Date of Adoption: May 4, 1999.

Purpose: Changes improve worker protection, making the respiratory protection and methylene chloride rules as effective as OSHA by adding new OSHA requirements. Other changes make it easier to use, understand and comply with the rules by writing the rules in plain language, improving clarity and consistency, providing more descriptions, eliminating redundancy, and correcting errors.

Citation of Existing Rules Affected by this Order: Sections in chapter 296-24 WAC, General safety and health standards:

WAC Section #	Title of Section	Action	29 CFR amended by OSHA
WAC 296-24-07501	General requirements in Part A-2 PPE.	Amend
WAC 296-24-51005	Definitions in Part F-2 anhydrous ammonia.	Amend	1910.111
WAC 296-24-51009	Basic rules in Part F-2.	Amend	1910.111
WAC 296-24-58513	Protective clothing in Part G-2 Fire protection.	Amend	1910.156
WAC 296-24-58515	Respiratory protection devices in Part G-2.	Amend	1910.156
WAC 296-24-58517	Appendix A--Fire brigades in Part G-2.	Amend	1910.156
WAC 296-24-67507	Definitions in Part H-2 Abrasive Blasting.	Amend	1926.57
WAC 296-24-67515	Personal protective equipment in Part H-2.	Amend	1926.57
WAC 296-24-67517	Air supply and air compressors in Part H-2.	Amend	1926.57
WAC 296-24-71507	Ventilation in confined spaces in Part I welding, cutting and brazing.	Amend	1910.252
WAC 296-24-71513	Lead in Part I.	Amend	1910.252
WAC 296-24-71517	Cadmium in Part I.	Amend	1910.252
WAC 296-24-71519	Mercury in Part I.	Amend	1910.252

Sections in chapter 296-62 WAC, General occupational health standards:

WAC Section #	Title of Section	Action	29 CFR amended by OSHA
WAC 296-62-071	Respiratory protection.	Amend	1910.134
WAC 296-62-07101	Scope.	Amend	1910.134
WAC 296-62-07103	Purpose.	Amend	1910.134
WAC 296-62-07105	Definitions.	Amend	1910.134
WAC 296-62-07107	Permissible practice.	Amend	1910.134
WAC 296-62-07109	Minimal acceptable respirator program.	Amend	1910.134
WAC 296-62-07111	Respirable air and oxygen for self-contained breathing apparatus and supplied air respirators.	Amend	1910.134
WAC 296-62-07113	Selection of respirators.	Amend	1910.134
WAC 296-62-07115	Use of respirators.	Amend	1910.134
WAC 296-62-07117	Maintenance of respirators.	Amend	1910.134
WAC 296-62-07119	Identification of air-purifying respirator canisters.	Repeal	1910.134
WAC 296-62-07121	Effective date.	Repeal	1910.134
WAC 296-62-07306	Requirements for areas containing carcinogens listed in WAC 296-62-07302.	Amend	1910.1003
WAC 296-62-07308	General regulated area requirements.	Amend	1910.1003
WAC 296-62-07329	Vinyl chloride.	Amend	1910.1017
WAC 296-62-07336	Acrylonitrile.	Amend	1910.1045
WAC 296-62-07337	Appendix A--Substance safety data sheet for acrylonitrile.	Amend	1910.1045
WAC 296-62-07342	1,2-dibromo-3-chloropropane.	Amend	1910.1044
WAC 296-62-07343	Appendix A--Substance safety data sheet for DBCP.	Amend	1910.1044
WAC 296-62-07347	Inorganic arsenic.	Amend	1910.1018
WAC 296-62-07367	Respiratory protection and personal protective equipment.	Amend	1910.1047
WAC 296-62-07369	Emergency situations.	Amend	1910.1047
WAC 296-62-07379	Dates.	Repeal
WAC 296-62-07383	Appendix A--Substance safety data sheet for ethylene oxide (nonmandatory).	Amend	1910.1047
WAC 296-62-07413	Respirator protection.	Amend	1910.1027
WAC 296-62-07425	Communication of cadmium hazards to employees.	Amend	1910.1027
WAC 296-62-07431	Dates.	Repeal
WAC 296-62-07441	Appendix A--Substance safety data sheet--Cadmium.	Amend	1910.1027
WAC 296-62-07445	Appendix C--Qualitative and quantitative fit testing procedures--(Fit test protocols).	Repeal	1910.1027
WAC 296-62-07460	Butadiene.	Amend	1910.1051
WAC 296-62-07470	Methylene chloride.	Amend	1910.1052
WAC 296-62-07521	Lead.	Amend	1910.1025
WAC 296-62-07523	Benzene.	Amend	1910.1028
WAC 296-62-07533	Appendix E Qualitative and quantitative fit testing procedures.	Repeal	1910.1028
WAC 296-62-07540	Formaldehyde.	Amend	1910.1048
WAC 296-62-07550	Appendix E--Qualitative and quantitative fit testing procedures.	Repeal	1910.1048
WAC 296-62-07615	Respiratory protection.	Amend	1910.1050
WAC 296-62-07635	Effective Dates.	Repeal
WAC 296-62-07639	Startup dates.	Repeal
WAC 296-62-07662	Appendix E to WAC 296-62-076--Qualitative and quantitative fit testing.	Repeal	1910.1050
WAC 296-62-07664	Appendix E-1--Qualitative fit test protocols.	Repeal	1910.1050
WAC 296-62-07666	Appendix E-1-a--Isoamyl acetate (banana oil) protocol.	Repeal	1910.1050
WAC 296-62-07668	Appendix E-1-b--Saccharin solution aerosol protocol.	Repeal	1910.1050
WAC 296-62-07670	Appendix E-1-c--Irritant fume protocol.	Repeal	1910.1050
WAC 296-62-07672	Appendix E-2--Quantitative Fit test procedures.	Repeal	1910.1050
WAC 296-62-07715	Respiratory protection.	Amend	1910.1001 & 1926.1101
WAC 296-62-07722	Employee information and training.	Amend	1910.1001 & 1926.1101
WAC 296-62-07733	Appendices.	Amend	1910.1001 & 1926.1101
WAC 296-62-07739	Appendix C--Qualitative and quantitative fit testing procedures--Mandatory.	Repeal	1910.1001 & 1926.1101
WAC 296-62-11019	Spray-finishing operations.	Amend	1926.57
WAC 296-62-11021	Open surface tanks.	Amend	1926.57
WAC 296-62-14533	Cotton dust.	Amend	1910.1043
WAC 296-62-20011	Respiratory protection.	Amend	1910.1029
WAC 296-62-20019	Employee information and training.	Amend	1910.1029
WAC 296-62-20027	Appendix A--Coke oven emissions substance information sheet.	Amend	1910.1029

Sections in Chapter 296-155 WAC, Construction work:

WAC Section #	Title of Section	Action	29 CFR amended by OSHA
WAC 296-155-17317	Respiratory protection in Part B-1 MDA.	Amend	1926.60
WAC 296-155-17335	Effective date in B-1.	Repeal
WAC 296-155-17337	Appendices in B-1.	Amend
WAC 296-155-17341	Appendix A to WAC 296-155-173--Substance data sheet, for 4-4'-methylenedianiline.	Amend	1926.60
WAC 296-155-17349	Appendix E to WAC 296-155-173--Methlyenedianiline--Qualitative and quantitative fit testing procedures.	Repeal	1926.60
WAC 296-155-17351	Appendix E-1--Qualitative protocols.	Repeal	1926.60
WAC 296-155-17353	Appendix E-1-a--Isoamyl acetate (banana oil) protocol.	Repeal	1926.60
WAC 296-155-17355	Appendix E-1-b--Saccharin solution and aerosol protocol.	Repeal	1926.60
WAC 296-155-17357	Appendix E-1-c--Irritant fume protocol.	Repeal	1926.60
WAC 296-155-17359	Appendix E-2--Quantitative fit test procedures.	Repeal	1926.60
WAC 296-155-174	Cadmium in Part B-1.	Amend	1926.1127
WAC 296-155-17613	Respiratory protection for lead in Part B-1.	Amend	1926.62
WAC 296-155-17625	Employee information and training for lead inPart B-1.	Amend
WAC 296-155-17635	Startup dates.	Repeal
WAC 296-155-17652	Appendix B to WAC 296-155-176--Employee standard summary.	Amend	1926.62
WAC 296-155-17656	Appendix D to WAC 296-155-176--Qualitative and quantitative fit test protocols.	Repeal	1926.62
WAC 296-155-220	Respiratory Protection in Part C PPE and life saving equipment.	Amend	1926.103
WAC 296-155-367	Masonry saws in Part G.	Amend
WAC 296-155-655	General protection requirements in Part N, Excavation, trenching and shoring.	Amend
WAC 296-155-730	Tunnels and shafts in Part Q, Underground construction.	Amend	1926.800

Other chapters affected:

WAC Section #	Title of Section	Action	29 CFR amended by OSHA
WAC 296-56-60053	Hazardous atmospheres and substances.	Amend
WAC 296-56-60235	Welding, cutting and heating (hot work).	Amend
WAC 296-78-665	Sanding machines.	Amend
WAC 296-78-71019	Exhaust systems.	Amend
WAC 296-304-03005	Mechanical paint removers.	Amend
WAC 296-305-02501	Emergency medical protection.	Amend

Statutory Authority for Adoption: RCW 49.17.010, [49.17].040, and [49.17].050.

Adopted under notice filed as WSR 98-23-085 on [November 17, 1998, and published on] December 2, 1998, and December 16, 1998.

Changes Other than Editing from Proposed to Adopted Version:

Changes to chapter 296-24 WAC, General safety and health standards:

WAC 296-24-07501 General requirements.

•	Changed the reference to respiratory protection in subsection (1)(a), making it consistent with wording in other rules and adding a reference to the general respiratory protection standard based on public comment.
•	Corrected reference to the general respiratory protection in subsection (4) to be consistent with references in other rules.

