WAC 296-304-03001   Toxic cleaning solvents.  (1) When toxic solvents are used, the employer shall employ one or more of the following measures to safeguard the health of employees exposed to these solvents.

     (a) The cleaning operation shall be completely enclosed to prevent the escape of vapor into the working space.

     (b) Either natural ventilation or mechanical exhaust ventilation shall be used to remove the vapor at the source and to dilute the concentration of vapors in the working space to a concentration which is safe for the entire work period.

     (c) The employer must ensure that employees are protected against:

     • Toxic vapors by suitable respiratory protective equipment that meets the requirements of chapter 296-842 WAC; and

     • Exposure of skin and eyes to contact with toxic solvents and their vapors by suitable clothing and equipment.

     (2) The principles in the threshold limit values to which attention is directed in WAC 296-304-02005 and applicable sections in chapters 296-62 and 296-841 WAC will be used by the department of labor and industries in enforcement proceedings in defining a safe concentration of air contaminants.

     (3) When flammable solvents are used, precautions shall be taken in accordance with the requirements of WAC 296-304-03009.



[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, 49.17.040, 49.17.050, 49.17.060. 05-03-093, § 296-304-03001, filed 1/18/05, effective 3/1/05. Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.040,[49.17].050 and [49.17].060. 98-02-006, § 296-304-03001, filed 12/26/97, effective 3/1/98. Statutory Authority: Chapter 49.17 RCW. 95-04-006, § 296-304-03001, filed 1/18/95, effective 3/10/95; 93-19-142 (Order 93-04), § 296-304-03001, filed 9/22/93, effective 11/1/93; Order 76-7, § 296-304-03001, filed 3/1/76; Order 74-25, § 296-304-03001, filed 5/7/74.]