendix D to WAC 296-155-176--Qualitative and quantitative fit test protocols.

Sections repealed or amended containing effective or startup dates. The proposal includes WISHA changes that repeal or amend the following sections, eliminating effective dates and startup dates that have passed and are no longer needed. These changes will reduce the number of pages in WISHA's rules.

WAC 296-62-07121 Effective date, repealed.

WAC 296-62-07329 Vinyl chloride, amended.

WAC 296-62-07336 Acrylonitrile, amended.

WAC 296-62-07347 Inorganic arsenic, amended.

WAC 296-62-07379 Dates, repealed.

WAC 296-62-07431 Dates, repealed.

WAC 296-62-07521 Lead, amended.

WAC 296-62-07523 Benzene, amended.

WAC 296-62-07635 Effective dates, repealed.

WAC 296-62-07639 Startup dates, repealed.

WAC 296-62-14533 Cotton dust, amended.

WAC 296-155-17335 Effective dates for MDA in Part B-1, Occupational health and environmental control, repealed.

WAC 296-155-17635 Startup dates, repealed.

Reasons Supporting Proposal: See Summary above.

Name of Agency Personnel Responsible for Drafting: Tracy Spencer, Tumwater, (360) 902-5530; Implementation and Enforcement: Michael A. Silverstein, Tumwater, (360) 902-5495.

Name of Proponent: Department of Labor and Industries, governmental.

Rule is necessary because of federal law, the following table shows the federal rules revised by OSHA, corresponding state rules included in this proposal, and the subject of the revised rules.

Explanation of Rule, its Purpose, and Anticipated Effects: See Summary above.

Proposal Changes the Following Existing Rules: See Summary above.

No small business economic impact statement has been prepared under chapter 19.85 RCW. The department conducted several surveys and found that a small business economic impact statement is not required because no more than a minor economic impact exists for the affected businesses.

RCW 34.05.328 applies to this rule adoption.

The OSHA new requirements included in this proposal are exempted from the significant rule-making criteria in RCW 34.05.328 (5)(b)(iii) and (iv) for most industries because WISHA will be adopting federal regulations without material change. WISHA must adopt new OSHA requirements to be as effective as the federal rules.

RCW 34.05.328 does not apply to the current requirements, which WISHA is maintaining in this proposal. Many are reworded for clarity.

Updating the current assigned protection factors to the more recent 1992 ANSI Z88.2 standard is exempted from the significant rule-making criteria in RCW 34.05.328 (5)(b)(iii) and (iv) because WISHA is incorporating a national consensus code that generally establishes industry standards.

The significant rule-making criteria applies to new OSHA requirements that exceed existing WISHA requirements for work activities related to agriculture and tuberculosis, which are not covered by OSHA's new rules.

Hearing Location: Department of Labor and Industries Building, Auditorium, 7273 Linderson Way S.W., Tumwater, WA, on January 5, 1999, at 9:30 a.m.; at Cavanaugh's Fourth Avenue Glacier Room, 110 East 4th, Spokane, WA, on January 6, 1999, at 9:30 a.m.; and at Cavanaugh's, 607 East Yakima Avenue, Yakima, WA, on January 7, 1999, at 9:30 a.m.

Assistance for Persons with Disabilities: Contact Christy Wood by December 22, 1998, at (360) 902-5524.

Submit Written Comments to: By mail to: Tracy Spencer, Standards Manager, WISHA Services Division, P.O. Box 44620, Olympia, WA 98507-4620.

By fax: (360) 902-5529 (comments submitted by fax must be ten pages or less).

By electronic mail to: Christy Wood, WISHA Standards Project Manager, woch235@lni.wa.gov.

Comments must be received no later than January 14, 1999.

Date of Intended Adoption: May 4, 1999.

November 16, 1998

Gary Moore

Director

OTS-2524.2

AMENDATORY SECTION (Amending Order 94-16, filed 9/30/94, effective 11/20/94)

WAC 296-24-07501  General requirements. (1) Application.

(a) Protective equipment, including personal protective equipment for eyes, face, head, and extremities, protective clothing, respiratory devices, and protective shields and barriers, shall be provided, used, and maintained in a sanitary and reliable condition wherever it is necessary by reason of hazards of processes or environment, chemical hazards, radiological hazards, or mechanical irritants encountered in a manner capable of causing injury or impairment in the function of any part of the body through absorption, inhalation or physical contact.

(b) Employee owned equipment. Where employees provide their own protective equipment, the employer shall be responsible to assure its adequacy, including proper maintenance, and sanitation of such equipment.

(c) Design. All personal protective equipment shall be of safe design and construction for the work to be performed. Protectors shall be durable, fit snugly and shall not unduly interfere with the movements of the wearer.

(2) Hazard assessment and equipment selection. This subsection does not apply to WAC 296-24-092, Electrical protective devices, and ((WAC 296-62-071 through 296-62-07121)) chapter 296-62 WAC, Part E, Respiratory protection.

(a) The employer shall assess the workplace to determine if hazards are present, or are likely to be present, which necessitate the use of personal protective equipment (PPE). If such hazards are present, or likely to be present, the employer shall:

(i) Select, and have each affected employee use, the types of PPE that will protect the affected employee from the hazards identified in the hazard assessment;

(ii) Communicate selection decisions to each affected employee; and

(iii) Select PPE that properly fits each affected employee.

Note: Nonmandatory Appendix B contains an example of procedures that would comply with the requirement for a hazard assessment.

(b) The employer shall verify that the required workplace hazard assessment has been performed through a written certification that identifies the workplace evaluated; the person certifying that the evaluation has been performed; the date(s) of the hazard assessment; and, which identifies the document as a certification of hazard assessment.

(3) Defective and damaged equipment. Defective or damaged personal protective equipment shall not be used.

(4) Training. This subsection does not apply to WAC 296-24-092, Electrical protective devices, and WAC 296-62-071 through 296-62-07121, Part E, Respiratory protection.

(a) The employer shall provide training to each employee who is required by this section to use PPE. Each such employee shall be trained to know at least the following:

(i) When PPE is necessary;

(ii) What PPE is necessary;

(iii) How to properly don, doff, adjust, and wear PPE;

(iv) The limitations of the PPE; and

(v) The proper care, maintenance, useful life and disposal of the PPE.

(b) Each affected employee shall demonstrate an understanding of the training specified in (a) of this subsection, and the ability to use PPE properly, before being allowed to perform work requiring the use of PPE.

(c) When the employer has reason to believe that any affected employee who has already been trained does not have the understanding and skill required by (b) of this subsection, the employer shall retrain each such employee. Circumstances where retraining is required include, but are not limited to, situations where:

(i) Changes in the workplace render previous training obsolete; or

(ii) Changes in the types of PPE to be used render previous training obsolete; or

(iii) Inadequacies in an affected employee's knowledge or use of assigned PPE indicate that the employee has not retained the requisite understanding or skill.

(d) The employer shall verify that each affected employee has received and understood the required training through a written certification that contains the name of each employee trained, the date(s) of training, and that identifies the subject of the certification.

[Statutory Authority: Chapter 49.17 RCW. 94-20-057 (Order 94-16), § 296-24-07501, filed 9/30/94, effective 11/20/94; Order 73-5, § 296-24-07501, filed 5/9/73 and Order 73-4, § 296-24-07501, filed 5/7/73.]

AMENDATORY SECTION (Amending Order 94-07, filed 7/20/94, effective 9/20/94)

WAC 296-24-51005  Definitions. The following definitions are applicable to all sections of this chapter which include WAC 296-24-510 in the section number and shall be construed to have the meanings below.

(1) "Approved" as used in these standards means:

(a) Listed by a recognized testing laboratory, or

(b) Recommended by the manufacturer as suitable for use with anhydrous ammonia and so marked, or

(c) Accepted by the authority having jurisdiction.

(2) "Appurtenance" refers to all devices such as pumps, compressors, safety relief devices, liquid-level gaging devices, valves and pressure gages.

(3) "Capacity" refers to the total volume of the container measured in U.S. gallons, unless otherwise specified.

(4) "Cylinder" means a container of 1000 pounds water capacity or less constructed in accordance with United States Department of Transportation Specifications.

(5) The "code" refers to the Unfired Pressure Vessel Code of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (Section VIII of the ASME Boiler Construction Code), 1952, 1956, 1959, 1962, 1965, 1968 and 1971 editions, the joint code of the American Petroleum Institute and the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (API-ASME Code) 1951 edition, and subsequent amendments to or later editions of the same, as adopted.

(6) "Container" includes all vessels, tanks, cylinders or spheres used for transportation, storage or application of anhydrous ammonia.

(7) "Design pressure" is identical to the term "maximum allowable working pressure" used in the code.

(8) An "implement of husbandry" is a farm wagon-type tank vehicle of not over 3000 gallons capacity, used as a field storage "nurse tank" supplying the fertilizer to a field applicator and moved on highways only for bringing the fertilizer from a local source of supply to farms or fields or from one farm or field to another.

(9) "Filling density" means the per cent ratio of the weight of the gas in a container to the weight of water at 60F that the container will hold. One lb. H²O .= 27.737 cu. in. at 60F. For determining the weight capacity of the tank in pounds, the weight of a gallon (231 cubic inches) of water at 60F in air shall be 8.32828 pounds.

(10) "Gas" refers to anhydrous ammonia in either the gaseous or liquefied state.

(11) "Gas mask" refers to gas masks approved by the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). ((See American National Standards Institute for Respiratory Protection, Z88.2. (See Appendix C for availability.)))

(12) "DOT regulations" refer to hazardous materials regulations of the department of transportation (Title 49--Transportation, Code of Federal Regulations, Parts 171 to 190), including Specifications for Shipping Containers.

(13) "Systems" as used in these standards refers to an assembly of equipment consisting essentially of the container or containers, appurtenances, pumps, compressors, and interconnecting piping.

(14) The abbreviations "psig" and "psia" refer to pounds per square inch gage and pounds per square inch absolute, respectively.

(15) The terms "charging" and "filling" are used interchangeably and have the same meaning.

(16) "Trailer" as used in these standards refers to every vehicle designed for carrying property and for being drawn by a motor vehicle and so constructed that no part of its weight except the towing device rests upon the towing vehicle.

(17) "Tank motor vehicle" means any motor vehicle designed or used for the transportation of anhydrous ammonia in any tank designed to be permanently attached to any motor vehicle or any container not permanently attached to any motor vehicle which by reason of its size, construction or attachment to any motor vehicle must be loaded and/or unloaded without being removed from the motor vehicle.

(18) "Semitrailer" refers to every vehicle designed for carrying property and for being drawn by a motor vehicle and so constructed that some part of its weight and that of its load rests upon or is carried by another vehicle.

(19) "Safety relief valve" refers to an automatic spring loaded or equivalent type pressure activated device for gas or vapor service characterized by pop action upon opening, sometimes referred to as a pop valve. (Refer to American National Standards Institute, Terminology for Pressure Relief Devices, B95.1.)

(20) "Hydrostatic relief valve" refers to an automatic pressure activated valve for liquid service characterized by throttle or slow weep opening (nonpop action). (Refer to American National Standards Institute, Terminology for Pressure Relief Devices, B95.1.)

[Statutory Authority: Chapter 49.17 RCW. 94-15-096 (Order 94-07), § 296-24-51005, filed 7/20/94, effective 9/20/94; Order 74-27, § 296-24-51005, filed 5/7/74; Order 73-5, § 296-24-51005, filed 5/9/73 and Order 73-4, § 296-24-51005, filed 5/7/73.]

AMENDATORY SECTION (Amending Order 91-07, filed 11/22/91, effective 12/24/91)

WAC 296-24-51009  Basic rules. This section applies to all sections of this chapter which include WAC 296-24-510 in the section number unless otherwise noted.

(1) Approval of equipment and systems. Each appurtenance shall be approved in accordance with (a), (b), (c), and (d) of this subsection.

(a) It was installed before February 8, 1973 and was approved and tested, and installed in accordance with either the provisions of the American National Standard for the Storage and Handling of Anhydrous Ammonia, K61.1, or the Fertilizer Institute Standards for the Storage and Handling of Agricultural Anhydrous Ammonia, M-1, in effect at the time of installation; or

(b) It is accepted, or certified, or listed, or labeled, or otherwise determined to be safe by a nationally recognized testing laboratory; or

(c) It is a type which no nationally recognized testing laboratory does, or will undertake to accept, certify, list, label, or determine to be safe; and such equipment is inspected or tested by any federal, state, municipal, or other local authority responsible for enforcing occupational safety provisions of a federal, state, municipal or other local law, code, or regulation pertaining to the storage, handling, transport, and use of anhydrous ammonia, and found to be in compliance with either the provisions of the American National Standard for the Storage and Handling of Anhydrous Ammonia, K61.1, or the Fertilizer Institute Standards for the Storage and Handling of Agricultural Anhydrous Ammonia, M-1, in effect at the time of installation; or

(d) It is a custom-designed and custom-built unit, which no nationally recognized testing laboratory, or federal, state, municipal or local authority responsible for the enforcement of a federal, state, municipal, or local law, code or regulation pertaining to the storage, transportation and use of anhydrous ammonia is willing to undertake to accept, certify, list, label or determine to be safe, and the employer has on file a document attesting to its safe condition following the conduct of appropriate tests. The document shall be signed by a registered professional engineer or other person having special training or experience sufficient to permit him/her to form an opinion as to safety of the unit involved. The document shall set forth the test bases, test data and results, and also the qualifications of the certifying person.

(e) For the purposes of this section the word "listed" means that equipment is of a kind mentioned in a list which is published by a nationally recognized laboratory which makes periodic inspection of the production of such equipment, and states such equipment meets nationally recognized standards or has been tested and found safe for use in a specified manner. "Labeled" means there is attached to it a label, symbol, or other identifying mark of a nationally recognized testing laboratory which makes periodic inspections of the production of such equipment, and whose labeling indicates compliance with nationally recognized standards or tests to determine safe use in a specified manner. "Certified" means it has been tested and found by a nationally recognized testing laboratory to meet nationally recognized standards or to be safe for use in a specified manner, or is of a kind whose production is periodically inspected by a nationally recognized testing laboratory, and it bears a label, tag, or other record of certification.

(f) For purposes of this section, refer to federal regulation 29 CFR 1910.7 for definition of nationally recognized testing laboratory.

(2) Requirements for construction, original test and requalification of not-refrigerated containers.

(a) Containers used with systems covered in WAC 296-24-51011 and 296-24-51017 through 296-24-51021 shall be constructed and tested in accordance with the code except that construction under Table UW - 12 at a basic joint efficiency of under eighty percent is not authorized.

Containers built according to the code do not have to comply with paragraphs UG-125 to UG-128, inclusive, and paragraphs UG-132 and UG-133 of the code.

(b) Containers exceeding thirty-six inches in diameter or two hundred fifty gallons water capacity shall be constructed to comply with one or more of the following:

(i) Containers shall be stress relieved after fabrication in accordance with the code, or

(ii) Cold-formed heads, when used, shall be stress relieved, or((,))

(iii) Hot-formed heads shall be used.

(c) Welding to the shell, head, or any other part of the container subject to internal pressure shall be done in compliance with WAC 296-24-51005(5). Other welding is permitted only on saddle plates, lugs, or brackets attached to the container by the container manufacturer.

(d) Containers used with systems covered by subsection (3)(b)(iv) of this section shall be constructed and tested in accordance with the DOT specifications.

(e) The provisions of (a) of this subsection shall not be construed as prohibiting the continued use or reinstallation of containers constructed and maintained in accordance with the 1949, 1950, 1952, 1956, 1959, 1962, 1965 and 1968 editions of the Unfired Pressure Vessel Code of the ASME or any revisions thereof in effect at the time of fabrication.

(3) Markings on nonrefrigerated containers and systems other than DOT containers.

(a) System nameplates, when required, shall be permanently attached to the system so as to be readily accessible for inspection and shall include markings as prescribed in (b) of this subsection.

(b) Each container or system covered in WAC 296-24-51011, 296-24-51017, 296-24-51019 and 296-24-51021 shall be marked as specified in the following:

(i) With a marking identifying compliance with the rules of the code under which the container is constructed.

(ii) With a notation on the container and system nameplate when the system is designed for underground installation.

(iii) With the name and address of the supplier of the container or the trade name of the container and with the date of fabrication.

(iv) With the water capacity of the container in pounds at 60F or gallons, United States standard.

(v) With the design pressure in pounds per square inch gage.

(vi) With the wall thickness of the shell and heads.

(vii) With marking indicating the maximum level to which the container may be filled with liquid anhydrous ammonia at temperatures between 20F and 100F except on containers provided with fixed maximum level indicators, such as fixed length dip tubes, or containers that are filled by weight. Markings shall be in increments of not more than 20F.

(viii) With the outside surface area in square feet.

(ix) With minimum temperature in Fahrenheit for which the container is designed.

(x) Marking specified on container shall be on the container itself or on a nameplate permanently affixed thereto.

(c) All main operating valves on permanently installed containers having a capacity of over three thousand water gallons shall be identified to show whether the valve is in liquid or vapor service. The recommended method of identification may be legend or color code as specified in (c)(i) and (ii) of this subsection:

(i) Legend: The legend liquid (or liquid valve), vapor (or vapor valve), as appropriate, shall be placed on or within twelve inches of the valve by means of a stencil tag, or decal.

(ii) Color code: Liquid valves shall be painted orange and vapor valves shall be painted yellow. The legend orange-liquid, yellow-vapor shall be displayed in one or more conspicuous places at each permanent storage location. The legend shall have letters at least two inches high and shall be placed against a contrasting background. This is in accordance with American National Standard A13.1 "Schemes for Identification of Piping Systems"--1956, Page 5.

(4) Marking refrigerated containers. (See WAC 296-24-51013(3). Marking refrigerated containers.)

(5) Location of containers.

(a) Consideration shall be given to the physiological effects of ammonia as well as to adjacent fire hazards in selecting the location for a storage container. Containers shall be located outside of buildings or in buildings or sections thereof especially approved for this purpose.

(b) Containers shall be located at least fifty feet from a dug well or other sources of potable water supply, unless the container is a part of a water treatment installation.

(c) The location of permanent storage containers shall be outside densely populated areas.

(d) Container locations shall comply with the following table:

(e) Storage areas shall be kept free of readily ignitable materials such as waste, weeds and long dry grass.

(6) Container appurtenances.

(a) All appurtenances shall be designed for not less than the maximum working pressure of that portion of the system on which they are installed. All appurtenances shall be fabricated from materials proved suitable for anhydrous ammonia service.

(b) All connections to containers except safety relief devices, gaging devices, or those fitted with a No. 54 drill size orifice shall have shutoff valves located as close to the container as practicable.

(c) Excess flow valves where required by these standards shall close automatically at the rated flows of vapor or liquid as specified by the manufacturer. The connections and line including valves and fittings being protected by an excess flow valve shall have a greater capacity than the rated flow of the excess flow valve.

(d) Liquid level gaging devices that require bleeding of the product to the atmosphere and which are so constructed that outward flow will not exceed that passed by a No. 54 drill size opening need not be equipped with excess flow valves.

(e) Openings from container or through fittings attached directly on container to which pressure gage connections are made need not be equipped with excess flow valves if such openings are not larger than No. 54 drill size.

(f) Excess flow and back pressure check valves where required by these standards shall be located inside of the container or at a point outside as close as practicable to where the line enters the container. In the latter case, installation shall be made in such manner that any undue stress beyond the excess flow or back pressure check valve will not cause breakage between the container and the valve.

(g) Excess flow valves shall be designed with a bypass, not to exceed a No. 60 drill size opening to allow equalization of pressures.

(h) Shutoff valves provided with an excess flow valve shall be designed for proper installation in a container connection so that the excess flow valve will close should the shutoff valve break.

(i) All excess flow valves shall be plainly and permanently marked with the name or trademark of the manufacturer, the catalog number, and the rated capacity.

(7) Piping, tubing and fittings.

(a) All piping, tubing and fittings shall be made of material suitable for anhydrous ammonia service.

(b) All piping, tubing and fittings shall be designed for a pressure not less than the maximum pressure to which they may be subjected in service.

(c) All piping shall be well supported and provision shall be made for expansion and contraction. All refrigeration system piping shall conform to the Refrigeration Piping Code (ANSI B31.5 1966 addenda B31.1a-1968), a section of the American Standard Code for Pressure Piping, as it applies to ammonia.

(d) Piping used on nonrefrigerated systems shall be at least ASTM A-53-1969 Grade B Electric Resistance Welded and Electric Flash Welded Pipe or equal. Such pipe shall be at least Schedule 40 when joints are welded, or welded and flanged. Such pipe shall be at least Schedule 80 when joints are threaded. Brass, copper, or galvanized steel pipe or tubing shall not be used.

(e) All metal flexible connections for permanent installations shall have a minimum working pressure of 250 p.s.i.g. (safety factor of 4). For temporary installations, hose meeting the requirement of subsection (8) of this section may be used.

(f) Cast iron fittings shall not be used but this shall not prohibit the use of fittings made specially for ammonia service of malleable or nodular iron such as Specification ASTM A47 or ASTM A395.

(g) Provisions shall be made for expansion, contraction, jarring, vibration, and for settling.

(h) Adequate provisions shall be made to protect all exposed piping from physical damage that might result from moving machinery, the presence of automobiles or trucks, or any other undue strain that may be placed upon the piping.

(i) Joint compounds shall be resistant to ammonia.

(j) After assembly, all piping and tubing shall be tested and proved to be free from leaks at a pressure not less than the normal operating pressure of the system.

(8) Hose specification.

(a) Hose used in ammonia service and subject to container pressure shall conform to the joint Rubber Manufacturers Association and the Fertilizer Institute "Hose Specifications for Anhydrous Ammonia" (see Appendix B).

(b) Hose subject to container pressure shall be designed for a minimum working pressure of 350 p.s.i.g. and a minimum burst pressure of 1750 p.s.i.g. Hose assemblies, when made up, shall be capable of withstanding a test pressure of 500 p.s.i.g.

(c) Hose and hose connections located on the low pressure side of flow control or pressure reducing valves on devices discharging to atmospheric pressure shall be designed for the maximum low side working pressure. All connections shall be designed, constructed, and installed so that there will be no leakage when connected.

(d) Where liquid transfer hose is not drained of liquid upon completion of transfer operations, such hose shall be equipped with an approved shutoff valve at the discharge end. Provision shall be made to prevent excessive hydrostatic pressure in the hose. (See subsection (9)(j) of this section.)

(e) On all hose one-half inch O.D. and larger, used for the transfer of anhydrous ammonia liquid or vapor, there shall be etched, cast, or impressed at five-foot intervals the following information:

"Anhydrous Ammonia"

xxx p.s.i.g. (Maximum working pressure)

Manufacturer's Name or Trademark

Year of Manufacture

(9) Safety relief devices.

(a) Every container used in systems covered by WAC 296-24-51011, 296-24-51017, 296-24-51019 and 296-24-51021 shall be provided with one or more safety relief valves of the spring-loaded or equivalent type. The discharge from safety relief valves shall be vented away from the container, upward and unobstructed to the atmosphere. All safety relief valve discharge openings shall have suitable raincaps that will allow free discharge of the vapor and prevent the entrance of water. Provision shall be made for draining condensate which may accumulate. The rate of the discharge shall be in accordance with the provisions of Appendix A.

(b) Container safety relief valves shall be set to start-to-discharge as follows, with relations to the design pressure of the container.

.*Note: A relief valve manufacturer's tolerance of plus ten percent is permitted.

(c) Safety relief devices used in systems covered by WAC 296-24-51011, 296-24-51017, 296-24-51019 and 296-24-51021 shall be constructed to discharge at not less than the rates required in (a) of this subsection before the pressure is in excess of one hundred twenty percent (not including the ten percent tolerance referred to in (b) of this subsection) of the maximum permitted start-to-discharge pressure setting of the device.

(d) Safety relief valves shall be so arranged that the possibility of tampering will be minimized. If the pressure setting adjustment is external, the relief valves shall be provided with means for sealing the adjustment.

(e) Shutoff valves shall not be installed between the safety relief valves and the containers or systems described in WAC 296-24-51011, 296-24-51017, 296-24-51019 and 296-24-51021, except that a shutoff valve may be used where the arrangement of this valve is such as always to afford required capacity flow through the relief valves.