WAC 296-24-58515 Respiratory protection devices. Deleted obsolete requirements in subsection (2)(c). On November 8, 1988 NIOSH certified positive pressure SCBAs (certification # TC-13-F233).

Changes to chapter 296-62 WAC, General occupational health standards:

WAC 296-62-07101 To whom does chapter 296-62 WAC, Part E apply? Added reference to personal protective equipment requirements in chapter 296-24 WAC, Part A-2, based on public comment.

WAC 296-62-07103 What are your responsibilities as an employer? Added "written" to subsection (4) to clarify and be like OSHA's rule.

WAC 296-62-07105 Definitions.

•	Changed the assigned protection factor (APF) definitions, making it consistent with the 1992 ANSI Z88.2 standard based on public comment. New definition reads: "Assigned protection factor (APF) is the expected level of workplace respiratory protection provided by a properly functioning respirator worn by properly fitted and trained individuals. It describes the ratio of the ambient concentration of an airborne substance to the concentration of the substance inside the respirator."
•	Added "particulate air" and "(HEPA)" to the high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) definition, providing the complete name for a HEPA filter.
•	Deleted the word "toxic" from the sorbent definition to improve accuracy of definition. This change is based on public comment.

WAC 296-62-07107 When is a respiratory protection program required?

•	Separated requirements into two subsections, making it easier to understand and comply with both requirements.
•	Deleted "required" to avoid confusion.

WAC 296-62-07111 What must be included in your written respiratory protection program?

•	Changed the format of subsections from numbers to bullet points, showing one citable requirement with multiple conditions.
•	Simplified wording in first bullet to read "…the proper type of respirator for each respiratory hazard…"
•	Deleted references related to issuing the proper type of respirator to avoid confusion. References included in the proposal were incomplete.
•	Corrected references related to training of employees to "WAC 296-62-07188" and added more specific references in WAC 296-62-07188, making it easier to comply with the requirements.

WAC 296-62-07113 What are the requirements for a program administrator? Changed subsections to bullet points, showing one citable requirement with two conditions.

WAC 296-62-07115 Who pays for the respirators, training, medical evaluations, and fit testing? Added reference for voluntary use to make it easier to find related requirements.

WAC 296-62-07117 What must you do when employees choose to wear respirators when respirators are not required? In Figure 1, changed "heed" to "follow" to make it easier [to] understand. Change is based on public comment.

WAC 296-62-07131, What else must you consider when selecting a respirator for use in atmospheres that are not IDLH?

•	The following changes make Table 1--Assigned Protection Factors consistent with the 1992 ANSI Z88.2 standard, correct errors, and make it easier to use.

•	Eliminated the two columns labeled "permitted for use in oxygen-deficient atmosphere" and "permitted for use in immediately-dangerous-to-life-or-health;
•	Deleted two PAPR entries related to dust/mist--Full face;
•	Added four major headings in the first column identifying the four major types of respirators;
•	Deleted "without escape provisions" in one of the SAR entries;
•	Deleted duplicate entry for SAR continuous flow or press-demand, full facepiece;
•	Added "continuous flow" to two SAR entries;
•	Added clarification in footnote a;
•	Deleted footnote c and references to footnote c; and
•	Ranked the respirators under each major heading from lowest to highest APF.

•	Changed the format in subsection (4) so that proposed (a) and (b) become part of the same sentence.
•	Formatted subsection (4) with two sets of bullet points, showing one requirement with multiple conditions and making it easier to understand. Two types of bullet points identify different aspects of the requirement and list the conditions employers must meet to comply with the requirement.
•	Changed the format in subsection (5) to bullet points, showing one citable requirement with three conditions. Changed the sentence structure in the third bullet point to be like other bullet points.
•	Added a new bullet point to subsection (5) to read "for filters to be changed as required in WAC 296-62-07171(4)," helping users find related requirements.

WAC 296-62-07132 What else must you consider when selecting a respirator for use in IDLH atmospheres? Changed the format in subsection (1) to bullet points to show one citable requirement with two conditions.

WAC 296-62-07133 What else must you consider when selecting a respirator for emergency and rescue use? Added "based on the above considerations" to subsection (1).

Medical Evaluations: Changed the order of the proposed requirements in WAC 296-62-07151 through 296-62-07154 so that the requirements appear in the order that an employer would follow when complying with the medical evaluation provisions. The list provides an outline of the steps for employers to follow when complying with the requirements.

WAC 296-62-07150 What are the general requirements for medical evaluations?

•	Changed the format of subsection (1) to contain the requirements as proposed in this section. Bullet points added in subsection (1) to show one requirement, including the conditions that must be met when relying on an employee's medical evaluation completed by a previous employer.
•	Clarified the exemption in subsection (1).
•	Added a list in subsection (2), showing the steps necessary to comply with the medical evaluation requirements in this chapter. The order of the medical evaluation in other sections is changed to be the same as this list. The list reflects the sequence that you would follow when complying with the medical requirements in this chapter.

WAC 296-62-07151 Who must perform medical evaluations?

•	Changed the section title from "What are the procedures for determining if your employee is able to use a respirator?" to "Who must perform medical evaluations?".
•	Moved the initial medical evaluation and follow-up evaluation provisions to WAC 296-62-07153.
•	Retained the requirement about identifying a PLHCP to perform medical evaluations.
•	Added "a telephone conversation," clarifying example. This change is based on public comment.

WAC 296-62-07152 What information must you provide to the PLHCP in addition to the questionnaire?

•	Added new section by moving the requirements proposed from WAC 296-62-07154 to 296-62-07152.
•	Changed the format from subsections to bullet points, listing the information employers must give to their PLHCP.
•	Places the information about subsequent evaluations and the note after the list, clarifying requirement.
•	Added the phrase "(including, but not limited to, a list of respirators as required in WAC 296-62-07111(1) and fit testing procedures as required in WAC 296-62-07111(3))," highlighting important elements of the written program. Change is based on public comment.

WAC 296-62-07153 How must the medical evaluations and the questionnaire be administered?

•	Changed the title to include the initial evaluation requirement moved into this section from WAC 296-62-07151.
•	Changed wording in subsection (1) to better explain requirement.
•	Added more explanation about confidentiality, providing different options for administering the questionnaire.

WAC 296-62-07154 Who must review the questionnaire and determine what, if any, follow-up evaluations are needed?

•	Changed the title to reflect requirements moved into this section from WAC 296-62-07151.
•	Change the format by adding "you must provide for PLHCP follow-up evaluations in accordance with the following" and added bullet points, showing one citable requirement with three conditions.

WAC 296-62-07155 What must be included in the PLHCP's written recommendation?

•	Change the title to better reflect the contents of this section, making it easier to find provisions about the PLHCP's written recommendation.
•	Moved subsection (1) to the beginning of the section, correcting an error in proposal.
•	Added "about the employee" to clarify what information employers must give their PLHCP.
•	Changed the format in subsection (1) to bullet points, showing one citable requirement with three conditions.
•	Changed the format and wording in subsection (2), making it easier to understand the requirement.

WAC 296-62-07156 When are additional medical evaluations required? Changed the format to bullet points, showing one citable requirement with multiple conditions.

WAC 296-62-07160 When is fit testing required?

•	Changed the format to bullet points, showing one citable requirement with multiple conditions.
•	Corrected WAC references to include WAC 296-62-07162.

WAC 296-62-07162 How must fit testing be done?

•	Moved "only" to clarify.
•	Changed wording in subsection (2), making it easier to understand when qualitative fit testing may be used. Change is based on public comment.

WAC 296-62-07170 How must you prevent problems with the seal on tight-fitting facepieces?

•	Added information clarifying the requirement related to facial hair based on public comment.
•	Changed the format of subsection (1) to bullet points, showing one citable requirement with multiple conditions.

WAC 296-62-07171 How do you monitor continuing effectiveness of your employees' respirators? Changed the format to bullet points, showing one citable requirement with multiple conditions.

WAC 296-62-07172 What are the standby procedures when respirators are used in IDLH situations?

•	Combined subsections (1), (2), and (3) and changed the format to bullet points, showing one citable requirement with multiple conditions. Also, changed numbering of subsequent subsections.
•	Added parentheses in "employee(s)" to clarify the requirement based on public comment.
•	Combined the last two requirements found in subsection (8)(b) and (c) of the proposal into one requirement found in subsection (6)(b) in the final adoption, correcting an error. The phrase "or equivalent means…" relates to the appropriate retrieval equipment for removing employees and is not a separate requirement.

WAC 296-62-07175 How must respirators be cleaned and disinfected?

•	Changed the last sentence to read "before being worn by a different employee," clarifying when respirators must be cleaned. This change is based on public comment.
•	Changed subsection (3) to bullet points, showing one citable requirement with four conditions.

WAC 296-62-07176 How must respirators be stored? Changed the wording in subsection (2), showing four stand-alone, citable requirements in subsections (2)(a), (b), (c), and (d).

WAC 296-62-07177 When must respirators be inspected?

•	Changed the format to bullet points, showing one citable requirement with multiple conditions.
•	Moved requirement for monthly inspection of SCBAs from WAC 296-62-07178(2) to WAC 296-62-07177, so that it is correctly placed with other requirements about when respirators must be inspected.

WAC 296-62-07178 How must respirators be inspected?

•	Changed the format in subsections (1), (2), and (3) to bullet points, showing one citable requirement in each subsection with two conditions.
•	Changed the wording in subsection (2) to parallel the other subsections, making it easier to understand and comply with the requirements.

Breathing Air Quality Heading. Deleted the words "and use" to more accurately reflect provisions under this heading.

WAC 296-62-07182 What are the breathing gas requirements for atmosphere-supplying respirators?

