Title of Rule and Other Identifying Information: Worker protection standards, chapter 16-233 WAC.

     Purpose of the Proposal and Its Anticipated Effects, Including Any Changes in Existing Rules: The proposal adopts federal changes for use of glove liners. It removes language about hazardous material training from the department of agriculture's rules, and changes references to labor and industries regulations to current WAC numbers.

     Reasons Supporting Proposal: This proposal incorporates the changes to the federal worker protection standards into state rules in order to be consistent with other requirements in Washington state law. This proposal is to be adopted in conjunction with rules adopted by the Washington state department of labor and industries.

     Statutory Authority for Adoption: Chapters 15.58 and 17.21 RCW.

     Statute Being Implemented: Chapters 15.58 and 17.21 RCW.

     Rule is necessary because of federal law, [no information supplied by agency.]

     Name of Proponent: Washington state department of agriculture, governmental.

     Name of Agency Personnel Responsible for Drafting: Ann Wick, 1111 Washington Street, (360) 902-2051.

May 15, 2009

Bob Arrington

Assistant Director

OTS-2355.1

AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending Order 6002, filed 10/3/96, effective 11/3/96)

WAC 16-233-001   Federal worker protection standards -- Washington state department of labor and industries.   This chapter contains the federal Environmental Protection Agency worker protection standards as listed in 40 CFR, Part 170. Revisions to the federal language have been incorporated into this chapter in order to be consistent with other requirements of Washington state law. These rules are adopted in conjunction with rules adopted by the Washington state department of labor and industries in chapter ((296-306A)) 296-307 WAC, Part I.

[Statutory Authority: Chapters 15.58 and 17.21 RCW. 96-21-008 (Order 6002), § 16-233-001, filed 10/3/96, effective 11/3/96.]

     (a) Preapplication activities, including, but not limited to:

     (i) Arranging for the application of the pesticide;

     (ii) Mixing and loading the pesticide; and

     (iii) Making necessary preparations for the application of the pesticide, including responsibilities related to worker notification, training of handlers, decontamination, use and care of personal protective equipment, emergency information, and heat stress management.

     (b) Application of the pesticide.

     (c) Post-application activities necessary to reduce the risks of illness and injury resulting from handlers' and workers' occupational exposures to pesticide residues during the restricted-entry interval plus thirty days. These activities include, but are not limited to, responsibilities related to worker training, notification, and decontamination.

     (d) Other pesticide-related activities, including, but not limited to, providing emergency assistance, transporting or storing pesticides that have been opened, and disposing of excess pesticides, spray mix, equipment wash waters, pesticide containers, and other pesticide-containing materials.

     (2) A person who has a duty under this chapter, as referenced on the pesticide product label, and who fails to perform that duty, violates RCW 15.58.330 and 17.21.315, and is subject to civil penalties under RCW 15.58.335, 15.58.260 and 17.21.315.

     (3) FIFRA section 14 (b)(4) provides that a person is liable for a penalty under FIFRA if another person employed by or acting for that person violates any provision of FIFRA. The term "acting for" includes both employment and contractual relationships.

     (4) The requirements of this chapter, including the decontamination requirements, shall not, for the purposes of section 653 (b)(1) of Title 29 of the U.S. Code, be deemed to be the exercise of statutory authority to prescribe or enforce standards or regulations affecting the general sanitary hazards addressed by the WISHA Field Sanitation Standard, WAC ((296-24-120)) 296-307-095, or other agricultural, nonpesticide hazards.

[Statutory Authority: Chapters 15.58 and 17.21 RCW. 96-21-008 (Order 6002), § 16-233-025, filed 10/3/96, effective 11/3/96.]

     (a) After the application of any pesticide on an agricultural establishment, the agricultural employer shall not allow or direct any worker to enter or to remain in the treated area before the restricted-entry interval specified on the pesticide labeling has expired, except as provided in this section.

     (b) Entry-restricted areas in greenhouses are specified in column D in Table 2 under WAC 16-233-115 (3)(d).

     (c) When two or more pesticides are applied at the same time, the restricted-entry interval shall be the longest of the applicable intervals.

     (d) The agricultural employer shall assure that any worker who enters a treated area under a restricted-entry interval as permitted by subsections (3), (4), and (5) of this section uses the personal protective equipment specified in the product labeling for early entry workers and follows any other requirements on the pesticide labeling regarding early entry.

     (2) Exception for activities with no contact. A worker may enter a treated area during a restricted-entry interval if the agricultural employer assures that both of the following are met:

     (a) The worker will have no contact with anything that has been treated with the pesticide to which the restricted-entry interval applies, including, but not limited to, soil, water, air, or surfaces of plants; and

     (b) No such entry is allowed until any inhalation exposure level listed in the labeling has been reached or any ventilation criteria established by WAC 16-233-115 (3)(c) or in the labeling have been met.

