WAC 296-62-07519   Thiram.  (1) Scope and application. This section applies to occupational exposure to thiram (tetramethylthiuram disulfide), in addition to those requirements listed in WAC 296-62-07515. Nothing in this section shall preclude the application of other appropriate standards and regulations to minimize worker exposure to thiram.

     (2) Definitions. The following definitions are applicable to this section:

     (a) Clean - the absence of dirt or materials which may be harmful to a worker's health.

     (b) Large seedlings - those seedlings of such size, either by length or breadth, that it is difficult to avoid contact of the thiram treated plant with the mouth or face during planting operations.

     (3) General requirements.

     (a) Workers should not be allowed to work more than five days in any seven day period with or around the application of thiram or thiram treated seedlings.

     (b) Washing and worker hygiene.

     (i) Workers shall wash their hands prior to eating or smoking at the close of work.

     (ii) Warm (at least 85°F, 29.4°C) wash water and single use hand wiping materials shall be provided for washing.

     (iii) The warm water and hand wiping materials shall be at fixed work locations or at the planting unit.

     (iv) Where warm water is not available within 15 minutes travel time, nonalcoholic based waterless hand cleaner shall be provided.

     (v) Every planter or nursery worker shall be advised to bathe or shower daily.

     (vi) The inside of worker carrying vehicles shall be washed or vacuumed and wiped down at least weekly during the period of thiram use.

     (c) Personal protective measures.

     (i) Clothing shall be worn by workers to reduce skin contact with thiram to the legs, arms and torso.

     (ii) For those workers who have thiram skin irritations, exposed areas of the body shall be protected by a suitable barrier cream.

     (iii) Clothing worn by workers shall be washed or changed at least every other day.

     (iv) Only impervious gloves may be worn by workers.

     (v) Workers hands should be clean of thiram before placing them into gloves.

     (vi) Thiram applicators shall be provided with and use respiratory protection in accordance with WAC 296-62-071, disposable coveralls or rubber slickers or other impervious clothing, rubberized boots, head covers and rubberized gloves.

     (vii) Nursery workers, other than applicators, who are likely to be exposed to thiram shall be provided with and use disposable coveralls or rubber slickers or other impervious clothing, impervious footwear and gloves, and head covers in accordance with WAC 296-800-160, unless showers have been provided and are used.

     (viii) Eye protection according to WAC 296-800-160, shall be provided and worn by workers who may be exposed to splashes of thiram during spraying, plug bundling, belt line grading and plugging or other operations.

     (ix) Item (viii) of this subdivision need not be complied with where pressurized emergency eye wash fountains are within 10 seconds travel time of the work location. (Approved respirator - see WAC 296-62-071.)

     (x) A dust mask shall be worn, when planting large seedlings, to avoid mouth and face contact with the thiram treated plant unless equally effective measures or planting practices have been established.

     (d) Food handling.

     (i) Food snacks, beverages, smoking materials, or any other item which is consumed shall not be stored or consumed in the packing area of the nursery.

     (ii) Worker carrying vehicles shall have a clean area for carrying lunches.

     (iii) The clean area of the vehicle shall be elevated from the floor and not used to carry other than food or other consumable items.

     (iv) The carrying of lunches, food or other consumable items in tree planting bags is prohibited.

     (v) Care shall be taken to insure that worker exposure to thiram spray, including downwind driftings, is minimized or eliminated.

     (vi) When bags that contained thiram or thiram treated seedlings are burned, prevent worker exposure to the smoke.

     (e) Thiram use and handling.

     (i) Thiram treated seedlings shall be allowed to dry or stabilize prior to packing.

     (ii) Seedlings shall be kept moist during packing and whenever possible during planting operations.

     (iii) Floors, where thiram is used, shall not be dry swept but instead vacuumed, washed or otherwise cleaned at least daily.

     (iv) Silica chips used to cover thiram treated seedling plugs shall be removed at the nursery.

     (f) Training.

     (i) Each worker engaged in operations where exposure to thiram may occur shall be provided training on the hazards of thiram, as well as the necessary precautions for its safe use and handling.

     (ii) The training shall include instruction in:

     (A) The nature of the health hazard(s) from exposure to thiram including specifically the potential for alcohol intolerance, drug interaction, and skin irritation;

     (B) The specific nature of operations which could result in exposure to thiram and the necessary protective steps;

     (C) The purpose for, proper use, and limitations of protective devices including respirators and clothing;

     (D) The necessity for and requirements of good personal hygiene; and

     (E) A review of the thiram rules at the worker's first training and indoctrination, and annually thereafter.

     (4) Effective date. This standard shall become effective 30 days after being filed with the code reviser.



[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, [49.17].040, and[49.17].050 . 01-11-038, § 296-62-07519, filed 5/9/01, effective 9/1/01. Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.040, 49.17.050 and 49.17.240. 81-16-016 (Order 81-19), § 296-62-07519, filed 7/27/81.]