Note: The above exception is made to cover such cases as a threeway valve installed under two safety relief valves, each of which has the required rate of discharge and is so installed as to allow either of the safety relief valves to be closed off, but does not allow both safety valves to be closed off at the same time. Another exception to this may be where two separate relief valves are installed with individual shutoff valves. In this case, the two shutoff valve stems shall be mechanically interconnected in a manner which will allow full required flow of one safety relief valve at all times. Still another exception is a safety relief valve manifold which allows one valve of two, three, four or more to be closed off and the remaining valve or valves will provide not less than the rate of discharge shown on the manifold nameplate.

(f) Safety relief valves shall have direct communication with the vapor space of the container.

(g) Each safety relief valve used with systems described in WAC 296-24-51011, 296-24-51017, 296-24-51019 and 296-24-51021 shall be plainly and permanently marked as follows:

(i) With the letters "AA" or the symbol "NH3."

(ii) The pressure in pounds per square inch gage (p.s.i.g.) at which the valve is set to start-to-discharge.

(iii) The rate of discharge of the valve in cubic feet per minute of air at 60F and atmospheric pressure (14.7 p.s.i.a.).

(iv) The manufacturer's name and catalog number.

For example, a safety relief valve marked AA-250-4200 (air) would mean that this valve is suitable for use on an anhydrous ammonia container; that it is set to start-to-discharge at 250 p.s.i.g.; and that its rate of discharge (see subsection (8)(a) through (c) of this section) is four thousand two hundred cubic feet per minute of air.

(h) The flow capacity of the safety relief valve shall not be restricted by any connection to it on either the upstream or downstream side.

(i) The manufacturer or supplier of a safety relief valve manifold shall publish complete data showing the flow rating through the combined assembly of the manifold with safety relief valves installed. The manifold flow rating shall be determined by testing the manifold with all but one valve discharging. If one or more openings have restrictions not present in the remaining openings, the restricted opening or openings or those having the lowest flow shall be used to establish the flow rate marked on the manifold nameplate. The marking shall be similar to that required in (g) of this subsection for individual valves.

(j) A hydrostatic relief valve shall be installed between each pair of valves in the liquid ammonia piping or hose where liquid may be trapped so as to relieve into the atmosphere at a safe location.

(k) Discharge from safety relief devices shall not terminate in or beneath any building.

(10) Safety. See CGA Pamphlet G-2, TFI Operational Safety Manual M-2 and MCA Safety Data Sheet SD-8 (see Appendix C for availability).

(a) Personnel required to handle ammonia shall be trained in safe operating practices and the proper action to take in the event of emergencies. Personnel shall be instructed to use the equipment listed in (c) of this subsection in the event of an emergency. (Rev. 1-22-76)

(b) If a leak occurs in an ammonia system, the personnel trained for and designated to act in such emergencies shall:

(i) See that persons not required to deal with an emergency are evacuated from the contaminated area.

(ii) Put on a suitable gas mask.

(iii) Wear gauntlet type plastic or rubber gloves and wear plastic or rubber suits in heavily contaminated atmospheres.

(iv) Shut off the appropriate valves.

(c) All stationary storage ((systems)) installations shall have ((on hand, as a minimum, the following equipment for emergency and rescue purposes)) at least:

((.*))(i) ((One full face gas mask with anhydrous ammonia refill canisters.)) Two suitable gas masks in readily accessible locations. Full face masks with ammonia canisters as certified by NIOSH under 42 CFR Part 84, are suitable for emergency action for most leaks, particularly those that occur outdoors. For protection in concentrated ammonia atmospheres self-contained breathing apparatus is required.

((.*.*))(ii) One pair of protective gloves made of rubber or other material impervious to ammonia.

((.*.*))(iii) One pair of protective boots made of rubber or other material impervious to ammonia.

((.*.*))(iv) One protective slicker and/or protective pants and jacket made of rubber or other material impervious to ammonia.

(v) Easily accessible shower and/or at least fifty gallons of clean water in an open top container.

(vi) Tight fitting vented goggles or one full face shield.

((.* An ammonia canister is effective for short periods of time in light concentrations of ammonia vapor, generally fifteen minutes in concentrations of three percent and will not protect breathing in heavier concentrations. If ammonia vapors are detected when mask is applied the concentration is too high for safety. The life of a canister in service is controlled by the percentage of vapors to which it is exposed. Canisters must not be opened until ready for use and should be discarded after use. Unopened canisters may be guaranteed for as long as three years. All should be dated when received because of this limited life. In addition to this protection, an independently supplied air mask of the type used by fire departments may be used for severe emergencies.

.*.* Gloves, boots, slickers, jackets and pants shall be made of rubber or other material impervious to ammonia.))

(d) Where several persons are usually present, additional safety equipment may be desirable.

(e) Each tank motor vehicle transporting anhydrous ammonia, except farm applicator vehicles, shall carry a container of at least five gallons of water and shall be equipped with a full face gas mask, a pair of tight-fitting goggles or one full face shield. The driver shall be instructed in their use and the proper action to take to provide for his/her safety.

(f) If a leak occurs in transportation equipment and it is not practical to stop the leak, the driver should move the vehicle to an isolated location away from populated communities or heavily traveled highways.

(g) If liquid ammonia contacts the skin or eyes, the affected area should be promptly and thoroughly flushed with water. Do not use neutralizing solutions or ointments on affected areas. A physician shall treat all cases of eye exposure to liquid ammonia.

(11) Filling densities. (See WAC 296-24-51005(9).)

(a) The filling densities for nonrefrigerated containers shall not exceed the following:

.* This corresponds to 82% by volume at -28F, 85% by volume at 5F, 87.5% by volume at 30F, and 90.6% by volume at 60F.

(b) The filling density for refrigerated storage tanks temperature corresponding to the vapor pressure at the start-to-discharge pressure setting of the safety relief valve.

(c) If containers are to be filled according to liquid level by any gaging method other than a fixed length dip tube gage, each container should have a thermometer well so that the internal liquid temperature can be easily determined and the amount of liquid and vapor in the container corrected to a 60F basis.

(12) Transfer of liquids.

(a) Anhydrous ammonia shall always be at a temperature suitable for the material of construction and design of the receiving containers. Ordinary steels are not suitable for refrigerated ammonia. See Appendix R of API Standard 620 "Recommended Rules for Design and Construction of Large Welded Low-Pressure Storage Tanks" for materials for low temperature service.

(b) At least one attendant shall supervise the transfer of liquids from the time the connections are first made until they are finally disconnected.

(c) Flammable gases or gases which will react with ammonia (such as air) shall not be used to unload tank cars or transport trucks.

(d) Containers shall be charged or used only upon authorization of the owner.

(e) Containers shall be gaged and charged only in the open atmosphere or in buildings approved for that purpose.

(f) Pumps used for transferring ammonia shall be recommended and labeled for ammonia service by the manufacturer.

(i) Pumps shall be designed for at least 250 p.s.i.g. working pressure.

(ii) Positive displacement pumps shall have installed, off the discharge port, a constant differential relief valve discharging into the suction port of the pump through a line of sufficient size to carry the full capacity of the pump at relief valve setting, which setting and installation shall be according to pump manufacturer's recommendations.

(iii) On the discharge side of the pump, before the relief valve line, there shall be installed a pressure gage graduated from 0 to 400 p.s.i.g.

(iv) Plant piping shall contain shutoff valves located as close as practical to pump connections.

(g) Compressors used for transferring or refrigerating ammonia shall be recommended and labeled for ammonia service by the manufacturer.

(i) Compressors, except those used for refrigeration, shall be designed for at least 250 p.s.i.g. working pressure. Crank cases of compressors not designed to withstand system pressure shall be protected with a suitable safety relief valve.

(ii) Plant piping shall contain shutoff valves located as close as practical to compressor connections.

(iii) A safety relief valve large enough to discharge the full capacity of the compressor shall be connected to the discharge before any shutoff valve.

(iv) Compressors shall have pressure gages at suction and discharge graduated to at least one and one-half times the maximum pressure that can be developed.

(v) Adequate means, such as drainable liquid trap, may be provided on the compressor suction to minimize the entry of liquid into the compressor.

(vi) Where necessary to prevent contamination, an oil separator shall be provided on the discharge side of the compressor.

(h) Loading and unloading systems shall be protected by suitable devices to prevent emptying of the storage container or the container being loaded or unloaded in the event of severance of the hose. Backflow check valves or properly sized excess flow valves shall be installed where necessary to provide such protection. In the event that such valves are not practical, remotely operated shutoff valves may be installed.

(i) Meters used for the measurement of liquid anhydrous ammonia shall be recommended and labeled for ammonia service by the manufacturer.

(i) Liquid meters shall be designed for a minimum working pressure of 250 p.s.i.g.

(ii) The metering system shall incorporate devices that will prevent the inadvertent measurement of vapor.

(13) Tank car unloading points and operations.

(a) Provisions for unloading tank cars shall conform to the regulations of the department of transportation.

(b) Unloading operations shall be performed by reliable persons properly instructed and made responsible for careful compliance with all applicable procedures.

(c) Caution signs shall be so placed on the track or car as to give necessary warning to persons approaching car from open end or ends of siding and shall be left up until after car is unloaded and disconnected from discharge connections. Signs shall be of metal or other suitable material, at least twelve by fifteen inches in size and bear the words "stop--Tank car connected" or "stop--Men at work" the word "stop," being in letters at least four inches high and the other words in letters at least two inches high. The letters shall be white on a blue background.

(d) The track of a tank car siding shall be substantially level.

(e) Brakes shall be set and wheels blocked on all cars being unloaded.

(f) Tank cars of anhydrous ammonia shall be unloaded only at approved locations meeting the requirements of subsections (9)(c) and (12)(h) of this section.

(14) Liquid level gaging device.

(a) Each container except those filled by weight shall be equipped with an approved liquid level gaging device.

(b) All gaging devices shall be arranged so that the maximum liquid level to which the container is filled is readily determined. (See subsection (4)(b)(vii) of this section.)

(c) Gaging devices that require bleeding of the product to the atmosphere such as the rotary tube, fixed tube, and slip tube devices, shall be designed so that the maximum opening of the bleed valve is not larger than No. 54 drill size unless provided with an excess flow valve. (This requirement does not apply to farm vehicles used for the application of ammonia as covered in WAC 296-24-51021.)

(d) Gaging devices shall have a design pressure equal to or greater than the design pressure of the container on which they are installed.

(e) Fixed liquid level gages shall be so designed that the maximum volume of the container filled by liquid shall not exceed eighty-five percent of its water capacity. The coupling into which the fixed liquid level gage is threaded must be placed at the eighty-five percent level of the container. If located elsewhere, the dip tube of this gage must be installed in such a manner that it cannot be readily removed.

Note: This does not apply to refrigerated storage.

(f) Gage glasses of the columnar type shall be restricted to stationary storage installation. They shall be equipped with shutoff valves having metallic handwheels, with excess-flow valves, and with extra heavy glass adequately protected with a metal housing applied by the gage manufacturer. They shall be shielded against the direct rays of the sun.

(15) Painting of containers. Aboveground uninsulated containers should have a reflective surface maintained in good condition. White is recommended for painted surfaces, but other light reflecting colors are acceptable.

(16) Electrical equipment and wiring.

(a) Electrical equipment and wiring for use in ammonia installations shall be general purpose or weather resistant as appropriate.

(b) Where concentrations of ammonia in air in excess of sixteen percent by volume are likely to be encountered, electrical equipment and wiring shall be of a type specified by and be installed according to chapter 296-24 WAC Part L, for Class I, Group D locations.

[Statutory Authority: Chapter 49.17 RCW. 91-24-017 (Order 91-07), § 296-24-51009, filed 11/22/91, effective 12/24/91; 88-23-054 (Order 88-25), § 296-24-51009, filed 11/14/88. Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.040, 49.17.050, 49.17.240, chapters 43.22 and 42.30 RCW. 80-17-015 (Order 80-21), § 296-24-51009, filed 11/13/80; Order 76-6, § 296-24-51009, filed 3/1/76; Order 74-27, § 296-24-51009, filed 5/7/74; Order 73-5, § 296-24-51009, filed 5/9/73 and Order 73-4, § 296-24-51009, filed 5/7/73.]

OTS-2545.1

AMENDATORY SECTION (Amending Order 94-07, filed 7/20/94, effective 9/20/94)

WAC 296-24-58513  Protective clothing. The following requirements apply to those employees who perform interior structural fire fighting. The requirements do not apply to employees who use fire extinguishers or standpipe systems to control or extinguish fires only in the incipient stage.

(1) General.

(a) The employer shall provide at no cost to the employee and assure the use of protective clothing which complies with the requirements of this section. The employer shall assure that protective clothing ordered or purchased after January 1, 1982, meets the requirements contained in this section. As the new equipment is provided, the employer shall assure that all fire brigade members wear the equipment when performing interior structural fire fighting. After July 1, 1985, the employer shall assure that all fire brigade members wear protective clothing meeting the requirements of this section when performing interior structural fire fighting.

(b) The employer shall assure that protective clothing protects the head, body, and extremities, and consists of at least the following components: Foot and leg protection; hand protection; body protection; eye, face and head protection.

(2) Foot and leg protection.

(a) Foot and leg protection shall meet the requirements of (b) and (c) of this subsection, and may be achieved by either of the following methods:

(i) Fully extended boots which provide protection for the legs; or

(ii) Protective shoes or boots worn in combination with protective trousers that meet the requirements of subsection (3) of this section.

(b) Protective footwear shall meet the requirements of WAC 296-24-088 for Class 75 footwear. In addition, protective footwear shall be water-resistant for at least five inches (12.7 cm) above the bottom of the heel and shall be equipped with slip-resistant outer soles.

(c) Protective footwear shall be tested in accordance with WAC 296-24-63599(1) Appendix E, and shall provide protection against penetration of the midsole by a size 8D common nail when at least 300 pounds (1330 N) of static force is applied to the nail.

(3) Body protection.

(a) Body protection shall be coordinated with foot and leg protection to ensure full body protection for the wearer. This shall be achieved by one of the following methods:

(i) Wearing of a fire-resistive coat meeting the requirements of (b) of this subsection, in combination with fully extended boots meeting the requirements of subsection (2)(b) and (c) of this section; or

(ii) Wearing of fire-resistive coat in combination with protective trousers both of which meet the requirements of (b) of this subsection.

(b) The performance, construction, and testing of fire-resistive coats and protective trousers shall be at least equivalent to the requirements of the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standard NFPA No. 1971-1975, "Protective Clothing for Structural Fire Fighting," (see WAC 296-24-63499, Appendix D) with the following permissible variations from those requirements:

(i) Tearing strength of the outer shell shall be a minimum of eight pounds (35.6 N) in any direction when tested in accordance with WAC 296-24-63599(2), Appendix E; and

(ii) The outer shell may discolor but shall not separate or melt when placed in a forced air laboratory oven at a temperature of 500F (260C) for a period of five minutes. After cooling to ambient temperature and using the test method specified in WAC 296-24-63599(3) Appendix E, char length shall not exceed 4.0 inches (10.2 cm) and after-flame shall not exceed 2.0 seconds.

(4) Hand protection.

(a) Hand protection shall consist of protective gloves or glove system which will provide protection against cut, puncture, and heat penetration. Gloves or glove system shall be tested in accordance with the test methods contained in the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) 1976 publication, "The Development of Criteria for Fire Fighter's Gloves; Vol. II, Part II: Test Methods," (see WAC 296-24-63499, Appendix D--Availability of publications incorporated by references in WAC 296-24-58505--Fire brigades) and shall meet the following criteria for cut, puncture, and heat penetration:

(i) Materials used for gloves shall resist surface cut by a blade with an edge having a 60 degree included angle and a .001 inch (.0025 cm.) radius, under an applied force of 16 lbf (72N) and at a slicing velocity of greater or equal to 60 in/min. (2.5 cm/sec);

(ii) Materials used for the palm and palm side of the fingers shall resist puncture by a penetrometer (simulating a 4d lath nail), under an applied force of 13.2 lbf (60N) and at a velocity greater or equal to 20 in/min. (.85 cm/sec); and

(iii) The temperature inside the palm and gripping surface of the fingers of gloves shall not exceed 135F (57C) when gloves or glove system are exposed to 932F (500C) for five seconds at 4 psi (28 kPa) pressure.

(b) Exterior materials of gloves shall be flame resistant and shall be tested in accordance with WAC 296-24-63599(3) Appendix E. Maximum allowable after-flame shall be 2.0 seconds, and the maximum char length shall be 4.0 inches (10.2 cm).

(c) When design of the fire-resistive coat does not otherwise provide protection for the wrists, protective gloves shall have wristlets of at least 4.0 inches (10.2 cm) in length to protect the wrist area when the arms are extended upward and outward from the body.

(5) Head, eye and face protection.

(a) Head protection shall consist of a protective head device with ear flaps and chin strap which meet the performance, construction, and testing requirements of the National Fire Safety and Research Office of the National Fire Prevention and Control Administration, United States Department of Commerce (now known as the United States Fire Administration), which are contained in, "Model Performance Criteria for Structural Fire Fighters' Helmets," (August 1977) (see WAC 296-24-63499, Appendix D).

(b) Protective eye and face devices which comply with WAC 296-24-078 shall be used by fire brigade members when performing operations where the hazards of flying or falling materials which may cause eye and face injuries are present. Protective eye and face devices provided as accessories to protective head devices (face shields) are permitted when such devices meet the requirements of WAC 296-24-078.

(c) Full facepieces, helmets, or hoods of breathing apparatus which meet the requirements of ((WAC 296-62-071)) chapter 296-62 WAC, Part E and 296-24-58515, shall be acceptable as meeting the eye and face protection requirements of (b) of this subsection.

[Statutory Authority: Chapter 49.17 RCW. 94-15-096 (Order 94-07), § 296-24-58513, filed 7/20/94, effective 9/20/94; 92-23-017 (Order 92-13), § 296-24-58513, filed 11/10/92, effective 12/18/92; 90-03-029 (Order 89-20), § 296-24-58513, filed 1/11/90, effective 2/26/90; 88-14-108 (Order 88-11), § 296-24-58513, filed 7/6/88; 87-24-051 (Order 87-24), § 296-24-58513, filed 11/30/87. Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.040 and 49.17.050. 82-02-003 (Order 81-32), § 296-24-58513, filed 12/24/81.]

AMENDATORY SECTION (Amending Order 94-07, filed 7/20/94, effective 9/20/94)

WAC 296-24-58515  Respiratory protection devices. (1) General requirements.

(a) The employer shall ((provide at no cost to the employee and assure the use of respirators which comply with the requirements of this section. The employer shall assure that respiratory protective devices worn by brigade members meet the requirements contained in WAC 296-62-071, and the requirements contained in this section, and are certified under 30 CFR Part II)) ensure that respirators are provided to, and used by, fire brigade members, and that the respirators meet the requirements of chapter 296-62 WAC, Part E and this section.

(b) ((Approved self-contained breathing apparatus with full-facepiece, or with approved helmet or hood configuration, shall be provided to and worn by fire brigade members while working inside buildings or confined spaces where toxic products of combustion or an oxygen deficiency may be present. Such apparatus shall also be worn during emergency situations involving toxic substances.)) The employer must ensure that all employees engaged in interior structural fire fighting use self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBAs).

(c) Approved self-contained breathing apparatus may be equipped with either a "buddy-breathing" device or a quick disconnect valve, even if these devices are not certified by NIOSH. If these accessories are used, they shall not cause damage to the apparatus, or restrict the air flow of the apparatus, or obstruct the normal operation of the apparatus.

(d) Approved self-contained compressed air breathing apparatus may be used with approved cylinders from other approved self-contained compressed air breathing apparatus provided that such cylinders are of the same capacity and pressure rating. All compressed air cylinders used with self-contained breathing apparatus shall meet DOT and NIOSH criteria.

(e) Self-contained breathing apparatus shall have a minimum service life rating of ((thirty)) 30 minutes in accordance with the methods and requirements ((of the mine safety and health administration (MSHA) and)) specified by NIOSH under 42 CFR part 84, except for escape self-contained breathing apparatus (ESCBA) used only for emergency escape purposes.

(f) Self-contained breathing apparatus shall be provided with an indicator which automatically sounds an audible alarm when the remaining service life of the apparatus is reduced to within a range of twenty to twenty-five percent of its rated service time.

(2) Positive-pressure breathing apparatus.

(a) The employer shall assure that self-contained breathing apparatus ordered or purchased after January 1, 1982, for use by fire brigade members performing interior structural fire fighting operations, are of the pressure-demand or other positive-pressure type. Effective July 1, 1983, only pressure-demand or other positive-pressure self-contained breathing apparatus shall be worn by fire brigade members performing interior structural fire fighting.

(b) This section does not prohibit the use of a self-contained breathing apparatus where the apparatus can be switched from a demand to a positive-pressure mode. However, such apparatus shall be in the positive-pressure mode when fire brigade members are performing interior structural fire fighting operations.

(c) Negative-pressure self-contained breathing apparatus with a rated service life of more than two hours and which have a minimum protection factor of 5,000, as determined by an acceptable quantitative fit test performed on each individual, is acceptable for use only during those interior structural fire fighting situations for which the employer demonstrates that long duration breathing apparatus is necessary. ((Quantitative fit test procedures shall be available for inspection by the director or authorized representative.)) Such negative-pressure breathing apparatus will continue to be acceptable for eighteen months after a positive-pressure breathing apparatus with the same or longer rated service life is certified by NIOSH. After this eighteen-month period, all self-contained breathing apparatus used for these long duration situations shall be of the positive-pressure type.

[Statutory Authority: Chapter 49.17 RCW. 94-15-096 (Order 94-07), § 296-24-58515, filed 7/20/94, effective 9/20/94. Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.040 and 49.17.050. 82-02-003 (Order 81-32), § 296-24-58515, filed 12/24/81.]

NEW SECTION

WAC 296-24-58516  Procedures for interior structural fire fighting. In addition to the requirements in WAC 296-62-07172, in interior structural fires, the employer must ensure that:

(1) At least two employees enter the IDLH atmosphere and remain in visual or voice contact with one another at all times; and

(2) At least two employees are located outside the IDLH atmosphere.

Note 1: One of the two individuals located outside the IDLH atmosphere may be assigned to an additional role, such as incident commander in charge of the emergency or safety officer, so long as this individual is able to perform assistance or rescue activities without jeopardizing the safety or health of any fire fighter working at the incident.

Note 2: Nothing in this section is meant to preclude fire fighters from performing emergency rescue activities before an entire team has assembled.

[]

AMENDATORY SECTION (Amending Order 94-07, filed 7/20/94, effective 9/20/94)

WAC 296-24-58517  Appendix A--Fire brigades. (1) Scope. This section does not require an employer to organize a fire brigade. However, if an employer does decide to organize a fire brigade, the requirements of this section apply.

(2) Prefire planning. It is suggested that prefire planning be conducted by the local fire department and/or the workplace fire brigade in order for them to be familiar with the workplace and process hazards. Involvement with the local fire department or fire prevention bureau is encouraged to facilitate coordination and cooperation between members of the fire brigade and those who might be called upon for assistance during a fire emergency.

(3) Organizational statement. In addition to the information required in the organizational statement, WAC 296-24-58507(1), it is suggested that the organizational statement also contain the following information: A description of the duties that the fire brigade members are expected to perform; the line authority of each fire brigade officer; the number of the fire brigade officers and number of training instructors; and a list and description of the types of awards or recognition that brigade members may be eligible to receive.

(4) Physical capability. The physical capability requirement applies only to those fire brigade members who perform interior structural fire fighting. Employees who cannot meet the physical capability requirement may still be members of the fire brigade as long as such employees do not perform interior structural fire fighting. It is suggested that fire brigade members who are unable to perform interior structural fire fighting be assigned less stressful and physically demanding fire brigade duties, e.g., certain types of training, recordkeeping, fire prevention inspection and maintenance, and fire pump operations.

Physically capable can be defined as being able to perform those duties specified in the training requirements of WAC 296-24-58509. Physically capable can also be determined by physical performance tests or by a physical examination when the examining physician is aware of the duties that the fire brigade member is expected to perform.

It is also recommended that fire brigade members participate in a physical fitness program. There are many benefits which can be attributed to being physically fit. It is believed that physical fitness may help to reduce the number of sprain and strain injuries as well as contributing to the improvement of the cardiovascular system.