     (3) Exception for short-term activities. A worker may enter a treated area during a restricted-entry interval for short-term activities if the agricultural employer assures that the following requirements are met:

     (a) No hand labor activity is performed.

     (b) The time in treated areas under a restricted-entry interval for any worker does not exceed one hour in any twenty-four-hour period.

     (c) No such entry is allowed for the first four hours following the end of the application, and no such entry is allowed thereafter until any inhalation exposure level listed in the labeling has been reached or any ventilation criteria established by WAC 16-233-115 (3)(c) or in the labeling have been met.

     (d) The personal protective equipment specified on the product labeling for early entry is provided to the worker. Such personal protective equipment shall conform to the following standards:

     (i) Personal protective equipment (PPE) means devices and apparel that are worn to protect the body from contact with pesticides or pesticide residues, including, but not limited to, coveralls, chemical-resistant suits, chemical-resistant gloves, chemical-resistant footwear, respiratory protection devices, chemical-resistant aprons, chemical-resistant headgear, and protective eyewear.

     (ii) Long-sleeved shirts, short-sleeved shirts, long pants, short pants, shoes, socks, and other items of work clothing are not considered personal protective equipment for the purposes of this section and are not subject to the requirements of this section, although pesticide labeling may require that such work clothing be worn during some activities.

     (iii) When "chemical-resistant" personal protective equipment is specified by the product labeling, it shall be made of material that allows no measurable movement of the pesticide being used through the material during use.

     (iv) When "waterproof" personal protective equipment is specified by the product labeling, it shall be made of material that allows no measurable movement of water or aqueous solutions through the material during use.

     (v) When a "chemical-resistant suit" is specified by the product labeling, it shall be a loose-fitting, one-piece or two-piece, chemical-resistant garment that covers, at a minimum, the entire body except head, hands, and feet.

     (vi) When "coveralls" are specified by the product labeling, they shall be a loose-fitting, one-piece or two-piece garment, such as a cotton or cotton and polyester coverall, that covers, at a minimum, the entire body except head, hands, and feet. The pesticide product labeling may specify that the coveralls be worn over a layer of clothing. If a chemical-resistant suit is substituted for coveralls, it need not be worn over a layer of clothing.

     (vii)(A) Gloves shall be of the type specified ((by)) on the pesticide product labeling. Gloves ((or glove linings)) made of leather, cotton, or other absorbent materials must not be worn for early-entry activities, unless gloves made of these materials are listed as acceptable for such use on the product labeling ((as acceptable for such use)). If chemical-resistant gloves with sufficient durability and suppleness are not obtainable ((for tasks with roses or other plants with sharp thorns)), leather gloves may be worn ((over)) on top of chemical-resistant ((liners)) gloves. However, once leather gloves have been worn for this use, ((thereafter)) they shall not be worn ((only with chemical-resistant liners)) thereafter for any other purpose, and they shall ((not)) only be worn ((for any other use)) over chemical-resistant gloves.

     (B) Separable glove liners may be worn beneath chemical-resistant gloves, unless the pesticide product labeling specifically prohibits their use. Separable glove liners are defined as separate glove-like hand coverings made of lightweight material, with or without fingers. Work gloves made from lightweight cotton or poly-type material are considered to be glove liners if worn beneath chemical-resistant gloves. Separable glove liners may not extend outside the chemical-resistant gloves under which they are worn. Chemical-resistant gloves with nonseparable absorbent lining materials are prohibited.

     (C) If used, separable glove liners must be discarded immediately after a total of no more than ten hours of use or within twenty-four hours of when first put on, whichever comes first. The liners must be replaced immediately if directly contacted by pesticide. Used glove liners shall not be reused. Contaminated liners must be disposed of in accordance with any federal, state, or local regulations.

     (viii) When "chemical-resistant footwear" is specified by the product labeling, it shall be one of the following types of footwear: Chemical-resistant shoes, chemical-resistant boots, or chemical-resistant shoe coverings worn over shoes or boots. If chemical-resistant footwear with sufficient durability and a tread appropriate for wear in rough terrain is not obtainable for workers, then leather boots may be worn in such terrain.

     (ix) When "protective eyewear" is specified by the product labeling, it shall be one of the following types of eyewear: Goggles; face shield; safety glasses with front, brow, and temple protection; or a full-face respirator.

     (x) When "chemical-resistant headgear" is specified by the product labeling, it shall be either a chemical-resistant hood or a chemical-resistant hat with a wide brim.