•	Changed the format in subsection (2) to show two sets of bullet points, showing one requirement with multiple conditions. Two types of bullet points are used to help identify different aspects of the requirement and provide a second list of the conditions for Grade D compressed breathing air.
•	Changed the first sentence in subsections (5) and (6) to titles.
•	Changed wording in subsection (6)(a), (b), (c), and (d) to complete sentences, showing separate citable requirements.
•	Added "sorbent bed and filter" to subsection (6)(d), clarifying the requirements based on public comment.
•	Changed the last sentence in subsection (9) for clarity.

WAC 296-62-07186 What are the general training requirements? Changed the format in subsection (1) to bullet points, showing one citable requirement with multiple conditions.

WAC 296-62-07188 How do you know if you adequately trained your employees?

•	Changed the format to bullet points, showing one citable requirement with multiple conditions.
•	Added references to help users find the more specific requirements in other sections.

WAC 296-62-07190 When must your employees be trained? Changed the format in subsection (4) to bullet points, showing one citable requirement with multiple conditions.

WAC 296-62-07192 How must you evaluate the effectiveness of your respiratory protection program?

•	Changed the format in subsection (3) to bullet points, showing one citable requirement with multiple conditions.
•	Added the existing WISHA requirement for medical and bioassay surveillance found previously in WAC 296-62-07109(13). This change is based on public comment.

WAC 296-62-07194 What are the record-keeping requirements?

•	Changed "information" to "records" in subsection (1).
•	Changed "medical evaluations" to "written recommendations from the PLHCP" to clarify what type of medical records employers must keep.
•	Changed the title and wording in subsection (2). The new title--"access to medical records"--and new wording clarify what records employers must make available.
•	Changed the format in subsection (3) to bullet points, showing one citable requirement with multiple conditions.

WAC 296-62-07202 What are the general requirements for fit testing? Changed wording in subsection (10) to read "if the employee's respirator fails," clarifying requirements. This change is based on public comment.

WAC 296-62-07203 What are the fit test exercise requirements? Added "controlled negative pressure" to identify the "CNP" acronym. This change is based on public comment.

WAC 296-62-07208 Isoamyl acetate protocol (QLFT). Change wording to clarify what must happen to particulate respirators when using this fit testing protocol.

WAC 296-62-07225 What is the irritant smoke fit testing procedure (QLFT)? Added "eyes" to subsection (2), correcting an error in the proposal.

WAC 296-62-07255 Appendix C: WISHA Respirator Medical Evaluation Questionnaire--Mandatory. The following changes are based on public comment.

•	Changed the instructions "to the employer" to emphasize that questionnaires must be administered confidentially.
•	Added heading "to the employer's PLHCP" to better reflect information about the questions that will not require a medical examination.
•	Changed question 11(a) to read "dust mask style, half facepiece respirators without cartridges" to be more accurate.
•	Changed question 11(b) to provide a more complete list of respirators for employees to check, avoiding the need for PLHCPs to request more information following initial evaluation of the questionnaire.
•	Added new Section 3 titled "SCBA or Full Facepiece Respirator Users Only" in Part A of the questionnaire. Section 3 contains question 10 through 15, clarifying when these questions must be answered.
•	Added a title to Part B--"PLHCP Discretionary Questions," describing the questions that follow.
•	Changed the wording in the first sentence under Part B to read "if appropriate to specific job requirements or conditions, additional questions--including but not limited to the following--may be added at the discretion of the PLHCP to clarify an employee's ability to use a respirator."
•	Removed question to the employee about whether they can read, because if they cannot read they cannot answer this question.

WAC 296-62-07261 How do you classify respiratory hazards? Changed the first sentence to read "respiratory hazards are classified into the following categories" based on public comment.

WAC 296-62-07265 What needs to be considered when combinations of contaminants occur in the workplace? Moved the phrase "gas, vapor and particulates" from the title into the first sentence, making the title shorter and easier to understand. This change is based on public comment.

WAC 296-62-07267 What are the two major types of respirators? Added "or airline" to subsection (2) for clarity.

WAC 296-62-07269 What are air-purifying respirators (APRs)? The following changes are based on public comment.

•	Changed "by passing ambient air through" to "by passing contaminated air through" to clarify.
•	Changed "air to the respirator-inlet covering" to "air to the user" to clarify.

WAC 296-62-07271 What are the general limitations for air-purifying respirators (APRs)? The following changes are based on public comment.

•	Changed "sorption" to "absorption" in subsection (1), correcting an error.
•	Deleted "efficiency" in subsection (2), eliminating this word to avoid confusion.
•	Deleted "inward" in subsection (3), eliminating this word to avoid confusion.

WAC 296-62-07279 What types of filters, canisters and cartridges are available for air-purifying respirators (APRs)? The following changes are based on public comment.

•	Change the wording in subsection (1), making it easier to understand how particulate filters are classified.
•	Added a table showing the nine types of particulate respirators by class.
•	Clarified that N-100, R-100, and P-100 filters are also referred to as HEPA filters.

WAC 296-62-07283 What are the capabilities and limitations of atmosphere-supplying respirators? The following changes correct errors and are based on public comment.

•	Changed "sorption" to "absorption."
•	Deleted "tritium."
•	Changed "organic phosphate" to "organo-phosphate."

Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Comply with Federal Statute: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; Federal Rules or Standards: New 67, Amended 58, Repealed 19; or Recently Enacted State Statutes: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.

Number of Sections Adopted at Request of a Nongovernmental Entity: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.

Number of Sections Adopted on the Agency's Own Initiative: New 20, Amended 11, Repealed 5.

Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Clarify, Streamline, or Reform Agency Procedures: New 87, Amended 46, Repealed 0.

Number of Sections Adopted Using Negotiated Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; Pilot Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Other Alternative Rule Making: New 87, Amended 69, Repealed 24. Effective Date of Rule: September 1, 1999.

May 4, 1999

Gary Moore

Director

OTS-2590.6

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.]

((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. Other requirements for personal protective equipment (PPE) are found in chapter 296-24 WAC, Part A-2.

[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.]

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.

[]

((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 respiratory 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 written 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.]

((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 the expected level of workplace respiratory protection provided by a properly functioning respirator worn by properly fitted and trained individuals. It describes the ratio of the ambient concentration of an airborne substance to the concentration of the substance inside the respirator.

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 particulate air filter((.)) (HEPA) 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.]

(((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.)) (1) 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 worksite-specific procedures and specifications for required respirator use.

(2) 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.

[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.]

(((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.]

((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:

• Procedures for selecting respirators for use in the workplace and a list identifying the proper type of respirator for each respiratory hazard (see WAC 296-62-07130 through 296-62-07133);

• Medical evaluations of employees required to use respirators (see WAC 296-62-07150 through 296-62-07156);

• 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);

• 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);

• Procedures for issuing the proper type of respirator based on the respiratory hazards for each employee;

• 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);

• Procedures to make sure adequate air quality, quantity, and flow of breathing air for atmosphere-supplying respirators (see WAC 296-62-07182);

• Training of employees in the respiratory hazards to which they are potentially exposed during routine, nonroutine, and unforeseeable emergency and rescue situations (see WAC 296-62-07188);

• 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 296-62-07188); and

• 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.]

(((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

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

You must designate a program administrator qualified by training or experience appropriate to the needs of your program to:

• Oversee the respiratory protection program; and

• 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.]

(((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). For voluntary use, see WAC 296-62-07117(3).

[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.]

(((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.]

(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.

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(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

^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.

(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 an atmosphere-supplying respirator or an air-purifying respirator, provided that:

• The respirator is equipped with an end-of-service-life indicator (ESLI) certified by NIOSH for the contaminant; or

• 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:

• An atmosphere-supplying respirator; or

• 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

• An air-purifying respirator equipped with any filter certified for particulates by NIOSH for contaminants consisting primarily of particles with mass median aerodynamic diameters (MMAD) of at least 2 micrometers; or

• For filters to be changed as required in WAC 296-62-07171(4).

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(1) You must provide the following respirators for your employees to use in IDLH atmospheres:

• A full facepiece pressure demand SCBA certified by NIOSH for a minimum service life of thirty minutes; or

• 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.

[]

(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
•	Based on the above considerations, list 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.

[]

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. You may rely upon a previous employer's medical evaluation, if you can show that:

• 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

• The previous working conditions, which required respirator use as detailed in WAC 296-62-07154(1), are substantially similar to yours.

Exception: If an employee uses no other respirator than an escape-only respirator, medical evaluations are not required. This exception does not apply to respirators with tight-fitting facepieces (such as, gas masks).

Steps necessary for completing a medical evaluation:

• You identify a PLHCP (WAC 296-62-07151);

• You provide information to the PLHCP (WAC 296-62-07152);

• PLHCP reviews information and determines what additional questions, if any, to add to Part A of the questionnaire (WAC 296-62-07153(1));

• You administer the questionnaire confidentially (WAC 296-62-07153(2));

• PLHCP reviews and evaluates the questionnaire (WAC 296-62-07154);

• PLHCP completes any follow-up medical evaluations with employees (WAC 296-62-07154);

• PLHCP completes the written recommendation and sends it to the employee and you (WAC 296-62-07155 (1) and (2));

• You respond appropriately to written recommendations (WAC 296-62-07155) and maintain records (WAC 296-62-07194);

• You provide additional medical evaluations when required by your PLHCP (WAC 296-62-07156).

[]

You must identify a physician or other licensed health care professional (PLHCP) to perform medical evaluations.

[]

You must provide the following information to the PLHCP before the PLHCP makes a recommendation concerning an employee's ability to use a respirator:

• The questionnaire found in WAC 296-62-07255, Appendix C;

• The type and weight of the respirator to be used by the employee;

• The duration and frequency of respirator use (including use for rescue and escape);

• The expected physical work effort;

• Additional protective clothing and equipment to be worn;

• Temperature and humidity extremes that may be encountered;

• A copy of your written respiratory protection program (including, but not limited to, a list of respirators as required in WAC 296-62-07111(1) and fit testing procedures as required in WAC 296-62-07111(3)); and

• A copy of chapter 296-62 WAC, Part E, Respiratory protection.

