(1) General.

(a) Chemical manufacturers, importers, distributors, and employers must comply with all requirements of chapter 296-901 WAC, Globally harmonized system for hazard communication, for beryllium.

(b) In classifying the hazards of beryllium, at least the following hazards must be addressed: Cancer; lung effects (CBD and acute beryllium disease); beryllium sensitization; skin sensitization; and skin, eye, and respiratory tract irritation.

(c) Employers must include beryllium in the hazard communication program established to comply with the HCS. Employers must ensure that each employee has access to labels on containers of beryllium and to safety data sheets, and is trained in accordance with the requirements of chapter 296-901 WAC, Globally harmonized system for hazard communication, and subsection (4) of this section.

(2) Warning signs.

(a) Posting. The employer must provide and display warning signs at each approach to a regulated area so that each employee is able to read and understand the signs and take necessary protective steps before entering the area.

(b) Sign specification.

(i) The employer must ensure that the warning signs required by (a) of this subsection are legible and readily visible.

(ii) The employer must ensure each warning sign required by (a) of this subsection bears the following legend:

(3) Warning labels. Consistent with chapter 296-901 WAC, Globally harmonized system for hazard communication, the employer must label each bag and container of clothing, equipment, and materials contaminated with beryllium, and must, at a minimum, include the following on the label:

(4) Employee information and training.

(a) For each employee who has, or can reasonably be expected to have, airborne exposure to or dermal contact with beryllium:

(i) The employer must provide information and training in accordance with chapter 296-901 WAC, Globally harmonized system for hazard communication;

(ii) The employer must provide initial training to each employee by the time of initial assignment; and

(iii) The employer must repeat the training required under this standard annually for each employee.

(b) The employer must ensure that each employee who is, or can reasonably be expected to be, exposed to airborne beryllium can demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the following:

(i) The health hazards associated with airborne exposure to and contact with beryllium, including the signs and symptoms of CBD;

(ii) The written exposure control plan, with emphasis on the location(s) of beryllium work areas, including any regulated areas, and the specific nature of operations that could result in airborne exposure, especially airborne exposure above the TWA PEL or STEL;

(iii) The purpose, proper selection, fitting, proper use, and limitations of personal protective clothing and equipment, including respirators;

(iv) Applicable emergency procedures;

(v) Measures employees can take to protect themselves from airborne exposure to and contact with beryllium, including personal hygiene practices;

(vi) The purpose and a description of the medical surveillance program required by WAC 296-850-155 including risks and benefits of each test to be offered;

(vii) The purpose and a description of the medical removal protection provided under WAC 296-850-160;

(viii) The contents of the standard; and

(ix) The employee's right of access to records under chapter 296-802 WAC, Employee medical and exposure records.

(c) When a workplace change (such as modification of equipment, tasks, or procedures) results in new or increased airborne exposure that exceeds, or can reasonably be expected to exceed, either the TWA PEL or the STEL, the employer must provide additional training to those employees affected by the change in airborne exposure.

(d) Employee information. The employer must make a copy of this rule and its appendices readily available at no cost to each employee and designated employee representative(s).