     (e) The agricultural employer shall assure that the worker, before entering the treated area, either has read the product labeling or has been informed, in a manner that the worker can understand, of all labeling requirements related to human hazards or precautions, first aid, symptoms of poisoning, personal protective equipment specified for early entry, and any other labeling requirements related to safe use.

     (f) The agricultural employer shall assure that:

     (i) Workers wear the personal protective equipment correctly for its intended purpose and use personal protective equipment according to manufacturer's instructions.

     (ii) Before each day of use, all personal protective equipment is inspected for leaks, holes, tears, or worn places, and any damaged equipment is repaired or discarded.

     (iii) Personal protective equipment that cannot be cleaned properly is disposed of in accordance with any applicable federal, state, and local regulations.

     (iv) All personal protective equipment is cleaned according to manufacturer's instructions or pesticide product labeling instructions before each day of reuse. In the absence of any such instructions, it shall be washed thoroughly in detergent and hot water.

     (v) Before being stored, all clean personal protective equipment is dried thoroughly or is put in a well-ventilated place to dry.

     (vi) Personal protective equipment contaminated with pesticides is kept separately and washed separately from any other clothing or laundry.

     (vii) Any person who cleans or launders personal protective equipment is informed that such equipment may be contaminated with pesticides, of the potentially harmful effects of exposure to pesticides, and of the correct way(s) to handle and clean personal protective equipment and to protect themselves when handling equipment contaminated with pesticides.

     (viii) All clean personal protective equipment is stored separately from personal clothing and apart from pesticide-contaminated areas.

     (ix) Each worker is instructed how to put on, use, and remove the personal protective equipment and is informed about the importance of washing thoroughly after removing personal protective equipment.

     (x) Each worker is instructed in the prevention, recognition, and first-aid treatment of heat-related illness.

     (xi) Workers have a clean place(s) away from pesticide-storage and pesticide-use areas for storing personal clothing not in use; putting on personal protective equipment at the start of any exposure period; and removing personal protective equipment at the end of any exposure period.

     (g) When personal protective equipment is required by the labeling of any pesticide for early entry, the agricultural employer shall assure that no worker is allowed or directed to perform the early entry activity without implementing, when appropriate, measures to prevent heat-related illness.

     (h) During any early entry activity, the agricultural employer shall provide a decontamination site in accordance with WAC 16-233-150.

     (i) The agricultural employer shall not allow or direct any worker to wear home or to take home personal protective equipment contaminated with pesticides.

     (4) Declaration of an agricultural emergency.

     (a) The director may declare the existence of circumstances causing an agricultural emergency on a particular establishment or establishments.

     (b) The director may declare an agricultural emergency based on the reasonably expected certainty of circumstances occurring based on weather or other forecasts that would create conditions that would normally be anticipated to cause an agricultural emergency.

     (c) The agricultural employer may determine if the establishment under his/her control is subject to the agricultural emergency declared by the director.

     (d) Emergency repair of equipment that is in use and sited within a pesticide treated area under a restricted-entry interval, such as frost protection devices, shall be considered to be an agricultural emergency. ((The conditions in WAC 16-228-655 shall be met.))

     (e) Activities that require immediate response such as fire suppression, relocation of greenhouse plants due to power failure, and similar conditions, shall be considered to be agricultural emergencies. ((The conditions in WAC 16-228-655 shall be met.))

     (5) Agricultural activities permitted under an agricultural emergency.

     (a) A worker may enter a pesticide treated area under a restricted-entry interval in an agricultural emergency to perform tasks, including hand labor tasks, necessary to mitigate the effects of the agricultural emergency if the agricultural employer assures that all the following requirements are met:

     (i) No entry is permitted for the first four hours after the pesticide application or the minimum reentry interval allowed by EPA for that product, whichever is less;

     (ii) The personal protective equipment specified on the product labeling for early entry is provided to the worker;

     (iii) The agricultural employer shall assure that the worker, before entering the treated area, either has read the product labeling or has been informed, in a manner the worker can understand, of all labeling requirements related to human hazards or precautions, first aid, symptoms of poisoning, personal protective equipment specified for early entry, and any other labeling requirements related to safe use;

     (iv) The agricultural employer shall assure that the worker wears the proper PPE and that the PPE is in operable condition and that the worker has been trained in its proper use;

     (v) The agricultural employer shall assure that measures have been taken, when appropriate, to prevent heat-related illness;

     (vi) A decontamination site has been provided in accordance with WISHA regulations;

     (vii) The agricultural employer shall not allow or direct any worker to wear home or take home personal protective equipment contaminated with pesticides.