(5) Training and education. The section on training and education does not contain specific training and education requirements because the type, amount, and frequency of training and education will be as varied as are the purposes for which fire brigades are organized. However, the section does require that training and education be commensurate with those functions that the fire brigade is expected to perform; i.e., those functions specified in the organizational statement. Such a performance requirement provides the necessary flexibility to design a training program which meets the needs of individual fire brigades.

At a minimum, hands-on training is required to be conducted annually for all fire brigade members. However, for those fire brigade members who are expected to perform interior structural fire fighting, some type of training or education session must be provided at least quarterly.

In addition to the required hands-on training, it is strongly recommended that fire brigade members receive other types of training and education such as: Classroom instruction, review of emergency action procedures, prefire planning, review of special hazards in the workplace, and practice in the use of self-contained breathing apparatus.

It is not necessary for the employer to duplicate the same training or education that a fire brigade member receives as a member of a community volunteer fire department, rescue squad, or similar organization. However, such training or education must have been provided to the fire brigade member within the past year and it must be documented that the fire brigade member has received the training or education. For example: There is no need for a fire brigade member to receive another training class in the use of positive-pressure self-contained breathing apparatus if the fire brigade member has recently completed such training as a member of a community fire department. Instead, the fire brigade member should receive training or education covering other important equipment or duties of the fire brigade as they relate to the workplace hazards, facilities and processes.

It is generally recognized that the effectiveness of fire brigade training and education depends upon the expertise of those providing the training and education as well as the motivation of the fire brigade members. Fire brigade training instructors must receive a higher level of training and education than the fire brigade members they will be teaching. This includes being more knowledgeable about the functions to be performed by the fire brigade and the hazards involved. The instructors should be qualified to train fire brigade members and demonstrate skills in communication, methods of teaching, and motivation. It is important for instructors and fire brigade members alike to be motivated toward the goal of the fire brigade and be aware of the importance of the service that they are providing for the protection of other employees and the workplace.

It is suggested that publications from the International Fire Service Training Association, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA-1041), the International Society of Fire Service Instructors and other fire training sources be consulted for recommended qualifications of fire brigade training instructors.

In order to be effective, fire brigades must have competent leadership and supervision. It is important for those who supervise the fire brigade during emergency situations, e.g., fire brigade chiefs, leaders, etc., to receive the necessary training and education for supervising fire brigade activities during these hazardous and stressful situations. These fire brigade members with leadership responsibilities should demonstrate skills in strategy and tactics, fire suppression and prevention techniques, leadership principles, prefire planning, and safety practices. It is again suggested that fire service training sources be consulted for determining the kinds of training and education which are necessary for those with fire brigade leadership responsibilities.

It is further suggested that fire brigade leaders and fire brigade instructors receive more formalized training and education on a continuing basis by attending classes provided by such training sources as universities and university fire extension services.

The following recommendations should not be considered to be all of the necessary elements of a complete comprehensive training program, but the information may be helpful as a guide in developing a fire brigade training program.

All fire brigade members should be familiar with exit facilities and their location, emergency escape routes for handicapped workers, and the workplace "emergency action plan."

In addition, fire brigade members who are expected to control and extinguish fires in the incipient stage should, at a minimum, be trained in the use of fire extinguishers, standpipes, and other fire equipment they are assigned to use. They should also be aware of first aid medical procedures and procedures for dealing with special hazards to which they may be exposed. Training and education should include both classroom instruction and actual operation of the equipment under simulated emergency conditions. Hands-on type training must be conducted at least annually but some functions should be reviewed more often.

In addition to the above training, fire brigade members who are expected to perform emergency rescue and interior structural fire fighting should, at a minimum, be familiar with the proper techniques in rescue and fire suppression procedures. Training and education should include fire protection courses, classroom training, simulated fire situations including "wet drills" and, when feasible, extinguishment of actual mock fires. Frequency of training or education must be at least quarterly, but some drills or classroom training should be conducted as often as monthly or even weekly to maintain the proficiency of fire brigade members.

There are many excellent sources of training and education that the employer may want to use in developing a training program for the workplace fire brigade. These sources include publications, seminars, and courses offered by universities.

There are also excellent fire school courses by such facilities as Texas A and M University, Delaware State Fire School, Lamar University, and Reno Fire School, that deal with those unique hazards which may be encountered by fire brigades in the oil and chemical industry. These schools, and others, also offer excellent training courses which would be beneficial to fire brigades in other types of industries. These courses should be a continuing part of the training program, and employers are strongly encouraged to take advantage of these excellent resources.

It is also important that fire brigade members be informed about special hazards to which they may be exposed during fire and other emergencies. Such hazards as storage and use areas of flammable liquids and gases, toxic chemicals, water-reactive substances, etc., can pose difficult problems. There must be written procedures developed that describe the actions to be taken in situations involving special hazards. Fire brigade members must be trained in handling these special hazards as well as keeping abreast of any changes that occur in relation to these special hazards.

(6) Fire fighting equipment. It is important that fire fighting equipment that is in damaged or unserviceable condition be removed from service and replaced. This will prevent fire brigade members from using unsafe equipment by mistake.

Fire fighting equipment, except portable fire extinguishers and respirators, must be inspected at least annually. Portable fire extinguishers and respirators are required to be inspected at least monthly.

(7) Protective clothing.

(a) General. WAC 296-24-58513 does not require all fire brigade members to wear protective clothing. It is not the intention of these standards to require employers to provide a full ensemble of protective clothing for every fire brigade member without consideration given to the types of hazardous environments to which the fire brigade member might be exposed. It is the intention of these standards to require adequate protection for those fire brigade members who might be exposed to fires in an advanced stage, smoke, toxic gases, and high temperatures. Therefore, the protective clothing requirements only apply to those fire brigade members who perform interior structural fire fighting operations.

Additionally, the protective clothing requirements do not apply to the protective clothing worn during outside fire fighting operations (brush and forest fires, crash crew operations) or other special fire fighting activities. It is important that the protective clothing to be worn during these types of fire fighting operations reflect the hazards which are expected to be encountered by fire brigade members.

(b) Foot and leg protection. WAC 296-24-58513 permits an option to achieve foot and leg protection.

The section recognizes the interdependence of protective clothing to cover one or more parts of the body. Therefore, an option is given so that fire brigade members may meet the foot and leg requirements by either wearing long fire-resistive coats in combination with fully extended boots, or by wearing shorter fire-resistive coats in combination with protective trousers and protective shoes or shorter boots.

(c) Body protection. WAC 296-24-58513(3) provides an option for fire brigade members to achieve body protection. Fire brigade members may wear a fire-resistive coat in combination with fully extended boots, or they may wear a fire-resistive coat in combination with protective trousers.

Fire-resistive coats and protective trousers meeting all of the requirements contained in NFPA 1971-1975, "Protective Clothing for Structural Fire Fighters," are acceptable as meeting the requirements of this standard.

The lining is required to be permanently attached to the outer shell. However, it is permissible to attach the lining to the outer shell material by stitching in one area such as at the neck. Fastener tape or snap fasteners may be used to secure the rest of the lining to the outer shell to facilitate cleaning. Reference to permanent lining does not refer to a winter liner which is a detachable extra lining used to give added protection to the wearer against the effects of cold weather and wind.

(d) Hand protection. The requirements of WAC 296-24-58513(4) on hand protection may be met by protective gloves or a glove system. A glove system consists of a combination of different gloves. The usual components of a glove system consist of a pair of gloves, which provide thermal insulation to the hand, worn in combination with a second pair of gloves which provide protection against flame, cut and puncture.

It is suggested that protective gloves provide dexterity and a sense of feel for objects. Criteria and test methods for dexterity are contained in the NIOSH publications, "The Development of Criteria for Firefighters' Gloves; Vol. I: Glove Requirements," and "Vol. II: Glove Criteria and Test Methods." These NIOSH publications also contain a permissible modified version of Federal Test Method 191, Method 5903, (WAC 296-24-63599(3) Appendix E) for flame resistance when gloves, rather than glove material, are tested for flame resistance.

(e) Head, eye and face protection. Head protective devices which meet the requirements contained in NFPA No. 1972 are acceptable as meeting the requirements of this standard for head protection.

Head protective devices are required to be provided with ear flaps so that the ear flaps will be available if needed. It is recommended that ear protection always be used while fighting interior structural fires.

Many head protective devices are equipped with face shields to protect the eyes and face. These face shields are permissible as meeting the eye and face protection requirements of this section as long as such face shields meet the requirements of WAC 296-24-078 of the general safety and health standards.

Additionally, full facepieces, helmets or hoods of approved breathing apparatus which meet the requirements of WAC 296-62-071 and 296-24-58515 are also acceptable as meeting the eye and face protection requirements.

It is recommended that a flame resistant protective head covering such as a hood or snood, which will not adversely affect the seal of a respirator facepiece, be worn during interior structural fire fighting operations to protect the sides of the face and hair.

(8) Respiratory protective devices. Respiratory protection is required to be worn by fire brigade members while working inside buildings or confined spaces where toxic products of combustion or an oxygen deficiency is likely to be present; respirators are also to be worn during emergency situations involving toxic substances. When fire brigade members respond to emergency situations, they may be exposed to unknown contaminants in unknown concentrations. Therefore, it is imperative that fire brigade members wear proper respiratory protective devices during these situations. Additionally, there are many instances where toxic products of combustion are still present during mop-up and overhaul operations. Therefore, fire brigade members should continue to wear respirators during these types of operations.

Self-contained breathing apparatus are not required to be equipped with either buddy-breathing device or a quick disconnect valve. However, these accessories may be very useful and are acceptable as long as such accessories do not cause damage to the apparatus, restrict the air flow of the apparatus, or obstruct the normal operation of the apparatus.

Buddy-breathing devices are useful for emergency situations where a victim or another fire brigade member can share the same air supply with the wearer of the apparatus for emergency escape purposes.

The employer is encouraged to provide fire brigade members with an alternative means of respiratory protection to be used only for emergency escape purposes if the self-contained breathing apparatus becomes inoperative. Such alternative means of respiratory protection may be either a buddy-breathing device or an escape self-contained breathing apparatus (ESCBA). The ESCBA is a short-duration respiratory protective device which is approved for only emergency escape purposes. It is suggested that if ESCBA units are used, that they be of at least five minutes service life.

Quick disconnect valves are devices which start the flow of air by insertion of the hose (which leads to the facepiece) into the regulator of self-contained breathing apparatus, and stop the flow of air by disconnecting the hose from the regulator. These devices are particularly useful for those positive-pressure self-contained breathing apparatus which do not have the capability of being switched from the demand to the positive-pressure mode.

The use of a self-contained breathing apparatus where the apparatus can be switched from a demand to a positive-pressure mode is acceptable as long as the apparatus is in the positive-pressure mode when performing interior structural fire fighting operations. Also acceptable are approved respiratory protective devices which have been converted to the positive-pressure type when such modification is accomplished by trained and experienced persons using kits or parts approved by NIOSH and provided by the manufacturer and by following the manufacturer's instructions.

There are situations which require the use of respirators which have a duration of two hours or more. Presently, there are no approved positive-pressure apparatus with a rated service life of more than two hours. Consequently, negative-pressure self-contained breathing apparatus with a rated service life of more than two hours and which have a minimum protection factor of 5,000 as determined by an acceptable quantitative fit test performed on each individual, will be acceptable for use during situations which require long duration apparatus. Long duration apparatus may be needed in such instances as working in tunnels, subway systems, etc. Such negative-pressure breathing apparatus will continue to be acceptable for a maximum of eighteen months after a positive-pressure apparatus with the same or longer rated service life of more than two hours is certified by NIOSH/MSHA. After this eighteen-month phase-in period, all self-contained breathing apparatus used for these long duration situations will have to be of the positive-pressure type.

((Protection factor (sometimes called fit factor) is defined as the ratio of the contaminant concentrations outside of the respirator to the contaminant concentrations inside the facepiece of the respirator.

Protection factors are determined by quantitative fit tests. An acceptable quantitative fit test should include the following elements:

(a) A fire brigade member who is physically and medically capable of wearing respirators, and who is trained in the use of respirators, dons a self-contained breathing apparatus equipped with a device that will monitor the concentration of a contaminant inside the facepiece.

(b) The fire brigade member then performs a qualitative fit test to assure the best face-to-facepiece seal as possible. A qualitative fit test can consist of a negative-pressure test, positive-pressure test, isoamyl acetate vapor (banana oil) test, or an irritant smoke test. For more details on respirator fitting see the NIOSH booklet entitled, "A Guide to Industrial Respiratory Protection," June 1976, and HHS publication No. (NIOSH) 76-189.

(c) The wearer should then perform physical activity which reflects the level of work activity which would be expected during fire fighting activities. The physical activity should include simulated fire-ground work activity or physical exercise such as running-in-place, a step test, etc.

(d) Without readjusting the apparatus, the wearer is placed in a test atmosphere containing a nontoxic contaminant with a known, constant concentration.

The protection factor is then determined by dividing the known concentration of the contaminant in the test atmosphere by the concentration of the contaminant inside the facepiece when the following exercises are performed:

(i) Normal breathing with head motionless for one minute;

(ii) Deep breathing with head motionless for thirty seconds;

(iii) Turning head slowly from side to side while breathing normally, pausing for at least two breaths before changing direction. Continue for at least one minute;

(iv) Moving head slowly up and down while breathing normally, pausing for at least two breaths before changing direction. Continue for at least two minutes;

(v) Reading from a prepared text, slowly and clearly, and loudly enough to be heard and understood. Continue for one minute; and

(vi) Normal breathing with head motionless for at least one minute.

The protection factor which is determined must be at least 5,000. The quantitative fit test should be conducted at least three times. It is acceptable to conduct all three tests on the same day. However, there should be at least one hour between tests to reflect the protection afforded by the apparatus during different times of the day.

The above elements are not meant to be a comprehensive, technical description of a quantitative fit test protocol. However, quantitative fit test procedures which include these elements are acceptable for determining protection factors. Procedures for a quantitative fit test are required to be available for inspection by the director or authorized representative.

Organizations such as Los Alamos National Laboratory, Lawrence Livermore Laboratory, NIOSH, and American National Standards Institute (ANSI) are excellent sources for additional information concerning qualitative and quantitative fit testing.))

[Statutory Authority: Chapter 49.17 RCW. 94-15-096 (Order 94-07), § 296-24-58517, filed 7/20/94, effective 9/20/94. Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.040 and 49.17.050. 82-02-003 (Order 81-32), § 296-24-58517, filed 12/24/81.]

AMENDATORY SECTION (Amending WSR 98-02-006, filed 12/26/97, effective 3/1/98)

WAC 296-24-67507  Definitions. (1) Abrasive. A solid granular substance used in an abrasive blasting operation.

(2) Abrasive blasting. The forcible application of an abrasive to a surface by pneumatic pressure, hydraulic pressure, or centrifugal force.

(3) Abrasive-blasting respirator. A ((continuous flow airline respirator or pressure-demand supplied-air)) respirator ((made)) constructed so that it ((will)) covers the wearer's head, neck, and shoulders ((and provide protection)) to protect the wearer from rebounding abrasive.

(4) Air-line respirator. A device consisting of a face-piece, helmet, or hood to which clean air is supplied to the wearer through a small-diameter hose from a compressed air source.

(5) Blast cleaning barrel. A complete enclosure which rotates on an axis, or which has an internal moving tread to tumble the parts, in order to expose various surfaces of the parts to the action of an automatic blast spray.

(6) Blast cleaning room. A complete enclosure in which blasting operations are performed and where the operator works inside of the room to operate the blasting nozzle and direct the flow of the abrasive material.

(7) Blasting cabinet. An enclosure where the operator stands outside and operates the blasting nozzle through an opening or openings in the enclosure.

(8) Clean air. Air of such purity that it will not cause harm or discomfort to an individual if it is inhaled for extended periods of time.

(9) Dust collector. A device or combination of devices for separating dust from the air handled by an exhaust ventilation system.

(10) Exhaust ventilation system. A system for removing contaminated air from a space, comprising two or more of the following elements; (a) enclosure or hood, (b) duct work, (c) dust collecting equipment, (d) exhauster, and (e) discharge stack.

(11) Particulate-filter respirator. An air purifying respirator, commonly referred to as a dust ((or a fume)) respirator, which removes most of the dust or fume from the air passing through the device.

(12) Respirable dust. Airborne dust in sizes capable of passing through the upper respiratory system to reach the lower lung passages.

(13) Rotary blast cleaning table. An enclosure where the pieces to be cleaned are positioned on a rotating table and are passed automatically through a series of blast sprays.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.040, [49.17].050 and [49.17].060. 98-02-006, § 296-24-67507, filed 12/26/97, effective 3/1/98. Statutory Authority: Chapter 49.17 RCW. 94-15-096 (Order 94-07), § 296-24-67507, filed 7/20/94, effective 9/20/94; Order 73-5, § 296-24-67507, filed 5/9/73 and Order 73-4, § 296-24-67507, filed 5/7/73.]

AMENDATORY SECTION (Amending WSR 98-02-006, filed 12/26/97, effective 3/1/98)

WAC 296-24-67515  Personal protective equipment. (1) ((Respiratory protective equipment approved by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) must be used for protection of personnel against dusts produced during abrasive-blasting operations.)) Employers must use only respirators certified by NIOSH under 42 CFR part 84 for protecting employees from dusts produced during abrasive-blasting operations.

(2) Abrasive-blasting respirators. Abrasive-blasting respirators must be worn by all abrasive-blasting operators in the following situations: (a) When working inside of blast cleaning rooms, or (b) when using silica sand in manual blasting operations except where the nozzle and blast are physically separated from the operator in an exhaust ventilated enclosure, or (c) where concentrations of toxic dusts dispersed by the abrasive blasting may exceed the limits set in ((WAC 296-62-075 through 296-62-07515)) chapter 296-62 WAC, Part E except where the nozzle and blast are physically separated from the operator in an exhaust-ventilated enclosure.

(3) Particulate-filter respirators.

(a) Properly fitted particulate ((or dust))-filter respirators, commonly referred to as dust-filter respirators, may be used for short, intermittent, or occasional dust exposures such as clean-up, dumping of dust collectors, or unloading shipments of sand at a receiving point((,)) when it is not feasible to control the dust by enclosure, exhaust ventilation, or other means.

(b) Dust-filter respirators may also be used to protect the operator of outside (outdoor) abrasive-blasting operations where nonsilica abrasives are used on materials having low toxicity.

Note: The selection of a dust-filter respirator depends on the amount of dust in the breathing zone of the user. See WAC 296-62-07113 - Table 5.

(c) Dust-filter respirators used must be certified by NIOSH((-approved)) under 42 CFR part 84 for protection against the specific type of dust encountered.

(d) Dust-filter respirators must be properly fitted as required in ((WAC 296-62-071)) chapter 296-62 WAC, Part E.

(e) Dust-filter respirators must not be used for continuous protection where silica sand is used as the blasting abrasive, or when toxic materials are blasted.

(4) A respiratory protection program as required in ((WAC 296-62-071)) chapter 296-62 WAC, Part E must be established wherever it is necessary to use respirators.

(5) Personal protective clothing.

(a) Operators must be equipped with heavy canvas or leather gloves and aprons or equivalent protection to protect them from the impact of abrasives.

(b) Safety shoes must be worn where there is a hazard of foot injury.

(c) Equipment for protection of the eyes and face must be supplied to the operator and to other personnel working near abrasive blasting operations when the respirator design does not provide such protection.

(6) Personal protective clothing, equipment and their use must comply with WAC 296-24-075 (Part A2).

[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.040, [49.17].050 and [49.17].060. 98-02-006, § 296-24-67515, filed 12/26/97, effective 3/1/98. Statutory Authority: Chapter 49.17 RCW. 94-15-096 (Order 94-07), § 296-24-67515, filed 7/20/94, effective 9/20/94; Order 73-5, § 296-24-67515, filed 5/9/73 and Order 73-4, § 296-24-67515, filed 5/7/73.]

AMENDATORY SECTION (Amending WSR 98-02-006, filed 12/26/97, effective 3/1/98)

WAC 296-24-67517  Air supply and air compressors. (((1))) Clean air supply. The air for abrasive-blasting respirators must be free of harmful quantities of dusts, mists, or noxious gases, and ((shall)) must meet the requirements for ((air purity set forth in American National Standard Z 86.1-1973)) supplied-air quality and use as specified in chapter 296-62 WAC, Part E.

((Note: It is preferable to provide air for an abrasive-blasting respirator with low pressure blowers or compressors which need no internal organic lubricants and are used solely for that purpose, as long as they provide sufficient air flow to each user as specified in Table 3 of the respirator standard, WAC 296-62-071.

(2) When air from the regular compressed air line of the plant is used for the abrasive-blasting respirator the following are required:

(a) A trap and carbon filter must be installed and regularly maintained, to remove oil, water, scale, and odor;

(b) A pressure reducing diaphragm or valve must be installed to reduce the pressure down to requirements of the particular type of abrasive-blasting respirator;

(c) An automatic control must be provided to either sound an alarm or shut down the compressor in case of over-heating.

Note: See also WAC 296-62-07111.))

[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.040, [49.17].050 and [49.17].060. 98-02-006, § 296-24-67517, filed 12/26/97, effective 3/1/98; Order 73-5, § 296-24-67517, filed 5/9/73 and Order 73-4, § 296-24-67517, filed 5/7/73.]

AMENDATORY SECTION (Amending Order 94-07, filed 7/20/94, effective 9/20/94)

WAC 296-24-71507  Ventilation in confined spaces. (1) Air replacement. All welding and cutting operations carried on in confined spaces shall be adequately ventilated to prevent the accumulation of toxic materials or possible oxygen deficiency. This applies not only to the welder but also to helpers and other personnel in the immediate vicinity. All air replacing that withdrawn shall be clean and respirable.

(2) Airline respirators. In such circumstances where it is impossible to provide such ventilation, airline respirators or hose masks approved ((by the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) and)) for this purpose by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) ((for this purpose shall)) under 42 CFR part 84 must be used.

(3) Self-contained units. In areas immediately hazardous to life, ((hose masks with blowers or self-contained breathing equipment shall be used. The breathing equipment shall be approved by the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH))) a full-facepiece, pressure-demand, self-contained breathing apparatus or a combination full-facepiece, pressure-demand supplied-air respirator with an auxiliary, self-contained air supply certified by NIOSH under 42 CFR part 84 must be used.

(4) Outside helper. Where welding operations are carried on in confined spaces and where welders and helpers are provided with hose masks, hose masks with blowers or self-contained breathing equipment approved by the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), a worker shall be stationed on the outside of such confined spaces to insure the safety of those working within.

(5) Oxygen for ventilation. Oxygen shall not be used for ventilation.

[Statutory Authority: Chapter 49.17 RCW. 94-15-096 (Order 94-07), § 296-24-71507, filed 7/20/94, effective 9/20/94; Order 73-5, § 296-24-71507, filed 5/9/73 and Order 73-4, § 296-24-71507, filed 5/7/73.]

AMENDATORY SECTION (Amending Order 94-07, filed 7/20/94, effective 9/20/94)

WAC 296-24-71513  Lead. (1) Confined spaces. In confined spaces, welding involving lead-base metals (erroneously called lead-burning) shall be done in accordance with WAC 296-24-71507 (1) through (5).

(2) Indoors. Indoors, welding involving lead-base metals shall be done in accordance with WAC 296-24-71505 (1) and (2).

(3) Local ventilation. In confined spaces or indoors, welding or cutting operations involving metals containing lead, other than as an impurity, or involving metals coated with lead-bearing materials, including paint ((shall)) must be done using local exhaust ventilation or airline respirators. ((Outdoors such operations shall)) Such operations, when done outdoors, must be done using ((respiratory protective equipment approved by the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) for such purposes)) respirators, certified for this purpose by NIOSH under 42 CFR part 84. In all cases, workers in the immediate vicinity of the cutting operation ((shall)) must be protected as necessary by local exhaust ventilation or airline respirators.

Note: See chapter 296-62 WAC for additional requirements on lead.

[Statutory Authority: Chapter 49.17 RCW. 94-15-096 (Order 94-07), § 296-24-71513, filed 7/20/94, effective 9/20/94; Order 73-5, § 296-24-71513, filed 5/9/73 and Order 73-4, § 296-24-71513, filed 5/7/73.]

