WAC 296-155-020   Housekeeping.  (1) All places of employment shall be kept clean to the extent that the nature of the work allows.

     (2) To facilitate cleaning, every floor, working surface, and passageway shall be kept free from protruding nails, splinters, loose boards or openings.

     (3) Cleaning and sweeping shall be performed in such a manner as to minimize the contamination of the air with dust.

     (4) In areas where workers may pass or perform duties, all debris and accumulations of material shall be removed. Hoses and electrical conductors across aisles or passageways shall be covered or suspended overhead so that there is no tripping hazard.

     (5) Where mechanical handling equipment is used, sufficient safe clearances shall be allowed for aisles, at loading docks, through doorways and wherever turns or passages must be made. Such aisles and passageways shall be marked.

     (6) Storage of material shall not create a hazard. Bags, containers, bundles, construction materials and other equipment shall be stored in tiers, stacked, blocked or interlocked. They shall be limited in height so that they are stable and secure against falling, sliding, or collapse.

     (7) Free access shall be maintained at all times to all exits, fire alarm boxes, fire extinguishing equipment, and any other emergency equipment. Free access means clear of all obstructions.

     (8) Working and storage areas shall be kept free from accumulation of materials that pose hazards of tripping, fire, explosion, or pest harborage. Vegetation control shall be exercised.

     (9) All lunchrooms, washrooms and restrooms shall be kept in a clean and sanitary condition. Garbage cans in lunchrooms and restrooms shall be equipped with fitted covers and the contents disposed of daily.

     (10) During the course of construction, alteration, repair or demolition of buildings and structures, employers shall ensure continuous clean-up of their work area, including removal of all rubble, scrap, boxes, crates and excess material to trash disposal areas.

     (11) Containers shall be provided for the collection and separation of waste, trash, oily or used rags, and other refuse. Containers used for garbage and other oily, flammable or hazardous wastes, such as caustics, acids, harmful dusts or similar materials shall be equipped with covers. Common garbage and other waste shall be disposed of at frequent and regular intervals. Chemical agents or substances which might react to create a hazardous condition shall be stored and disposed of separately. All hazardous wastes which are subject to the requirements of chapter 173-303 WAC shall be handled, accumulated and disposed of in accordance with that chapter.

     (12) All floors and walkways shall be maintained in good condition. Loose or broken components shall be repaired or replaced. Secure footing shall be ensured on all floors and walkways.



[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.040 and 49.17.050. 86-03-074 (Order 86-14), § 296-155-020, filed 1/21/86; Order 74-26, § 296-155-020, filed 5/7/74, effective 6/6/74.]