     (b) If the agricultural emergency is due to equipment failure, then the agricultural employer shall assure that all the requirements in subsection (1) of this section are met plus the following additional requirement. The only permitted activity until the restricted-entry interval has elapsed is equipment repair that would mitigate the effect of the equipment failure.

     (6) Recordkeeping required for agricultural emergencies.

     (a) If the employer declares that his/her establishment is affected by an agricultural emergency and that activities regulated by the worker protection standard have been performed, the employer shall keep the following records for seven years from the date of the agricultural emergency:

     (i) Date of the agricultural emergency;

     (ii) Time of the agricultural emergency, start and end;

     (iii) Reason for the agricultural emergency, such as frost, fire, equipment failure, etc.;

     (iv) Crop/site;

     (v) Pesticide(s) - name, EPA number, REI;

     (vi) Name, date, time of entry and exit of early entry person(s);

     (vii) Estimated potential of economic loss which would have occurred had no early entry been allowed.

     (b) Records shall be completed within twenty-four hours of the early entry exposure and be available to the department and/or department of health and/or medical facility or treating physician if requested by the above or the employee.

     (7) Exception to entry restrictions requiring EPA approval. EPA may in accordance with 40 CFR, Part 170.112(e) grant an exception from the requirements of this section. A request for an exception must be submitted to the Director, Office of Pesticide Programs (H-7501C), Environmental Protection Agency, 401 "M" Street SW, Washington, DC 20460 and must be accompanied by two copies of the information specified in 40 CFR, Part 170.112(e).

[Statutory Authority: Chapters 15.58 and 17.21 RCW. 96-21-008 (Order 6002), § 16-233-120, filed 10/3/96, effective 11/3/96.]

     (a) Agricultural employer assurance. The agricultural employer shall assure that each worker, required by this section to be trained, has been trained according to this section during the last five years, counting from the end of the month in which the training was completed.

     (b) Requirement for workers performing early entry activities. Before a worker enters a treated area on the agricultural establishment during a restricted-entry interval to perform early entry activities permitted by WAC 16-233-120 and contacts anything that has been treated with the pesticide to which the restricted-entry interval applies, including but not limited to, soil, water, or surfaces of plants, the agricultural employer shall assure that the worker has been trained.

     (c) Requirements for other agricultural workers.

     (i) Information before entry. Except as provided in (b) of this subsection, before a worker enters any areas on the agricultural establishment where, within the last thirty days a pesticide to which this chapter applies has been applied or the restricted-entry interval for such pesticide has been in effect, the agricultural employer shall assure that the worker has been provided the pesticide safety information specified in subsection (3) of this section, in a manner that agricultural workers can understand, such as by providing written materials or oral communication or by other means. The agricultural employer must be able to verify compliance with this requirement.

     (ii) Training before the start of a work period. The agricultural employer shall assure that a worker has been trained before the worker enters any areas on the agricultural establishment where, within the last thirty days a pesticide to which this chapter applies has been applied or a restricted-entry interval for such pesticide has been in effect.

     (2) Exceptions. The following persons need not be trained under this section:

     (a) A worker who is currently certified as an applicator of restricted-use pesticides under chapter 17.21 RCW.

     (b) A worker who satisfies the handler training requirements of WAC 16-233-225(3).

     (c) A worker who is certified or licensed as a crop advisor by the Washington state department of agriculture under RCW 15.58.230: Provided, That a requirement for such certification or licensing is pesticide safety training that includes all the information set out in WAC 16-233-225 (3)(d).

     (3) Pesticide safety information. The pesticide safety information required by subsection (1)(c)(i) of this section shall be presented to workers in a manner that the workers can understand. At a minimum, the following information shall be provided:

     (a) Pesticides may be on or in plants, soil, irrigation water, or drifting from nearby applications.

     (b) Prevent pesticides from entering your body by:

     (i) Following directions and/or signs about keeping out of treated or restricted areas.

     (ii) Washing before eating, drinking, using chewing gum or tobacco, or using the toilet.

     (iii) Wearing work clothing that protects the body from pesticide residues.

     (iv) Washing/showering with soap and water, shampoo hair, and put on clean clothes after work.

     (v) Washing work clothes separately from other clothes before wearing them again.

     (vi) Washing immediately in the nearest clean water if pesticides are spilled or sprayed on the body. As soon as possible, shower, shampoo, and change into clean clothes.

     (((c) Other information as required in WISHA, WAC 296-62-054 through 296-62-05427, hazardous communication program.))

     (4) Training programs.

     (a) General pesticide safety information shall be presented to workers either orally from written materials or audiovisually. The information must be presented in a manner that the workers can understand (such as through a translator) using nontechnical terms. The presenter also shall respond to workers' questions.