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 change your 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. WISHA does not expect you to have employees medically reevaluated solely because a new PLHCP has been selected.

[]

(1) An initial evaluation must be completed. You may use the questionnaire 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. Questions in Section 1 and 2 of Part A must be answered by all respirator users, while questions in Section 3 must be answered by SCBA and full facepiece respirator users. The PLHCP determines what additional questions must be used in the questionnaire from Part B in WAC 296-62-07255.

(2) 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.

Confidentiality. 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. This includes looking at the completed questions or any other interaction that may be considered a breach of confidentiality.

The following are different options that may be used to administer questionnaires confidentially:

• You may administer the questionnaire and arrange for employee access to a PLHCP if there are any questions. For example, you may provide employees a copy of the questionnaire, ask them to fill it out, and place it in a sealed envelope that is sent to the PLHCP.

• Your PLHCP may administer the questionnaire.

• You may hire a third party to confidentially administer the questionnaire.

(3) You must provide the employee with an opportunity to discuss the questionnaire and examination results with the PLHCP.

[]

You must provide for the following PLHCP evaluations.

• For the initial medical evaluation, the PLHCP must review the information obtained by the questionnaire in WAC 296-62-07255.

• The PLHCP must provide a follow-up medical evaluation for any employee who gives a positive response to any one of questions 1 through 8 in Section 2 of Part A in WAC 296-62-07255 or whose initial medical evaluation demonstrates the need for follow-up evaluation.

• The follow-up medical evaluation must include any consultations (for example, a telephone conversation to evaluate positive responses on the questionnaire), medical tests, or diagnostic procedures that the PLHCP deems necessary to make a final determination.

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.

[]

(1) In determining the employee's ability to use a respirator, you must obtain a written recommendation regarding the employee's ability to use the respirator from the PLHCP. The recommendation must provide only the following information about the employee:

• 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;

• The need, if any, for follow-up medical evaluations; and

• A statement that the PLHCP has provided the employee with a copy of the PLHCP's written recommendation.

(2) You must provide a PAPR, 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;

• The PLHCP's medical evaluation finds that the employee can use such a respirator. You no longer must provide a PAPR, if a subsequent medical evaluation finds that the employee is medically able to use a negative pressure.

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At a minimum, you must provide additional medical evaluations that comply with the requirements in WAC 296-62-07151 through 296-62-07155 if:

• An employee reports medical signs or symptoms related to his or her ability to use a respirator;

• A PLHCP, supervisor, or the respirator program administrator informs you that an employee needs to be reevaluated;

• Information from the respiratory protection program, including observations made during fit testing and program evaluation, indicates a need for employee reevaluation; or

• 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.

You may discontinue an employee's medical evaluations when the employee is no longer required to use a respirator.

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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:

• Prior to initial use of the respirator;

• Whenever a different respirator facepiece (size, style, model or make) is used;

• At least annually thereafter; and

• 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.

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 through 296-62-07162 have been satisfied.

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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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(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 to fit test negative pressure air-purifying respirators only when they will be used in atmospheres where the concentration is less than 10 times the PEL. For respirator use in higher concentrations, quantitative fit testing must be used.

(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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(1) You must not permit respirators with tight-fitting facepieces to be worn during fit testing and respirator use by employees who have:

• Any facial hair that is visibly projecting above the skin (stubble, moustache, sideburns, portions of a beard, low hairline, bangs) that comes between the sealing surface of the facepiece and the face or that interferes with valve function; or

• 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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(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:

• To wash their faces and respirator facepieces as necessary to prevent eye or skin irritation associated with respirator use; or

• If they detect vapor or gas breakthrough, changes in breathing resistance, or leakage of the facepiece; or

• To replace the respirator or the filter, cartridge, or canister elements; or

• If the employee experiences severe discomfort in wearing the respirator; or

• 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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(1) You must provide standby employees when employees are working in IDLH atmospheres.

In certain IDLH situations, one standby employee is permitted when the IDLH atmosphere is well characterized and you can show that one employee can adequately:

• Monitor the employee(s) in the IDLH atmosphere;

• Implement communication activities; and

• Initiate rescue duties.

For all other IDLH situations, you must have at least two employees located outside the IDLH atmosphere.

(2) 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.

(3) The employee(s) located outside the IDLH atmosphere must be trained and equipped to provide effective emergency rescue.

(4) You or your designee must be notified before the employee(s) located outside the IDLH atmosphere enter the IDLH atmosphere to provide emergency rescue.

(5) You or your designee, once notified, must provide necessary assistance appropriate to the situation.

(6) 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 equivalent means for rescue where retrieval equipment is not required.

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(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:

• 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;

• Respirators issued to more than one employee must be cleaned and disinfected before being worn by different individuals;

• Respirators maintained for emergency use must be cleaned and disinfected after each use; and

• Respirators used in fit testing and training must be cleaned and disinfected before being worn by a different employee.

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(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.

(a) You must keep respirators accessible to the work area.

(b) You must store respirators in compartments or in covers that are clearly marked as containing emergency respirators.

(c) You must store respirators in accordance with any applicable manufacturer instructions.

(d) You must provide an adequate number of respirators for each work area where they may be needed.

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You must make sure that:

• All respirators used in routine situations are inspected before each use and during cleaning;

• 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;

• Emergency escape-only respirators are inspected before being carried into the workplace for use; and

• Self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBAs) must be inspected monthly.

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(1) You must make sure that respirator inspections include:

• 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

• A check of elastomeric parts for pliability and signs of deterioration.

(2) For self-contained breathing apparatus you must:

• Maintain air and oxygen cylinders in a fully charged state and recharge the cylinders when the pressure falls to 90% of the manufacturer's recommended pressure level; and

• Determine that the regulator and warning devices function properly.

(3) For respirators maintained for emergency use, you must:

• 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

• 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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(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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(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:

• Compressed and liquid oxygen must meet the United States Pharmacopoeia requirements for medical or breathing oxygen; and

• 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:

⧫ Oxygen content (v/v) of 19.5-23.5%;

⧫ Hydrocarbon (condensed) content of 5 milligrams per cubic meter of air or less;

⧫ Carbon monoxide (CO) content of 10 ppm or less;

⧫ Carbon dioxide content of 1,000 ppm or less; and

⧫ 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) Cylinders used to supply breathing air to respirators.

(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 -50°F (-45.6°C) at 1 atmosphere pressure.

(6) Compressors used to supply breathing air to respirators.

(a) Compressors must be constructed and situated so as to prevent entry of contaminated air into the air-supply system.

(b) Compressors must minimize moisture content so that the dew point at 1 atmosphere pressure is 10°F (5.56°C) below the ambient temperature.

(c) Compressors must 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) Compressors must have a tag containing the most recent sorbent bed and filter 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. Asphyxiating substances must not 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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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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(1) You must provide effective training to:

• Employees required to use respirators;

• Supervisors; and

• 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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At a minimum, you must make certain that each employee can demonstrate:

• Why the respirator is necessary and how improper fit, use, or maintenance can compromise the protective effect of the respirator;

• What the respirator is capable of doing and what its limitations are;

• How to use the respirator effectively in emergency situations, including situations in which the respirator malfunctions;

• How to inspect (see WAC 296-62-07178), put on and remove, use (see WAC 296-62-07170 through 296-62-07172), and check the seals (see WAC 296-62-07251) of the respirator;

• The procedures for maintaining (see WAC 296-62-07175 through 296-62-07179, 296-62-07182(5) and 296-62-07253) and storing (see WAC 296-62-07176) of the respirator;

• How to recognize medical signs and symptoms that may limit or prevent the effective use of respirators; and

• The general requirements of chapter 296-62 WAC, Part E.

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(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:

• Changes in the workplace or the type of respirator render previous training obsolete or incomplete;

• 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

• Any other situation arises when retraining appears to be necessary to make sure respirators are used safely.

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(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:

• Respirator fit (including the employee's ability to use the respirator without interfering with effective workplace performance);

• Appropriate respirator selection for the hazards to which the employee is exposed;

• Proper respirator use under the workplace conditions the employee encounters; and

• Proper respirator maintenance.

(4) Medical and bioassay surveillance. When appropriate, medical surveillance, including bioassays, must be carried out to determine if employees using respirators are receiving adequate respiratory protection. A physician must determine the requirements of the surveillance program.

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(1) General. You must keep written records of the following:

•	Written recommendations from the PLHCP;
•	Fit testing;
•	The respirator program; and
•	Training.

(2) Access to medical records. You must make the written recommendations from the PLHCP and any other medical records you are maintaining available as required by chapter 296-62 WAC, Part B.

(3) Fit testing. You must keep a record of any qualitative and quantitative fit tests completed for each employee. The record must include:

• The name or identification of the employee tested;

• Type of fit test performed;

• Specific make, model, style, and size of respirator tested;

• Date of test; and

• The pass/fail results for QLFTs or the fit factor and strip chart recording or other recording of the test results for QNFTs.

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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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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(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's respirator 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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(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 controlled negative pressure (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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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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(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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Note:

You must equip particulate respirators with an organic vapor cartridge or canister when using the isoamyl acetate protocol for fit testing.

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(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 25°C (77°F) 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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(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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The entire screening and testing procedure must be explained to the employee prior to conducting the screening test.

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(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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(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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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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(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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(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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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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(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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(1) Why use irritant smoke sensitivity screening checks?

Employees must be tested to see if they can detect a weak concentration of the irritant smoke.

(2) What are the sensitivity screening check procedures?

(a) Break both ends of a ventilation smoke tube containing stannic chloride, and attach one end of the smoke tube to a low flow air pump set to deliver 200 milliliters per minute, or an aspirator squeeze bulb.

(b) Cover the other end of the smoke tube with a short piece of tubing to prevent potential injury from the jagged end of the smoke tube.

(c) Advise the employees that the smoke can be irritating to the eyes, lungs, and nasal passages and instruct them to keep their eyes closed while the test is performed.

