WAC 296-155-17319   Protective work clothing and equipment.  (1) Provision and use. Where employees are subject to dermal exposure to MDA, where liquids containing MDA can be splashed into the eyes, or where airborne concentrations of MDA are in excess of the PEL, the employer shall provide, at no cost to the employee, and ensure that the employee uses, appropriate protective work clothing and equipment which prevent contact with MDA such as, but not limited to:

     (a) Aprons, coveralls, or other full-body work clothing;

     (b) Gloves, head coverings, and foot coverings; and

     (c) Face shields, chemical goggles; or

     (d) Other appropriate protective equipment which comply with WAC 296-24-078.

     (2) Removal and storage.

     (a) The employer shall ensure that, at the end of their work shift, employees remove MDA-contaminated protective work clothing and equipment that is not routinely removed throughout the day in change areas provided in accordance with the provisions in WAC 296-155-17321.

     (b) The employer shall ensure that, during their work shift, employees remove all other MDA-contaminated protective work clothing or equipment before leaving a regulated area.

     (c) The employer shall ensure that no employee takes MDA-contaminated work clothing or equipment out of the decontamination areas, except those employees authorized to do so for the purpose of laundering, maintenance, or disposal.

     (d) MDA-contaminated work clothing or equipment shall be placed and stored and transported in sealed, impermeable bags, or other closed impermeable containers.

     (e) Containers of MDA-contaminated protective work clothing or equipment which are to be taken out of decontamination areas or the workplace for cleaning, maintenance, or disposal, shall bear labels warning of the hazards of MDA.

     (3) Cleaning and replacement.

     (a) The employer shall provide the employee with clean protective clothing and equipment. The employer shall ensure that protective work clothing or equipment required by this section is cleaned, laundered, repaired, or replaced at intervals appropriate to maintain its effectiveness.

     (b) The employer shall prohibit the removal of MDA from protective work clothing or equipment by blowing, shaking, or any methods which allow MDA to reenter the workplace.

     (c) The employer shall ensure that laundering of MDA-contaminated clothing shall be done so as to prevent the release of MDA in the workplace.

     (d) Any employer who gives MDA-contaminated clothing to another person for laundering shall inform such person of the requirement to prevent the release of MDA.

     (e) The employer shall inform any person who launders or cleans protective clothing or equipment contaminated with MDA of the potentially harmful effects of exposure.

     (4) Visual examination.

     (a) The employer shall ensure that employees' work clothing is examined periodically for rips or tears that may occur during performance of work.

     (b) When rips or tears are detected, the protective equipment or clothing shall be repaired and replaced immediately.



[Statutory Authority: Chapter 49.17 RCW. 93-04-111 (Order 92-15), § 296-155-17319, filed 2/3/93, effective 3/15/93.]