     (b) The person who conducts the training shall meet at least one of the following criteria:

     (i) Be currently certified as an applicator of restricted-use pesticides under chapter 17.21 RCW; or

     (ii) Be currently designated as a trainer of certified applicators or pesticide handlers by the Washington state department of agriculture in accordance with chapters 15.58 and 17.21 RCW; or

     (iii) Have completed a pesticide safety train-the-trainer program approved by the Washington state department of agriculture in accordance with chapters 15.58 and 17.21 RCW; or

     (iv) Satisfy the training requirements in WAC 16-233-225(3).

     (c) Any person who issues a Washington state department of agriculture-approved worker protection standard worker training card must assure that the worker who receives the training card has been trained in accordance with subsection (4)(d) of this section.

     (d) The training materials shall convey, at a minimum, the following information:

     (i) Where and in what form pesticides may be encountered during work activities.

     (ii) Hazards of pesticides resulting from toxicity and exposure, including acute and chronic effects, delayed effects, and sensitization.

     (iii) Routes through which pesticides can enter the body.

     (iv) Signs and symptoms of common types of pesticide poisoning.

     (v) Emergency first aid for pesticide injuries or poisonings.

     (vi) How to obtain emergency medical care.

     (vii) Routine and emergency decontamination procedures, including emergency eyeflushing techniques.

     (viii) Hazards from chemigation and drift.

     (ix) Hazards from pesticide residues on clothing.

     (x) Warnings about taking pesticides or pesticide containers home.

     (xi) Requirements of this chapter designed to reduce the risks of illness or injury resulting from workers' occupational exposure to pesticides, including application and entry restrictions, the design of the warning sign, posting of warning signs, oral warnings, the availability of specific information about applications, and the protection against retaliatory acts.

     (5) Verification of training.

     (a) Except as provided in subsection (5)(b) of this section, if the agricultural employer assures that a worker possesses a Washington state department of agriculture-approved worker protection standard worker training card, then the requirements of subsection (1) of this section will have been met. Employers must still comply with the requirements of subsection (3)(c) of this section, hazardous communication program.

     (b) If the agricultural employer is aware or has reason to know that a Washington state department of agriculture-approved worker protection standard worker training card has not been issued in accordance with this section, or has not been issued to the worker bearing the card, or the training was completed more than five years before the beginning of the current month, a worker's possession of that card does not meet the requirements of subsection (1) of this section.

Note:

In addition to the training required by this section, the department of labor and industries requires all agricultural employers, without exception, to train all employees in accordance with WAC 296-307-550, employer chemical hazard communication.

[Statutory Authority: Chapters 15.58 and 17.21 RCW. 96-21-008 (Order 6002), § 16-233-140, filed 10/3/96, effective 11/3/96.]

     (2) Exceptions. The following persons need not be trained under this section:

     (a) A handler who is currently certified as an applicator of restricted-use pesticides under chapter 17.21 RCW.

     (b) A handler who is certified or licensed as a crop advisor by the Washington state department of agriculture under RCW 15.58.230: Provided, That a requirement for such certification or licensing is pesticide safety training that includes all the information set out in WAC 16-233-225 (3)(d).

     (3) Training programs.

     (a) General pesticide safety information shall be presented to handlers either orally from written materials or audiovisually. The information must be presented in a manner that the handlers can understand (such as through a translator). The presenter also shall respond to handlers' questions.

     (b) The person who conducts the training shall meet at least one of the following criteria:

     (i) Be currently certified as an applicator of restricted-use pesticides under chapter 17.21 RCW; or

     (ii) Be currently designated as a trainer of certified applicators or pesticide handlers by the Washington state department of agriculture under chapters 15.58 or 17.21 RCW; or

     (iii) Have completed a pesticide safety train-the-trainer program approved by a state, federal, or tribal agency having jurisdiction.

     (c) Any person who issues a Washington state department of agriculture-approved worker protection standard handler training card must assure that the handler who receives the training card has been trained in accordance with (d) of this subsection.

     (d) The pesticide safety training materials must convey, at a minimum, the following information:

     (i) Format and meaning of information contained on pesticide labels and in labeling, including safety information such as precautionary statements about human health hazards.

     (ii) Hazards of pesticides resulting from toxicity and exposure, including acute and chronic effects, delayed effects, and sensitization.

     (iii) Routes by which pesticides can enter the body.

     (iv) Signs and symptoms of common types of pesticide poisoning.

     (v) Emergency first aid for pesticide injuries or poisonings.

     (vi) How to obtain emergency medical care.

     (vii) Routine and emergency decontamination procedures.

     (viii) Need for and appropriate use of personal protective equipment.

