reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
Washington Administrative Code › Title 296 - Labor and Industries, Department of › Chapter 296-817 - Hearing loss prevention (noise) › Section 296-817-20030 - Arrange for oversight of audiometric testing

Current through Register Vol. 24-14, July 15, 2024
(1) You must make sure audiometric testing as
			 described by WAC
			 296-817-400 is supervised and
			 reviewed by one of the following licensed or certified individuals:
(a) An audiologist;
(b) An otolaryngologist;
(c) Another qualified physician.
Washington Administrative Code › Title 296 - Labor and Industries, Department of › Chapter 296-817 - Hearing loss prevention (noise) › Section 296-817-20035 - Identify and correct deficiencies in your hearing loss prevention program

Current through Register Vol. 24-14, July 15, 2024
(1) You must
			 use audiometric testing to identify hearing loss, which may indicate program
			 deficiencies.
(2) You must take
			 appropriate actions when deficiencies are found with your program.
A deficiency may be indicated when:
(a) Any employee experiences measurable
			 hearing loss indicated by a standard threshold shift; or
(b) Any employee is not wearing appropriate
			 hearing protection during an audit when auditing is used in place of baseline
			 audiograms for short term employees (see WAC
			 296-817-500, Option to
			 audiometric testing).
Note:
1. A standard threshold shift or audit deficiency
							 does not necessarily indicate that a significant hearing loss has
							 occurred.
2. These criteria are intended to help identify
							 where there may be flaws in your hearing loss prevention program that can be
							 fixed before permanent hearing loss occurs.
3. There are additional statistical tools and tests
							 that may be used to improve the effectiveness of your program.
4. Staff conducting audiometric testing and auditing
							 may be able to suggest additional ways to improve your hearing loss prevention
							 program and tailor it to your worksite.
Washington Administrative Code › Title 296 - Labor and Industries, Department of › Chapter 296-817 - Hearing loss prevention (noise) › Section 296-817-20040 - Document your hearing loss prevention activities

Current through Register Vol. 24-14, July 15, 2024
You must create and retain records documenting noise
				exposures. Include, at a minimum:
(1)
			 Exposure measurements required by this chapter for at least two years and for
			 as long as you rely upon them to determine employee exposure;
(2) Audiometric test records for the duration
			 of employment for the affected employees;
(3) Hearing protection audits, if you choose
			 to rely upon them, for the duration of employment of the affected employees.
Note:
1. You need to keep as complete a record as possible.
						  Records developed under previous rules or in other jurisdictions need to be
						  kept, even when they do not fulfill the full requirements of this
						  chapter.
2. Similarly, records found to have errors in
						  collection or processing need to be kept if they provide an indication of
						  employee exposure or medical condition not found in other records.
3. You may want to consider your other business needs,
						  such as worker's compensation claims management, before discarding these
						  records.
Reference:
You need to follow additional requirements for records
						  considered employee exposure or medical records. See chapter 296-62 WAC, Part
						  B, Access to records for requirements for access to records, employee rights,
						  and transfer of records.
Statutory Authority:
				  RCW
				   49.17.010,
				  49.17.040,
				  49.17.050, and
				  49.17.060. 03-11-060, §
				  296-817-20040, filed 5/19/03, effective
				  8/1/03.
Washington Administrative Code › Title 296 - Labor and Industries, Department of › Chapter 296-817 - Hearing loss prevention (noise) › Section 296-817-300 - Noise measurement and computation

Current through Register Vol. 24-14, July 15, 2024
Summary
Your responsibility:
Conduct noise monitoring or measurement to evaluate employee
				exposures in your workplace.
You must meet the requirements ...
in this section:
Make sure that noise-measuring equipment meets recognized
						standards
WAC
						296-817-30005
Measure employee noise exposure
WAC
						296-817-30010
Use these equations when estimating full-day noise
						exposure from sound level measurements
WAC
						296-817-30015
Statutory Authority:
				  RCW
				   49.17.010,
				  49.17.040,
				  49.17.050, and
				  49.17.060. 03-11-060, §
				  296-817-300, filed 5/19/03, effective
				  8/1/03.
Washington Administrative Code › Title 296 - Labor and Industries, Department of › Chapter 296-817 - Hearing loss prevention (noise) › Section 296-817-30005 - Make sure that noise-measuring equipment meets recognized standards

Current through Register Vol. 24-14, July 15, 2024
(1) You must make
			 sure that noise dosimetry equipment meets these specifications:
(a) Dosimeters must be equipment class
			 2AS-90/80-5 of the American National Rule Specification for Personal Noise
			 Dosimeters, ANSI S1.25-1991.
(b)
			 Such dosimeters are normally marked "Type 2."
Note:
Make sure any dosimeter you use is Type 2 equipment
						  that:
1. Uses slow integration and A-weighting of sound
						  levels.
2. Has the
criterion level
set to 90 dB,
						  so the dosimeter will report a constant 8-hour exposure at 90 dBA as a 100%
						  dose.
3. Has the
threshold level
set at 80 dB,
						  so the dosimeter will register all noise above 80 dB.
4. Uses a 5 dB
exchange rate
for
						  averaging of noise levels over the sample period.
Washington Administrative Code › Title 296 - Labor and Industries, Department of › Chapter 296-817 - Hearing loss prevention (noise) › Section 296-817-30010 - Measure employee noise exposure