AMENDATORY SECTION (Amending Order 94-07, filed 7/20/94, effective 9/20/94)

WAC 296-24-71517  Cadmium. (1) General. In confined spaces or indoors, welding or cutting ((indoors or in confined spaces)) operations involving cadmium-bearing or cadmium-coated base metals ((shall)) must be done using local exhaust ventilation or airline respirators unless atmospheric tests under the most adverse conditions ((have established that the workers')) show that employee exposure is within the acceptable concentrations ((defined)) specified by chapter 296-62 WAC. ((Outdoors)) Such operations ((shall)), when done outdoors, must be done using ((respiratory protective equipment)) respirators, such as fume respirators ((approved by the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) for such purposes)), certified for this purpose by NIOSH under 42 CFR part 84.

(2) Confined space. Welding (brazing) involving cadmium-bearing filler metals shall be done using ventilation as prescribed in WAC 296-24-71505 or 296-24-71507 if the work is to be done in a confined space.

Note: See chapter 296-62 WAC for additional requirements on cadmium.

[Statutory Authority: Chapter 49.17 RCW. 94-15-096 (Order 94-07), § 296-24-71517, filed 7/20/94, effective 9/20/94; Order 73-5, § 296-24-71517, filed 5/9/73 and Order 73-4, § 296-24-71517, filed 5/7/73.]

AMENDATORY SECTION (Amending Order 94-07, filed 7/20/94, effective 9/20/94)

WAC 296-24-71519  Mercury. In confined spaces or indoors, welding or cutting ((indoors or in a confined space)) operations involving metals coated with mercury-bearing materials, including paint, ((shall)) must be done using local exhaust ventilation or airline respirators unless atmospheric tests under the most adverse conditions ((have established that the workers')) show that employee exposure is within the acceptable concentrations ((defined)) specified by chapter 296-62 WAC. ((Outdoors)) Such operations ((shall)), when done outdoors, must be done using ((respiratory protective equipment approved by the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) for such purposes)) respirators certified for this purpose by NIOSH under 24 CFR part 84.

[Statutory Authority: Chapter 49.17 RCW. 94-15-096 (Order 94-07), § 296-24-71519, filed 7/20/94, effective 9/20/94; Order 73-5, § 296-24-71519, filed 5/9/73 and Order 73-4, § 296-24-71519, filed 5/7/73.]

OTS-2522.1

AMENDATORY SECTION (Amending Order 92-06, filed 10/30/92, effective 12/8/92)

WAC 296-56-60053  Hazardous atmospheres and substances. (1) Purpose and scope. This section covers areas where a hazardous atmosphere or substance may exist, except where one or more of the following sections apply: WAC 296-56-60049 Hazardous cargo; WAC 296-56-60051 Handling explosives or hazardous materials; WAC 296-56-60055 Carbon monoxide; WAC 296-56-60057 Fumigants, pesticides, insecticides and hazardous preservatives; WAC 296-56-60107 Terminal facilities handling menhaden and similar species of fish; WAC 296-56-60235 Welding, cutting and heating (hot work); and WAC 296-56-60237 Spray painting.

(2) Determination of hazard.

(a) Whenever a room, building, vehicle, railcar or other space contains or has contained a hazardous atmosphere, a designated and appropriately equipped person shall test the atmosphere before entry to determine whether a hazardous atmosphere exists.

(b) Records of results of any tests required by this section shall be maintained for at least thirty days.

(3) Testing during ventilation. When mechanical ventilation is used to maintain a safe atmosphere, tests shall be made by a designated person to ensure that the atmosphere is not hazardous.

(4) Entry into hazardous atmospheres. Only designated persons shall enter hazardous atmospheres. The following provisions shall apply:

(a) Persons entering a space containing a hazardous atmosphere shall be protected by respiratory and emergency protective equipment meeting the requirements of ((WAC 296-62-071 through 296-62-07121)) chapter 296-62 WAC, Part E;

(b) Persons entering a space containing a hazardous atmosphere shall be instructed in the nature of the hazard, precautions to be taken, and the use of protective and emergency equipment. Standby observers, similarly equipped and instructed, shall continuously monitor the activity of employees within such space; and

(c) Except for emergency or rescue operations, employees shall not enter into any atmosphere which has been identified as flammable or oxygen deficient (less than nineteen and one-half percent oxygen). Persons who may be required to enter flammable or oxygen deficient atmospheres in emergency operations shall be instructed in the dangers attendant to those atmospheres and instructed in the use of self-contained breathing apparatus, which shall be utilized.

(d) To prevent inadvertent employee entry into spaces that have been identified as having hazardous, flammable or oxygen deficient atmospheres, appropriate warning signs or equivalent means shall be posted at all means of access to those spaces.

(5) When the packaging of asbestos cargo leaks, spillage shall be cleaned up by designated employees protected from the harmful effects of asbestos as required by WAC 296-62-07517 and chapter 296-65 WAC.

[Statutory Authority: Chapter 49.17 RCW and RCW 49.17.040, [49.17].050 and [49.17].060. 92-22-067 (Order 92-06), § 296-56-60053, filed 10/30/92, effective 12/8/92. Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.040 and 49.17.050. 86-03-064 (Order 86-02), § 296-56-60053, filed 1/17/86; 85-01-022 (Order 84-24), § 296-56-60053, filed 12/11/84.]

AMENDATORY SECTION (Amending WSR 95-04-007, filed 1/18/95, effective 3/1/95)

WAC 296-56-60235  Welding, cutting and heating (hot work). (1) Definition. "Hot work" means riveting, welding, flame cutting or other fire or spark-producing operation.

(2) Hot work in confined spaces. Hot work shall not be performed in a confined space until all requirements of chapter 296-62 WAC, Part M, are met.

(3) Fire protection.

(a) To the extent possible, hot work shall be performed in designated locations that are free of fire hazards.

(b) When hot work must be performed in a location that is not free of fire hazards, all necessary precautions shall be taken to confine heat, sparks, and slag so that they cannot contact flammable or combustible material.

(c) Fire extinguishing equipment suitable for the location shall be immediately available and shall be maintained in readiness for use at all times.

(d) When the hot work operation is such that normal fire prevention precautions are not sufficient, additional personnel shall be assigned to guard against fire during hot work and for a sufficient time after completion of the work to ensure that no fire hazard remains. The employer shall instruct all employees involved in hot work operations as to potential fire hazards and the use of fire fighting equipment.

(e) Drums and containers which contain or have contained flammable or combustible liquids shall be kept closed. Empty containers shall be removed from the hot work area.

(f) When openings or cracks in flooring cannot be closed, precautions shall be taken to ensure that no employees or flammable or combustible materials are exposed to sparks dropping through the floor. Similar precautions shall be taken regarding cracks or holes in walls, open doorways and open or broken windows.

(g) Hot work shall not be performed:

(i) In flammable or potentially flammable atmospheres;

(ii) On or in equipment or tanks that have contained flammable gas or liquid or combustible liquid or dust-producing material, until a designated person has tested the atmosphere inside the equipment or tanks and determined that it is not hazardous; or

(iii) Near any area in which exposed readily ignitable materials such as bulk sulphur, baled paper or cotton are stored. Bulk sulphur is excluded from this prohibition if suitable precautions are followed, the person in charge is knowledgeable and the person performing the work has been instructed in preventing and extinguishing sulphur fires.

(h)(i) Drums, containers or hollow structures that have contained flammable or combustible substances shall either be filled with water or cleaned, and shall then be ventilated. A designated person shall test the atmosphere and determine that it is not hazardous before hot work is performed on or in such structures.

(ii) Before heat is applied to a drum, container or hollow structure, an opening to release built-up pressure during heat application shall be provided.

(4) Gas welding and cutting.

(a) Compressed gas cylinders:

(i) Shall have valve protection caps in place except when in use, hooked up or secured for movement. Oil shall not be used to lubricate caps;

(ii) Shall be hoisted only while secured, as on a cradle or pallet, and shall not be hoisted by magnet, choker sling or cylinder caps;

(iii) Shall be moved only by tilting or rolling on their bottom edges;

(iv) Shall be secured when moved by vehicle;

(v) Shall be secured while in use;

(vi) Shall have valves closed when cylinders are empty, being moved or stored;

(vii) Shall be secured upright except when hoisted or carried;

(viii) Shall not be freed when frozen by prying the valves or caps with bars or by hitting the valve with a tool;

(ix) Shall not be thawed by boiling water;

(x) Shall not be exposed to sparks, hot slag, or flame;

(xi) Shall not be permitted to become part of electrical circuits or have electrodes struck against them to strike arcs;

(xii) Shall not be used as rollers or supports;

(xiii) Shall not have contents used for purposes not authorized by the supplier;

(xiv) Shall not be used if damaged or defective;

(xv) Shall not have gases mixed within, except by gas suppliers;

(xvi) Shall be stored so that oxygen cylinders are separated from fuel gas cylinders and combustible materials by either a minimum distance of twenty feet (6 m) or a barrier having a fire-resistance rating of thirty minutes; and

(xvii) Shall not have objects that might either damage the safety device or obstruct the valve placed on top of the cylinder when in use.

(b) Use of fuel gas. Fuel gas shall be used only as follows:

(i) Before regulators are connected to cylinder valves, the valves shall be opened slightly (cracked) and closed immediately to clear away dust or dirt. Valves shall not be cracked if gas could reach possible sources of ignition;

(ii) Cylinder valves shall be opened slowly to prevent regulator damage and shall not be opened more than one and one-half turns. Any special wrench required for emergency closing shall be positioned on the valve stem during cylinder use. For manifolded or coupled cylinders, at least one wrench shall be immediately available. Nothing shall be placed on top of a cylinder or associated parts when the cylinder is in use;

(iii) Pressure-reducing regulators shall be attached to cylinder valves when cylinders are supplying torches or devices equipped with shut-off valves;

(iv) Cylinder valves shall be closed and gas released from the regulator or manifold before regulators are removed;

(v) Leaking fuel gas cylinder valves shall be closed and the gland nut tightened. If the leak continues, the cylinder shall be tagged, removed from service, and moved to a location where the leak will not be hazardous. If a regulator attached to a valve stops a leak, the cylinder need not be removed from the workplace but shall be tagged and may not be used again before it is repaired; and

(vi) If a plug or safety device leaks, the cylinder shall be tagged, removed from service, and moved to a location where the leak will not be hazardous.

(c) Hose.

(i) Fuel gas and oxygen hoses shall be easily distinguishable from each other by color or sense of touch. Oxygen and fuel hoses shall not be interchangeable. Hoses having more than one gas passage shall not be used.

(ii) When oxygen and fuel gas hoses are taped together, not more than four of each twelve inches (10.2 cm of each 30.5 cm) shall be taped.

(iii) Hose shall be inspected before use. Hose subjected to flashback or showing evidence of severe wear or damage shall be tested to twice the normal working pressure but not less than two hundred p.s.i. (1378.96 kPa) before re-use. Defective hose shall not be used.

(iv) Hose couplings shall not unlock or disconnect without rotary motion.

(v) Hose connections shall be clamped or securely fastened to withstand twice the normal working pressure but not less than three hundred p.s.i. (2068.44 kPa) without leaking.

(vi) Gas hose storage boxes shall be ventilated.

(d) Torches.

(i) Torch tip openings shall only be cleaned with devices designed for that purpose.

(ii) Torches shall be inspected before each use for leaking shut-off valves, hose couplings and tip connections. Torches shall be inspected before each use for leaking shut-off valves, hose couplings and tip connections. Torches with such defects shall not be used.

(iii) Torches shall not be lighted from matches, cigarette lighters, other flames or hot work.

(e) Pressure regulators. Pressure regulators, including associated gauges, shall be maintained in safe working order.

(f) Operational precaution. Gas welding equipment shall be maintained free of oil and grease.

(5) Arc welding and cutting.

(a) Manual electrode holders.

(i) The employer shall ensure that only manual electrode holders intended for arc welding and cutting and capable of handling the maximum current required for such welding or cutting shall be used.

(ii) Current-carrying parts passing through those portions of the holder gripped by the user and through the outer surfaces of the jaws of the holder shall be insulated against the maximum voltage to ground.

(b) Welding cables and connectors.

(i) Arc welding and cutting cables shall be insulated, flexible and capable of handling the maximum current required by the operation, taking into account the duty cycles.

(ii) Only cable free from repair or splice for ten feet (3 m) from the electrode holder shall be used unless insulated connectors or splices with insulating quality equal to that of the cable are provided.

(iii) When a cable other than the lead mentioned in (b)(ii) of this subsection wears and exposes bare conductors, the portion exposed shall not be used until it is protected by insulation equivalent in performance capacity to the original.

(iv) Insulated connectors of equivalent capacity shall be used for connecting or splicing cable. Cable lugs, where used as connectors, shall provide electrical contact. Exposed metal parts shall be insulated.

(c) Ground returns and machine grounding.

(i) Ground return cables shall have current-carrying capacity equal to or exceeding the total maximum output capacities of the welding or cutting units served.

(ii) Structures or pipelines, other than those containing gases or flammable liquids or conduits containing electrical circuits, may be used in the ground return circuit if their current-carrying capacity equals or exceeds the total maximum output capacities of the welding or cutting units served.

(iii) Structures or pipelines forming a temporary ground return circuit shall have electrical contact at all joints. Arcs, sparks or heat at any point in the circuit shall cause rejection as a ground circuit.

(iv) Structures or pipelines acting continuously as ground return circuits shall have joints bonded and maintained to ensure that no electrolysis or fire hazard exists.

(v) Arc welding and cutting machine frames shall be grounded, either through a third wire in the cable containing the circuit conductor or through a separate wire at the source of the current. Grounding circuits shall have resistance low enough to permit sufficient current to flow to cause the fuse or circuit breaker to interrupt the current.

(vi) Ground connections shall be mechanically and electrically adequate to carry the current.

(d) When electrode holders are left unattended, electrodes shall be removed and holders placed to prevent employee injury.

(e) Hot electrode holders shall not be dipped in water.

(f) The employer shall ensure that when arc welders or cutters leave or stop work or when machines are moved, the power supply switch is kept in the off position.

(g) Arc welding or cutting equipment having a functional defect shall not be used.

(h)(i) Arc welding and cutting operations shall be separated from other operations by shields, screens, or curtains to protect employees in the vicinity from the direct rays and sparks of the arc.

(ii) Employees in areas not protected from the arc by screening shall be protected by appropriate filter lenses in accordance with subsection (8) of this section. When welders are exposed to their own arc or to each other's arc, they shall wear filter lenses complying with the requirements of subsection (8) of this section.

(i) The control apparatus of arc welding machines shall be enclosed, except for operating wheels, levers, and handles.

(j) Input power terminals, top change devices and live metal parts connected to input circuits shall be enclosed and accessible only by means of insulated tools.

(k) When arc welding is performed in wet or high-humidity conditions, employees shall use additional protection, such as rubber pads or boots, against electric shock.

(6) Ventilation and employee protection in welding, cutting and heating.

(a) Mechanical ventilation requirements. The employer shall ensure that general mechanical ventilation or local exhaust systems shall meet the following requirements:

(i) General mechanical ventilation shall maintain vapors, fumes and smoke below a hazardous level;

(ii) Local exhaust ventilation shall consist of movable hoods positioned close to the work and shall be of such capacity and arrangement as to keep breathing zone concentrations below hazardous levels;

(iii) Exhausts from working spaces shall be discharged into the open air, clear of intake air sources;

(iv) Replacement air shall be clean and respirable; and

(v) Oxygen shall not be used for ventilation, cooling or cleaning clothing or work areas.

(b) Hot work in confined spaces. Except as specified in (c)(ii) and (iii) of this subsection, when hot work is performed in a confined space the employer shall, in addition to the requirements of chapter 296-62 WAC, Part M, ensure that:

(i) General mechanical or local exhaust ventilations shall be provided; or

(ii) Employees in the space shall wear ((supplied air)) respirators in accordance with ((WAC 296-62-071 et seq. and a standby observer on the outside shall maintain communication with employees inside the space and shall be equipped and prepared to provide emergency aid)) chapter 296-62 WAC, Part E.

(c) Welding, cutting or heating of toxic metals.

(i) In confined or enclosed spaces, hot work involving the following metals shall only be performed with general mechanical or local exhaust ventilation that ensures that employees are not exposed to hazardous levels of fumes:

(A) Lead base metals;

(B) Cadmium-bearing filler materials; and

(C) Chromium-bearing metals or metals coated with chromium-bearing materials.

(ii) In confined or enclosed spaces, hot work involving the following metals shall only be performed with local exhaust ventilation meeting the requirements of this subsection or by employees wearing supplied air respirators in accordance with chapter 296-62 WAC, Part E;

(A) Zinc-bearing base or filler metals or metals coated with zinc-bearing materials;

(B) Metals containing lead other than as an impurity, or coated with lead-bearing materials;

(C) Cadmium-bearing or cadmium-coated base metals; and

(D) Metals coated with mercury-bearing materials.

(iii) Employees performing hot work in confined or enclosed spaces involving beryllium-containing base or filler metals shall be protected by local exhaust ventilation and wear supplied air respirators or self-contained breathing apparatus, in accordance with the requirements of chapter 296-62 WAC, Part E.

(iv) The employer shall ensure that employees performing hot work in the open air that involves any of the metals listed in (c)(i) and (ii) of this subsection shall be protected by respirators in accordance with the requirements of chapter 296-62 WAC, Part E and those working on beryllium-containing base or filler metals shall be protected by supplied air respirators, in accordance with the requirements of chapter 296-62 WAC, Part E.

(v) Any employee exposed to the same atmosphere as the welder or burner shall be protected by the same type of respiratory and other protective equipment as that worn by the welder or burner.

(d) Inert-gas metal-arc welding. Employees shall not engage in and shall not be exposed to the inert-gas metal-arc welding process unless the following precautions are taken:

(i) Chlorinated solvents shall not be used within two hundred feet (61 m) of the exposed arc. Surfaces prepared with chlorinated solvents shall be thoroughly dry before welding is performed on them.

(ii) Employees in areas not protected from the arc by screening shall be protected by appropriate filter lenses in accordance with the requirements of subsection (8) of this section. When welders are exposed to their own arc or to each other's arc, filter lenses complying with the requirements of subsection (8) of this section shall be worn to protect against flashes and radiant energy.

(iii) Employees exposed to radiation shall have their skin covered completely to prevent ultraviolet burns and damage. Helmets and hand shields shall not have leaks, openings or highly reflective surfaces.

(iv) Inert-gas metal-arc welding on stainless steel shall not be performed unless exposed employees are protected either by local exhaust ventilation or by wearing supplied air respirators in accordance with the requirements of chapter 296-62 WAC, Part E.

(7) Welding, cutting and heating on preservative coatings.

(a) Before hot work is commenced on surfaces covered by a preservative coating of unknown flammability, a test shall be made by a designated person to determine the coating's flammability. Preservative coatings shall be considered highly flammable when scrapings burn with extreme rapidity.

(b) Appropriate precaution shall be taken to prevent ignition of highly flammable hardened preservative coatings. Highly flammable coatings shall be stripped from the area to be heated. An uncoiled fire hose with fog nozzle, under pressure, shall be immediately available in the hot work area.

(c) Surfaces covered with preservative coatings shall be stripped for at least four inches (10.2 cm) from the area of heat application or employees shall be protected by supplied air respirators in accordance with the requirements of chapter 296-62 WAC.

(8) Protection against radiant energy.

(a) Employees shall be protected from radiant energy eye hazards by spectacles, cup goggles, helmets, hand shields or face shields with filter lenses complying with the requirements of this subsection.

(b) Filter lenses shall have an appropriate shade number, as indicated in Table G-1, for the work performed. Variations of one or two shade numbers are permissible to suit individual preferences.

(c) If filter lenses are used in goggles worn under the helmet, the shade numbers of both lenses equals the value shown in Table G-1 for the operation.

[Statutory Authority: Chapter 49.17 RCW. 95-04-007, § 296-56-60235, filed 1/18/95, effective 3/1/95. Statutory Authority: Chapter 49.17 RCW and RCW 49.17.040, [49.17].050 and [49.17].060. 92-22-067 (Order 92-06), § 296-56-60235, filed 10/30/92, effective 12/8/92. Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.040 and 49.17.050. 86-03-064 (Order 86-02), § 296-56-60235, filed 1/17/86; 85-10-004 (Order 85-09), § 296-56-60235, filed 4/19/85; 85-01-022 (Order 84-24), § 296-56-60235, filed 12/11/84.]

OTS-2525.1

AMENDATORY SECTION (Amending WSR 96-17-056, filed 8/20/96, effective 10/15/96)

WAC 296-78-665  Sanding machines. (1) Each belt sanding machine shall have both pulleys enclosed in such a manner as to guard the points where the belt runs onto the pulleys. The edges of the unused run of belt shall be enclosed or otherwise guarded from contact by employees.

(2) Each drum sanding machine shall be provided with a guard so arranged as to completely enclose the revolving drum except such portion required for the application of the material to be finished. Guards with hinges to facilitate the insertion of sandpaper may be installed. The exhaust hood may form part or all of this guard. When so used, the hood shall conform to the specifications as given under exhaust systems in WAC 296-78-710.

(3) All standard stationary sanding machines shall be provided with exhaust systems in conformity with the section of this code dealing with exhaust systems.

(4) All portable sanding machines shall be provided with means of removing excessive dust, or employees using equipment shall be provided with such necessary respiratory protective equipment as will conform to the requirements of the general occupational health standards, chapter 296-62 WAC, Part E.

(5) The requirements of WAC 296-24-16533, general safety and health standards, shall be applicable to sanding machines.

[Statutory Authority: Chapter 49.17 RCW. 96-17-056, § 296-78-665, filed 8/20/96, effective 10/15/96. Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.040, 49.17.050 and 49.17.240. 81-18-029 (Order 81-21), § 296-78-665, filed 8/27/81.]

AMENDATORY SECTION (Amending Order 81-21, filed 8/27/81)

WAC 296-78-71019  Exhaust systems. (1) Air requirements in buildings, where persons are habitually employed, shall meet the requirements of the general occupational health standard, WAC 296-62-100 through 296-62-11013.

(2) Where the natural ventilation is not sufficient to remove dust, fumes or vapors that create or constitute a hazard, additional means of removal shall be provided.

(3) All mills containing one or more machines whose operations create dust, shavings, chips or slivers during a period of time equal to or greater than one-fourth of the working day or shift, shall be equipped with a collecting system either continuous or automatic in action and of sufficient strength and capacity to thoroughly remove such refuse from the points of operation of the machines and the work areas.

(4) Each woodworking machine that creates dust, shavings, chips, or slivers shall be equipped with an exhaust or conveyor system located and adjusted to remove the maximum amount of refuse from the point of operation and immediate vicinity.

(5) Blower, collecting and exhaust systems shall be designed, constructed and maintained in accordance with American National Standards Z33.1 - 1961 (for the installation of blower and exhaust systems for dust, stock and vapor removal or conveying) and Z12.2 - 1962 (R1969) (code for the prevention of dust explosions in woodworking and wood flour manufacturing plants).

(6) Fans used for ventilating shall be of ample capacity, as evidenced by the performance schedules of the manufacturers, and shall be guarded when exposed to contact. Hoods, dust conveyors, dust collectors and other accessary equipment shall be large enough to insure free intake and discharge.

(7) The outlet or discharge of all ventilating equipment shall be so arranged that at no time will the dust, vapors, gases or other air borne impurities discharged, create or constitute a hazard.

(8) Where a hood is used to form a part or all of the guard required on a given machine, it shall be constructed of not less than ten U.S. gauge sheet metal, or if of cast iron it shall be not less than three-sixteenths inches in thickness.

(9) All exhaust pipes shall be of such construction and internal dimensions as to minimize the possibility of clogging. They shall be readily accessible for cleaning.

(10) All exhaust pipes shall empty into settling or dust chambers which shall effectively prevent the dust or refuse from entering any work area. Such settling or dust chambers shall be so designed and operated as to reduce to a minimum the danger of fire or dust explosions.

(11) In lieu of a general ventilating system, exhaust or blower units may be installed on the dust or fume producing machine, provided the required protection is secured thereby.

(12) When proper ventilation is not provided, and temporary hazardous conditions are therefore encountered, the employer shall furnish approved respiratory and visual equipment: Provided, however, That the exposure to such hazard shall not be for more than two hours duration. Protective measures and equipment shall meet the requirements of the general occupational health standard, ((WAC 296-62-070 through 296-62-09001)) chapter 296-62 WAC, Part E and the requirements of the general safety and health standard, WAC 296-24-081 through 296-24-08113.