     (ix) Prevention, recognition, and first-aid treatment of heat-related illness.

     (x) Safety requirements for handling, transporting, storing, and disposing of pesticides, including general procedures for spill cleanup.

     (xi) Environmental concerns such as drift, runoff, and wildlife hazards.

     (xii) Warnings about taking pesticides or pesticide containers home.

     (xiii) Requirements of this chapter that must be followed by handler employers for the protection of handlers and other persons, including the prohibition against applying pesticides in a manner that will cause contact with workers or other persons, the requirement to use personal protective equipment, the provisions for training and decontamination, and the protection against retaliatory acts.

     (4) Verification of training.

     (a) Except as provided in (b) of this subsection, if the handler employer assures that a handler possesses a Washington state department of agriculture-approved worker protection standard handler training card, then the requirements of subsection (1) of this section will have been met.

     (b) If the handler employer is aware or has reason to know that a Washington state department of agriculture-approved worker protection standard handler training card has not been issued in accordance with this section, or has not been issued to the handler bearing the card, or the handler training was completed more than five years before the beginning of the current month, a handler's possession of that card does not meet the requirements of subsection (1) of this section.

Note:

In addition to the training required by this section, the department of labor and industries requires all agricultural employers, without exception, to train all employees in accordance with WAC 296-307-550, employer chemical hazard communication.

[Statutory Authority: Chapters 15.58 and 17.21 RCW. 96-21-008 (Order 6002), § 16-233-225, filed 10/3/96, effective 11/3/96.]

     (2) Definition.

     (a) Personal protective equipment (PPE) means devices and apparel that are worn to protect the body from contact with pesticides or pesticide residues, including, but not limited to, coveralls, chemical-resistant suits, chemical-resistant gloves, chemical-resistant footwear, respiratory protection devices, chemical-resistant aprons, chemical-resistant headgear, and protective eyewear.

     (b) Long-sleeved shirts, short-sleeved shirts, long pants, short pants, shoes, socks, and other items of work clothing are not considered personal protective equipment for the purposes of this section and are not subject to the requirements of this section, although pesticide labeling may require that such work clothing be worn during some activities.

     (3) Provision. When personal protective equipment is specified by the labeling of any pesticide for any handling activity, the handler employer shall provide the appropriate personal protective equipment in clean and operating condition to the handler.

     (a) When "chemical-resistant" personal protective equipment is specified by the product labeling, it shall be made of material that allows no measurable movement of the pesticide being used through the material during use.

     (b) When "waterproof" personal protective equipment is specified by the product labeling, it shall be made of material that allows no measurable movement of water or aqueous solutions through the material during use.

     (c) When a "chemical-resistant suit" is specified by the product labeling, it shall be a loose-fitting, one-piece or two-piece chemical-resistant garment that covers, at a minimum, the entire body except head, hands, and feet.

     (d) When "coveralls" are specified by the product labeling, they shall be a loose-fitting, one-piece or two-piece garment, such as a cotton or cotton and polyester coverall, that covers, at a minimum, the entire body except head, hands, and feet. The pesticide product labeling may specify that the coveralls be worn over another layer of clothing.

     (e)(i) Gloves shall be of the type specified ((by)) on the pesticide product labeling. Gloves ((or glove linings)) made of leather, cotton, or other absorbent materials ((shall)) may not be worn ((for)) while mixing, loading, applying, or otherwise handling ((activities)) pesticides, unless ((such)) gloves made of these materials are listed as acceptable for such use on the product labeling ((as acceptable for such use)).

     (ii) Separable glove liners may be worn beneath chemical-resistant gloves, unless the pesticide product labeling specifically prohibits their use. Separable glove liners are defined as separate glove-like hand coverings, made of lightweight material, with or without fingers. Work gloves made from lightweight cotton or poly-type material are considered to be glove liners if worn beneath chemical-resistant gloves. Separable glove liners may not extend outside the chemical-resistant gloves under which they are worn. Chemical-resistant gloves with nonseparable absorbent lining materials are prohibited.

     (iii) If used, separable glove liners must be discarded immediately after a total of no more than ten hours of use or within twenty-four hours of when first put on, whichever comes first. The liners must be replaced immediately if directly contacted by pesticide. Used glove liners shall not be reused. Contaminated liners must be disposed of in accordance with any federal, state, or local regulations.

     (f) When "chemical-resistant footwear" is specified by the product labeling, one of the following types of footwear must be worn:

     (i) Chemical-resistant shoes.

     (ii) Chemical-resistant boots.

     (iii) Chemical-resistant shoe coverings worn over shoes or boots.

     (g) When "protective eyewear" is specified by the product labeling, one of the following types of eyewear must be worn:

     (i) Goggles.