Current through Register Vol. 24-14, July 15, 2024
Important:
A noise dosimeter is the basis for determining total daily
				noise exposure for employees. However, where you have constant noise levels,
				you may estimate employee noise exposure using measurements from a sound level
				meter. Calculation of the employee noise exposure must be consistent with WAC
				296-817-30015.
(1) You must include all:
(a) Workplace noise from equipment and
			 machinery in use;
(b) Other noise
			 from sources necessary to perform the work;
(c) Noise outside the control of the exposed
			 employees.
Washington Administrative Code › Title 296 - Labor and Industries, Department of › Chapter 296-817 - Hearing loss prevention (noise) › Section 296-817-30015 - Use these equations when estimating full-day noise exposure from sound level measurements

Current through Register Vol. 24-14, July 15, 2024
You must compute em-ployee's full-day noise exposure by using
				the appropriate equations from Table 2 "Noise Dose Computation"
when
using a sound level meter to estimate noise dose.
Table 2 Noise
Dose Computation
Description
Equation
Compute the noise dose based on several time periods of
						  constant noise during the shift.
The total noise dose over the work day, as a
						  percentage, is given by the following equation where Cindicates the total time
						  of exposure at a specific noise level, and Tindicates the reference duration
						  for that level.
D =
						  100*((C1/T1) +
						  (C2/T2) +
						  (C3/T3) + ... +
						  (Cn/Tn))
The reference duration is equal to the amount of time
						  of exposure to continuous noise at a specific sound level that will result in a
						  one hundred percent dose.
The reference duration, T, for sound level, L, is given
						  in hours by the equation:
T = 8/(2^((L - 90)/5))
Given a noise dose as a percentage, compute the
						  equivalent eight hour time weighted average noise level.
The equivalent eight-hour time weighted average, TWA,
						  is computed from the dose, D, by the equation:
TWA8 = 16.61*
						  Log10(D/100) + 90
Statutory Authority:
				  RCW
				   49.17.010,
				  49.17.040,
				  49.17.050, and
				  49.17.060. 03-11-060, §
				  296-817-30015, filed 5/19/03, effective
				  8/1/03.
Washington Administrative Code › Title 296 - Labor and Industries, Department of › Chapter 296-817 - Hearing loss prevention (noise) › Section 296-817-400 - Audiometric testing

Current through Register Vol. 24-14, July 15, 2024
Summary
Your responsibility:
To conduct audiometric testing of employees exposed to noise to
				make sure that their hearing protection is effective.
You must meet the requirements ...
in this section:
Provide audiometric testing at no cost to employees
WAC
						296-817-40005
Establish a baseline audiogram for each exposed employee
WAC
						296-817-40010
Conduct annual audiograms
WAC
						296-817-40015
Review audiograms that indicate a standard threshold shift
WAC
						296-817-40020
Keep the baseline audiogram without revision, unless
						annual audiograms indicate a persistent threshold shift or a significant
						improvement in hearing
WAC
						296-817-40025
Make sure a record is kept of audiometric tests
WAC
						296-817-40030
Make sure audiometric testing equipment meets these
						requirements
WAC
						296-817-40035
Statutory Authority:
				  RCW
				   49.17.010,
				  49.17.040,
				  49.17.050, and
				  49.17.060. 03-11-060, §
				  296-817-400, filed 5/19/03, effective
				  8/1/03.
Washington Administrative Code › Title 296 - Labor and Industries, Department of › Chapter 296-817 - Hearing loss prevention (noise) › Section 296-817-40005 - Provide audiometric testing at no cost to employees

Current through Register Vol. 24-14, July 15, 2024
You must provide audiograms, including any required travel or
				necessary additional examinations or testing, at no cost to exposed
				employees.
Statutory Authority:
				  RCW
				   49.17.010,
				  49.17.040,
				  49.17.050, and
				  49.17.060. 03-11-060, §
				  296-817-40005, filed 5/19/03, effective
				  8/1/03.
Washington Administrative Code › Title 296 - Labor and Industries, Department of › Chapter 296-817 - Hearing loss prevention (noise) › Section 296-817-40010 - Establish a baseline audiogram for each exposed employee

Current through Register Vol. 24-14, July 15, 2024
(1) You must conduct a baseline audiogram
			 when an employee is first assigned to work involving noise exposures that equal
			 or exceed 85 dBA TWA8.
(a) Make sure this audiogram is completed no
			 more than one hundred eighty days after the employee is first assigned;
			 or
(b) Make sure employee is
			 covered by a hearing protection audit program (as described by WAC
			 296-817-500 and available as an
			 alternative only for employees hired for less than one year).
Note:
Employers who utilize mobile test units are allowed up
						  to one year to obtain a valid baseline audiogram for each exposed employee. The
						  employees must still be given training and hearing protection as required by
						  this chapter.
Washington Administrative Code › Title 296 - Labor and Industries, Department of › Chapter 296-817 - Hearing loss prevention (noise) › Section 296-817-40015 - Conduct annual audiograms

Current through Register Vol. 24-14, July 15, 2024
(1) You must conduct annual audiograms for
			 employees as long as they continue to be exposed to noise that equals or
			 exceeds 85 dBA TWA8.
Note:
1. Annual audiometric testing may be conducted at any
						  time during the work shift. By conducting the annual audiogram during the work
						  shift with the employee exposed to typical noise for their job, the test may
						  record a temporary threshold shift.
2. This makes the test more sensitive to potential
						  hearing loss and may help you improve employee protection before a permanent
						  threshold shift occurs. A suspected temporary shift is one reason an employer
						  may choose to retest employee hearing.
(2) You
			 must make sure each employee is informed of the results of his or her
			 audiometric test.
Include whether or not there has been a hearing level decrease
				or improvement since their previous test.
(3) You must make sure each employee's annual
			 audiogram is compared to his or her baseline audiogram by an audiologist,
			 otolaryngologist, another qualified physician, or the technician conducting the
			 test to determine if a standard threshold shift has occurred.
If the annual audiogram indicates that an employee has
				suffered a standard threshold shift, you may obtain a retest within thirty days
				and consider the results of the retest as the annual
				audiogram.
(4) You must make
			 sure that an audiologist, otolaryngologist, or other qualified physician sees
			 any annual audiogram that indicates a standard threshold shift.
Statutory Authority:
				  RCW
				   49.17.010,
				  49.17.040,
				  49.17.050, and
				  49.17.060. 03-11-060, §
				  296-817-40015, filed 5/19/03, effective
				  8/1/03.
Washington Administrative Code › Title 296 - Labor and Industries, Department of › Chapter 296-817 - Hearing loss prevention (noise) › Section 296-817-40020 - Review audiograms that indicate a standard threshold shift