(d) Allow the employee to smell a weak concentration of the irritant smoke before putting on a respirator to become familiar with its irritating properties and determine if they can detect the irritating properties of the smoke.

(e) Carefully direct a small amount of the irritant smoke toward the employees being tested to see if they can detect it.

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(1) Have the employee put on the respirator without assistance, and perform the required user seal check(s).

(2) Instruct the employees to keep their eyes closed.

(3) Direct the stream of irritant smoke from the smoke tube toward the face seal area of the employee, using the low flow pump or the squeeze bulb. Begin at least 12 inches from the facepiece and move the smoke stream around the whole perimeter of the mask. Gradually make two more passes around the perimeter of the mask, moving to within six inches of the respirator.

(4) If the person being tested has not had an involuntary response and/or detected the irritant smoke, proceed with the test exercises.

(5) Have the employee perform the exercises required in WAC 296-62-07203 while the respirator seal is being continually challenged by the smoke. Direct the smoke around the perimeter of the respirator at a distance of six inches.

(6) If the employee being fit tested detects the irritant smoke at any time, the test is failed. An employee being retested must repeat the entire sensitivity check and fit test procedures.

(7) Have the employee remove the respirator.

(8) Give employees passing the irritant smoke test without evidence of a response (involuntary cough, irritation) a second sensitivity screening check, with the smoke from the same smoke tube used during the fit test to determine if they still react to the smoke. The fit test is void if an employee does not respond to the smoke.

(9) If the employee responds to the second sensitivity check, then the fit test is passed.

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This is a mandatory appendix to chapter 296-62 WAC, Part E, which includes WAC 296-62-07230 through 296-62-07248.

The following quantitative fit testing procedures are acceptable protocols:

•	Nonhazardous test aerosol (such as corn oil, polyethylene glycol 400 [PEG 400], di-2-ethyl hexyl sebacate [DEHS], or sodium chloride) generated in a test chamber, and employing instrumentation to quantify the fit of the respirator;
•	Ambient aerosol as the test agent and appropriate instrumentation (condensation nuclei counter) to quantify the respirator fit;
•	Controlled negative pressure and appropriate instrumentation to measure the volumetric leak rate of a facepiece to quantify the respirator fit.

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Reviser's note: The brackets and enclosed material in the text of the above section occurred in the copy filed by the agency and appear in the Register pursuant to the requirements of RCW 34.08.040.
NEW SECTION
WAC 296-62-07231
What are the general requirements for quantitative fit testing (QNFT)?

(1) You must make sure that persons administering QNFT are able to:

•	Calibrate equipment and perform tests properly;
•	Recognize invalid tests;
•	Calculate fit factors properly; and
•	Make sure that test equipment is in proper working order.

(2) You must make sure that QNFT equipment is kept clean, and is maintained and calibrated according to the manufacturer's instructions so as to operate at the parameters for which it was designed.

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(1) Instrumentation. Use aerosol generation, dilution, and measurement systems using particulates (corn oil, polyethylene glycol 400 [PEG 400], di-2-ethyl hexyl sebacate [DEHS] or sodium chloride) as test aerosols for quantitative fit testing.

(2) Test chamber.

(a) The test chamber must be large enough to permit all employees to perform freely all required exercises without disturbing the test agent concentration or the measurement apparatus.

(b) The test chamber must be equipped and constructed so that the test agent is effectively isolated from the ambient air, yet uniform in concentration throughout the chamber.

(3) When testing air-purifying respirators, replace the normal filter or cartridge element with a high efficiency particulate air (HEPA) or P100 series filter supplied by the same manufacturer.

(4) Select the sampling instrument so that a computer record or strip chart record may be made of the test showing the rise and fall of the test agent concentration with each inspiration and expiration at fit factors of at least 2,000. Integrators or computers that integrate the amount of test agent penetration leakage into the respirator for each exercise may be used provided a record of the readings is made.

(5) Do not expose the employee to any combination of substitute air-purifying elements, test agent and test agent concentration in excess of an established exposure limit for the test agent at any time during the testing process. Base the employee's exposure on the length of the exposure and the exposure limit duration.

(6) Construct the sampling port and place it on the test specimen respirator so that:

•	No leaks occurs around the port (for example, where the respirator is probed);
•	A free air flow is allowed into the sampling line at all times; and
•	There is no interference with the fit or performance of the respirator.

The in-mask sampling device (probe) must be designed and used so that the air sample is drawn from the breathing zone of the employee, midway between the nose and mouth and with the probe extending into the facepiece cavity at least 1/4-inch.

(7) The person administering the fit test must be able to observe the employee inside the chamber during the test.

(8) The equipment generating the test atmosphere must maintain the concentration of test agent constant to within a 10 percent variation for the duration of the test.

(9) Keep the time lag (interval between an event and the recording of the event on the strip chart or computer or integrator) to a minimum. You must be able to clearly see when an event occurs and when it is recorded on the strip chart or computer.

(10) The sampling line tubing for the test chamber atmosphere and for the respirator sampling port must be:

•	Equal in diameter;
•	Made of the same material; and
•	Equal in length.

(11) The exhaust flow from the test chamber must pass through an appropriate filter (i.e., high efficiency particulate filter) before release.

(12) When sodium chloride aerosol is used, the relative humidity inside the test chamber must not exceed 50 percent.

(13) Take into account the limitations of instrument detection when determining the fit factor.

(14) Test respirators must be maintained in proper working order and be inspected regularly for deficiencies such as cracks or missing valves and gaskets.

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Reviser's note: The brackets and enclosed material in the text of the above section occurred in the copy filed by the agency and appear in the Register pursuant to the requirements of RCW 34.08.040.
NEW SECTION
WAC 296-62-07235
What are the procedures for generated aerosol quantitative fit testing (QNFT)?

(1) When performing the initial user seal check using a positive or negative pressure check, crimp the sampling line in order to avoid air pressure leakage during either of these pressure checks.

(2) Using an abbreviated screening QLFT test is optional. You may use a QLFT screening test to quickly identify poor fitting respirators that passed the positive and/or negative pressure test and reduce the amount of QNFT time. Another option is to use the CNC QNFT instrument in the count mode to obtain a quick estimate of fit and eliminate poor fitting respirators before going on to perform a full QNFT.

(3) A reasonably stable test agent concentration must be measured in the test chamber prior to testing. For canopy or shower curtain types of test units, determine the test agent's stability after the employee has entered the test environment.

(4) Immediately after the employee enters the test chamber, measure the test agent concentration inside the respirator to make sure that the peak penetration does not exceed 5 percent for a half-mask or 1 percent for a full facepiece respirator.

(5) Obtain a stable test agent concentration prior to the actual start of testing.

(6) Do not over-tighten respirator restraining straps for testing. Have the employee adjust the straps, without assistance, to give a reasonably comfortable fit typical of normal use.

(7) Do not adjust the respirator once the fit test exercises begin.

(8) Stop the test whenever any single peak penetration exceeds 5 percent for half-masks and 1 percent for full facepiece respirators. The employee must be refitted and retested.

(9) Do not permit the employee to wear a half-mask or quarter facepiece respirator unless:

•	A minimum fit factor of 100 is obtained; or
•	A full facepiece respirator unless a minimum fit factor of 500 is obtained.

(10) Filters used for quantitative fit testing must be replaced whenever increased breathing resistance is encountered, or when the test agent has altered the integrity of the filter media.

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(1) Determine the fit factor for the quantitative fit test by taking the ratio of the average chamber concentration to the concentration measured inside the respirator for each test exercise except the grimace exercise.

(2) Calculate the average test chamber concentration using one of the following:

•	Arithmetic average of the concentration measured before and after each test (i.e., 7 exercises); or
•	Arithmetic average of the concentration measured before and after each exercise; or
•	True average measured continuously during the respirator sample.

(3) Determine the concentration of the challenge agent inside the respirator by one of the following methods:

(a) Average peak penetration method. Average peak penetration method determines how much test agent penetrates into the respirator using a strip chart recorder, integrator, or computer. Determine the agent penetration averaging the peak heights on the graph or by computer integration, for each exercise except the grimace exercise. Integrators or computers that calculate the actual test agent penetration into the respirator for each exercise also will meet the requirements of the average peak penetration method.

(b) Maximum peak penetration. Maximum peak penetration method determines how much test agent penetrates into the respirator using a strip chart recordings of the test. The highest peak penetration for a given exercise represents the average penetration into the respirator for that exercise.

(c) Area under the peaks. Integrate the area under the individual peak for each exercise except the grimace exercise using computerized integration or other appropriate calculations.

(d) Overall fit factor. Calculate the overall fit factor using individual exercise fit factors.

•	Convert the exercise fit factors to the penetration values.
•	Determine the average.
•	Then convert the average result back to a fit factor.

Use the following equation to calculate overall fit factor:

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(1) The ambient aerosol condensation nuclei counter (CNC) quantitative fit testing (Portacount^TM) protocol uses a probe to quantitatively fit tests respirators. A probed respirator has a special sampling device, installed on the respirator, that allows the probe to sample the air from inside the mask.

(2) The probed respirator is only used for quantitative fit tests.

(3) A probed respirator is required for each make, style, model, and size that the employer uses and can be obtained from the respirator manufacturer or distributor.

(4) The CNC instrument manufacturer, TSI Inc., also provides probe attachments (TSI sampling adapters) that permit fit testing in an employee's own respirator.

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(1) A minimum fit factor pass level of at least 100 is necessary for a half-mask respirator.

(2) A minimum fit factor pass level of at least 500 is required for a full facepiece negative pressure respirator.

(3) The entire screening and testing procedure must be explained to the employee prior to the conduct of the screening test.

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(1) Check the respirator to make sure the:

•	Sampling probe and line are properly attached to the facepiece; and
•	Respirator is fitted with a particulate filter capable of preventing significant penetration by the ambient particles used for the fit test (for example, NIOSH 42 CFR 82 series 100, series 99, or series 95 particulate filter) per manufacturer's instruction.