     (ii) Face shield.

     (iii) Safety glasses with front, brow, and temple protection.

     (iv) Full-face respirator.

     (h) When a "chemical-resistant apron" is specified by the product labeling, an apron that covers the front of the body from mid-chest to the knees shall be worn.

     (i) When a respirator is specified by the product labeling, it shall be appropriate for the pesticide product used and for the activity to be performed. The handler employer shall assure that the respirator fits correctly by using the procedures consistent with ((WAC 296-62-071)) chapter 296-307 WAC, Part Y-5. If the label does not specify the type of respirator to be used, it shall meet the requirements of ((WAC 296-62-071)) chapter 296-307 WAC, Part Y-5. The respiratory protection requirements of ((the general occupational health standards, WAC 296-62-071)) chapter 296-307 WAC, Part Y-5, shall apply.

     (j) When "chemical-resistant headgear" is specified by the product labeling, it shall be either a chemical-resistant hood or a chemical-resistant hat with a wide brim.

     (4) Exceptions to personal protective equipment specified on product labeling.

     (a) Body protection.

     (i) A chemical-resistant suit may be substituted for "coveralls," and any requirement for an additional layer of clothing beneath is waived.

     (ii) A chemical-resistant suit may be substituted for "coveralls" and a chemical-resistant apron.

     (b) Boots. If chemical-resistant footwear with sufficient durability and a tread appropriate for wear in rough terrain is not obtainable, then leather boots may be worn in such terrain.

     (c) Gloves. If chemical-resistant gloves with sufficient durability and suppleness are not obtainable, then during handling activities with roses or other plants with sharp thorns, leather gloves may be worn over chemical-resistant glove liners. However, once leather gloves are worn for this use, thereafter they shall be worn only with chemical-resistant liners and they shall not be worn for any other use.

     (d) Closed systems. If handling tasks are performed using properly functioning systems that enclose the pesticide to prevent it from contacting handlers or other persons, and if such systems are used and are maintained in accordance with that manufacturer's written operating instructions, exceptions to labeling-specified personal protective equipment for the handling activity are permitted as provided in (d)(i) and (ii) of this subsection.

     (i) Persons using a closed system to mix or load pesticides with a signal word of DANGER or WARNING may substitute a long-sleeved shirt, long pants, shoes, socks, chemical-resistant apron, and any protective gloves specified on the labeling for handlers for the labeling-specified personal protective equipment.

     (ii) Persons using a closed system to mix or load pesticides other than those in (d)(i) of this subsection or to perform other handling tasks may substitute a long-sleeved shirt, long pants, shoes, and socks for the labeling-specified personal protective equipment.

     (iii) Persons using a closed system that operates under pressure shall wear protective eyewear.

     (iv) Persons using a closed system shall have all labeling-specified personal protective equipment immediately available for use in an emergency.

     (e) Enclosed cabs. If handling tasks are performed from inside a cab that has a nonporous barrier which totally surrounds the occupants of the cab and prevents contact with pesticides outside of the cab, exceptions to personal protective equipment specified on the product labeling for that handling activity are permitted as provided in (e)(i) through (iv) of this subsection.

     (i) Persons occupying an enclosed cab may substitute a long-sleeved shirt, long pants, shoes, and socks for the labeling-specified personal protective equipment. If a respiratory protection device is specified on the pesticide product labeling for the handling activity, it must be worn.

     (ii) Persons occupying an enclosed cab that has a properly functioning ventilation system which is used and maintained in accordance with the manufacturer's written operating instructions and which is declared in writing by the manufacturer and by the Washington state department of labor and industries to provide respiratory protection equivalent to or greater than a dust/mist filtering respirator may substitute a long-sleeved shirt, long pants, shoes, and socks for the labeling-specified personal protective equipment. If a respiratory protection device other than a dust/mist-filtering respirator is specified on the pesticide product labeling, it must be worn.

     (iii) Persons occupying an enclosed cab that has a properly functioning ventilation system which is used and maintained in accordance with the manufacturer's written operating instructions and which is declared in writing by the manufacturer and the Washington state department of labor and industries to provide respiratory protection equivalent to or greater than the vapor-removing or gas-removing respirator specified on pesticide product labeling may substitute a long-sleeved shirt, long pants, shoes, and socks for the labeling-specified personal protective equipment. If an air-supplying respirator or a self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) is specified on the pesticide product labeling, it must be worn.

     (iv) Persons occupying an enclosed cab shall have all labeling-specified personal protective equipment immediately available and stored in a chemical-resistant container, such as a plastic bag. They shall wear such personal protective equipment if it is necessary to exit the cab and contact pesticide-treated surfaces in the treated area. Once personal protective equipment is worn in the treated area, it must be removed before reentering the cab.