(13) Provisions for the daily removal of refuse shall be made in all operations not required to have an exhaust system, or having refuse too heavy, or bulky, or otherwise unsuitable to be handled by an exhaust system.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.040, 49.17.050 and 49.17.240. 81-18-029 (Order 81-21), § 296-78-71019, filed 8/27/81.]

OTS-2590.1

AMENDATORY SECTION (Amending Order 81-19, filed 7/27/81)

WAC 296-62-071  Respiratory protection. ((This section contains the requirements to be followed when establishing a respiratory protection program.))

[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.040, 49.17.050 and 49.17.240. 81-16-016 (Order 81-19), § 296-62-071, filed 7/27/81.]

AMENDATORY SECTION (Amending Order 82-10, filed 3/30/82)

WAC 296-62-07101  ((Scope.)) To whom does chapter 296-62 WAC, Part E apply? ((This standard sets forth accepted practices when respiratory protection is used in controlling employee exposures to harmful air contaminants to comply with permissible exposure limits or to protect employees in oxygen-deficient atmospheres, or when respirators are utilized for emergency or rescue use.)) Chapter 296-62 WAC, Part E applies to all employers covered by WISHA.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.040 and 49.17.050. 82-08-026 (Order 82-10), § 296-62-07101, filed 3/30/82. Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.040, 49.17.050 and 49.17.240. 81-16-016 (Order 81-19), § 296-62-07101, filed 7/27/81.]

PERMISSIBLE PRACTICE

NEW SECTION

WAC 296-62-07102  When are you allowed to rely on respirators to protect employees from breathing contaminated air? In the control of those occupational diseases caused by breathing air contaminated with harmful dusts, fogs, fumes, mists, gases, smokes, sprays, vapors, or aerosols the goal must be to prevent atmospheric contamination. You must use, if feasible, accepted engineering control measures (for example, enclosure or confinement of the operation, general and local ventilation, and substitution of less toxic materials). When effective engineering controls are not feasible, or while they are being instituted, you must use respirators as required by chapter 296-62 WAC, Part E.

[]

EMPLOYER RESPONSIBILITIES

AMENDATORY SECTION (Amending Order 81-19, filed 7/27/81)

WAC 296-62-07103  ((Purpose.)) What are your responsibilities as an employer? ((The purpose of this standard is to provide minimum performance requirements for the selection and use of respirators and the implementation of a respirator program.)) (1) You must provide respirators, when necessary, to protect the health of your employees against recognized hazards including any exposures in excess of the permissible exposure limit.

(2) You must provide NIOSH-certified respirators that are applicable and suitable for the purpose intended.

(3) You must make sure your employees use respirators when required or when otherwise necessary.

(4) You must establish and maintain a respiratory protection program that includes the requirements outlined in WAC 296-62-07111.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.040, 49.17.050 and 49.17.240. 81-16-016 (Order 81-19), § 296-62-07103, filed 7/27/81.]

DEFINITIONS

AMENDATORY SECTION (Amending WSR 95-04-007, filed 1/18/95, effective 3/1/95)

WAC 296-62-07105  Definitions. ((Abrasive-blasting respirator. See "respirator." A respirator designed to protect the wearer against inhalation of abrasive material and against impact and abrasion from rebounding abrasive material.

Accepted. Reviewed and listed as satisfactory for a specified use by the director or his or her designee.

Aerodynamic diameter. The diameter of a unit density sphere having the same settling velocity as the particle in question of whatever shape and density.)) The following definitions are important terms used in this part.

Aerosol((. A system consisting of particles, solid or liquid, suspended in air.

Air-line respirator. See "respirator.")) means a suspension of liquid or solid particles in air.

Air-purifying respirator((. See "respirator."

Air-regulating valve. An adjustable valve used to regulate, but which cannot completely shut off the airflow to the facepiece, helmet, hood, or suit of an air-line respirator.

Air-supply device. A hand- or motor-operated blower for the hose mask, or a compressor or other source of respirable air for the air-line respirator.

Approved. Tested and listed as satisfactory by the Bureau of Mines (BM) of the U.S. Department of Interior, or jointly by the Mining Enforcement and Safety Administration (MESA) of the U.S. Department of Interior and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, or jointly by the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) of the U.S. Department of Labor and NIOSH under the provisions of Title 30, Code of Federal Regulations, Part 11.

Bioassay. A determination of the concentration of a substance in a human body by an analysis of urine, feces, blood, bone, or tissue.

Breathing tube. A tube through which air or oxygen flows to the facepiece, mouthpiece, helmet, hood, or suit)) means a respirator with an air-purifying filter, cartridge, or canister that removes specific air contaminants by passing ambient air through the air-purifying element.

Assigned protection factor (APF) is a measure of the degree of protection provided by a respirator to the wearer. It describes the ratio of the ambient concentration of an airborne substance to the concentration of the substance inside the respirator at the breathing zone of the wearer.

Atmosphere-supplying respirator means a respirator that supplies the respirator user with breathing air from an uncontaminated source, and includes supplied-air respirators (SARs) and self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) units.

Canister or cartridge (air-purifying)((.)) means a container with a filter, sorbent, or catalyst, or any combination ((thereof)) of these materials, which removes specific contaminants from the air drawn through it.

Canister (oxygen-generating)((.)) means a container filled with a chemical ((which)) that generates oxygen by chemical reaction.

((Carcinogen. A substance known to produce cancer in some individuals following a latent period (for example: Asbestos, Chromates, radioactive particulates).

Cartridge (air-purifying). A small canister.

Catalyst. In respirator use, a substance which converts a toxic gas (or vapor) into a less-toxic gas (or vapor).

Ceiling concentration. The concentration of an airborne substance that shall not be exceeded.

Chemical-cartridge respirator. See respirator.

Contaminant. A harmful, irritating, or nuisance material that is foreign to the normal atmosphere.

Corrective lens. A lens ground to the wearer's individual corrective prescription to permit normal visual acuity.

Demand. A type of self-contained breathing apparatus or type of air-line respirator which functions due to the negative pressure created by inhalation (i.e., air flow into the facepiece on "demand").

Detachable coupling. A device which permits the respirator wearer, without using hand tools, to detach the air-supply line from that part of the respirator worn on the person.)) Demand respirator means an atmosphere-supplying respirator that admits breathing air to the facepiece only when suction is created inside the facepiece by inhalation.

Dust means a solid, mechanically-produced particle with sizes varying from submicroscopic to visible. See WAC 296-62-07001(1).

((Emergency respirator use. Wearing a respirator when a hazardous atmosphere suddenly occurs that requires immediate use of a respirator either for escape from the hazardous atmosphere or for entry into the hazardous atmosphere.

Exhalation valve. A device that allows exhaled air to leave a respirator and prevents outside air from entering through the valve.

Eyepiece. A gas-tight, transparent window(s) in a full facepiece, helmet, hood, or suit, through which the wearer may see.

Facepiece. That portion of a respirator that covers the wearer's nose and mouth in quarter-mask (above the chin) or half-mask (under the chin) facepiece or that covers the nose, mouth, and eyes in a full facepiece. It is designed to make a gas-tight or particle-tight fit with the face and includes the headbands, exhalation valve(s), and connections for an air-purifying device or respirable gas source, or both.

Face shield. A device worn in front of the eyes and a portion of, or all of, the face, whose predominant function is protection of the eyes and the face.

Fibrosis-producing dust. Dust which, when inhaled, deposited, and retained in the lungs, may produce findings of fibrotic growth that may cause pulmonary disease.)) Emergency situation means any occurrence that may or does result in an uncontrolled significant release of an airborne contaminant. Causes of emergency situations include, but are not limited to, equipment failure, rupture of containers, or failure of control equipment.

Employee exposure means exposure to a concentration of an airborne contaminant that would occur if the employee were not using respiratory protection.

End-of-service-life indicator (ESLI) means a system that warns the respirator user of the approach of the end of adequate respiratory protection: For example, that the sorbent is approaching saturation or is no longer effective.

Escape-only respirator means a respirator intended to be used only for emergency exit.

Filter((. A media)) or air-purifying element means a component used in respirators to remove solid or liquid ((particles from the inspired air)) aerosols from the air when it is breathed.

((Filter respirator. See respirator.)) Filtering facepiece (dust mask) means a negative pressure particulate respirator with a filter as an integral part of the facepiece or with the entire facepiece composed of the filtering medium.

Fit factor means a quantitative estimate of the fit of a particular respirator to a specific individual, and typically estimates the ratio between the measured concentration of a substance in ambient air to its concentration inside the respirator when worn.

Fit test means the use of an accepted protocol to qualitatively or quantitatively evaluate the fit of a respirator on an individual (see also Qualitative fit test QLFT and Quantitative fit test QNFT).

Fog((.)) means a mist of sufficient concentration to perceptibly obscure vision.

Full facepiece((. See facepiece)) means a respirator that covers the wearer's nose, mouth, and eyes.

Fume means a solid condensation particle of extremely small particle size, generally less than one micrometer in diameter. See WAC 296-62-07001(2).

((Gas. An aeriform fluid which is in the gaseous state at ordinary temperature and pressure.

Gas mask. See respirator.

Goggle. A device, with contour-shaped eyecups with glass or plastic lenses, worn over eyes and held in place by a headband or other suitable means for the protection of the eyes and eye sockets.))

Half((-mask)) facepiece((. See facepiece)) means a respirator that covers the wearer's nose and mouth.

((Hazardous atmosphere. Any atmosphere, either immediately or not immediately dangerous to life or health, which is oxygen deficient or which contains a toxic or disease-producing contaminant.

Head harness. That part of a facepiece assembly which secures the facepiece to the wearer.))

Helmet((. That)) means the rigid portion of a respirator ((which shields the eyes, face, neck, and other parts of the head)) that also provides protection against impact or penetration.

High-efficiency filter((.)) means a filter ((which)) that removes from air 99.97% or more of monodisperse dioctyl phthalate (DOP) particles having a mean particle diameter of 0.3 micrometer.

Hood((. That)) means the portion of a respirator ((which)) that completely covers the head((,)) and neck((, and portions of the shoulders)); may also cover portions of the shoulders and torso.

((Hose mask. See respirator.))

Immediately dangerous to life or health (IDLH)((. Any)) means an atmosphere that poses an immediate ((hazard to life or produces immediate irreversible debilitating effects on health.

Inhalation valve. A device that allows respirable air to enter a respirator and prevents exhaled air from leaving the respirator through the valve.

Irrespirable. Unfit for breathing.

Maximum use limit of filter, cartridge, or canister. The maximum concentration of a contaminant for which an air-purifying filter, cartridge, or canister is approved for use)) threat to life, would cause irreversible adverse health effects, or would impair an individual's ability to escape from a dangerous atmosphere.

Loose-fitting facepiece means a respiratory inlet covering that is designed to form a partial seal with the face.

Mist means a liquid condensation particle with sizes ranging from submicroscopic to visible. See WAC 296-62-07001(4).

((Mouthpiece. That portion of a respirator which is held in the wearer's mouth and is connected to an air-purifying device or respirable gas source, or both. It is designed to make a gas-tight or particle-tight fit with the mouth.

MPCa. Maximum permissible airborne concentration. These concentrations are set by the National Committee on Radiation Protection. They are recommended maximum average concentrations of radionuclides to which a worker may be exposed, assuming that he/she works 8 hours a day, 5 days a week, and 50 weeks a year.))

Negative pressure respirator((. A)) means a tight-fitting respirator in which the air pressure inside the ((respiratory-inlet covering is positive during exhalation in relation to the air pressure of the outside atmosphere and negative during inhalation in relation to the air pressure of the outside atmosphere)) facepiece is lower than the ambient air pressure outside the respirator during inhalation.

Nonroutine respirator use((.)) means wearing a respirator when carrying out a special task that occurs infrequently.

((Nose clamp. A device used with a respirator equipped with a mouthpiece that closes the nostrils of the wearer (sometimes called a nose clip).

Not immediately dangerous to life or health. Any hazardous atmosphere which may produce physical discomfort immediately, chronic poisoning after repeated exposure, or acute adverse physiological symptoms after prolonged exposure.))

Odor threshold limit((.)) means the lowest concentration of a contaminant in air that can be detected by ((the olfactory sense)) smell.

Oxygen ((deficiency - immediately dangerous to life or health. An atmosphere which causes an oxygen partial pressure of 95 millimeters of mercury column or less or has less than 12.5% by volume in the freshly inspired air in the upper portion of the lungs which is saturated with water vapor.

Oxygen deficiency - not immediately dangerous to life or health. An atmosphere having an oxygen concentration below the minimum legal requirement of 19.5% by volume or has a partial pressure of oxygen of 148 millimeters of mercury for respirable air at sea-level conditions, but above that which is immediately dangerous to life or health)) deficient atmosphere means an atmosphere with an oxygen content below 19.5% by volume.

Particulate ((matter. A suspension of fine)) means a solid or liquid ((particles in air,)) aerosol such as(()): dust, fog, fume, mist, smoke, or spray. ((Particulate matter suspended in air is commonly known as an aerosol.))

Permissible exposure limit (PEL)((.)) means the legally established time-weighted average (TWA) concentration or ceiling concentration of a contaminant that ((shall)) must not be exceeded.

((Permit-required confined space. See chapter 296-62 WAC, Part M.

Pneumoconiosis-producing dust. Dust which, when inhaled, deposited, and retained in the lungs, may produce signs, symptoms, and findings of pulmonary disease.)) Physician or other licensed health care professional (PLHCP) means an individual whose legally permitted scope of practice (for example, license, registration, or certification) allows him or her to independently provide, or be delegated the responsibility to provide, some or all of the health care services required in WAC 296-62-07150 through 296-62-07156.

Positive-pressure respirator((.)) means a respirator in which the air pressure inside the respiratory-inlet covering ((is positive in relation to the air pressure of the outside atmosphere during exhalation and inhalation)) exceeds the ambient air pressure outside the respirator.

Powered air-purifying respirator((. See respirator)) (PAPR) means an air-purifying respirator that uses a blower to force the ambient air through air-purifying elements to the inlet covering.

Pressure demand((. Similar to a demand type respirator but so designed to maintain positive pressure in the facepiece at all times.

Protection factor. The ratio of the ambient concentration of an airborne substance to the concentration of the substance inside the respirator at the breathing zone of the wearer. The protection factor is a measure of the degree of protection provided by a respirator to the wearer. As used herein, a protection factor is synonymous with the fit factor assigned to a respirator facepiece by the use of qualitative and quantitative fitting tests.

Rescue respirator use. Wearing a respirator for entry into a hazardous atmosphere to rescue a person(s) in the hazardous atmosphere.

Resistance. Opposition to the flow of air, as through a canister, cartridge, particulate filter, orifice, valve, or hose)) respirator means a positive pressure atmosphere-supplying respirator that admits breathing air to the facepiece when the positive pressure is reduced inside the facepiece by inhalation or leakage.

Qualitative fit test (QLFT) means a pass/fail fit test that relies on the individual's response to the test agent to assess the adequacy of respirator fit for an individual.

Quantitative fit test (QNFT) means an assessment of the adequacy of respirator fit for an individual by numerically measuring the amount of leakage into the respirator.

Respirable((.)) means air that is suitable for breathing.

Respirator((.)) means a device designed to protect the wearer from ((the inhalation of)) breathing harmful atmospheres.

Respiratory-inlet covering((.)) means that portion of a respirator ((which connects the wearer's respiratory tract to an air-purifying device or respirable gas)) that forms the protective barrier between the user's respiratory tract and an air-purifying device or breathing air source, or both. It may be a facepiece, helmet, hood, suit, or mouthpiece((/)) respirator with nose clamp.

((Routine respirator use. Wearing a respirator as a normal procedure when carrying out a regular and frequently repeated task.

Sanitization. The removal of dirt and the inhibiting of the action of agents that cause infection or disease.))

Self-contained breathing apparatus((. See respirator)) (SCBA) means an atmosphere-supplying respirator for which the breathing air source is designed to be carried by the user.

Service life((.)) means the period of time that a respirator, filter or sorbent, or other respiratory equipment provides adequate protection to the wearer(( - )). For example, the period of time that an air-purifying device is effective for removing a harmful substance from ((inspired)) air when it is breathed.

Smoke((.)) means a system ((which)) that includes the products of combustion, pyrolysis, or chemical reaction of substances in the form of visible and invisible solid and liquid particles and gaseous products in air. Smoke is usually of sufficient concentration to perceptibly obscure vision.

Sorbent((. A)) is the material ((which is)) contained in a cartridge or canister ((and which)) that removes toxic gases and vapors from the inhaled air.

Spray((.)) means a liquid, mechanically-produced particle with sizes generally in the visible ((or macroscopic range)).

Supplied-air respirator((. See respirator.

Supplied-air suit. A suit that is impermeable to most particulate and gaseous contaminants and that is provided with an adequate supply of respirable air)) (SAR) or airline respirator means an atmosphere-supplying respirator for which the source of breathing air is drawn from a separate, stationary system or an uncontaminated environment.

Tight-fitting facepiece means a respiratory inlet covering that forms a complete seal with the face.

Time-weighted average (TWA)((.)) means the average concentration of a contaminant in air during a specific time period.

User seal check means an action conducted by the respirator user to determine if the respirator is properly seated to the face.

Valve (air or oxygen)((. A device which)) means a device that controls the pressure, direction, or rate of flow of air or oxygen.

((Vapor. The gaseous state of a substance that is solid or liquid at ordinary temperature and pressure.

Welding helmet. A device designed to provide protection for the eyes and face against intense radiant energy and molten metal splatter encountered in the welding and cutting of metals.))

Window indicator((.)) means a device on a cartridge or canister that visually denotes the service life of the cartridge or canister.

You means the employer or the employer's designee except in WAC 296-62-07117(2) "Important Information About Voluntary Use of Respirators" when you refers to the employee.

Your refers to the employer or the employer's designee except in WAC 296-62-07117(2) "Important Information About Voluntary Use of Respirators" when your refers to the employee.

[Statutory Authority: Chapter 49.17 RCW. 95-04-007, § 296-62-07105, filed 1/18/95, effective 3/1/95; 94-15-096 (Order 94-07), § 296-62-07105, filed 7/20/94, effective 9/20/94; 93-19-142 (Order 93-04), § 296-62-07105, filed 9/22/93, effective 11/1/93; 91-24-017 (Order 91-07), § 296-62-07105, filed 11/22/91, effective 12/24/91. RCW 49.17.040, 49.17.050 and 49.17.240. 81-16-016 (Order 81-19), § 296-62-07105, filed 7/27/81.]

RESPIRATORY PROTECTION PROGRAM

AMENDATORY SECTION (Amending Order 90-01, filed 4/10/90, effective 5/25/90)

WAC 296-62-07107  ((Permissible practice.)) When is a respiratory protection program required? (((1) In the control of those occupational diseases caused by breathing air contaminated with harmful dusts, fumes, sprays, mists, fogs, smokes, vapors, gases, or other airborne contaminants, the primary objective shall be to prevent atmospheric contamination. When effective administrative or engineering controls are not feasible, or while they are being instituted or evaluated, appropriate respirators shall be used pursuant to the following requirements.

(2) Employer responsibility.

(a) Respirators shall be provided at no cost to an employee by the employer and the employer shall ensure the use of such equipment when such equipment is necessary to protect the health of the employee.

(b) The employer shall provide respirators which are applicable and suitable for the purpose intended.

(c) The employer shall be responsible for the establishment and maintenance of a respiratory protection program which shall minimally include the general requirements outlined in WAC 296-62-07109.

(3) Employee responsibility. The employee shall use the provided respiratory protection in accordance with instructions and training received. The employee shall notify a responsible person of any defect.)) In any workplace where respirators are necessary to protect the health of the employee or whenever you require respirator use, you must develop and implement a written respiratory protection program with required worksite-specific procedures and specifications for required respirator use. Upon request, you must provide the director's representative a copy of your written respiratory protection program.

Note: OSHA's Small Entity Compliance Guide contains criteria for the selection of a program administrator and a sample program that meets the requirements of this paragraph. Copies of the Small Entity Compliance Guide will be available from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration's Office of Publications, Room N 3101, 200 Constitution Avenue, NW, Washington, DC, 20210 (202-219-4667).

[Statutory Authority: Chapters 49.17 RCW. 90-09-026 (Order 90-01), § 296-62-07107, filed 4/10/90, effective 5/25/90. Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.040 and 49.17.050. 82-03-023 (Order 82-1), § 296-62-07107, filed 1/15/82. Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.040, 49.17.050 and 49.17.240. 81-16-016 (Order 81-19), § 296-62-07107, filed 7/27/81.]

AMENDATORY SECTION (Amending Order 82-22, filed 6/11/82)

WAC 296-62-07109  ((Minimal acceptable respirator program.)) When must you update your written respiratory protection program? (((1) Standard operating procedures. Written standard operating procedures covering a complete respirator program shall be established and implemented in conformance with subsections (2) through (15) of this section. The employer shall, upon request, submit a copy of the written standard operating procedures to the director.

(2) Program administration. Responsibility and authority for the respirator program shall be assigned to a single person. This program administrator shall have sufficient knowledge of respiratory protection to properly supervise the respirator program.

(3) Physiological and psychological limitations for respirator wearers. The respirator program administrator or his or her designee, using guidelines established by a physician, shall determine whether or not a person may be assigned to a task requiring the use of a respirator. Persons with physical disabilities such as, but not limited to, respiratory impairments, or claustrophobia when wearing a respirator, shall not be assigned to tasks requiring the use of respirators unless it has been determined by a qualified physician that they are physically able to perform the work and use the equipment. All respirator user's medical status should be reviewed annually.

(4) Approved or accepted respirators shall be used. Any modification of an approved respirator that is not authorized by the approving agencies voids the approval.

(5) Respirator selection. Respirators shall be selected on the basis of the hazards to which the worker is exposed. (See WAC 296-62-07113)

(6) Training. Each worker required to wear a respirator shall be given training such that he or she is knowledgeable and proficient with respect to the respirator to be worn. Refresher training shall be given at least annually.

(7) Respirator fit. Each respirator wearer shall be fitted in accordance with WAC 296-62-07113. Each wearer of a respirator equipped with a facepiece shall check the seal of the respirator by appropriate means. This may be done by using procedures recommended by the respirator manufacturer.

(8) Facial hair, contact lenses, and eye and face protective devices. A negative pressure respirator, any self-contained breathing apparatus, or any respirator which is used in an atmosphere immediately dangerous to life or health (IDLH), equipped with a facepiece shall not be worn if facial hair comes between the sealing periphery of the facepiece and the face or if facial hair interferes with valve function. The wearer of a respirator shall not be allowed to wear contact lenses if the risk of eye damage is increased by their use. If a spectacle, goggle, face shield, or welding helmet must be worn with a facepiece, it shall be worn so as not to adversely affect the seal of the facepiece to the face. (See WAC 296-62-07115(3).)

(9) Issue of respirators. The proper type of respirator for each respiratory hazard shall be listed in the written standard operating procedures.

(10) Respirator inspection. The respirator shall be inspected by the wearer prior to each use to ensure that it is in proper working condition. Each respirator stored for emergency or rescue use shall be inspected at least once a month. (See WAC 296-62-07115 and 296-62-07117.)

(11) Monitoring respirator use. Supervisory personnel shall periodically monitor the use of respirators to ensure that they are worn properly. (See WAC 296-62-07115(7).)

(12) Evaluating respiratory hazard. Appropriate surveillance of work area conditions and degree of employee exposure or stress shall be maintained. (See WAC 296-62-07115(8).)

(13) Medical and bioassay surveillance. When appropriate, medical surveillance, including bioassay, shall be carried out to determine if respirator wearers are receiving adequate respiratory protection. A physician shall determine the requirements of the surveillance program.

(14) Respirator maintenance. Respirator maintenance shall be performed regularly. Maintenance shall be carried out on a schedule which ensures that each respirator wearer is provided with a respirator that is clean and in good operating condition. Maintenance shall include: (a) Washing, sanitizing, rinsing, and drying, (b) inspection for defects, (c) replacement of worn or deteriorated parts, (d) repair if necessary, and (e) storage to protect against dust, sunlight, excessive heat, extreme cold, excessive moisture, damaging chemicals, and physical damage. (See WAC 296-62-07117.)

(15) Respirator program evaluation. An appraisal of the effectiveness of the respirator program shall be carried out at least annually. Action shall be taken to correct defects found in the program.)) The program must be updated as necessary to reflect those changes in workplace conditions that may affect respirator use.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.040 and 49.17.050. 82-13-045 (Order 82-22), § 296-62-07109, filed 6/11/82; 82-03-023 (Order 82-1), § 296-62-07109, filed 1/15/82. Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.040, 49.17.050 and 49.17.240. 81-16-016 (Order 81-19), § 296-62-07109, filed 7/27/81.]

