The employer must use feasible controls to protect employees from exposure to respiratory hazards by:

(1) Reducing employee exposure to a level that removes the respiratory hazard, such as to a level below the permissible exposure limit (PEL) in Table 3;

(2) Reducing the exposure to the lowest achievable level, when the respiratory hazard cannot be removed.

Note:

The following table gives examples of control methods.

Table 1

Examples of Possible Controls

Control:	For example:
Using a different chemical (substitution)	• Choose a chemical with a lower evaporation rate or vapor pressure.
	• Choose a chemical without hazardous ingredients.
Changing a process to lessen emissions	• Use hand rolling or paint dipping instead of paint spraying.
	• Bolt items instead of welding them.
Separating employees from emissions areas and sources	• Use control rooms.
	• Build an enclosure around process machinery or other emissions sources.
	• Automate a process.
Removing emissions at or near the source (local exhaust ventilation)	• Install exhaust hoods or slots to capture emissions.
	• Use an exhausted enclosure (like a blasting cabinet or laboratory hood).
Diluting and removing emissions in the work area (general exhaust ventilation)	• Allow natural air movement to create an adequate airflow through an area.
	• Use mechanical fans.
Modify work practices	• Change the position of the worker relative to the work so fumes, vapors, or smoke do not go into their face.
Rotate employees – Some specific rules prohibit the use of this control method	• Move employees to another job that is without exposure, on a schedule to keep their total exposure below the permissible exposure limit.

PDFWAC 296-307-62610

Control employee exposures.