(2) Instruct the employee to put on the respirator for five minutes before the fit test starts. This purges the ambient particles trapped inside the respirator and permits the employee to make certain the respirator is comfortable. Before fit testing, train the employee on how to wear the respirator properly.

(3) Check the following conditions for the adequacy of the respirator fit:

•	Chin properly placed;
•	Adequate strap tension, not overly tightened;
•	Fit across nose bridge;
•	Respirator of proper size to span distance from nose to chin;
•	Tendency of the respirator to slip;
•	Self-observation in a mirror to evaluate fit and respirator position.

(4) Have the employee do a user seal check. If leakage is detected, determine the cause. If leakage is from a poorly fitting facepiece, try another size of the same model respirator, or another model of respirator.

(5) Follow the manufacturer's instructions for operating the Portacount and begin the test.

(6) Have the employee perform the exercises in WAC 296-62-07203.

(7) After the test exercises, ask the employee about comfort of the respirator. If the respirator is unacceptable, try another model of respirator.

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(1) The Portacount will automatically stop and calculate the overall fit factor for the entire set of exercises. The overall fit factor is what counts. The pass or fail message will indicate whether or not the test was successful. If the test was a pass, the fit test is over.

(2) Since the pass or fail criterion of the Portacount is user programmable, you must make sure that the pass or fail criterion meets the requirements for minimum respirator performance in WAC 296-62-07235.

(3) Keep a record of successful fit tests on file. The record must contain:

•	The employee's name;
•	Overall fit factor;
•	Make, model, style, and size of respirator used; and
•	Date tested.

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The CNP protocol provides an alternative to aerosol fit test methods.

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(1) The CNP fit test method technology is based on exhausting air from a temporarily sealed respirator facepiece to generate and then maintain a constant negative pressure inside the facepiece. The rate of air exhaust is controlled so that a constant negative pressure is maintained in the respirator during the fit test. The level of pressure is selected to replicate the mean inspiratory pressure that causes leakage into the respirator under normal use conditions. With pressure held constant, air flow out of the respirator is equal to air flow into the respirator. Therefore, measurement of the exhaust stream that is required to hold the pressure in the temporarily sealed respirator constant yields a direct measure of leakage air flow into the respirator.

(2) The CNP fit test method measures leak rates through the facepiece as a method for determining the facepiece fit for negative pressure respirators.

(3) Manufacturer attachments. The CNP instrument manufacturer Dynatech Nevada also provides attachments (sampling manifolds) that replace the filter cartridges to permit fit testing in an employee's own respirator.

(4) Performing the test. To perform the test, the employees close their mouths and hold their breath, after which an air pump removes air from the respirator facepiece at a preselected constant pressure.

(5) Facepiece fit. The facepiece fit is expressed as the leak rate through the facepiece, expressed as milliliters per minute.

(6) The quality and validity of the CNP fit tests are determined by the degree to which the in-mask pressure tracks the test pressure during the system measurement time of approximately five seconds. Instantaneous feedback in the form of a real-time pressure trace of the in-mask pressure is provided and used to determine test validity and quality.

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(1) Fit factor.

•	A minimum fit factor pass level of 100 is necessary for a half-mask respirator.
•	A minimum fit factor of at least 500 is required for a full facepiece respirator.

(2) The entire screening and testing procedure must be explained to the employee prior to the conduct of the screening test.

(3) The instrument must have a nonadjustable test pressure of 15.0 mm water pressure.

(4) When performing fit tests, set the CNP system defaults at:

•	15 mm of water (-0.58 inches of water) test pressure and
•	53.8 liters per minute for the modeled inspiratory flow rate.

Note:

CNP systems have built-in capability to conduct fit testing that is specific to unique work rate, mask, and gender situations that might apply in a specific workplace. Use of system default values, which were selected to represent respirator wear with medium cartridge resistance at a low-moderate work rate, will allow inter-test comparison of the respirator fit.

(5) The person conducting the CNP fit testing must be thoroughly trained to perform the test.

(6) Replace the respirator filter or cartridge with the CNP test manifold. Temporarily remove or prop open the inhalation valve downstream from the manifold.

(7) Train employees to hold their breath for at least 20 seconds.

(8) Have the employee put on the test respirator without any assistance from the individual who conducts the CNP fit test.

(9) The QNFT protocol must be followed according to WAC 296-62-07231 with an exception for the CNP test.

(10) The test instrument must have an effective audio warning device when the employee fails to hold his or her breath during the test.

(11) Stop the test whenever the employees fail to hold their breath. The employees must be refitted and retested.

(12) A record of the test must be kept on file, assuming the fit test was successful. The record must contain the employee's name; overall fit factor; make, model, style and size of respirator used; and date tested.

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(1) Normal breathing. In a normal standing position, without talking, the employees must breathe normally for 1 minute. After the normal breathing exercise, the employees must hold their head straight ahead and hold their breath for 10 seconds during the test measurement.

(2) Deep breathing. In a normal standing position, the employees must breathe slowly and deeply for 1 minute, being careful not to hyperventilate. After the deep breathing exercise, the employees must hold their head straight ahead and hold their breath for 10 seconds during test measurement.

(3) 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 for 1 minute, holding their heads each extreme momentarily so they can inhale at each side.
•	After the turning head side to side exercise, have the employees hold their heads full left and hold their breath for 10 seconds during test measurement.
•	Next, have the employees need to hold their head full right and hold their breath for 10 seconds during test measurement.

(4) Moving head up and down.

•	Standing in place, the employees must slowly move their heads up and down for 1 minute.
•	Instruct the employee to inhale in the up position (when looking toward the ceiling).
•	After the moving head up and down exercise, the employees must hold their heads full up and hold their breath for 10 seconds during test measurement.
•	Next, the employees must hold their heads full down and hold their breath for 10 seconds during test measurement.

(5) 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 for 1 minute. After the talking exercise, the employee must hold his or her head straight ahead and hold his or her breath for 10 seconds during the test measurement.

(6) Grimace. The employee must grimace by smiling or frowning for 15 seconds.

(7) Bending over. Employees must bend at the waist as if they were touching their toes for 1 minute. Jogging in place must be substituted for this exercise in those test environments such as shroud-type QNFT units that prohibit bending at the waist. After the bending over exercise, the employees must hold their head straight ahead and hold their breath for 10 seconds during the test measurement.

(8) Normal Breathing.

•	The employee must remove and put on the respirator again within a one-minute period.
•	Then, in a normal standing position, without talking, the employee must breathe normally for 1 minute.
•	After the normal breathing exercise, the employee must hold his or her head straight ahead and hold his or her breath for 10 seconds during the test measurement.

(9) After the test exercises, question the employee about the comfort of the respirator. If the respirator has become unacceptable, another model of a respirator must be tried.

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This is a mandatory appendix to chapter 296-62 WAC, Part E.

The individual who uses a tight-fitting respirator must perform a user seal check to make sure that the respirator makes an adequate seal each time it is put on. Either the positive and negative pressure checks listed in this appendix, or the respirator manufacturer's recommended user seal check method must be used. User seal checks are not substitutes for qualitative or quantitative fit tests.

(1) Facepiece positive and/or negative pressure checks.

(a) Positive pressure check. Close off the exhalation valve and exhale gently into the facepiece. For most respirators this method of leak testing requires the wearer to first remove the exhalation valve cover before closing off the exhalation valve. The face fit is considered adequate if a slight positive pressure (inflation) can be built up inside the facepiece without any evidence of outward leakage of air at the seal. Carefully replace the exhalation valve cover, if it was removed, after the test.

(b) Negative pressure check. Close off the inlet opening of the canister or cartridge(s) by covering with the palm of the hand(s) or by replacing the filter seal(s), inhale gently so that the facepiece collapses slightly, and hold the breath for ten seconds. If the design of the inlet opening of the cartridges cannot be effectively covered with the palm of the hand, cover the inlet opening of the cartridge with a thin latex or nitrile glove. If the facepiece remains in its slightly collapsed condition and no inward leakage of air is detected, the tightness of the respirator is considered satisfactory.

(2) Manufacturer's recommended user seal check procedures. The respirator manufacturer's recommended procedures for performing a user seal check may be used instead of the positive and/or negative pressure check procedures describe above provided that you demonstrate that the manufacturer's procedures are equally effective.

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This is a mandatory appendix to chapter 296-62 WAC, Part E.

(1) These procedures are provided for you to use when cleaning respirators. They are general in nature, and as an alternative you may use the cleaning recommendations provided by the manufacturer of the respirators used by your employees, if the manufacturer's procedures are as effective as those listed here in Appendix B-2. Procedures are as effective when they meet the requirements in Appendix B-2, i.e., that must make sure that the respirator is properly cleaned and disinfected so that the respirator is not damaged and does no harm to the user.

(2) Procedures for cleaning respirators.

(a) Remove filters, cartridges, or canisters. Remove speaking diaphragms, demand and pressure-demand valve assemblies, hoses, or any components recommended by the manufacturer. Discard or repair any defective parts.

(b) Wash components in warm (43°C [110°F] maximum) water with a mild detergent or with a cleaner recommended by the manufacturer. A stiff bristle (not wire) brush may be used to facilitate the removal of dirt.

(c) Rinse components thoroughly in clean, warm (43°C [110°F] maximum), preferably running water. Drain.

(d) When the cleaner used does not contain a disinfecting agent, respirator components should be immersed for two minutes in one of the following:

(i) Hypochlorite solution (50 ppm of chlorine) made by adding approximately one milliliter of laundry bleach to one liter of water at 43°C (110°F); or,

(ii) Aqueous solution of iodine (50 ppm iodine) made by adding approximately 0.8 milliliters of tincture of iodine (6-8 grams ammonium and/or potassium iodide/100 cc of 45% alcohol) to one liter of water at 43°C (110°F); or,

(iii) Other commercially available cleansers of equivalent disinfectant quality when used as directed, if their use is recommended or approved by the respirator manufacturer.