     (f) Aerial applications.

     (i) Use of gloves. The wearing of chemical-resistant gloves ((shall be worn)) when entering or leaving an aircraft ((contaminated by pesticide residues)) used to apply pesticides is optional, unless such gloves are required on the pesticide product labeling. ((In)) If gloves are brought into the cockpit of an aircraft that has been used to apply pesticides, the gloves shall be kept in an enclosed container to prevent contamination of the inside of the cockpit.

     (ii) Open cockpit. Persons occupying an open cockpit shall use the personal protective equipment specified in the product labeling for use during application, except that chemical-resistant footwear need not be worn. A helmet may be substituted for chemical-resistant headgear. A visor may be substituted for protective eyewear.

     (iii) Enclosed cockpit. Persons occupying an enclosed cockpit may substitute a long-sleeved shirt, long pants, shoes, and socks for labeling-specified personal protective equipment.

     (g) Crop advisors. Crop advisors entering treated areas while a restricted-entry interval is in effect may wear the personal protective equipment specified on the pesticide labeling for early entry activities instead of the personal protective equipment specified on the pesticide labeling for handling activities, provided:

     (i) Application has been completed for at least four hours.

     (ii) Any inhalation exposure level listed in the labeling has been reached or any ventilation criteria established by WAC 16-233-115 (3)(c) or in the labeling have been met.

     (5) Use of personal protective equipment.

     (a) The handler employer shall assure that personal protective equipment is used correctly for its intended purpose and is used according to the manufacturer's instructions.

     (b) The handler employer shall assure that, before each day of use, all personal protective equipment is inspected for leaks, holes, tears, or worn places, and any damaged equipment is repaired or discarded.

     (6) Cleaning and maintenance.

     (a) The handler employer shall assure that all personal protective equipment is cleaned according to the manufacturer's instructions or pesticide product labeling instructions before each day of reuse. In the absence of any such instructions, it shall be washed thoroughly in detergent and hot water.

     (b) If any personal protective equipment cannot be cleaned properly, the handler employer shall dispose of the personal protective equipment in accordance with any applicable federal, state, and local regulations. Coveralls or other absorbent materials that have been drenched or heavily contaminated with an undiluted pesticide that has the signal word DANGER or WARNING on the label shall be not be reused.

     (c) The handler employer shall assure that contaminated personal protective equipment is kept separately and washed separately from any other clothing or laundry.

     (d) The handler employer shall assure that all clean personal protective equipment shall be either dried thoroughly before being stored or shall be put in a well ventilated place to dry.

     (e) The handler employer shall assure that all personal protective equipment is stored separately from personal clothing and apart from pesticide-contaminated areas.

     (f) The handler employer shall assure that when dust/mist filtering respirators are used, the filters shall be replaced:

     (i) When breathing resistance becomes excessive.

     (ii) When the filter element has physical damage or tears.

     (iii) According to manufacturer's recommendations or pesticide product labeling, whichever is more frequent.

     (iv) In the absence of any other instructions or indications of service life, at the end of each day's work period.

     (g) The handler employer shall assure that when gas-removing or vapor-removing respirators are used, the gas-removing or vapor-removing canisters or cartridges shall be replaced:

     (i) At the first indication of odor, taste, or irritation.

     (ii) According to manufacturer's recommendations or pesticide product labeling, whichever is more frequent.

     (iii) In the absence of any other instructions or indications of service life, at the end of each day's work period.

     (h) The handler employer shall inform any person who cleans or launders personal protective equipment:

     (i) That such equipment may be contaminated with pesticides.

     (ii) Of the potentially harmful effects of exposure to pesticides.

     (iii) Of the correct way(s) to clean personal protective equipment and to protect themselves when handling such equipment.

     (i) The handler employer shall assure that handlers have a clean place(s) away from pesticide storage and pesticide use areas where they may:

     (i) Store personal clothing not in use.

     (ii) Put on personal protective equipment at the start of any exposure period.

     (iii) Remove personal protective equipment at the end of any exposure period.

     (j) The handler employer shall not allow or direct any handler to wear home or to take home personal protective equipment contaminated with pesticides.

     (7) Heat-related illness. When the use of personal protective equipment is specified by the labeling of any pesticide for the handling activity, the handler employer shall assure that no handler is allowed or directed to perform the handling activity unless appropriate measures are taken, if necessary, to prevent heat-related illness.

[Statutory Authority: Chapters 15.58 and 17.21 RCW. 96-21-008 (Order 6002), § 16-233-245, filed 10/3/96, effective 11/3/96.]

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