Current through Register Vol. 24-14, July 15, 2024
(1) You must make
			 sure the health care professional supervising audiograms has:
(a) A copy of this chapter;
(b) The baseline audiogram and most recent
			 audiogram of the employee to be evaluated;
(c) Background noise level records for the
			 testing room;
(d) Calibration
			 records for the audiometer.
Washington Administrative Code › Title 296 - Labor and Industries, Department of › Chapter 296-817 - Hearing loss prevention (noise) › Section 296-817-40025 - Keep the baseline audiogram without revision, unless annual audiograms indicate a persistent threshold shift or a significant improvement in hearing

Current through Register Vol. 24-14, July 15, 2024
You must keep the baseline audiogram without revision, unless
				a qualified reviewer determines:
(1)
			 The standard threshold shift revealed by the audiogram is persistent;
			 or
(2) The hearing threshold shown
			 in the annual audio-gram indicates significant improvement over the baseline
			 audiogram.
Statutory Authority:
				  RCW
				   49.17.010,
				  49.17.040,
				  49.17.050, and
				  49.17.060. 03-11-060, §
				  296-817-40025, filed 5/19/03, effective
				  8/1/03.
Washington Administrative Code › Title 296 - Labor and Industries, Department of › Chapter 296-817 - Hearing loss prevention (noise) › Section 296-817-40030 - Make sure a record is kept of audiometric tests

Current through Register Vol. 24-14, July 15, 2024
You must retain a legible copy of all employee audio-grams
				conducted under this chapter.
Make sure the record includes:
(1) Name and job classification of the
			 employee;
(2) Date of the
			 audiogram;
(3) The examiner's
			 name;
(4) Date of the last acoustic
			 or exhaustive calibration of the audiometer;
(5) Employee's most recent noise exposure
			 assessment;
(6) The background
			 sound pressure levels in audio-metric test rooms.
Statutory Authority:
				  RCW
				   49.17.010,
				  49.17.040,
				  49.17.050, and
				  49.17.060. 03-11-060, §
				  296-817-40030, filed 5/19/03, effective
				  8/1/03.
Washington Administrative Code › Title 296 - Labor and Industries, Department of › Chapter 296-817 - Hearing loss prevention (noise) › Section 296-817-40035 - Make sure audiometric testing equipment meets these requirements

Current through Register Vol. 24-14, July 15, 2024
(1) You must use
			 pure tone, air conduction, hearing threshold examinations, with test
			 frequencies including as a minimum 500, 1000, 2000, 3000, 4000, and 6000 Hz.
(a) Tests at each frequency must be taken
			 separately for each ear;
(b)
			 Supra-aural headphones must be used.
Washington Administrative Code › Title 296 - Labor and Industries, Department of › Chapter 296-817 - Hearing loss prevention (noise) › Section 296-817-500 - Options to audiometric testing

Current through Register Vol. 24-14, July 15, 2024
Summary
Your responsibility:
This section provides options to baseline audiometric testing
				for employees assigned to duties with noise exposures for
less than one
				year.
These program options may also be used to provide added assessment
				of longer-term employees in addition to audiometric testing.
The requirements of this section apply only if you decide to
				use auditing or a third-party hearing loss prevention program and do not
				conduct baseline audiometric testing for those employees.
Hearing Protection Audits
You must meet the requirements ...
in this section:
Conduct hearing protection audits at least quarterly
WAC
						296-817-50005
Make sure staff conducting audits are properly trained
WAC
						296-817-50010
Assess the hearing protection used by each employee during
						audits
WAC
						296-817-50015
Document your hearing protection audits
WAC
						296-817-50020
Third-Party Audiometric Testing
You must meet the requirements ...
in this section:
Make sure third-party hearing loss prevention programs
						meet the following requirements
WAC
						296-817-50025
Important:
1.
Hearing protection audits
are
			 a tool for use in evaluating your hearing loss prevention program in cases
			 where audiometric testing does not provide a useful measure. For example, if
			 most of your employees are hired on a temporary basis for a few months at a
			 time, audiometric testing may not identify the small changes in hearing acuity
			 that could occur. Auditing provides an alternative to audiometric testing in
			 these cases.
2. Auditing is not
			 required unless you use it in place of baseline audiometric testing for
			 employees hired for a period of
less than one year
and is
			 permitted as a substitute for audiometric testing only for these
			 employees.
3.
Third-party
			 hearing loss prevention programs
are full hearing loss prevention
			 programs and are distinct from audiometric testing provided by third parties as
			 part of your own hearing loss prevention program. These programs may be
			 organized by labor groups, trade associations, labor-management cooperatives,
			 or other organizations to:
(a) Cover a
			 specific group of employees ; or
(b) Combine efforts for several employers
			 with common employees.
Washington Administrative Code › Title 296 - Labor and Industries, Department of › Chapter 296-817 - Hearing loss prevention (noise) › Section 296-817-50005 - Conduct hearing protection audits at least quarterly