(e) Rinse components thoroughly in clean, warm (43°C [110°F] maximum), preferably running water. Drain. The importance of thorough rinsing cannot be overemphasized. Detergents or disinfectants that dry on facepieces may result in dermatitis. In addition, some disinfectants may cause deterioration of rubber or corrosion of metal parts if not completely removed.

(f) Components should be hand-dried with a clean lint-free cloth or air-dried.

(g) Reassemble facepiece, replacing filters, cartridges, and canisters where necessary.

(h) Test the respirator to make sure that all components work properly.

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Reviser's note: The brackets and enclosed material in the text of the above section occurred in the copy filed by the agency and appear in the Register pursuant to the requirements of RCW 34.08.040.
NEW SECTION
WAC 296-62-07255
Appendix C: WISHA Respirator Medical Evaluation Questionnaire--Mandatory.

This is a mandatory appendix to chapter 296-62 WAC, Part E.

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This is a non-mandatory appendix to chapter 296-62 WAC, Part E.

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This is a non-mandatory appendix to chapter 296-62 WAC, Part E, which includes WAC 296-62-07260 through 296-62-07295.

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Respiratory hazards are classified into the following categories:

•	Oxygen deficient;
•	Physical properties (gas, vapor, biological aerosols, and particulate contaminants, which include dust, fog, fume, mist, smoke, and spray);
•	Physiological effects on the body (for example, asphyxiant, carcinogenic, or toxic);
•	Concentration of toxic material or radioactivity level;
•	Established exposure limits; and
•	Established immediately dangerous to life or health concentrations.

When selecting a respirator, you must determine which of the categories listed above apply to your workplace.

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(1) The oxygen content of normal air at sea-level conditions is 20.9%.

(2) Minimum legal requirements: An oxygen deficient atmosphere is one that has 19.5% or less oxygen by volume for respirable air at sea-level conditions.

(3) They commonly occur in confined or unventilated cellars, wells, mines, ship holds, tanks, burning buildings, and enclosures containing inert atmospheres.

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Combinations of contaminants (gas, vapor and particulate) may occur simultaneously in the atmosphere. Contaminants may be entirely different substances (dusts and gases from blasting) or the particulate and vapor forms of the same substance. Synergistic effects (joint action of two or more agents that results in an effect that is greater than the sum of their individual effects) may occur. Such effects may require extraordinary protective measures.

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Respirators are classified into the following categories:

(1) Air-purifying respirators. The following types of air-purifying respirators are available:

•	Particulate-removing;
•	Gas- and vapor-removing; and
•	Combination particulate- and either gas- or vapor-removing.

(2) Atmosphere-supplying respirators. The following types of atmosphere-supplying respirators are available:

•	Supplied-air or airline;
•	Combination supplied-air and air-purifying;
•	Combination supplied-air with auxiliary self-contained air supply; and
•	Self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA).

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(1) Air-purifying respirators remove particles, vapors, gases, or a combination of these contaminants by passing contaminated air through a filter, cartridge, or canister. The breathing action of the wearer operates the nonpowered type of respirator. The powered type contains a blower (usually carried by the wearer), that pulls contaminated air through air-purifying media and then blows the purified air to the respirator user. The nonpowered type is equipped with a tight-fitting facepiece or without one (for example, mouthpiece/nose clamp types). The powered type is equipped with a tight-fitting facepiece, helmet, hood, or suit.

(2) Air-purifying respirators are classified into the following categories:

•	Particulate-removing respirators;
•	Vapor- and gas-removing respirators; and
•	Combinations of the above.

(3) Air-purifying respirators (APRs) are available as nonpowered, tight-fitting respirators, powered-air-purifying respirators (PAPRs) and mouthpiece respirators.

(4) A variety of tight-fitting APR styles are available ranging from half facepiece to full facepiece masks, including PAPRs. PAPRs are also available in loose-fitting styles, featuring a hood or helmet instead of a tight-fitting facepiece. Gas masks are only available in the full-facepiece style and some are classified as PAPRs.

(5) Mouthpiece respirators do not provide for a mask-to-face seal and are designed to be worn with a mouth bit and nose clamp.

(6) The most commonly used type of APR is a nonpowered, tight-fitting half-mask. The facepieces available for this type of respirator may be composed of silicone or other elastomeric materials if a cartridge type respirator is needed. Noncartridge types are called filtering facepiece respirators and are primarily composed of fibrous materials.

(7) Disposable options are available for either elastomeric or filtering facepiece type half-masks. Some disposables may last for only a brief period of use while others are designed for prolonged use (designed to have nonreplaceable parts), sometimes referred to as low maintenance respirators. Disposables are generally less expensive than nondisposable type half-masks.

(8) In addition, special cartridge-type half facepiece models may also be available with features designed for specific work operations. For example, low profile type half-masks are available to be worn under welding hoods.

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(1) Air-purifying respirators do not protect against oxygen-deficient atmospheres nor against skin irritation by, or absorption through the skin of, airborne contaminants.

(2) The maximum contaminant concentration against which an air-purifying respirator will protect is determined by the design and capacity of the cartridge, canister, or filter and the facepiece-to-face seal on the user. For gases and vapors, the maximum concentration for which the air-purifying element is designed is specified by the manufacturer or is listed on labels of cartridges and canisters.

(3) Nonpowered air-purifying respirators may not provide the assigned level of protection specified unless the facepiece is carefully fitted to the wearer's face to prevent leakage. The time period over which protection is provided is dependent on:

•	Canister, cartridge, or filter capacity;
•	Concentration of contaminant(s);
•	Humidity levels in the ambient atmosphere; and
•	The wearer's respiratory rate.

(4) The proper type of canister, cartridge, or filter must be selected for the particular atmosphere and conditions. Nonpowered air-purifying respirators may cause discomfort due to a noticeable resistance to inhalation. This problem is minimized with use of powered respirators. Respirator facepieces present special problems to individuals required to wear prescription lenses (spectacle kits are available from some manufacturers). These devices do have the advantage of being small, light, and simple in operation.

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Particulate-removing respirators are equipped with filter(s) to remove a single type of particulate matter (for example, dust) or a combination of two or more types of particulate matter (for example, dust and fume) from air. The filter may be a replaceable part or a permanent part of the respirator. It may also be a single-use or reusable type of filter.

(1) General limitations. Particulate-removing respirators provide protection against nonvolatile particles only. They do not protect against gases and vapors. They are not for use in atmospheres immediately dangerous to life or health (see WAC 296-62-07132).

(2) Full facepiece particulate respirators provide protection against eye irritation in addition to respiratory protection.

(3) Mouthpiece respirators must be used only for escape. Mouth breathing prevents detection of contaminant by odor. The nose clamp must be securely in place to prevent nasal breathing. A small, lightweight device that can be donned quickly.

(4) In environments with oil aerosols, you must not use "N" type particulate respirators.

(5) Combination particulate- and vapor- and gas-removing respirators are subject to the advantages and disadvantages of the component sections of the combination respirator as described above.

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Vapor- and gas-removing respirators are equipped with cartridge(s) or canister(s) to remove a single vapor or gas (for example, chlorine gas); a single class of vapors or gases (for example, organic vapors); or a combination of two or more classes or gases (for example, organic vapors, and acidic gases) from air.

(1) General limitations. Vapor and gas removing respirators do not provide protection against particulate contaminants. A rise in canister or cartridge temperature indicates that a gas or vapor is being removed from the inspired air. An uncomfortably high temperature indicates a high concentration of gas or vapor and requires immediate return to fresh air. Use must be avoided unless an ESLI or a change out schedule is available. They are not for use in atmospheres immediately dangerous to life or health.

(2) Full facepiece vapor- and gas-removing respirators provide protection against eye irritation in addition to respiratory protection.

(3) Mouthpiece respirators must be used only for escape. Mouth breathing prevents detection of contaminant by odor. The nose clamp must be securely in place to prevent nasal breathing. These are small lightweight devices that can be put on quickly.

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Combination particulate- and vapor-and gas-removing respirators are equipped with cartridge(s) or canister(s) to remove particulate matter, vapors and gases from air. The filter may be a permanent part or a replaceable part of a cartridge or canister.

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(1) Filters. Filters currently available for use against particulate contaminants are appropriate for solid particulates such as dusts or fumes, as well as being appropriate for nonvolatile, liquid particles such as sprays, mists and fogs.

(a) Cartridges or canister filters are available in addition to separate filter pads that can be added to some manufacturers' cartridges. They also may be formed into a filtering facepiece mask or as a wafer-like attachment. Regardless of how they are constructed, particulate filters are classified by physical limitations as "N," "R," and "P". Within each class, manufacturers may supply three different types of filters that reflect the efficiency rating (see below).

Class	Efficiency Rating
N	95	99	100
R	95	99	100
P	95	99	100

(i) Filters that are classified as N-100, R-100, and P-100 are also referred to as HEPA filters. New particulate filters are more effective than older types of filters referred to as:

•	Dust;
•	Dust/mist; or
•	Dust/fume/mist filters.

These older types of filters have highly variable efficiencies. They are no longer being manufactured and sold.

(ii) Any filter designated with "N" is appropriate for use in environments that do not contain oil. If you have oil aerosols, "R" or "P" designated filters are appropriate for use.

(b) Combination filters. Some vapor and gas cartridges and canisters have an added filter component for particulates. These are available as combination cartridges and will have a separate certification number listed on the respirator, packaging or in the operations manual for each type of contaminant.

(2) Canisters. Gas mask canisters are available for specific contaminants including ammonia, carbon monoxide, chlorine, phosphine and sulfur dioxide. Canisters are also available for general categories of chemical contaminants including acid gases, organic vapors, and pesticides. Canisters attachment options available are chin-, belt- or chest-mounted and a variety of canister sizes are available.