AMENDATORY SECTION (Amending Order 81-19, filed 7/27/81)

WAC 296-62-07111  ((Respirable air and oxygen for self-contained breathing apparatus and supplied air respirators.)) What must be included in your written respiratory protection program? ((Compressed gaseous air, compressed gaseous oxygen, liquid air, and liquid oxygen used for respiration shall be of high purity. Compressed gaseous or liquid oxygen shall meet the requirements of the United States Pharmacopeia for medical or breathing oxygen. Chemically generated oxygen shall meet the requirements of U.S. Department of Defense Military Specification MIL-E-83252 or Military Specification MIL-O-15633c. Compressed gaseous air shall meet at least the requirements of the specification for Type I - Grade D breathing air, and liquid air shall meet at least the requirements for Type II - Grade B breathing air as described in American National Standard Commodity Specification for Air, ANSI Z86.1-1973 (Compressed Gas Association Commodity Specification for Air, G-7.1, 1973).

(1) Compressed gaseous air may contain low concentrations of oil. If high-pressure oxygen passes through an oil- or grease-coated orifice, an explosion or fire may occur. Therefore, compressed gaseous oxygen shall not be used in supplied-air respirators or in open-circuit-type self-contained breathing apparatus that have previously used compressed air.

(2) Breathing air may be supplied to respirators from cylinders or air compressors. Cylinders shall be tested and maintained in accordance with applicable department of transportation specifications for shipping containers (Title 49, Code of Federal Regulations, Part 173, General Requirements for Shipments and Packagings, and Part 178, Shipping Container Specifications). A compressor shall be constructed and situated so as to avoid entry of contaminated air into the air-supply system and shall be equipped with a suitable in-line particulate filter followed by a bed of activated charcoal and, if necessary, a moisture adsorber to further assure breathing air quality. These filters should be placed before any receiver and after the discharge in the compressor. If an oil-lubricated compressor is used, it shall be equipped with a carbon monoxide alarm or an equally as effective alternative if approved by the department.

(a) If a carbon monoxide alarm is used, it shall be calibrated to activate at or below 20 parts per million carbon monoxide at least once per month. A calibration and maintenance log shall be kept and shall be available for review and copying by the director or his or her designee. The log shall identify the test method, date, time of test, results, and the name of the person performing the test. The log shall be retained for at least one year from the date of the test.

(b) If the use of an alarm at the compressor will not effectively provide warning to the respirator wearer of a carbon monoxide problem, a remote alarm or other means of warning the wearer shall be used.

(3) Breathing air couplings shall be incompatible with outlets for nonrespirable plant air or other gas systems to prevent inadvertent servicing of air-line respirators with nonrespirable gases.

(4) Breathing gas containers shall be marked in accordance with American National Standard Method of Marking Portable Compressed Gas Containers to Identify the Material Contained, ANSI Z48.1-1954 (R1971); Federal Specification BB-A-1034a, June 21, 1968, Air, Compressed for Breathing Purposes; or Interim Federal Specification GG-B-675d, September 23, 1976, Breathing Apparatus, Self-Contained. Further details on sources of compressed air and its safe use will be found in Compressed Gas Association Pamphlet G-7, 1976, Compressed Air for Human Respiration.)) Include the following provision in your written program, as applicable:

(1) Procedures for selecting respirators for use in the workplace and a list identifying the proper type of respirator based on the respiratory hazards for each employee (see WAC 296-62-07130 through 296-62-07133);

(2) Medical evaluations of employees required to use respirators (see WAC 296-62-07150 through 296-62-07156);

(3) Fit testing procedures for tight-fitting respirators (see WAC 296-62-07160 through 296-62-07162, and WAC 296-62-07201 through 296-62-07248, Appendices A-1, A-2, and A-3);

(4) Procedures for proper use of respirators in routine tasks, nonroutine tasks, reasonably foreseeable emergency and rescue situations (see WAC 296-62-07170 through 296-62-07172);

(5) Procedures for issuing the proper type of respirator based on the respiratory hazards for each employee (see WAC 296-62-07150 through 296-62-07156, WAC 296-62-07160 through 296-62-07162);

(6) Procedures and schedules for cleaning, disinfecting, storing, inspecting, repairing, discarding, and otherwise maintaining respirators (see WAC 296-62-07175 through 296-62-07179 and WAC 296-62-07253);

(7) Procedures to make sure adequate air quality, quantity, and flow of breathing air for atmosphere-supplying respirators (see WAC 296-62-07182);

(8) Training of employees in the respiratory hazards to which they are potentially exposed during routine, nonroutine, and unforeseeable emergency and rescue situations (see WAC 296-62-07117, 296-62-07172, and 296-62-07186 through 296-62-07190);

(9) Training of employees in the proper use of respirators, including putting on and removing them, any limitations on their use, and their maintenance (see WAC 296-62-07117, 296-62-07170 through 296-62-07179, WAC 296-62-07251, and 296-62-07253); and

(10) Procedures for regularly evaluating the effectiveness of the program (see WAC 296-62-07192).

[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.040, 49.17.050 and 49.17.240. 81-16-016 (Order 81-19), § 296-62-07111, filed 7/27/81.]

AMENDATORY SECTION (Amending WSR 97-19-014, filed 9/5/97, effective 11/5/97)

WAC 296-62-07113  ((Selection of respirators.)) What are the requirements for a program administrator? (((1) General considerations. Proper selection of respirators shall be made in accordance with the classification, capabilities, and limitations listed in tables I through IV of this section. Additional guidance may be obtained by referring to American National Standard Practices for Respiratory Protection Z88.2 - 1980.

(2) Respirator protection factor (PF). Respirators shall be selected according to the characteristics of the hazards involved, the capabilities and limitations of the respirators, and the ability of each respirator wearer to obtain a satisfactory fit with a respirator. Taking into account the capabilities and limitations of respirators and the results of respirator-fitting tests, a table of respirator protection factors has been prepared (see Table V). A respirator protection factor is a measure of the degree of protection provided by a respirator to a wearer. Multiplying either (a) the permissible time-weighted average concentration or the permissible ceiling concentration, whichever is applicable, for a toxic substance, or (b) the maximum permissible airborne concentration for a radionuclide by a protection factor assigned to a respirator gives the maximum concentration of the hazardous substance in which the respirator can be used. Limitations of filters, cartridges, and canisters also shall be considered (see Table V).

(3) Respirator-fitting tests. A qualitative or quantitative respirator-fitting test shall be used to determine the ability of each individual respirator wearer to obtain a satisfactory fit with a negative-pressure respirator. The results of qualitative or quantitative respirator fitting-tests shall be used to select specific types, makes, and models of negative-pressure respirators for use by individual respirator wearers. A respirator-fitting test shall be carried out for each wearer of a negative-pressure respirator equipped with a facepiece. Respirator-fitting tests shall not be required for positive-pressure respirators or for mouthpiece respirators.

(a) Qualitative respirator-fitting test - A person wearing a respirator is exposed to an irritant smoke, an odorous vapor, or other suitable test agent. An air-purifying respirator must be equipped with an air-purifying element(s) which effectively removes the test agent from inspired air. If the respirator wearer is unable to detect penetration of the test agent into the respirator, the respirator wearer has achieved a satisfactory fit with the respirator.

(b) Quantitative respirator-fitting test - A person wears a respirator in a test atmosphere containing a test agent in the form of an aerosol, vapor, or gas. Instrumentation, which samples the test atmosphere and the air inside the respiratory-inlet covering of the respirator, is used to measure quantitatively the penetration of the test agent into the respiratory-inlet covering.

(c) When carrying out a qualitative or quantitative respirator-fitting test, the respirator wearer shall carry out a series of exercises which simulate work movements.

(d) When carrying out respirator-fitting tests, it shall be an acceptable procedure to make the following modifications to respirators provided that such modifications do not affect the seal of the respirators to wearers.

(i) When carrying out a qualitative or quantitative respirator-fitting test which uses an aerosol as the test agent, it shall be acceptable procedure to equip an air-purifying respirator with a high-efficiency filter.

(ii) When carrying out a qualitative or quantitative respirator-fitting test which uses a vapor or gas as the test agent, it shall be acceptable procedure to equip an air-purifying respirator with an appropriate cartridge or canister which removes the vapor or gas from air.

(iii) When carrying out a quantitative respirator-fitting test, it shall be acceptable procedure to attach a sampling probe to the respirator which is connected by flexible tubing to an instrument which measures the penetration of the test agent into the respirator.

(e) If a qualitative respirator-fitting test has been used in respirator selection, a person shall be allowed to use only the specific make(s) and model(s) of respirator(s) for which the person obtained a satisfactory fit, and the respirator protection factor listed under "qualitative test" in Table V shall apply. Under no circumstances shall a person be allowed to use any respirator for which the results of the qualitative respirator fitting test indicate that the person is unable to obtain a satisfactory fit.

(f) If a quantitative respirator-fitting test has been used in selecting a respirator, the test results shall be used to assign a respirator protection factor to each person for each specific make and model of respirator tested. The assigned respirator protection factor shall be applied when the person wears the specific respirator in a hazardous atmosphere, but it shall not exceed the respirator protection factor listed under "quantitative test" in table V for the particular type of respirator.

(4) Respirator-fitting test records. Records of respirator-fitting tests shall be kept for at least the duration of employment. These records shall include the following information:

(a) Type of respirator-fitting test used;

(b) Specific make and model of respirator tested;

(c) Name of person tested;

(d) Name of test operator;

(e) Date of test;

(f) Results of respirator-fitting tests;

(i) Success or failure of person to obtain satisfactory fit if a qualitative respirator-fitting test was carried out.

(ii) Respirator protection factor based upon test results if a quantitative respirator-fitting test was carried out.

(5) Face dimensions and facepiece sizes. The wide range of face dimensions may require more than a single size of respirator facepiece to provide a proper fit to all respirator users. Therefore, respirator facepieces of more than one size should be available in any respirator-selection program involving respirators equipped with facepieces.

Table 1

Classification of Respiratory Hazards According to Their Biological Effect

NOTE 1: See definition in WAC 296-62-07105 for "oxygen deficiency - not immediately dangerous to life or health" and "oxygen deficiency - immediately dangerous to life or health."

Table 2

Classification of Respiratory Hazards According to

Their Properties Which Influence Respirator Selection

Table 3

Classification and Description of Respirators by Mode of Operation

Table 4

Capabilities and Limitations of Respirators

Table 5

Respirator Protection Factors^a

Note: Respirator protection factors for air-purifying-type respirators equipped with a mouthpiece/nose clamp form of respirator-inlet covering are not given, since such respirators are approved only for escape purposes.))

You must designate a program administrator qualified by training or experience appropriate to the needs of your program to:

(1) Oversee the respiratory protection program; and

(2) Conduct the required evaluations of program effectiveness.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.040, [49.17.]050 and [49.17.]060. 97-19-014, § 296-62-07113, filed 9/5/97, effective 11/5/97. Statutory Authority: Chapter 49.17 RCW. 91-24-017 (Order 91-07), § 296-62-07113, filed 11/22/91, effective 12/24/91; 88-14-108 (Order 88-11), § 296-62-07113, filed 7/6/88. Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.040, 49.17.050 and 49.17.240. 81-16-016 (Order 81-19), § 296-62-07113, filed 7/27/81.]

AMENDATORY SECTION (Amending Order 88-11, filed 7/6/88)

WAC 296-62-07115  ((Use of respirators.)) Who pays for the respirators, training, medical evaluations, and fit testing? (((1) Standard operating procedures. Written standard operating procedures shall cover a complete respirator program and shall include information necessary for the proper use of respirators, including training of respirator wearers, respirator sealing tests, issuance of respirators, inspection of respirators prior to use, monitoring respirator use, monitoring respiratory hazard, and planning for routine, nonroutine, emergency, and rescue uses of respirators.

(a) The written standard operating procedures shall include plans necessary to ensure the safe routine use and nonroutine use of respirators. Emergency and rescue uses of respirators shall be anticipated, and the written standard operating procedures shall include plans necessary to ensure the safe emergency and rescue uses of respirators. Persons who wear respirators routinely, who wear respirators nonroutinely, and who may be required to wear respirators for emergency and rescue work shall be given adequate information concerning plans covering these respirator uses to ensure the safe use of respirators.

(b) Standard operating procedures for emergency and rescue use of respirators. It is recognized that it is not possible to foresee every emergency and rescue use of respirators for every kind of operation. Nevertheless, a wide variety of possible conditions requiring the emergency or rescue use of respirators can be envisioned and an adequate emergency and rescue respirator-response capability can be achieved through a serious effort to anticipate the worst possible consequences of particular malfunctions or mishaps.

The written standard operating procedures governing the emergency and rescue uses of respirators shall be developed in the following manner:

(i) An analysis of the emergency and rescue uses of respirators that may occur in each operation shall be made by careful consideration of materials, equipment, processes, and personnel involved. Such an analysis shall be reviewed by the person who is thoroughly familiar with the particular operation. Consideration shall be given to past occurrences requiring emergency or rescue uses of respirators as well as conditions which resulted in such respirator applications. The possible consequences of equipment or power failures, uncontrolled chemical reactions, fire, explosion, or human error shall be given consideration. All potential hazards which may result in emergency or rescue use of respirators shall be listed.

(ii) Based upon the analysis, appropriate types of respirators shall be selected, an adequate number shall be provided for each area where they may be needed for emergency or rescue use, and these respirators shall be maintained and stored so that they are readily accessible and operational when needed.

(iii) In areas where the wearer, with failure of the respirator, could be overcome by a toxic or oxygen-deficient atmosphere, at least one additional person shall be present. Communications (visual, voice, or signal line) shall be maintained between both or all individuals present. Planning shall be such that one individual will be unaffected by any likely incident and have the proper rescue equipment to be able to assist the other(s) in case of emergency.

(iv) When self-contained breathing apparatus or airline respirators with an escape provision are used in atmospheres immediately dangerous to life or health, standby workers must be present at the nearest fresh air base with suitable rescue equipment.

(v) Persons using air line respirators in atmospheres immediately hazardous to life or health shall be equipped with safety harnesses and safety lines for lifting or removing persons from hazardous atmospheres or other and equivalent provisions for the rescue of persons from hazardous atmospheres shall be used. A standby worker or workers with suitable self-contained breathing apparatus shall be at the nearest fresh air base for emergency rescue.

(2) Training. The supervisor, the person issuing respirators, and the respirator wearers shall be given adequate training by a qualified person(s) to ensure the proper use of respirators. Written records shall be kept of the names of the persons trained and the dates when training occurred.

(a) Training of supervisor. A supervisor - that is, a person who has the responsibility of overseeing the work activities of one or more persons who must wear respirators - shall be given adequate training to ensure the proper use of respirators.

(b) Training of person issuing respirators. A person assigned the task of issuing respirators to persons who must wear respirators for protection against harmful atmospheres shall be given adequate training to ensure that the correct respirator is issued for each application in accordance with written standard operating procedures.

(c) Training of respirator wearer. To ensure the proper and safe use of a respirator, the minimum training of each respirator wearer shall include the following elements:

(i) The reasons for the need of respiratory protection.

(ii) The nature, extent, and effects of respiratory hazards to which the person may be exposed.

(iii) An explanation of why engineering controls are not being applied or are not adequate and of what effort is being made to reduce or eliminate the need for respirators.

(iv) An explanation of why a particular type of respirator has been selected for a specific respiratory hazard.

(v) An explanation of the operation, and the capabilities and limitations, of the respirator selected.

(vi) Instruction in inspecting, donning, checking the fit of, and wearing the respirator.

(vii) An opportunity for each respirator wearer to handle the respirator, learn how to don and wear it properly, check its seals, wear it in a safe atmosphere, and wear it in a test atmosphere.

(viii) An explanation of how maintenance and storage of the respirator is carried out.

(ix) Instructions in how to recognize and cope with emergency situations.

(x) Instructions as needed for special respirator use.

(xi) Regulations concerning respirator use.

(A) Wearing instructions and training. Wearing instructions and training, including practice demonstrations, shall be given to each respirator wearer and shall cover:

(I) Donning, wearing, and removing the respirator.

(II) Adjusting the respirator so that its respiratory-inlet covering is properly fitted on the wearer and so that the respirator causes a minimum of discomfort to the wearer.

(III) Allowing the respirator wearer to wear the respirator in a safe atmosphere for an adequate period of time to ensure that the wearer is familiar with the operational characteristics of the respirator.

(IV) Providing the respirator wearer an opportunity to wear the respirator in a test atmosphere to demonstrate that the respirator provides protection to the wearer. A test atmosphere is any atmosphere in which the wearer can carry out activities simulating work movements and respirator leakage or respirator malfunction can be detected by the wearer.

(B) Retraining. Each respirator wearer shall be retrained as necessary to assure effective respirator use. Refresher training shall be given at least annually and shall include the provisions of (c)(vii) through (xi)(A)(III) of this subsection.

(3) Respirator sealing problems. Respirators shall not be worn when conditions prevent a seal of the respirator to the wearer.

(a) A person who has hair (stubble, moustache, sideburns, beard, low hairline, bangs) which passes between the face and the sealing surface of the facepiece of the respirator shall not be permitted to wear such a respirator.

(b) A person who has hair (moustache, beard) which interferes with the function of a respirator valve(s) shall not be permitted to wear the respirator.

(c) A spectacle which has temple bars or straps which pass between the sealing surface of a respirator full facepiece and the wearer's face shall not be used.

(d) A head covering which passes between the sealing surface of a respirator facepiece and the wearer's face shall not be used.

(e) The wearing of a spectacle, a goggle, a faceshield, a welding helmet, or other eye and face protective device which interferes with the seal of a respirator to the wearer shall not be allowed.

(f) If scars, hollow temples, excessively protruding cheekbones, deep creases in facial skin, the absence of teeth or dentures, or unusual facial configurations prevent a seal of a respirator facepiece to a wearer's face, the person shall not be permitted to wear the respirator.

(g) If missing teeth or dentures prevent a seal of a respirator mouthpiece in a person's mouth, the person shall not be allowed to wear a respirator equipped with a mouthpiece.

(h) If a person has a nose of a shape or size which prevents the closing of the nose by the nose clamp of a mouthpiece/nose-clamp type of respirator, the person shall not be permitted to wear this type of respirator.

(4) Respirator sealing tests. To ensure proper protection, the wearer of a respirator equipped with a facepiece shall check the seal of the facepiece prior to each entry into a hazardous atmosphere. This may be done using procedures recommended by respirator manufacturers or by approved field tests.

(5) Issuance of respirators. The proper respirator shall be specified for each application and shall be listed in the written standard operating procedures. If a respirator is marked for the worker to whom it is assigned or for other identification purposes, the markings shall not affect the respirator performance in any way.

(6) Respirator inspection prior to use. Each person issued a respirator for routine, nonroutine, emergency, or rescue use shall inspect the respirator prior to its use to ensure that it is in good operating condition.

(7) Monitoring respirator use. The use of respirators on a routine or nonroutine basis shall be monitored to ensure that the correct respirators are being used, that the respirators are being worn properly and that the respirators being used are in good working condition.

(8) Evaluation of respiratory hazard during use. The level of the respiratory hazard in the workplace to which a person wearing a respirator is exposed shall be evaluated periodically.

(9) Leaving a hazardous area. A respirator wearer shall be permitted to leave the hazardous area for any respirator-related cause. Reasons which may cause a respirator wearer to leave a hazardous area include, but are not limited to, the following:

(a) Failure of the respirator to provide adequate protection.

(b) Malfunction of the respirator.

(c) Detection of leakage of air contaminant into the respirator.

(d) Increase in resistance of respirator to breathing.

(e) Severe discomfort in wearing the respirator.

(f) Illness of respirator wearer, including: Sensation of dizziness, nausea, weakness, breathing difficulty, coughing, sneezing, vomiting, fever, and chills.)) When respirators are required, you must provide respirators, training, medical evaluations, and fit testing at no cost to your employees (including expenses such as wages and travel).

[Statutory Authority: Chapter 49.17 RCW. 88-14-108 (Order 88-11), § 296-62-07115, filed 7/6/88. Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.040 and 49.17.050. 83-24-013 (Order 83-34), § 296-62-07115, filed 11/30/83; 82-08-026 (Order 82-10), § 296-62-07115, filed 3/30/82. Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.040, 49.17.050 and 49.17.240. 81-16-016 (Order 81-19), § 296-62-07115, filed 7/27/81.]

VOLUNTARY USE OF RESPIRATORS

AMENDATORY SECTION (Amending Order 81-19, filed 7/27/81)

WAC 296-62-07117  ((Maintenance of respirators.)) What must you do when employees choose to wear respirators when respirators are not required? (((1) General. A program for the maintenance of respirators shall be adjusted to the type of plant, working conditions, hazards involved, and shall include the following:

(a) Cleaning and sanitizing.

(b) Inspection for defects.

(c) Repair.

(d) Storage.

Each respirator shall be properly maintained to retain its original shape and effectiveness.

(2) Cleaning and sanitizing. Each respirator shall be cleaned and sanitized to ensure that the respirator wearer is provided with a clean and sanitized respirator at all times. A respirator issued for other than continuous personal use by a particular worker, such as with routine, nonroutine, emergency, or rescue use, shall be cleaned and sanitized after each use.

(3) Inspection. Each respirator shall be inspected routinely before and after use. A respirator shall be inspected by the user immediately prior to each use to ensure that it is in proper working condition.

(a) After cleaning and sanitizing, each respirator shall be inspected to determine if it is in proper working condition, if it needs replacement of parts or repairs, or if it should be discarded. Each respirator stored for emergency or rescue use shall be inspected at least monthly. Respirator inspection shall include a check for tightness of connections; for the condition of the respiratory-inlet covering, head harness, valves, connecting tubes, harness assemblies, filters, cartridges, canisters, end-of-service-life indicator, and shelf life date(s); and for the proper function of regulators, alarms, and other warning systems.

(b) Each rubber or other elastomeric part shall be inspected for pliability and signs of deterioration. Each air and oxygen cylinder shall be inspected to ensure that it is fully charged according to the manufacturer's instructions.

(c) A record of inspection dates, findings, and remedial actions shall be kept for each respirator maintained for emergency or rescue use.

(4) Part replacement and repair. Replacement of parts or repairs shall be done only by persons trained in proper respirator assembly and correction of possible respirator malfunctions and defects. Replacement parts shall be only those designed for the specific respirator being repaired. Reducing or admission valves, regulators, and alarms shall be returned to the manufacturer or to a trained technician for repair or adjustment. Instrumentation for valve, regulator, and alarm adjustments and tests must be approved by the valve, regulator, or alarm manufacturer.

(5) Storage. Respirators shall be stored in a manner that will protect them against dust, sunlight, heat, extreme cold, excessive moisture, or damaging chemicals. Respirators shall be stored to prevent distortion of rubber or other elastomeric parts. Respirators shall not be stored in such places as lockers and tool boxes unless they are protected from contamination, distortion, and damage. Emergency and rescue-use respirators that are placed in work areas shall be quickly accessible at all times, and the storage cabinet or container in which they are stored shall be clearly marked.)) (1) You may provide respirators at the request of employees or permit employees to use their own respirators, if you determine that such respirator use will not in itself create a hazard.

(2) If you determine that any voluntary respirator use is permissible, you must provide the respirator users with the following information:

(3) In addition, you must establish, implement, and pay for those elements of a written respiratory protection program necessary to make sure that:

Any employee using a respirator voluntarily is medically able to use that respirator, and that

The respirator is cleaned, stored, and maintained so that its use does not present a health hazard to the user.

EXCEPTION: You are not required to include in a written respiratory protection program those employees whose only use of respirators involves the voluntary use of filtering facepieces (for example, dust masks).

[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.040, 49.17.050 and 49.17.240. 81-16-016 (Order 81-19), § 296-62-07117, filed 7/27/81.]

RESPIRATOR SELECTION

NEW SECTION

WAC 296-62-07130  What must be considered when selecting any respirator? (1) You must identify and evaluate the respiratory hazard(s) in the workplace. This evaluation must reasonably estimate employee exposures to respiratory hazard(s) and identify the contaminant's chemical state and physical form. Where you cannot identify or reasonably estimate the employee exposure, you must consider the atmosphere to be IDLH.