Current through Register Vol. 24-14, July 15, 2024
(1) You must conduct audits at least
			 quarterly to provide a representative assessment of your workplace.
(a) The assessment is representative if it:
(i) Covers all processes and work activities
			 in your business at full production levels; and
(ii) Covers all employees present on the
			 audit day.
Washington Administrative Code › Title 296 - Labor and Industries, Department of › Chapter 296-817 - Hearing loss prevention (noise) › Section 296-817-50010 - Make sure staff conducting audits are properly trained

Current through Register Vol. 24-14, July 15, 2024
You must make sure staff conducting hearing protection
				audits:
(1) Can demonstrate competence
			 in:
(a) Evaluating hearing protection
			 attenuation;
(b) Evaluating hearing
			 protector choices;
(c) Assessing
			 the correct use of hearing protectors.
Washington Administrative Code › Title 296 - Labor and Industries, Department of › Chapter 296-817 - Hearing loss prevention (noise) › Section 296-817-50015 - Assess the hearing protection used by each employee during audits

Current through Register Vol. 24-14, July 15, 2024
You must confirm that:
(1) Current site conditions during audits are
			 consistent with conditions existing during noise monitoring.
(2) The hearing protection used by the
			 employee is sufficient and appropriate for the conditions.
(3) The hearing protection is worn
			 properly.
(4) The employees are
			 satisfied with the performance and comfort of the hearing protection.
Statutory Authority:
				  RCW
				   49.17.010,
				  49.17.040,
				  49.17.050, and
				  49.17.060. 03-11-060, §
				  296-817-50015, filed 5/19/03, effective
				  8/1/03.
Washington Administrative Code › Title 296 - Labor and Industries, Department of › Chapter 296-817 - Hearing loss prevention (noise) › Section 296-817-50020 - Document your hearing protection audits

Current through Register Vol. 24-14, July 15, 2024
(1) You must keep a record of audit results
			 for each employee assessed for the length of their employment and for the
			 length of time you will rely upon the audit results.
(2) You must include the following
			 information in the record:
(a) The make and
			 model of the hearing protectors;
(b) The size of the protectors;
(c) Average noise exposure of the
			 employee;
(d) Any problems found
			 with use of the hearing protection;
(e) Any comments or complaints from the
			 employee regarding the hearing protection.
Washington Administrative Code › Title 296 - Labor and Industries, Department of › Chapter 296-817 - Hearing loss prevention (noise) › Section 296-817-50025 - Make sure third-party hearing loss prevention programs meet the following requirements

Current through Register Vol. 24-14, July 15, 2024
Important:
Third-party hearing loss prevention programs are
				intended:
(1) For short-term employees
			 hired or assigned to duties having noise exposures
for less than one
			 year
; and
(2)
For
			 seasonal employees.
However, other employees may be included as long as you meet
				all requirements for hearing loss follow-ups and recordkeeping.
(1) You must make sure that the third-party
			 program is:
(a) Equivalent to an employer
			 program as required by this chapter; and
(b) Uses audiometric testing to evaluate
			 hearing loss.
Washington Administrative Code › Title 296 - Labor and Industries, Department of › Chapter 296-817 - Hearing loss prevention (noise) › Section 296-817-600

Current through Register Vol. 24-14, July 15, 2024
Statutory Authority:
				  RCW
				   49.17.010,
				  49.17.040,
				  49.17.050, and
				  49.17.060. 03-11-060, §
				  296-817-600, filed 5/19/03, effective
				  8/1/03.
Washington Administrative Code › Title 296 - Labor and Industries, Department of › Chapter 296-818 - Abrasive blasting › Section 296-818-099 - Definitions

Current through Register Vol. 24-14, July 15, 2024
Abrasive.
A solid granular substance used in
				abrasive blasting operations.
Abrasive blasting.
The forcible application of an
				abrasive to a surface using either:
(a) Pneumatic or hydraulic pressure; or
(b) Centrifugal force.
Abrasive-blasting respirator.
A supplied air or a
				continuous flow respirator constructed with a shroud that covers and protects
				the head, neck, and shoulders.
Automatic blast cleaning systems.
A unit that has
				a blast cleaning chamber which usually has both of the following to provide a
				timed cleaning cycle:
(a) An automatic timer; and
(b) An automatic shutoff control.
Baffles.
Partial enclosures in and around the
				emission sources which improve or enhance airflow at the hood.
Blast cleaning barrel.
A complete enclosure that
				rotates on an axis or an internal tread to tumble parts in order to expose
				various surfaces of the parts to an automatic blast spray.
Blast cleaning room.
An enclosed room where
				blasting operations are performed by an operator who works from inside the room
				using a blasting nozzle to direct the flow of abrasive material.
Blasting cabinet.
An enclosure where the operator
				stands outside using a blasting nozzle through an opening, or openings in the
				enclosure.
Dust collector.
A device in an exhaust ventilation
				system used to remove dust from air.
Exhaust ventilation system.
A system that removes
				contaminated air using the following:
(a) Enclosure or hood;
(b) Duct work;
(c) Dust collecting equipment;
(d) Exhauster; and
(e) Discharge stack.
Local exhaust ventilation.
The mechanical removal
				of contaminated air from the point where the contaminant is being generated or
				liberated.
Make-up air systems.
A ventilation system that
				controls the volume of outdoor air supplied to a building to replace air being
				exhausted.
Rotary blast cleaning table.
An enclosure where
				the pieces to be cleaned are placed on a rotating table and passed
				automatically through a series of blast sprays.
Tempered make-up air.
Air which has been
				conditioned by changing its heat content to get a specific desired
				temperature.
Ventilation.
The provision, circulation or
				exhausting of air into or from an area or space.
Washington Administrative Code › Title 296 - Labor and Industries, Department of › Chapter 296-818 - Abrasive blasting › Section 296-818-100 - Scope

