Reference: | See WAC 296-843-110 Evaluations and inspections, found in this chapter, for more information about how to identify hazards and complete your preliminary site evaluation. |
If | Then |
The need for atmosphere supplying respirators and chemical protective clothing has NOT been eliminated | Provide atmosphere supplying respirators and protective clothing |
Employees use respiratory protection other than a positive-pressure SCBA for initial entry | Include an escape self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) with enough air to reach a safe location and always at least five minutes of air |
Use Table 2, Selecting PPE in Various Exposure Situations, to determine the level of PPE to provide during initial entry
Table 2 Selecting PPE in Various Exposure Situations
If | Then |
Changing site conditions indicate a change in employee exposure | Review and adjust the level of protection as appropriate Note: You may decrease the level of protection when information indicates this will not increase employee exposure to safety or health hazards |
There is a substantial possibility that skin absorption or contact with a hazardous substance may: * Impair an employee's ability to escape * Cause immediate serious illness or injury * Is an IDLH or immediate death hazard | Use totally encapsulating chemical protective (TECP) suits and make sure they will protect employees from the hazards * Use, decontaminate, inspect, and remove TECP suits from service according to the manufacturer's recommendations * Perform any TECP integrity tests recommended by the manufacturer and make sure all TECP suits are capable of: - Maintaining positive air pressure - Preventing inward test gas leakage of more than 0.5% Note: Follow the manufacturer's recommended procedures for testing a TECP suit's ability to maintain positive air pressure and prevent inward gas leakage. Other established test protocols for these suits, for example, NFPA 1991 and ASTM F1052-97, may also be used |
There is a substantial possibility that employee exposure to hazardous substances will either: * Immediately cause death, serious illness, or serious injury OR * Impair an employee's ability to escape | Use a positive-pressure SCBA or an airline respirator with an escape SCBA * Protect air supply from contamination and the entire respirator system from physical damage |
Note: | If there is not a permissible exposure limit (PEL) or other published exposure level for a hazardous substance, you may use published studies and information as a guide for selecting appropriate PPE. |
Wash. Admin. Code § 296-843-19005
Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, 49.17.040, 49.17.050, 49.17.060. 09-05-071, § 296-843-19005, filed 2/17/09, effective 4/1/09; 04-02-053, § 296-843-19005, filed 1/5/04, effective 5/1/04.