(2) You must identify relevant factors pertaining to the workplace and respirator user that affect respirator performance and reliability.

(3) You must select and provide the appropriate respirators based on the respiratory hazards and the relevant factors related to the workplace and user.

(4) You must select a NIOSH-certified respirator. The respirator must be used in compliance with the conditions of its certification.

(5) You must select respirators from a sufficient number of respirator models and sizes so that the respirator is acceptable to, and correctly fits, the user.

[]

NEW SECTION

WAC 296-62-07131  What else must you consider when selecting a respirator for use in atmospheres that are not IDLH? (1) You must provide a respirator that is adequate to protect the health of the employee and ensure compliance with all other WISHA statutory and regulatory requirements for routine, nonroutine, and reasonably foreseeable emergency and rescue situations.

(2) You must use the assigned protection factors (APFs) in Table 1 when selecting respirators.

Table 1--Assigned Protection Factors

Combination respirators. The type and mode of operation having the lowest respirator protection factor must be applied to the combination respirator not listed.

^a An assigned protection factor is a numeric rating given to respirators, which tells how much protection the respirator can provide.

^b If the air contaminant causes eye irritation, the wearer of a respirator equipped with a quarter-mask or half-mask facepiece or mouthpiece and nose clamp must be permitted to use a protective goggle or to use a respirator equipped with a full facepiece. Mouthpiece and nose clamp respirators are approved by NIOSH only for escape from IDLH atmospheres.

^cThe escape provision must be an auxiliary self-contained supply of respirable air.

(3) The respirator selected must be appropriate for the chemical state and physical form of the contaminant.

(4) For protection against gases and vapors, you must provide:

(a) An atmosphere-supplying respirator; or

(b) An air-purifying respirator, provided that:

(i) The respirator is equipped with an end-of-service-life indicator (ESLI) certified by NIOSH for the contaminant; or

(ii) If there is no ESLI appropriate for the conditions in your workplace, you must implement a change schedule for canisters and cartridges that is based on objective information or data that will make sure that canisters and cartridges are changed before the end of their service life. Your respirator program must describe:

The information and data relied upon; and

The basis for the canister and cartridge change schedule; and

The basis for reliance on the data.

(5) For protection against particulates, you must provide:

(a) An atmosphere-supplying respirator; or

(b) An air-purifying respirator equipped with a filter certified by NIOSH under 30 CFR Part 11 as a high efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter, or an air-purifying respirator equipped with a filter certified for particulates by NIOSH under 42 CFR Part 84; or

(c) For contaminants consisting primarily of particles with mass median aerodynamic diameters (MMAD) of at least 2 micrometers, an air-purifying respirator equipped with any filter certified for particulates by NIOSH.

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NEW SECTION

WAC 296-62-07132  What else must you consider when selecting a respirator for use in IDLH atmospheres? (1) You must provide the following respirators for your employees to use in IDLH atmospheres:

(a) A full facepiece pressure demand SCBA certified by NIOSH for a minimum service life of thirty minutes; or

(b) A combination full facepiece pressure demand supplied-air respirator (SAR) with auxiliary self-contained air supply.

(2) Respirators provided only for escape from IDLH atmospheres must be NIOSH-certified for escape from the atmosphere in which they will be used.

(3) All oxygen-deficient atmospheres must be considered IDLH unless you demonstrate that, under all foreseeable conditions, the oxygen concentration can be maintained within the ranges specified in Table 2 of this section (i.e., for the altitudes set out in the table). In such cases, any atmosphere-supplying respirator may be used.

Table 2 Altitudes for Oxygen Deficient Atmospheres

¹Above 8,000 feet the exception does not apply. Oxygen-enriched breathing air must be supplied above 14,000 feet.

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NEW SECTION

WAC 296-62-07133  What else must you consider when selecting a respirator for emergency and rescue use? (1) You must analyze emergency and rescue uses of respirators that may occur in each operation by carefully considering materials, equipment, processes, and personnel involved in each operation. The person who is thoroughly familiar with the particular operation must review the analysis. As part of your analysis, you must:

Consider past occurrences requiring emergency or rescue use of respirators as well as conditions that resulted in such respirator applications;

Consider the possible consequences of equipment or power failures, uncontrolled chemical reactions, fire, explosion, or human error; and

List all potential hazards that may result in emergency or rescue use of respirators.

(2) Based upon the analysis, you must:

Select the appropriate types of respirators;

Provide an adequate number of respirators for each area where they may be needed for emergency or rescue use; and

Maintain and store the respirators so that they are readily accessible and operational when needed.

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MEDICAL EVALUATIONS

NEW SECTION

WAC 296-62-07150  What are the general requirements for medical evaluations? (1) Before an employee is fit tested or required to use a respirator in the workplace, you must provide a medical evaluation to determine the employee's ability to use a respirator.

(2) You may rely upon a previous employer's medical evaluation, if you can show that:

(a) The employee's most recent evaluation was completed in the previous 12 months;

(b) You have been provided with a copy of the written recommendation as required in WAC 296-62-07155 from the PLHCP approving the employee to use the respirator chosen; and

(c) The previous working conditions, which required respirator use as detailed in WAC 296-62-07154(1), are substantially similar to yours.

(3) Exception. You are not required to provide medical evaluations for employees using respirators that are both:

Certified for escape-only uses; and

Do not have tight-fitting facepieces.

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NEW SECTION

WAC 296-62-07151  What are the procedures for determining if your employee is able to use a respirator? You must identify a physician or other licensed health care professional (PLHCP) to perform medical evaluations in accordance with the following:

(1) For the initial medical evaluation, the PLHCP must review the information obtained by the questionnaire in Sections 1 and 2, Part A in WAC 296-62-07255. It is not necessary to have an initial medical examination. However, an initial medical examination may be substituted for the questionnaire if it obtains the same information.

(2) The PLHCP must complete a follow-up medical evaluation for any employee who gives a positive response to any question in Section 2, Part A in WAC 296-62-07255 or whose initial medical examination demonstrates the need for follow-up evaluation.

(3) The follow-up medical evaluation must include any consultations (for example, to evaluate positive responses on the questionnaire), medical tests, or diagnostic procedures that the PLHCP deems necessary to make a final determination.

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NEW SECTION

WAC 296-62-07153  How must the medical questionnaire and examinations be administered? (1) The medical questionnaire and examinations must be administered confidentially during the employee's normal working hours or at a time and place convenient to the employee. The medical questionnaire must be administered in a way that makes sure that the employee understands its content. To ensure confidentiality, you must not review an employee's questionnaire at any time.

(2) You must provide the employee with an opportunity to discuss the questionnaire and examination results with the PLHCP.

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NEW SECTION

WAC 296-62-07154  What information must you provide to the PLHCP in addition to the questionnaire? (1) You must provide the following information to the PLHCP before the PLHCP makes a recommendation concerning an employee's ability to use a respirator:

(a) The type and weight of the respirator to be used by the employee;

(b) The duration and frequency of respirator use (including use for rescue and escape);

(c) The expected physical work effort;

(d) Additional protective clothing and equipment to be worn; and

(e) Temperature and humidity extremes that may be encountered.

(2) You must provide the PLHCP with a copy of your written respiratory protection program and a copy of chapter 296-62 WAC, Part E, Respiratory protection.

(3) When an employee needs a subsequent medical evaluation, you do not have to provide any information previously given to the PLHCP if the information and the PLHCP remain the same.

Note: When you replace a PLHCP, you must make sure that the new PLHCP obtains this information, either by providing the documents directly to the PLHCP or having the documents transferred from the former PLHCP to the new PLHCP. However, WISHA does not expect you to have employees medically reevaluated solely because a new PLHCP has been selected.

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NEW SECTION

WAC 296-62-07155  What medical determinations are required when establishing your employee's ability to use a respirator? In determining the employee's ability to use a respirator, you must:

(1) Obtain a written recommendation regarding the employee's ability to use the respirator from the PLHCP. The recommendation must provide only the following information:

(a) Any limitations on respirator use related to the medical condition of the employee, or relating to the workplace conditions in which the respirator will be used, including whether or not the employee is medically able to use the respirator;

(b) The need, if any, for follow-up medical evaluations; and

(c) A statement that the PLHCP has provided the employee with a copy of the PLHCP's written recommendation.

(2) If the respirator is a negative pressure respirator and the PLHCP finds a medical condition that may place the employee's health at increased risk if the respirator is used, you must provide a PAPR if the PLHCP's medical evaluation finds that the employee can use such a respirator; if a subsequent medical evaluation finds that the employee is medically able to use a negative pressure respirator, then you no longer must provide a PAPR.

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NEW SECTION

WAC 296-62-07156  When are additional medical evaluations required? (1) At a minimum, you must provide additional medical evaluations that comply with the requirements in WAC 296-62-07151 through 296-62-07155 if:

(a) An employee reports medical signs or symptoms related to his or her ability to use a respirator;

(b) A PLHCP, supervisor, or the respirator program administrator informs you that an employee needs to be reevaluated;

(c) Information from the respiratory protection program, including observations made during fit testing and program evaluation, indicates a need for employee reevaluation; or

(d) A change occurs in workplace conditions (for example, physical work effort, protective clothing, temperature) that may result in a substantial increase in the physiological burden placed on an employee.

(2) You may discontinue an employee's medical evaluations when the employee is no longer required to use a respirator.

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FIT TESTING

NEW SECTION

WAC 296-62-07160  When is fit testing required? You must make sure that employees using a negative or positive pressure tight-fitting facepiece respirator pass an appropriate qualitative fit test (QLFT) or quantitative fit test (QNFT). Fit testing must occur:

(1) Prior to initial use of the respirator;

(2) Whenever a different respirator facepiece (size, style, model or make) is used;

(3) At least annually thereafter; and

(4) Whenever the employee reports to you or your PLHCP observes changes in the employee's physical condition that could affect respirator fit. Such conditions include, but are not limited to, facial scarring, dental changes, cosmetic surgery, or an obvious change in body weight.

(5) You may rely on a current fit test completed by a previous employer for the same employee if you obtain written documentation of the fit test and all other applicable requirements in WAC 296-62-07160 and 296-62-07161 have been satisfied.

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NEW SECTION

WAC 296-62-07161  What is required when an employee finds the respirator's fit unacceptable? If after passing a qualitative fit test or a quantitative fit test, your employee subsequently notifies you or your PLHCP that the fit of the respirator is unacceptable, you must give the employee a reasonable opportunity to select a different respirator facepiece and to be retested.

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NEW SECTION

WAC 296-62-07162  How must fit testing be done? (1) The fit test must be administered using WISHA-accepted quantitative or qualitative protocol. These protocols are contained in WAC 296-62-07201 through 296-62-07248 (Appendices A-1, A-2 and A-3 of this part).

(2) Qualitative fit testing may be used only to fit test negative pressure air-purifying respirators that must achieve a fit factor of 100 or less.

(3) If the fit factor, as determined through WISHA-accepted quantitative fit testing protocol, is equal to or greater than 100 for tight-fitting half facepieces, or equal to or greater than 500 for tight-fitting full facepieces, the employee passed the quantitative fit test for that respirator.

(4) Fit testing of tight-fitting atmosphere-supplying respirators and tight-fitting powered air-purifying respirators must be accomplished by performing quantitative or qualitative fit testing in the negative pressure mode, regardless of the mode of operation (negative or positive pressure) that is used for respiratory protection.

(a) Qualitative fit testing of these respirators must be accomplished by temporarily converting the respirator user's actual facepiece into a negative pressure respirator with appropriate filters, or by using an identical negative pressure air-purifying respirator facepiece with the same sealing surfaces as a surrogate for the atmosphere-supplying or powered air-purifying respirator facepiece.

(b) Quantitative fit testing of these respirators must be accomplished by modifying the facepiece to allow sampling inside the facepiece in the breathing zone of the user, midway between the nose and mouth. This requirement must be accomplished by installing a permanent sampling probe onto a surrogate facepiece, or by using a sampling adapter designed to temporarily provide a means of sampling air from inside the facepiece.

(c) Any modifications to the respirator facepiece for fit testing must be completely removed, and the facepiece restored to NIOSH-approved configuration, before that facepiece can be used in the workplace.

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USE OF RESPIRATORS

NEW SECTION

WAC 296-62-07170  How must you prevent problems with the seal on tight-fitting facepieces? (1) You must not permit respirators with tight-fitting facepieces to be worn by employees who have:

(a) Facial hair (stubble, moustache, sideburns, beard, low hairline, bangs) that comes between the sealing surface of the facepiece and the face or that interferes with valve function; or

(b) Any other condition that interferes with the face-to-facepiece seal or valve function.

(2) If an employee wears corrective glasses or goggles or other personal protective equipment, you must make sure that such equipment is worn in a manner that does not interfere with the seal of the facepiece.

(3) For all tight-fitting respirators, you must make sure that employees perform a user seal check each time they put on the respirator using the procedures in Appendix B-1 or procedures recommended by the respirator manufacturer that you demonstrate are as effective as those in Appendix B-1 of chapter 296-62 WAC, Part E.

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NEW SECTION

WAC 296-62-07171  How do you monitor continuing effectiveness of your employees' respirators? (1) You must maintain appropriate surveillance of work area conditions and degree of employee exposure or stress.

(2) When there is a change in work area conditions or degree of employee exposure or stress that may affect respirator effectiveness, you must reevaluate the continued effectiveness of the respirator.

(3) You must make sure that employees leave the respirator use area:

(a) To wash their faces and respirator facepieces as necessary to prevent eye or skin irritation associated with respirator use; or

(b) If they detect vapor or gas breakthrough, changes in breathing resistance, or leakage of the facepiece; or

(c) To replace the respirator or the filter, cartridge, or canister elements; or

(d) If the employee experiences severe discomfort in wearing the respirator; or

(e) If the employee becomes ill or experiences sensations of dizziness, nausea, weakness, breathing difficulty, coughing, sneezing, vomiting, fever, and chills.

(4) If the employee detects vapor or gas breakthrough, changes in breathing resistance, or leakage of the facepiece, you must replace or repair the respirator before allowing the employee to return to the work area.

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NEW SECTION

WAC 296-62-07172  What are the standby procedures when respirators are used in IDLH situations? (1) You must provide standby employees when employees are working in IDLH atmospheres.

(2) In certain IDLH situations, one standby employee is permitted when:

(a) The IDLH atmosphere is well characterized; and

(b) You can show that one employee can adequately:

(i) Monitor the employees in the IDLH atmosphere;

(ii) Implement communication activities; and

(iii) Initiate rescue duties.

(3) For all other IDLH situations, you must have at least two employees located outside the IDLH atmosphere.

(4) Visual, voice, or signal line communication must be maintained between the employee(s) in the IDLH atmosphere and the employee(s) located outside the IDLH atmosphere.

(5) The employee(s) located outside the IDLH atmosphere must be trained and equipped to provide effective emergency rescue.

(6) You or your designee must be notified before the employee(s) located outside the IDLH atmosphere enter the IDLH atmosphere to provide emergency rescue.

(7) You or your designee, once notified, must provide necessary assistance appropriate to the situation.

(8) Standby employee(s) located outside the IDLH atmospheres must be equipped with:

(a) Pressure demand or other positive pressure SCBAs, or a pressure demand or other positive pressure supplied-air respirator with auxiliary SCBA; and either

(b) Appropriate retrieval equipment for removing the employee(s) who enter(s) these hazardous atmospheres where retrieval equipment would contribute to the rescue of the employee(s) and would not increase the overall risk resulting from entry; or

(c) Equivalent means for rescue where retrieval equipment is not required under (b) of this subsection.

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MAINTENANCE AND CARE OF RESPIRATORS

NEW SECTION

WAC 296-62-07175  How must respirators be cleaned and disinfected? (1) You must provide each respirator user with a respirator that is clean, sanitary, and in good working order.

(2) You must make sure that respirators are cleaned and disinfected using the procedures in WAC 296-62-07253, Appendix B-2, or procedures recommended by the respirator manufacturer, provided that such procedures are as effective.

(3) The respirators must be cleaned and disinfected as follows:

(a) Respirators issued for the exclusive use of an employee must be cleaned and disinfected as often as necessary to be maintained in a sanitary condition;

(b) Respirators issued to more than one employee must be cleaned and disinfected before being worn by different individuals;

(c) Respirators maintained for emergency use must be cleaned and disinfected after each use; and

(d) Respirators used in fit testing and training must be cleaned and disinfected after each use.

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NEW SECTION

WAC 296-62-07176  How must respirators be stored? (1) You must make sure that all respirators are stored to protect them from damage, contamination, dust, sunlight, extreme temperatures, excessive moisture, and damaging chemicals. You must also make sure that they are packed or stored to prevent deformation of the facepiece and exhalation valve.

(2) When storing emergency respirators, you must:

(a) Keep them accessible to the work area;

(b) Store them in compartments or in covers that are clearly marked as containing emergency respirators;

(c) Store them in accordance with any applicable manufacturer instructions; and

(d) Provide an adequate number for each work area where they may be needed.

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NEW SECTION

WAC 296-62-07177  When must respirators be inspected? You must make sure that:

(1) All respirators used in routine situations are inspected before each use and during cleaning;

(2) All respirators maintained for use in emergency situations are inspected at least monthly and in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations, and are checked for proper function before and after each use; and

(3) Emergency escape-only respirators are inspected before being carried into the workplace for use.

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NEW SECTION

WAC 296-62-07178  How must respirators be inspected? (1) You must make sure that respirator inspections include:

(a) A check of respirator function, tightness of connections, and the condition of the various parts including, but not limited to, the facepiece, head straps, valves, connecting tube, and cartridges, canisters or filters; and

(b) A check of elastomeric parts for pliability and signs of deterioration.

(2) Self-contained breathing apparatus must be inspected monthly. Air and oxygen cylinders must be maintained in a fully charged state and must be recharged when the pressure falls to 90% of the manufacturer's recommended pressure level. You must determine that the regulator and warning devices function properly.

(3) For respirators maintained for emergency use, you must:

(a) Certify the respirator by documenting the date the inspection was performed, the name (or signature) of the person who made the inspection, the findings, required remedial action, and a serial number or other means of identifying the inspected respirator; and

(b) Provide this information on a tag or label that is attached to the storage compartment for the respirator, is kept with the respirator, or is included in inspection reports stored as paper or electronic files. This information must be maintained until replaced following a subsequent certification.

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NEW SECTION

WAC 296-62-07179  How must respirators be repaired and adjusted? (1) You must make sure that respirators that fail an inspection or are otherwise found to be defective are no longer used until they are repaired or adjusted properly;

(2) Repairs or adjustments to respirators must be made only by persons appropriately trained to perform such operations, who must use only the respirator manufacturer's NIOSH-approved parts designed for the respirator;

(3) Repairs must be made according to the manufacturer's recommendations and specifications for the type and extent of repairs to be performed; and

(4) Reducing and admission valves, regulators, and alarms must be adjusted or repaired only by the manufacturer or a technician trained by the manufacturer.

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BREATHING AIR QUALITY AND USE

NEW SECTION

WAC 296-62-07182  What are the breathing gas requirements for atmosphere-supplying respirators? (1) You must provide employees using atmosphere-supplying respirators (supplied-air and SCBA) with breathing gases of high purity.

(2) You must make sure that compressed air, compressed oxygen, liquid air, and liquid oxygen used for respiration accords with the following specifications:

(a) Compressed and liquid oxygen must meet the United States Pharmacopoeia requirements for medical or breathing oxygen; and

(b) Compressed breathing air must meet at least the requirements for Grade D breathing air described in ANSI/Compressed Gas Association Commodity Specification for Air, G-7.1-1989, to include:

(i) Oxygen content (v/v) of 19.5-23.5%;

(ii) Hydrocarbon (condensed) content of 5 milligrams per cubic meter of air or less;

(iii) Carbon monoxide (CO) content of 10 ppm or less;

(iv) Carbon dioxide content of 1,000 ppm or less; and

(v) Lack of noticeable odor.

(3) You must make sure that compressed oxygen is not used in atmosphere-supplying respirators that have previously used compressed air.

(4) You must make sure that oxygen concentrations greater than 23.5% are used only in equipment designed for oxygen service or distribution.

(5) You must make sure that cylinders used to supply breathing air to respirators meet the following requirements:

(a) Cylinders must be tested and maintained as prescribed in the Shipping Container Specification Regulations of the Department of Transportation (49 CFR Part 173 and Part 178);

(b) Cylinders of purchased breathing air must have a certificate of analysis from the supplier that the breathing air meets the requirements for Grade D breathing air; and

(c) The moisture content in the cylinder must not exceed a dew point of -50F (-45.6C) at 1 atmosphere pressure.

(6) You must make sure that compressors used to supply breathing air to respirators are constructed and situated so as to: (a) Prevent entry of contaminated air into the air-supply system;

(b) Minimize moisture content so that the dew point at 1 atmosphere pressure is 10F (5.56C) below the ambient temperature;

(c) Have suitable in-line air-purifying sorbent beds and filters to further make sure that the supplied-air is breathing air quality. Sorbent beds and filters must be maintained and replaced or refurbished periodically following the manufacturer's instructions;

(d) Have a tag containing the most recent change date and the signature of the person authorized by the employer to perform the change. The tag must be maintained at the compressor.

(7) For compressors that are not oil-lubricated, you must make sure that carbon monoxide levels in the breathing air do not exceed 10 ppm.

(8) For oil-lubricated compressors, you must use a high-temperature or carbon monoxide alarm, or both, to monitor carbon monoxide levels. If only high-temperature alarms are used, the air supply must be monitored at intervals sufficient to make sure the concentration of carbon monoxide in the breathing air does not exceed 10 ppm.

(9) You must make sure that breathing air couplings are incompatible with outlets for nonrespirable worksite air or other gas systems. No asphyxiating substance must be introduced into breathing air lines.

(10) You must use breathing gas containers marked in accordance with the NIOSH respirator certification standard, 42 CFR Part 84.

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IDENTIFICATION OF FILTERS, CARTRIDGES AND CANISTERS

NEW SECTION

WAC 296-62-07184  How must filters, cartridges and canisters be labeled? You must make sure that all filters, cartridges and canisters used in the workplace are labeled and color coded with the NIOSH approval label. The label must not be removed and must remain legible. Table 3 provides information about color coding for air-purifying respirator filters, cartridges, and canisters.

TABLE 3 -- Color Coding of Respirator Filters, Cartridges and Canisters

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TRAINING AND INFORMATION

NEW SECTION

WAC 296-62-07186  What are the general training requirements? (1) You must provide effective training to:

(a) Employees required to use respirators;

(b) Supervisors; and

(c) Any person issuing respirators.

(2) The training must be done so your employees understand it.

(3) The training must be provided by qualified persons.

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NEW SECTION

WAC 296-62-07188  How do you know if you adequately trained your employees? At a minimum, you must make certain that each employee can demonstrate:

(1) Why the respirator is necessary and how improper fit, use, or maintenance can compromise the protective effect of the respirator;

(2) What the respirator is capable of doing and what its limitations are;

(3) How to use the respirator effectively in emergency situations, including situations in which the respirator malfunctions;

(4) How to inspect, put on and remove, use, and check the seals of the respirator;

(5) The procedures for maintaining and storing of the respirator;

(6) How to recognize medical signs and symptoms that may limit or prevent the effective use of respirators; and

(7) The general requirements of chapter 296-62 WAC, Part E.

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NEW SECTION

WAC 296-62-07190  When must your employees be trained? (1) You must train employees before they are required to use a respirator in the workplace.

(2) If you are able to demonstrate that a new employee has received training within the last 12 months that addresses the elements specified in WAC 296-62-07132 and 296-62-07186, then you are not required to repeat the training provided that the employee can demonstrate knowledge of the element(s) required in WAC 296-62-07188.

(3) If you do not repeat initial training for an employee, then you must provide retraining no later than 12 months from the date of the employee's previous training.

(4) Retraining must be completed annually, and when the following situations occur:

(a) Changes in the workplace or the type of respirator render previous training obsolete or incomplete;

(b) The employee's knowledge or use of the respirator indicates that the employee has not retained the understanding or skill as required in WAC 296-62-07188 above; or

(c) Any other situation arises when retraining appears to be necessary to make sure respirators are used safely.

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PROGRAM EVALUATION

NEW SECTION

WAC 296-62-07192  How must you evaluate the effectiveness of your respiratory protection program? (1) You must evaluate the workplace as necessary to make sure that the requirements of the current written program are being effectively carried out and that the program continues to be effective.