Current through Register Vol. 24-14, July 15, 2024
This chapter applies to all abrasive blasting operations where
				an abrasive is forcibly applied to a surface using any of the following:
(1) Pneumatic pressure;
(2) Hydraulic pressure;
(3) Centrifugal force.
References:
Depending on your work processes, here are examples
							 of other chapters you may need:
Safety and health core rules, chapter 296-800
							 WAC
Machine safety, chapter 296-806 WAC;
Respiratory hazards, chapter 296-841 WAC;
Respirators, chapter 296-842 WAC;
Lead, chapter 296-857 WAC;
Scaffolds, chapter 296-874 WAC;
Cadmium, chapter 296-62 WAC;
Part L, Electrical, chapter 296-24 WAC;
Statutory Authority:
				  RCW
				   49.17.010,
				  49.17.040,
				  49.17.050,
				  49.17.060. 06-12-074, §
				  296-818-100, filed 6/6/06, effective
				  9/1/06.
Washington Administrative Code › Title 296 - Labor and Industries, Department of › Chapter 296-818 - Abrasive blasting › Section 296-818-200 - General safety-Summary contents

Current through Register Vol. 24-14, July 15, 2024
Your responsibility:
To protect employees from
				hazards associated with their work environment.
You must meet the requirements...
in this section:
Dust hazards
WAC
						  296-818-20005
Personal protective equipment
WAC
						  296-818-20010
Housekeeping
WAC
						  296-818-20015
Statutory Authority:
				  RCW
				   49.17.010,
				  49.17.040,
				  49.17.050,
				  49.17.060. 06-12-074, §
				  296-818-200, filed 6/6/06, effective
				  9/1/06.
Washington Administrative Code › Title 296 - Labor and Industries, Department of › Chapter 296-818 - Abrasive blasting › Section 296-818-20005 - Dust hazards

Current through Register Vol. 24-14, July 15, 2024
IMPORTANT:
1. Abrasives and the surface coatings on
			 materials blasted are shattered and pulverized during blasting operations. The
			 dust formed will contain particles that could result in the following hazards:
a. Respiratory;
b. Fire;
c. Explosion.
Washington Administrative Code › Title 296 - Labor and Industries, Department of › Chapter 296-818 - Abrasive blasting › Section 296-818-20010 - Personal protective equipment (PPE)

Current through Register Vol. 24-14, July 15, 2024
(1) You must provide, at no cost to the
			 employee, and make sure personal protective equipment is worn.
(2) You must follow the requirements in
			 Table-1, Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
Table-1: Personal Protective Equipment
				(PPE)
PROVIDE
WHEN
Abrasive Blasting
						  Respirators
Operators work in any of the following
						  situations:
- Inside blast cleaning rooms
- Where silica sand is used in manual blasting
						  operations
- Where concentrations of toxic dust exceed the
						  permissible exposure limits found in a separate chapter:
* Respiratory hazards, WAC
						  296-841-20020, Table-3 "Exposure
						  Limits for Air Contaminants"
Exemption:
* An abrasive respirator does not need to be worn if
						  the operator is physically separated from the nozzle and blast by an exhaust
						  ventilated enclosure.
Definition:
Abrasive-blasting respirator
A supplied air or a continuous flow respirator
						  constructed to cover and protect the operator's head, neck and shoulders from
						  rebounding abrasive.
Eye and Face
protection to both of the
						  following:
- Blasting operators
- Personnel working near blasting
						  operations
Respirators worn during blasting operations do not
						  provide eye and face protection
Gloves and Aprons
made of heavy canvas or
						  leather;
OR
Equivalent protection
Operators are exposed to the impact of rebounding
						  abrasives
Notes:
1. Use only respirators certified by NIOSH in 42 C.F.R.
						  Part 84 for protecting employees from dusts, and other hazards produced during
						  abrasive blasting operations, like using a garnet sand to blast a concrete
						  surface, resulting in crystalline silica dust.
2. A filtering face piece may be used only for short,
						  intermittent, or occasional dust exposures for any of the following tasks:
a. To protect the operator during abrasive blasting
						  operations performed outside the enclosure or outdoors where non-silica
						  abrasives are used on materials with low toxicity;
b. Clean-up;
c. Dumping dust collectors;
d. Unloading shipments of sand at receiving areas when
						  the following controls are not feasible:
i. Enclosures;
ii. Exhaust ventilation; or
iii. Other means.
Reference:
For additional requirements to help you fully protect
						  employees, go to the following separate chapters:
1. The Safety and health core rules, chapter 296-800
						  WAC;
Personal protective equipment (PPE), WAC
						  296-800-160.
2. Respiratory hazards, chapter 296-841
						  WAC;
3. Respirators, chapter 296-842 WAC:
a. Respirator program, WAC 296-842-120;
b. Specifications for air quality, WA C
						  296-842-200.
Statutory Authority:
				  RCW
				   49.17.010,
				  49.17.040,
				  49.17.050,
				  49.17.060. 09-05-071, §
				  296-818-20010, filed 2/17/09, effective 4/1/09; 06-12-074, §
				  296-818-20010, filed 6/6/06, effective
				  9/1/06.
Washington Administrative Code › Title 296 - Labor and Industries, Department of › Chapter 296-818 - Abrasive blasting › Section 296-818-20015 - Housekeeping

