Wash. Admin. Code § 296-841-20010

Current through Register Vol. 24-23, December 1, 2024

Section 296-841-20010 - Exposure controls

IMPORTANT: Respirators and other personal protective equipment are not exposure controls. Respirators may be used to protect employees while exposure controls are being installed or when it is not feasible to use exposure controls to remove or reduce the airborne hazard.

(1) Use feasible exposure controls to reduce employee exposure to one of the following:

(a) A level below the permissible exposure limits (PEL) in Table 3;

(b) A level that removes the airborne hazard, when no PEL is established;

(c) The lowest achievable level, when exposure cannot be reduced to below the PEL or the airborne hazard cannot be removed.

(2) Make sure exposure controls do not create or increase employee health hazards. For example, when ventilation systems are installed:

(a) Prevent contaminated exhaust air from either:

(i) Reentering the building in harmful amounts; or

(ii) Exposing any employee to a health hazard.

(b) Temper make-up air, when necessary.

(c) Prevent employee exposure to excessive air velocities.

(3) Use make-up air systems that will not interfere with the effectiveness of the exhaust air system.

For example, make sure enough make-up air is provided to replace the amount of air exhausted.

Note:

Table 1 provides examples of possible exposure controls.

Table 1 Examples of Possible Controls

Preferred exposure controls include:	For example:
Using a different chemical (this is also known as substitution)	Choose a chemical with a lower evaporation rate or vapor pressure Choose a chemical that is not hazardous
Changing a process to decrease 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
Using local exhaust ventilation to remove emissions at or near the source	Install exhaust hoods or slots to capture emissions Use an exhausted enclosure (like a blasting cabinet or laboratory hood)
Other exposure controls include:	For example:
Using general exhaust ventilation to dilute and remove emissions in the work area Note: This is not recommended for control of highly toxic airborne contaminants such as carcinogens, where low exposures can still present a health hazard	Allow natural air movement to create an adequate airflow through an area Use mechanical fans
Modifying work practices	Change the position of the employee relative to the work so fumes, vapors, or smoke are not directed into the employee's face
Limiting the amount of time employees can spend in a contaminated area.	Establish a contaminant-free area for tasks such as prep work that do not need to be done in the exposure area
Implementing an employee rotation schedule Note: This control will increase the number of employees exposed to the airborne contaminant. Due to this risk, employee rotation is NOT recommended for highly toxic airborne contaminants such as carcinogens, where low exposures can still present a health hazard.	Have employees alternate working in the exposure area so that each employee gets less overall exposure

Wash. Admin. Code § 296-841-20010

Amended by WSR 17-18-075, Filed 9/5/2017, effective 10/6/2017

Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, 49.17.040, 49.17.050, 49.17.060. 07-05-062, § 296-841-20010, filed 2/20/07, effective 4/1/07; 04-18-079, § 296-841-20010, filed 8/31/04, effective 11/1/04; 03-20-115, § 296-841-20010, filed 10/1/03, effective 1/1/04.