(3) Cartridges (nongas mask canisters). Cartridges are available for protection against specific contaminants and combinations of specific contaminants, including ammonia, chlorine, chlorine dioxide, formaldehyde, hydrogen chloride, hydrogen fluoride, hydrogen sulfide, mercury, methylamine, sulfur dioxide and vinyl chloride. Cartridges are also available for protection against general categories of chemical contaminants, including organic vapors, paints/lacquers/enamels and pesticides. Cartridge attachment options available include face-, chin-, belt- or helmet-mounted.

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(1) Atmosphere-supplying respirators supply a respirable atmosphere to the wearer.

(2) The two types of atmosphere-supplying respirators are:

•	Self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA); and
•	Supplied-air respirators.

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See WAC 296-62-07180 for the requirements on breathing gases used with atmosphere-supplying respirators.

(1) Capabilities. Atmosphere-supplying respirators provide protection against oxygen deficient and toxic atmospheres. The breathing atmosphere is independent of contaminated atmospheric conditions.

(2) General limitations. Except for some supplied-air suits, no protection is provided against skin irritation by materials such as ammonia and hydrogen chloride, or against absorption of materials such as hydrogen cyanide or organo-phosphate pesticides through the skin. Facepieces present special problems to individuals required to wear prescription lenses. Use of atmosphere-supplying respirators in atmospheres immediately dangerous to life or health is limited to specific devices under specified conditions (see WAC 296-62-07132).

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A supplied-air (or air-line) respirator provides respirable air through a small-diameter hose from a compressor or compressed-air cylinder(s). The hose is attached to the wearer by a belt or other suitable means and can be detached rapidly in an emergency. A flow-control valve or orifice is provided to govern the rate of air flow to the wearer. Exhaled air passes to the ambient atmosphere through a valve(s) or opening(s) in the enclosure (facepiece, helmet, hood, or suit). Up to 300 feet (91 meters) of hose length is permissible. Hose supplied by the manufacturer and recommended operating pressures and hose lengths must be used.

Supplied-air respirators are classified in the following ways:

(1) Continuous-flow respirators, which are equipped with a facepiece, hood, helmet, or suit. At least 115 liters (four cubic feet) of air per minute to tight-fitting facepieces and 170 liters (six cubic feet) of air per minute to loose fitting helmets, hoods and suits are required. Air is supplied to a suit through a system of internal tubes to the head, trunk and extremities through valves located in appropriate parts of the suit.

(2) Demand type (negative pressure) respirators, which are only equipped with a facepiece. The demand valve permits flow of air only during inhalation.

(3) Pressure-demand type (positive pressure) respirators, which are only equipped with a facepiece. A positive pressure is maintained in the facepiece.

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(1) Capabilities. The respirable air supply is not limited to the quantity the individual can carry, and the devices are lightweight and simple. The demand type produces a negative pressure in the facepiece on inhalation, whereas continuous-flow and pressure-demand types maintain a positive-pressure in the respirator-inlet covering and are less apt to permit inward leakage of contaminants. Supplied-air suits may protect against atmospheres that irritate the skin or that may be absorbed through the unbroken skin.

(2) Limitations. Employees are restricted in movement by the hose and must return to a respirable atmosphere by retracing their route of entry. The hose may be severed or pinched off. Supplied-air respirators provide no protection if the air supply fails. Some contaminants, such as tritium, may penetrate the material of an supplied-air suit and limit its effectiveness. Other contaminants, such as fluorine, may react chemically with the material of a supplied-air suit and damage it.

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Combination supplied-air and air-purifying respirators provide the wearer with the option of using either of two different modes of operation:

(1) A supplied-air respirator with an auxiliary air-purifying attachment which provides protection in the event the air supply fails; or

(2) The advantages and disadvantages previously described for supplied-air and air-purifying respirators apply when these respirators are used in combination. The mode with the greater limitations (air-purifying mode) will generally determine the overall capabilities and limitations of the respirator, since the wearer may for some reason fail to change the mode of operation even though conditions require such a change.

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Some combination supplied-air respirators have an auxiliary self-contained air supply. To escape from a hazardous atmosphere in the event the primary air supply fails to operate, the wearer switches to the auxiliary self-contained air supply. Devices approved for both entry into and escape from dangerous atmospheres have a low-pressure warning alarm and contain at least a 5-minute self-contained air supply. The auxiliary self-contained air supply on this type of device allows the wearer to escape from a dangerous atmosphere. This device with auxiliary self-contained air supply is approved for escape and may be used for entry when it contains at least a 15-minute auxiliary self-contained air supply and not more than 20 percent of the rated self-contained air supply is used during entry (see WAC 296-62-07132).

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SCBAs are respirators designed so that the supply of air, oxygen, or oxygen-generated material is carried by the wearer. They are normally equipped with a full facepiece, but may be equipped with a half-mask facepiece, helmet, hood or mouthpiece and nose clamp.

SCBAs are classified in the following ways:

(1) Closed-circuit SCBA (oxygen only, negative pressure or positive pressure). There are two types of closed-circuit SCBAs. They are:

(a) Compressed liquid oxygen respirators, which are equipped with a facepiece or mouthpiece and nose clamp. High-pressure oxygen from a gas cylinder passes through a high-pressure reducing valve and, in some designs, through a low-pressure admission valve to a breathing bag or container. Liquid oxygen is converted to low-pressure gaseous oxygen and delivered to the breathing bag. The wearer inhales from the bag through a corrugated tube connected to a mouthpiece or facepiece and a one-way check valve. Exhaled air passes through another check valve and tube into a container of carbon-dioxide removing chemical and reenters the breathing bag. Make-up oxygen enters the bag continuously or as the bag deflates sufficiently to actuate an admission valve. A pressure-relief system is provided, and a manual bypass and saliva trap may be provided depending upon the design.

(b) Oxygen-generating respirators, which are equipped with a facepiece or mouthpiece and nose clamp. Water vapor in the exhaled breath reacts with the chemical in the canister to release oxygen to the breathing bag. The wearer inhales from the bag through a corrugated tube and one-way check valve at the facepiece. Exhaled air passes through a second check valve/breathing tube assembly into the canister. The oxygen-release rate is governed by the volume of exhaled air. Carbon dioxide in the exhaled breath is removed by the canister fill.

(2) Open-circuit (SCBA) (compressed air, compressed oxygen, liquid air, liquid oxygen). A bypass system is provided in case of regulator failure except on escape-type units. There are two types of open-circuit SCBAs. They are:

(a) Demand-type respirators, which are equipped with a facepiece or mouthpiece and nose clamp. The demand valve permits oxygen or air flow only during inhalation. Exhaled breath passes to ambient atmosphere through a valve(s) in the facepiece.

(b) Pressure-demand type respirators, which are equipped with a facepiece only. Positive pressure is maintained in the facepiece. The apparatus may have provision for the wearer to select the demand or pressure-demand mode of operation, in which case only the demand mode must be used when putting on or removing the apparatus.

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(1) The period over which the SCBAs will provide protection is limited by the amount of air or oxygen in the apparatus, the ambient atmospheric pressure (service life of open-circuit devices is cut in half by a doubling of the atmospheric pressure), and the type of work being performed. Some SCBA devices have a short service life (less than 15 minutes) and are suitable only for escape (self-rescue) from an irreparable atmosphere. Chief limitations of SCBA devices are their weight, bulk, limited service life, and the training requirements for their maintenance and safe use.

(2) What are the limitations for closed-circuit SCBAs?

The closed-circuit operation conserves oxygen and permits longer service life at reduced weight. The negative-pressure type produces a negative pressure in the respiratory-inlet covering during inhalation, and this may permit inward leakage of contaminants; the positive-pressure type always maintains a positive pressure in the respiratory-inlet covering and is less apt to permit inward leakage of contaminants.

(3) What are the limitations for open circuit SCBAs?

The demand type produces a negative pressure in the respiratory-inlet covering during inhalation, whereas the pressure-demand type maintains a positive pressure in the respiratory-inlet covering during inhalation and is less apt to permit inward leakage of contaminants.

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     The following sections of the Washington Administrative Code are repealed:

WAC 296-62-07119	Identification of air-purifying respirator canisters.
WAC 296-62-07121	Effective date.

OTS-2524.3

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)) protection according to chapter 296-62 WAC, Part E, 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)) chapter 296-62 WAC, 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.]

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 60°F that the container will hold.  One lb. H²O= 27.737 cu. in. at 60°F.  For determining the weight capacity of the tank in pounds, the weight of a gallon (231 cubic inches) of water at 60°F 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.]

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 60°F 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 20°F and 100°F 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 20°F.

(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:

				Minimum Distances (feet) from Container to:
Nominal Capacity of Container				Line of Adjoining Property Which may be Built upon, Highways & Mainline of Railroad		Place of Public Assembly	Institution Occupancy
Over	500	to	2,000	25		150	250
Over	2,000	to	30,000	50		300	500
Over	30,000	to	100,000	50		450	750
	Over		100,000	50		600	1,000

(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:

(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.

Containers		Minimum		Maximum*
ASME U-68, U-69		110%		125%
ASME U-200, U-201		95%		100%
ASME 1952, 1956, 1959, 1962,
1965, 1968 or 1971		95%		100%
API-ASME		95%		100%
U.S. Coast Guard
	(As required by USCG regulations)
DOT	(As required by DOT regulations)

*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 three-way 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 60°F 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:

		Aboveground		Underground
(i) Uninsulated			56%*	58%
(ii) Insulated			57%
(iii)	DOT containers shall be filled in accordance with DOT regulations.

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

(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 60°F 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-2545.2

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 500°F (260°C) 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 135°F (57°C) when gloves or glove system are exposed to 932°F (500°C) 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.]

(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.]

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.

[]

(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.

PF=	Concentration outside respirator Concentration inside facepiece

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.]

(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.]

(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.