Current through Register Vol. 24-14, July 15, 2024
(1) You must keep
			 aisles and walkways clear of steel shot or similar abrasives that may create a
			 slipping hazard.
(2) You must
			 prohibit the accumulation of dust on the floors or ledges outside blasting
			 enclosures.
(3) You must clean up
			 dust spills promptly.
Note:
Removal of accumulated dust should be done:
1. With a high efficiency particulate air filter
						  (HEPA), vacuum cleaner when the plant is not in operation; and
2. By a person wearing a respirator approved for the
						  existing conditions.
Reference:
For additional housekeeping
				requirements, see the Safety and health core rules, chapter 296-800 WAC,
				Housekeeping, WAC
				296-800-220.
Statutory Authority:
				  RCW
				   49.17.010,
				  49.17.040,
				  49.17.050,
				  49.17.060. 06-12-074, §
				  296-818-20015, filed 6/6/06, effective
				  9/1/06.
Washington Administrative Code › Title 296 - Labor and Industries, Department of › Chapter 296-818 - Abrasive blasting › Section 296-818-300 - Operations-Summary contents

Current through Register Vol. 24-14, July 15, 2024
Your responsibility:
To follow these operational
				requirements.
You must meet the requirements...
in this section:
Combustible organic abrasives
WAC
						  296-818-30005
Blast cleaning enclosures
WAC
						  296-818-30010
Blast cleaning nozzles
WAC
						  296-818-30015
Statutory Authority:
				  RCW
				   49.17.010,
				  49.17.040,
				  49.17.050,
				  49.17.060. 06-12-074, §
				  296-818-300, filed 6/6/06, effective
				  9/1/06.
Washington Administrative Code › Title 296 - Labor and Industries, Department of › Chapter 296-818 - Abrasive blasting › Section 296-818-30005 - Combustible organic abrasive

Current through Register Vol. 24-14, July 15, 2024
IMPORTANT:
This section applies to blasting
				operations where flammable or explosive dust mixtures may be present.
(1) You must prohibit the use of combustible
			 organic abrasives, except in automatic blast cleaning systems.
(2) You must bond and ground the blast nozzle
			 to prevent the buildup of static charges.
Note:
Fine dust produced from combustible, organic abrasive
						  is a fire and explosion hazard.
Statutory Authority:
				  RCW
				   49.17.010,
				  49.17.040,
				  49.17.050,
				  49.17.060. 06-12-074, §
				  296-818-30005, filed 6/6/06, effective
				  9/1/06.
Washington Administrative Code › Title 296 - Labor and Industries, Department of › Chapter 296-818 - Abrasive blasting › Section 296-818-30010 - Blast cleaning enclosures

Current through Register Vol. 24-14, July 15, 2024
(1) You must install adequate ventilation
			 systems in blast cleaning enclosures that are able to do all of the following:
(a) Control concentrations of airborne
			 contaminants below the permissible exposure limits that apply;
(b) Provide a continuous inward flow of air
			 at all openings in the enclosure during blasting operations;
(c) Minimize the escape of dust into adjacent
			 work areas;
(d) Maintain visibility
			 in blast cleaning rooms and cabinets;
(e) Rapidly clear dust from the air after
			 blasting stops;
(f) Discharge
			 exhaust so contaminated air does not do either of the following:
(i) Present a health hazard to any worker;
			 or
(ii) Reenter buildings in
			 harmful amounts.
Washington Administrative Code › Title 296 - Labor and Industries, Department of › Chapter 296-818 - Abrasive blasting › Section 296-818-30015 - Blast cleaning nozzles

Current through Register Vol. 24-14, July 15, 2024
You must make sure nozzles are all of the following:
(1) Mounted on a support when not in
			 use;
(2) Equipped with operating
			 valves that are manually held open.
Note:
To help prevent the buildup of static charges,
						  pressurized tanks used to supply abrasive should be:
1. Connected to the manual control of the nozzle;
						  and
2. Have the relief valve or opening located so it can
						  safely vent.
Statutory Authority:
				  RCW
				   49.17.010,
				  49.17.040,
				  49.17.050,
				  49.17.060. 06-12-074, §
				  296-818-30015, filed 6/6/06, effective
				  9/1/06.
Washington Administrative Code › Title 296 - Labor and Industries, Department of › Chapter 296-818 - Abrasive blasting › Section 296-818-400 - Exhaust ventilation systems- Summary contents

Current through Register Vol. 24-14, July 15, 2024
Your responsibility:
To make sure exhaust
				ventilation systems meet these requirements.
You must meet the requirements...
in this section:
Construction
WAC
						  296-818-40005
Explosion venting and wiring
WAC
						  296-818-40010
Inspection and maintenance
WAC
						  296-818-40015
Statutory Authority:
				  RCW
				   49.17.010,
				  49.17.040,
				  49.17.050,
				  49.17.060. 06-12-074, §
				  296-818-400, filed 6/6/06, effective
				  9/1/06.
Washington Administrative Code › Title 296 - Labor and Industries, Department of › Chapter 296-818 - Abrasive blasting › Section 296-818-40005 - Construction

Current through Register Vol. 24-14, July 15, 2024
You must make sure exhaust systems are constructed, installed,
				inspected, and maintained to meet both of the following:
(1) The American National Standards Institute
			 (ANSI), Z9.2-2001 for Fundamentals Governing the Design and Operation of Local
			 Exhaust Systems;
(2) The National
			 Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 91-2004 for Exhaust Systems for Air
			 Conveying of Vapors, Gases and Noncombustible Particulate Solids.
Reference:
Refer to the American National
				Standards Institute, ANSI Z9.4-1997 for information on Exhaust Systems for
				Abrasive-blasting Operations, Ventilation, and Safe Practices for Fixed
				Location Enclosures.
Statutory Authority:
				  RCW
				   49.17.010,
				  49.17.040,
				  49.17.050,
				  49.17.060. 06-12-074, §
				  296-818-40005, filed 6/6/06, effective
				  9/1/06.
Washington Administrative Code › Title 296 - Labor and Industries, Department of › Chapter 296-818 - Abrasive blasting › Section 296-818-40010 - Explosion venting and wiring

