(1) Procedures must be developed to ensure that digester operators are aware of personnel entering hazardous areas.

(a) Audible warning signals and red warning lights must be installed in areas which may be hazardous to personnel while digesters are being blown.

(b) Such devices must be activated prior to blowing a digester and the warning lights must remain lighted as long as the hazard exists.

(2) Blowing digester. Blow-off valves must be opened slowly.

(3) After the digester has started to be blown, the blow-off valve must be left open, and the hand plate must not be removed until the person responsible signals the blow-pit person that the blow is completed. Whenever it becomes necessary to remove the hand plate to clear stock, operators must wear eye protection equipment and protective clothing to guard against burns from hot stock.

(4) Blow-pit hoops must be maintained in a safe condition.

(5) Where the processes of the sulfate and soda operations are similar to those of the sulfite processes, the standard of WAC 296-79-29001 and 296-79-29003, of this chapter, applies to both processes.

(6) Means must be provided so the digester cook can signal the employee in the chip bin before starting to load the digester.