(2) Evaluation must include periodic monitoring by the supervisor to make sure respirators are properly worn.

(3) You must regularly ask employees required to use respirators their views on the program's effectiveness and use their input to identify any problems. Any problems identified must be corrected. At a minimum, you must evaluate the following factors:

(a) Respirator fit (including the employee's ability to use the respirator without interfering with effective workplace performance);

(b) Appropriate respirator selection for the hazards to which the employee is exposed;

(c) Proper respirator use under the workplace conditions the employee encounters; and

(d) Proper respirator maintenance.

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RECORDKEEPING

NEW SECTION

WAC 296-62-07194  What are the recordkeeping requirements? (1) General. You must keep written information of the following:

Medical evaluations;

Fit testing;

The respirator program; and

Training.

(2) Medical evaluations. You must keep records of medical evaluations as required by this part and make them available as required by chapter 296-62 WAC, Part B.

(3) Fit testing.

(a) You must keep a record of any qualitative and quantitative fit tests completed for each employee. The record must include:

(i) The name or identification of the employee tested;

(ii) Type of fit test performed;

(iii) Specific make, model, style, and size of respirator tested;

(iv) Date of test; and

(v) The pass/fail results for QLFTs or the fit factor and strip chart recording or other recording of the test results for QNFTs.

(b) Fit test records must be retained for respirator users until the next fit test is administered.

(4) You must keep a written copy of the current respirator program.

(5) You must keep written training records that include:

Names of the employees trained; and

The dates when the employees were trained.

(6) Written materials required by this part must be made available upon request for examination and copying to affected employees and to the director or the director's designee.

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NEW SECTION

WAC 296-62-07201  Appendix A-1: General Fit Testing Requirements for Respiratory Protection--Mandatory. This is a mandatory appendix to chapter 296-62 WAC, Part E, which includes WAC 296-62-07201 through 296-62-07203.

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NEW SECTION

WAC 296-62-07202  What are the general requirements for fit testing? (1) You must conduct fit testing using the procedures found in appendices A-1 through A-3. The requirements in these appendices apply to all WISHA-accepted qualitative (QLFT) and quantitative (QNFT) fit test methods.

(2) You must allow your employees to pick the most acceptable respirator from a sufficient number of respirator models and sizes so that the respirator is acceptable to, and correctly fits, the user.

(3) Prior to selecting a respirator, you must show your employees how to:

Put on a respirator;

Positioned the respirator on the face;

Set strap tension; and

Determine an acceptable fit.

(4) You must provide a mirror for your employees to use when evaluating the fit and positioning of the respirator. This instruction does not constitute your employees' formal training on respirator use, because it is only a review.

(5) You must inform your employees that:

They are being asked to select the respirator that provides the most acceptable fit;

Each respirator represents a different size and shape; and

If fitted and used properly, each respirator will provide adequate protection.

(6) You must have your employees hold each chosen facepiece up to their face and eliminate those that obviously do not give an acceptable fit.

(7) You must note the more acceptable facepieces in case the one selected proves unacceptable. The most comfortable mask must be put on and worn at least five minutes to make sure it is comfortable. You must help your employee assess comfort by discussing the points in subsection (8) of this section. If the employee is not familiar with using a particular respirator, have the employee put on the mask several times and adjust the straps each time to become adept at setting proper tension on the straps.

(8) You must review how to assess the comfort of a respirator by reviewing the following points with the employee and allowing the employee enough time to check the comfort of the respirator chosen:

(a) Position of the mask on the nose;

(b) Room for eye protection;

(c) Room to talk;

(d) Position of mask on face and cheeks.

(9) You must use the following criteria to determine if the respirator adequately fits each employee:

(a) Chin properly placed;

(b) Adequate strap tension, not overly tightened;

(c) Fit across nose bridge;

(d) Respirator of proper size to span distance from nose to chin;

(e) Tendency of respirator to slip;

(f) Self-observation in mirror to evaluate fit and respirator position.

(10) The employees must complete a user seal check. They must use either the negative and positive pressure seal checks described in WAC 296-62-07251, Appendix B-1 or those recommended by the respirator manufacturer that provide equivalent protection to the procedures in WAC 296-62-07251, Appendix B-1. Before conducting the negative and positive pressure checks, the employee must be told to seat the mask on the face by moving the head from side-to-side and up and down slowly while taking in a few slow deep breaths. Another facepiece must be selected and retested if the employee fails the user seal check tests.

(11) You must not conduct the fit test if there is any hair growth between the skin and the facepiece sealing surface, such as stubble beard growth, beard, mustache or sideburns that cross the respirator sealing surface. Any type of apparel that interferes with a satisfactory fit must be altered or removed.

(12) If the employee has difficulty in breathing during the tests, you must refer the employee to a physician or other licensed health care professional, as appropriate, to determine whether the employee can wear respirators while performing the employee's duties.

(13) If the employee finds the fit of the respirator unacceptable, you must give the employee the opportunity to select a different respirator and the employee must be retested.

(14) Prior to starting the fit test, you must describe the:

Fit test to the employee;

Employee's responsibilities during the test procedure; and

Test exercises that the employee will be performing.

(15) The employee must wear the respirator at least 5 minutes before starting the fit test.

(16) When performing the fit test, you must have your employee wear any applicable safety equipment that may be worn during actual respirator use that could interfere with respirator fit.

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WAC 296-62-07203  What are the fit test exercise requirements? (1) You must have your employees perform the following test exercises for all fit testing methods required in the appendices for Respiratory Protection Part E, except for the CNP testing. The CNP protocol contains a different fit testing exercise regimen. The employee must perform exercises, in the test environment, in the following ways:

(a) Normal breathing. In a normal standing position, without talking, the employee must breathe normally.

(b) Deep breathing. In a normal standing position, the employee must breathe slowly and deeply, taking caution so as not to hyperventilate.

(c) Turning head side to side. Standing in place, the employees must slowly turn their heads from side to side between the extreme positions on each side, holding their heads at each extreme momentarily so they can inhale at each side.

(d) Moving head up and down. Standing in place, the employees must slowly move their heads up and down, inhaling in the up position (when looking toward the ceiling).

(e) Talking. The employee must talk out loud slowly and loud enough so as to be heard clearly by the test conductor. The employee can read from a prepared text such as the Rainbow Passage, count backward from 100, or recite a memorized poem or song.

Rainbow Passage

When the sunlight strikes raindrops in the air, they act like a prism and form a rainbow. The rainbow is a division of white light into many beautiful colors. These take the shape of a long round arch, with its path high above, and its two ends apparently beyond the horizon. There is, according to legend, a boiling pot of gold at one end. People look, but no one ever finds it. When a man looks for something beyond reach, his friends say he is looking for the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow.

(f) Grimace. The employee must grimace by smiling or frowning (this applies only to QNFT testing; it is not performed for QLFT).

(g) Bending over. Employees must bend at their waist as if they were touching their toes. Jogging in place must be substituted for this exercise in those test environments such as shroud type QNFT or QLFT units that do not permit bending over at the waist.

(h) Normal breathing. Repeat exercise (a) for normal breathing.

(2) Each test exercise must be performed for one minute except for the grimace exercise, which must be performed for 15 seconds.

(3) You must question the employee about the comfort of the respirator after completing the test exercises. If the respirator has become unacceptable, you must try another model of respirator.

(4) Any adjustments during fit testing will void the test, making it necessary to begin again.

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WAC 296-62-07205  Appendix A-2: Qualitative Fit Testing (QLFT) Protocols for Respiratory Protection--Mandatory. This is a mandatory appendix to chapter 296-62 WAC, Part E, which includes WAC 296-62-07205 through 296-62-07225.

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WAC 296-62-07206  What are the general qualitative fit testing (QLFT) protocols? (1) You must make sure the person who administers QLFT is able to:

Prepare test solutions;

Calibrate equipment and perform tests properly;

Recognize invalid tests; and

Make sure that test equipment is in proper working order.

(2) You must make sure that QLFT equipment is kept clean and well maintained so it operates within the parameters for which it was designed.

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WAC 296-62-07208  Isoamyl acetate protocol (a QLFT).

Note: The protocol for isoamyl acetate is not appropriate to use for the fit testing of particulate respirators. If used to fit test particulate respirators, the respirator must be equipped with an organic vapor filter.

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WAC 296-62-07209  What are the odor threshold screening procedures for isoamyl acetate (QLFT)? (1) Why use odor threshold screening?

Odor threshold screening, performed without wearing a respirator, determines if the employee tested can detect the odor of isoamyl acetate at low levels.

(2) How are the test solutions for odor threshold screening prepared?

(a) Use three 1 liter glass jars with metal lids.

(b) Use odor-free water (for example, distilled or spring water) at approximately 25C (77F) for preparing the solutions.

(c) Stock solution: Prepare the isoamyl acetate (IAA) (also known at isopentyl acetate) stock solution by:

Adding 1 ml of pure IAA to 800 ml of odor-free water in a 1 liter jar;

Closing the lid; and

Shaking for 30 seconds.

A new stock solution must be prepared at least weekly.

(d) Daily test solution: Prepare the daily odor test solution in a second jar by placing 0.4 ml of the IAA stock solution into 500 ml of odor-free water using a clean dropper or pipette. Shake the solution for 30 seconds and allow it to stand for two to three minutes so that the IAA concentration above the liquid may reach equilibrium. The daily test solution must be used for only one day.

(e) Prepare a test blank in a third jar by adding 500 cc of odor-free water.

(f) Clearly label and identify the daily odor test solution and test blank jar lids (for example, 1 and 2). Place the labels on the lids so that they can be peeled off periodically and switched to maintain the integrity of the test.

(g) Prepare the solutions used in the IAA odor detection test in an area separate from where the test is performed, in order to prevent olfactory (smelling) fatigue in the employee.

(3) What are the odor threshold screening procedures?

(a) Conduct the screening test in a different room from the one used for actual fit testing. The two rooms must be well-ventilated to prevent the odor of IAA from becoming evident in the general room air where testing takes place.

(b) Type the following instructions on a card and place them on the table in front of the two test jars (i.e., 1 and 2): "The purpose of this test is to determine if you can smell banana oil at a low concentration. The two bottles in front of you contain water. One of these bottles also contains a small amount of banana oil. Be sure the covers are on tight, then shake each bottle for two seconds. Unscrew the lid of each bottle, one at a time, and sniff at the mouth of the bottle. Indicate to the test conductor which bottle contains banana oil."

(c) If the employee is unable to correctly identify the jar containing the odor test solution, do not perform the IAA qualitative fit test.

(d) If the employee correctly identifies the jar containing the odor test solution, the employee may proceed to respirator selection and fit testing.

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WAC 296-62-07210  What are the isoamyl acetate fit testing procedures (QLFT)? (1) The fit test chamber must be a clear 55-gallon drum liner suspended inverted over a 2-foot diameter frame so that the top of the chamber is about 6 inches above the employee's head. If no drum liner is available, construct a similar chamber using plastic sheeting.

(2) Attach a small hook to the inside top center of the chamber.

(3) Equip each respirator used for the fitting and fit testing with organic vapor cartridges or offer protection against organic vapors.

(4) After selecting, putting on, and properly adjusting a respirator, the employee must wear it to the fit testing room.

(5) This room used for fit testing must be separate from the room used for odor threshold screening and respirator selection. It must be well-ventilated, as by an exhaust fan or lab hood, to prevent general room contamination.

(6) A copy of the test exercises and any prepared text from which the employee is to read must be taped to the inside of the test chamber.

(7) Upon entering the test chamber, give the employee a 6-inch by 5-inch piece of paper towel, or other porous, absorbent, single-ply material, folded in half and wetted with 0.75 ml of pure IAA.

(8) Have the employee hang the wet towel on the hook at the top of the chamber. An IAA test swab or ampule may be substituted for the IAA wetted paper towel provided it has been demonstrated that the alternative IAA source will generate an IAA test atmosphere with a concentration equal to that generated by the paper towel method.

(9) Allow two minutes for the IAA test concentration to stabilize before starting the fit test exercises. This would be an appropriate time to talk with the employee; to explain the fit test, the importance of the employee's cooperation in the fit test, and the purpose for the test exercises; or to demonstrate some of the exercises.

(10) If at any time during the test, the employee detects the banana-like odor of IAA, the test is failed. The employee must quickly exit from the test chamber and leave the test area to avoid olfactory (smelling) fatigue.

(11) If the test is failed, the employee must return to the selection room and remove the respirator. The employee must:

Repeat the odor sensitivity test;

Select and put on another respirator;

Return to the test area; and

Again begin the fit test procedure described in subsections (1) through (8) of this section.

The process continues until a respirator that fits well has been found.

(12) Should the odor sensitivity test be failed, the employee must wait at least 5 minutes before retesting. Odor sensitivity will usually have returned by this time.

(13) If the employee passes the test, the efficiency of the test procedure must be demonstrated by having the employee break the respirator face seal and take a breath before exiting the chamber.

(14) When the employee leaves the chamber, the employee must remove the saturated towel and return it to the person conducting the test, so that there is no significant IAA concentration buildup in the chamber during subsequent tests.

(15) The used towels must be kept in a self-sealing plastic bag to keep the test area from being contaminated.

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WAC 296-62-07212  Saccharin solution aerosol protocol (QLFT). The entire screening and testing procedure must be explained to the employee prior to conducting the screening test.

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WAC 296-62-07213  What are the taste threshold screening procedures for saccharin (QLFT)? (1) Why use saccharin taste threshold screening?

The saccharin taste threshold screening, performed without wearing a respirator, is intended to determine whether the employee being tested can detect the taste of saccharin.

(2) What are the saccharin solution aerosol procedures?

(a) During threshold screening as well as during fit testing, the employee must wear an enclosure over the head and shoulders that is approximately 12 inches in diameter by 14 inches tall with at least the front portion clear and that allows free movements of the head when a respirator is worn. An enclosure substantially similar to the 3M hood assembly, parts #FT 14 and #FT 15 combined, is adequate.

(b) The test enclosure must have a 3/4-inch (1.9 cm) hole in front of the employee's nose and mouth area to accommodate the nebulizer nozzle.

(c) Have the employee put on the test enclosure.

(d) Throughout the threshold screening test, the employee must breathe through a slightly open mouth with tongue extended.

(e) Instruct the employees to report when they detect a sweet taste.

(f) Using a DeVilbiss Model 40 Inhalation Medication Nebulizer or equivalent, spray the threshold check solution into the enclosure. The nozzle is directed away from the nose and mouth of the person. This nebulizer must be clearly marked to distinguish it from the fit test solution nebulizer.

(g) Saccharin threshold check solution. Prepare the threshold check solution by dissolving 0.83 gram of sodium saccharin USP in 100 ml of warm water. It can be prepared by putting 1 ml of the fit test solution in 100 ml of distilled water.

(h) To produce the aerosol, the nebulizer bulb is firmly squeezed so that it collapses completely, then released and allowed to fully expand.

(i) Ten squeezes are repeated rapidly and then the employee is asked whether the saccharin can be tasted. If the employee tastes a sweet taste during the ten squeezes, the screening test is completed. The taste threshold is noted as ten regardless of the number of squeezes actually completed.

(j) If the first response is negative, ten more squeezes are repeated rapidly and the employee is again asked whether the saccharin is tasted. If the employee tastes a sweet taste during the second ten squeezes, the screening test is completed. The taste threshold is noted as twenty regardless of the number of squeezes actually completed.

(k) If the second response is negative, ten more squeezes are repeated rapidly and the employee is again asked whether the saccharin is tasted. If the employee tastes a sweet taste during the third set of ten squeezes, the screening test is completed. The taste threshold is noted as thirty regardless of the number of squeezes actually completed.

(l) Note the number of squeezes required to solicit a taste response.

(m) If the saccharin is not tasted after 30 squeezes (step k), the employee is unable to taste saccharin and must not perform the saccharin fit test.

Note: If employees eat or drink something sweet before the screening test, they may be unable to taste the weak saccharin solution.

(n) If a taste response is elicited, ask the employee to take note of the taste for reference in the fit test.

(o) Correct use of the nebulizer means that approximately 1 ml of liquid is used at a time in the nebulizer body.

(p) The nebulizer must be thoroughly rinsed in water, shaken dry, and refilled at least each morning and afternoon or at least every four hours.

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WAC 296-62-07214  What is the saccharin solution aerosol fit testing procedure (QLFT)? (1) The employee must not eat, drink (except plain water), smoke, or chew gum for 15 minutes before the test.

(2) The fit test uses the same enclosure described in WAC 296-62-07210.

(3) Have the employee put on the enclosure while wearing the respirator selected in WAC 296-62-07202. The respirator must be properly adjusted and equipped with a particulate filter(s).

(4) Use a second DeVilbiss Model 40 Inhalation Medication Nebulizer or equivalent to spray the fit test solution into the enclosure. Clearly mark this nebulizer to distinguish it from the screening test solution nebulizer.

(5) Prepare the fit test solution adding 83 grams of sodium saccharin to 100 ml of warm water.

(6) As before, the employees must breathe through a slightly open mouth with tongue extended, and report if they taste the sweet taste of saccharin.

(7) Insert the nebulizer into the hole in the front of the enclosure and spray an initial concentration of saccharin fit test solution into the enclosure.

(8) Use the same number of squeezes (either 10, 20 or 30 squeezes) based on the number of squeezes required to elicit a taste response as noted during the screening test. A minimum of 10 squeezes is required.

(9) After generating the aerosol, instruct the employee to perform the exercises in WAC 296-62-07202.

(10) Replenish the aerosol concentration every 30 seconds using one half the original number of squeezes used initially (for example, 5, 10 or 15).

(11) Instruct the employees to tell you if at any time during the fit test the taste of saccharin is detected. If the employee does not detect tasting the saccharin, the test is passed.

(12) If the taste of saccharin is detected, the fit is deemed unsatisfactory and the test is failed. A different respirator must be tried and the entire test procedure is repeated (taste threshold screening and fit testing).

(13) Since the nebulizer has a tendency to clog during use, periodically check the nebulizer to make sure that it is not clogged. If the nebulizer is clogged at the end of the test session, the test is invalid.

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WAC 296-62-07217   Bitrex^TM (denatonium benzoate) solution aerosol qualitative fit testing (QLFT) protocol. General information. The Bitrex^TM (denatonium benzoate) solution aerosol QLFT protocol uses the published saccharin test protocol because that protocol is widely accepted. Bitrex^TM is routinely used as a taste aversion agent in household liquids that children should not be drinking and is endorsed by the American Medical Association, the National Safety Council, and the American Association of Poison Control Centers. The entire screening and testing procedure must be explained to the employee prior to the conduct of the screening test.

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WAC 296-62-07218  What is the taste threshold screening procedure for Bitrex^TM (QLFT)? (1) Why use odor threshold screening?

The Bitrex^TM taste threshold screening, performed without wearing a respirator, is intended to determine whether the employee being tested can detect the taste of Bitrex^TM.

(2) What are the taste threshold screening procedures for Bitrex^TM (QLFT)?

(a) During threshold screening as well as during fit testing, employees must wear an enclosure over the head and shoulders that is approximately 12 inches (30.5 cm) in diameter by 14 inches (35.6 cm) tall. The front portion of the enclosure must be clear from the respirator and allow free movement of the head when a respirator is worn. An enclosure substantially similar to the 3M hood assembly, parts #14 and #15 combined, is adequate.

(b) The test enclosure must have a 3/4-inch (1.9 cm) hole in front of the employee's nose and mouth area to accommodate the nebulizer nozzle.

(c) Have the employee put on the test enclosure.

(d) Throughout the threshold screening test, the employees must breathe through a slightly open mouth with tongue extended.

(e) Instruct the employees to tell you when they detect a bitter taste.

(f) Using a DeVilbiss Model 40 Inhalation Medication Nebulizer or equivalent, spray the threshold check solution into the enclosure. Clearly mark this nebulizer to distinguish it from the fit test solution nebulizer.

(g) Prepare the threshold check solution by adding 13.5 milligrams of Bitrex^TM to 100 ml of 5% salt (NaCl) solution in distilled water.

(h) To produce the aerosol, the nebulizer bulb is firmly squeezed so that the bulb collapses completely, and is then released and allowed to fully expand.

(i) Rapidly repeat an initial ten squeezes and then ask the employee if the Bitrex^TM can be tasted. If the employee reports tasting the bitter taste during the ten squeezes, the screening test is completed. Note the taste threshold as ten regardless of the number of squeezes actually completed.

(j) If the first response is negative, rapidly repeat ten more squeezes and ask the employee if the Bitrex^TM is tasted. If the employee reports tasting the bitter taste during the second ten squeezes, the screening test is completed. Note the taste threshold as twenty regardless of the number of squeezes actually completed.

(k) If the second response is negative, rapidly repeat ten more squeezes and ask the employee if the Bitrex^TM is tasted. If the employee reports tasting the bitter taste during the third set of ten squeezes, the screening test is completed. Note the taste threshold as thirty regardless of the number of squeezes actually completed.

(l) Note the number of squeezes required to solicit a taste response.

(m) If the Bitrex^TM is not tasted after 30 squeezes (step k), the employee is unable to taste Bitrex^TM and must not perform the Bitrex^TM fit test.

(n) If a taste response is elicited, ask the employee to take note of the taste for reference in the fit test.

(o) Correct use of the nebulizer means that approximately 1 ml of liquid is used at a time in the nebulizer body.

(p) The nebulizer must be thoroughly rinsed in water, shaken to dry, and refilled at least each morning and afternoon or at least every four hours.

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WAC 296-62-07219  What is the Bitrex^TM solution aerosol fit testing procedure (QLFT)? (1) The employee must not eat, drink (except plain water), smoke, or chew gum for 15 minutes before the test.

(2) The fit test uses the same enclosure as that described in WAC 296-62-07210.

(3) Have the employee put on the enclosure while wearing the respirator selected according to WAC 296-62-07202. The respirator must be properly adjusted and equipped with any type particulate filter(s).

(4) Use a second DeVilbiss Model 40 Inhalation Medication Nebulizer or equivalent to spray the fit test solution into the enclosure. Clearly mark this nebulizer to distinguish it from the screening test solution nebulizer.

(5) Prepare the fit test solution by adding 337.5 mg of Bitrex^TM to 200 ml of a 5% salt (NaCl) solution in warm water.

(6) As before, the employees must breathe through a slightly open mouth with tongue extended.

(7) Instruct the employees to tell you when they detect the bitter taste of Bitrex^TM.

(8) Insert the nebulizer into the hole in the front of the enclosure. Spray an initial concentration of the fit test solution into the enclosure. Use the same number of squeezes (either 10, 20 or 30 squeezes) based on the number of squeezes required for the employee to taste the bitter tastes as noted during the screening test.

(9) After generating the aerosol, instruct the employee to perform the exercises in WAC 296-62-07203.

(10) Replenish the aerosol concentration every 30 seconds using one half the number of squeezes used initially (for example, 5, 10 or 15).

(11) Have the employees tell you if at any time during the fit test they taste the bitter taste of Bitrex^TM. If the employee does not detect tasting the Bitrex^TM, the test is passed.

(12) If the taste of Bitrex^TM is tasted, the fit is deemed unsatisfactory and the test is failed. A different respirator must be tried and the entire test procedures must be repeated (taste threshold screening and fit testing).

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WAC 296-62-07222  Irritant smoke (stannic chloride) protocol (QLFT). This qualitative fit test uses a person's response to the irritating chemicals released in the "smoke" produced by a stannic chloride ventilation smoke tube to detect leakage into the respirator.

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WAC 296-62-07223  What are the general requirements and precautions for irritant smoke fit testing (QLFT)? (1) The respirator to be tested must be equipped with high efficiency particulate air (HEPA) or P100 series filter(s).

(2) Use only stannic chloride smoke tubes for this protocol.

(3) Do not use any form of a test enclosure or hood.

(4) The smoke can be irritating to the eyes, lungs, and nasal passages. Take precautions to minimize the employee's exposure to irritant smoke. Sensitivity varies, and certain employees may respond to a greater degree to irritant smoke. Care must be taken when performing the sensitivity screening checks to use only the minimum amount of smoke necessary to elicit a response from the employee. Sensitivity screening checks determine whether the employee can detect the irritant smoke.

(5) The fit test must be performed in an area with adequate ventilation to prevent exposure of the person conducting the fit test or the build-up of irritant smoke in the general atmosphere.

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