Current through Register Vol. 24-14, July 15, 2024
You must follow the requirements in Table-3 for flammable or
				combustible dust mixtures.
Table-3: Explosion Venting and Wiring
If you have
Then
Flammable or explosive dust mixtures that may be
						  present
Make sure the construction of equipment, including the
						  exhaust system and all electrical wiring, meets both of the following:
* The American National Standard Installation (ANSI) of
						  Blower and Exhaust Systems for Dust, Stock, and Vapor Removal or Conveying,
						  NFPA 91. 2004.
* The electrical requirements for Class II locations in
						  WAC 296-24-95613, located in Part L of chapter 296-24 WAC.
Make sure blast cleaning enclosures, the ducts, and the
						  dust collector are constructed with either loose panels or explosion venting
						  areas that meet all of the following:
* Provides pressure relief in case of an
						  explosion.
* Are located away from occupied areas.
* The Guide for Deflagations, NFPA 68.
						  2002.
Statutory Authority:
				  RCW
				   49.17.010,
				  49.17.040,
				  49.17.050,
				  49.17.060. 06-12-074, §
				  296-818-40010, filed 6/6/06, effective
				  9/1/06.
Washington Administrative Code › Title 296 - Labor and Industries, Department of › Chapter 296-818 - Abrasive blasting › Section 296-818-40015 - Inspection and maintenance

Current through Register Vol. 24-14, July 15, 2024
(1)
			 You must make sure the exhaust ventilation system is fully operational by
			 checking the static pressure drop at the exhaust ducts leading from the
			 equipment at both of the following times:
(a)
			 When installation is completed;
(b)
			 Annually after installation.
Washington Administrative Code › Title 296 - Labor and Industries, Department of › Chapter 296-818 - Abrasive blasting › Section 296-818-500 - Definitions

Current through Register Vol. 24-14, July 15, 2024
Statutory Authority:
				  RCW
				   49.17.010,
				  49.17.040,
				  49.17.050,
				  49.17.060. 06-12-074, §
				  296-818-500, filed 6/6/06, effective
				  9/1/06.
Washington Administrative Code › Title 296 - Labor and Industries, Department of › Chapter 296-820 - Wildfire Smoke › Section 296-820-805 - Purpose and scope

Current through Register Vol. 24-14, July 15, 2024
WAC 296-820-805 through 296-820-860 applies to all workplaces,
				including those with agricultural activity according to RCW   49.17.020, with the
				exception of the following:
(1)
			 Enclosed buildings or structures in which the employer ensures that windows,
			 doors, bays, and other exterior openings are kept closed, except when it is
			 necessary to briefly open doors to enter and exit.
(2) Enclosed vehicles in which the air is
			 filtered by a properly maintained cabin air filter and the employer ensures
			 that windows, doors, and other openings are kept closed except when it is
			 necessary to briefly open doors to enter or exit. Buses, light rail, and other
			 enclosed vehicles used for transit systems where doors are frequently opened to
			 board and deboard passengers are not included under this exemption.
(3) Work within the scope of chapter 296-305
			 WAC, Safety standards for firefighters.
(4) Workers performing prescribed
			 burns.
Washington Administrative Code › Title 296 - Labor and Industries, Department of › Chapter 296-820 - Wildfire Smoke › Section 296-820-810 - Definitions

Current through Register Vol. 24-14, July 15, 2024
(1)
Air Quality Index (AQI).
A
			 unitless index used by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to
			 communicate air quality for several pollutants, including
			 PM2.5. References to the AQI used throughout this
			 chapter means the "NowCast AQI for PM2.5."
Note:
The EPA has proposed revisions to the
						  AQI.1 DOSH will revisit chapter 296-820 WAC and WAC
						  296-307-098 Wildfire smoke, if the proposed changes are adopted.
(2)
Current PM2.5.
The concentration of
			 PM2.5 for the most current hour available, calculated
			 using an hourly average of PM2.5 data.
Note:
The NowCast AQI as provided by the Washington state
						department of ecology, local clean air agency, or U.S. EPA is also acceptable
						to approximate current PM2.5.
(3)
Emergency response.
Rescue, evacuation, utilities, communications,
			 transportation, and medical operations; when such operations are directly
			 aiding firefighting; protecting public health and safety; or actively
			 protecting, restoring, or maintaining the safe and reliable operation of
			 critical infrastructure at risk.
(4)
High-efficiency particulate air
			 (HEPA) filter.
A filter capable of trapping and retaining at least 99.97
			 percent of all monodis-persed particles of 0.3 micrometers mean aerodynamic
			 diameter or larger.
(5)
NIOSH.
The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
			 of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. NIOSH tests and
			 approves respirators for use in the workplace.
(6)
NowCast.
The method used by
			 the EPA and the Washington state department of ecology to approximate the air
			 quality for the most current hour available by using a calculation that
			 involves multiple hours of past data. The NowCast uses longer averages during
			 periods of stable air quality and shorter averages when air quality is changing
			 rapidly, such as during a wildfire. The NowCast is generally updated every
			 hour.
(7)
PM2.5.
Solid particles and liquid droplets
			 suspended in air, known as particulate matter, with an aerodynamic diameter of
			 2.5 micrometers or smaller. Measured in micrograms per cubic meter
			 (µg/m3).
(8)
Wildfire smoke.
PM2.5 which includes emissions from planned and
			 unplanned fires in wildlands, wildland urban interface, agricultural
			 operations, or adjacent developed areas. Wildfire smoke contains a complex
			 mixture of gases and particulates. Fine particulates such as
			 PM2.5 are the primary pollutant of public and
			 occupational health concern in wildfire smoke.
(9)
Wildlands.
Sparsely
			 populated geographical areas covered primarily by grass, brush, trees, crops,
			 or combination thereof.
1 Federal Register Vol. 88, No. 18,
				Page 5558, January 2023:
				https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2023-01-27/pdf/2023-00269.pdf.
Washington Administrative Code › Title 296 - Labor and Industries, Department of › Chapter 296-820 - Wildfire Smoke › Section 296-820-815 - Identification of harmful exposures

