WAC 296-78-71015   Tanks and chemicals.  (1) All open vats and tanks into which workers may fall shall be guarded with standard railings or screen guards in all cases where such guarding is possible with regard to practical operation.

     (2) Foundations of elevated tanks shall be accessible for inspections. When the tank platform is more than five feet above the ground a stairway or ladder shall be permanently attached.

     (3) Every open tank over five feet in height shall be equipped with fixed standard ladders both inside and out, extending from the bottom to the rim of the tank arranged to be accessible to each other, so far as local conditions permit.

     (4) The use of chemicals for treating of lumber for prevention of sap stain or mold or as preservatives, shall conform to the requirements of chapter 296-835 WAC, Dipping and coating operations (dip tanks).

     (a) Storage, handling, and use of chemicals. Threshold limits. Employees shall not be exposed to airborne concentration of toxic dusts, vapors, mists or gases that exceed the threshold limit values set forth in chapter 296-62 WAC, Part H, and chapter 296-841 WAC, Airborne contaminants.

     (b) Protective equipment. The use of chemicals shall be controlled so as to protect employees from harmful exposure to toxic materials. Where necessary, employees shall be provided with and required to wear such protective equipment as will afford adequate protection against harmful exposure as required by WAC 296-800-160, and chapter 296-842 WAC, Respirators.

     (5)(a) Means shall be provided and used to collect any excess of chemicals used in treating lumber so as to protect workers from accidental contact with harmful concentrations of toxic chemicals or fumes.

     (b) Dip tanks containing flammable or combustible liquids shall be constructed, maintained and used in accordance with chapter 296-835 WAC, Dipping and coating operations (dip tanks).

     (c) An evacuation plan shall be developed and implemented for all employees working in the vicinity of dip tanks using flammable and/or combustible liquids. A copy of the plan shall be available at the establishment for inspection at all times. Every employee shall be made aware of the evacuation plan and know what to do in the event of an emergency and be evacuated in accordance with the plan. The plan shall be reviewed with employees at least quarterly and documented.

     (d) When automatic foam, automatic carbon dioxide or automatic dry chemical extinguishing systems are used, an alarm device shall be activated to alert employees in the dip tank area before and during the activation of the system. The following combinations of extinguishment systems when used in conjunction with the evacuation plan as stated above will be acceptable in lieu of bottom drains:

     (i) A dip tank cover with an automatic foam extinguishing system under the cover, or an automatic carbon dioxide system, or an automatic dry chemical extinguishing system, or an automatic water spray extinguishing system;

     (ii) An automatic dry chemical extinguishing system with an automatic carbon dioxide system or a second automatic dry chemical extinguishing system or an automatic foam extinguishing system;

     (iii) An automatic carbon dioxide system with a second automatic carbon dioxide system or an automatic foam extinguishing system.

     (e) The automatic water spray extinguishing systems, automatic foam extinguishing systems, and dip tank covers shall conform with the requirements of chapter 296-835 WAC, Dipping and coating operations (dip tanks). The automatic carbon dioxide systems and dry chemical extinguishing system shall conform with the requirements of WAC 296-24-615 and 296-24-620.

     (6) Where workers are engaged in the treating of lumber with chemicals or are required to handle lumber or other materials so treated, the workers shall be provided with, at no cost to the worker, and required to use such protective equipment as will provide complete protection against contact with toxic chemicals or fumes therefrom.

     (7) Sanitation requirements. The requirements of WAC 296-800-220 and 296-800-230 (safety and health core rules), shall govern sanitation practices.

     (8) The sides of steam vats and soaking pits unless otherwise guarded shall extend forty-two inches above the floor level. The floor adjacent thereto shall be of nonslip construction.

     (9) Large steam vats or soaking pits, divided into sections, shall be provided with substantial walkways between each section, each walkway to be provided with standard railings which may be removable if necessary.

     (10) Covers shall be removed only from that portion of the steaming vats on which workers are working and a portable railing shall be placed at this point to protect the operators.

     (11) Workers shall not ride or step on logs in steam vats.



[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, 49.17.040, 49.17.050, 49.17.060. 07-05-062, § 296-78-71015, filed 2/20/07, effective 4/1/07; 05-20-055, § 296-78-71015, filed 10/3/05, effective 12/1/05; 05-03-093, § 296-78-71015, filed 1/18/05, effective 3/1/05. Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010,[49.17].040 , and [49.17].050. 02-15-102, § 296-78-71015, filed 7/17/02, effective 10/1/02; 01-11-038, § 296-78-71015, filed 5/9/01, effective 9/1/01. Statutory Authority: Chapter 49.17 RCW. 96-17-056, § 296-78-71015, filed 8/20/96, effective 10/15/96; 94-20-057 (Order 94-16), § 296-78-71015, filed 9/30/94, effective 11/20/94. Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.040, 49.17.050 and 49.17.240. 81-18-029 (Order 81-21), § 296-78-71015, filed 8/27/81.]