(1) Respirators are required whenever respiratory hazards (including oxygen-deficient conditions) are present. For example, use respirators at any of the following times:
(a) While exposure controls are being evaluated or put in place;
(b) When it is not feasible to use exposure controls to remove or reduce the airborne hazard to below the PEL.
(2) This chapter applies whenever respirators are used at work.
important:
Before using respirators, employers are required to evaluate respiratory hazards and implement control methods as outlined in chapter
296-841 WAC, Airborne contaminants.
The term "respiratory hazards" will be used throughout this chapter to refer to oxygen-deficient conditions and harmful airborne hazards.
You may use Table 1 for general guidance on which chapter sections apply.
Table 1
Chapter sections that apply to your workplace
If employees... | Then the sections marked with an "X" apply... | | |
10505 | 11005 | 12005 | 13005 | 14005 | 15005 - 21005 | 22005 | 22010 |
Request and are permitted to voluntarily use filtering-facepiece respirators, and are not exposed to a respiratory hazard | | X | | | | | | |
Request and are permitted to voluntarily use respirators that are not filtering-facepiece respirators, and are not exposed to a respiratory hazard | X | X | | | X | | X | |
Are required to use any respirator by DOSH or the employer | X | | X | X | X | X | X | X |
Would use an escape respirator in an emergency | X | | X | X | X | X | X | X |
Reference: | See WAC 296-800-160, Personal protective equipment (PPE) to find requirements for other types of PPE such as eye, hand, and head protection. |
[Statutory Authority: RCW
49.17.050 and 29 C.F.R. Subpart Z. WSR 09-19-119, § 296-842-100, filed 9/22/09, effective 12/1/09. Statutory Authority: RCW
49.17.010,
49.17.040,
49.17.050,
49.17.060. WSR 07-05-072, § 296-842-100, filed 2/20/07, effective 4/1/07; WSR 03-20-114, § 296-842-100, filed 10/1/03, effective 1/1/04.]