Current through Register Vol. 24-14, July 15, 2024
The employer must determine the current
				PM2.5 for worksites covered by WAC 296-820-805 through
				296-820-860 periodically as needed. The employer may use any of the following
				methods to determine employee exposures such that they are able to comply with
				the requirements in WAC 296-820-805 through 296-820-860:
(1) Check PM2.5
			 forecasts and the current PM2.5 from any of the
			 following:
(a) Washington department of
			 ecology website;
(b) Air Quality WA
			 mobile app;
(c) Washington smoke
			 information website;
(d) U.S. EPA
			 Fire and Smoke Map;
(e) U.S. EPA
			 AirNow website;
(f) U.S. EPA AirNow
			 mobile app;
(g) U.S. Forest Service
			 AirFire website; or (h) Local clean air agency website.
Washington Administrative Code › Title 296 - Labor and Industries, Department of › Chapter 296-820 - Wildfire Smoke › Section 296-820-820 - Hazard communication

Current through Register Vol. 24-14, July 15, 2024
For any worksite covered by WAC 296-820-805 through
				296-820-860, the employer must establish and implement a system for
				communicating wildfire smoke hazards in a form readily understandable by all
				affected employees, including provisions designed to encourage employees to
				inform the employer of wildfire smoke hazards at the worksite without fear of
				reprisal.
(1) The hazard communication
			 system must include procedures for:
(a)
			 Informing employees when the current PM2.5 as identified
			 in WAC 296-820-815, exceeds the following thresholds, and the protective
			 measures available to employees to reduce their wildfire smoke exposures:
(i) When at least two consecutive current
			 PM2.5 readings are 20.5
			 µg/m3 (AQI 69) or more;
(ii) 35.5
			 µg/m3 (AQI 101) or more;
(iii) 250.5
			 µg/m3 (AQI 301) or more;
(iv) 500.4
			 µg/m3 (AQI 500) or more; and
(v) 555
			 µg/m3 (beyond the AQI) or
			 more.
Washington Administrative Code › Title 296 - Labor and Industries, Department of › Chapter 296-820 - Wildfire Smoke › Section 296-820-825 - Information and training

Current through Register Vol. 24-14, July 15, 2024
The employer must provide all workers with information and
				training regarding wildfire smoke before work that exposes the worker to a
				current PM2.5 concentration of 20.5
				µg/m3 (AQI 69) or more. Training must be
				provided at least annually thereafter.
(1) Information and training must be provided
			 in a manner and language readily understood by the workers.
(2) At a minimum, the training must include
			 the following information found in WAC 296-820-850, Appendix A:
(a) The health effects and symptoms of
			 wildfire smoke exposure;
(b) The
			 importance of informing the employer when the employee is experiencing symptoms
			 of wildfire smoke exposure;
(c) The
			 right to obtain medical attention without fear of reprisal;
(d) The requirements of WAC 296-820-805 through 296-820-860;
(e) The
			 employer's methods of determining the current PM2.5
			 under WAC 296-820-815;
(f) How
			 employees can obtain the current PM2.5, and the
			 employer's methods to communicate the current
			 PM2.5;
(g)
			 The employer's response plan for wildfire smoke, including methods to protect
			 employees from wildfire smoke, and the exposure symptom response
			 procedures;
(h) The importance,
			 benefits, and limitations of using a properly fitted respirator when exposed to
			 wildfire smoke;
(i) The risks and
			 limitations of using an unfitted respirator, and the risks of wearing a
			 respirator without a medical evaluation; and
(j) How to properly put on, use, and maintain
			 the respirators provided by the employer.
Washington Administrative Code › Title 296 - Labor and Industries, Department of › Chapter 296-820 - Wildfire Smoke › Section 296-820-830 - Exposure symptom response

Current through Register Vol. 24-14, July 15, 2024
(1) Employers
			 must allow employees who display any symptoms that may potentially be related
			 to wildfire smoke exposure to seek medical attention or follow medical advice
			 they have been given, and must not retaliate against affected employees for
			 seeking such medical attention, or following medical advice.
(2) Employers must monitor employees
			 displaying symptoms of wildfire smoke exposure to determine whether medical
			 attention is necessary.
(a) Symptoms requiring
			 immediate medical attention include, but are not limited to:
* Wheezing, difficulty breathing, or shortness of breath,
				particularly when accompanied by greater use of accessory muscles;
* Asthma attacks;
* Chest pain or symptoms concerning for heart attack;
* Nausea or vomiting;
* Sudden numbness or weakness in the face, arm, or leg,
				especially on one side of the body;
* Sudden confusion, trouble speaking, or difficulty
				understanding speech;
* Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes;
* Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance, or lack
				of coordination; or
* Sudden severe headache with no known cause.
(b) Except as required under subsection (3)
			 of this section, while medical attention is being arranged or where medical
			 attention is not necessary, employers must take steps to reduce or eliminate
			 continued exposure to wildfire smoke as appropriate to employee symptoms;
			 intensity of exposure; and exposure controls in place, including respiratory
			 protections in place.