WAC 296-307-09740   Drinking water.  (1) Keeping workers hydrated in a hot outdoor environment requires that more water be provided than at other times of the year. Federal OSHA and research indicate that employers should be prepared to supply at least one quart of drinking water per employee per hour. When employee exposure is at or above an applicable temperature listed in WAC 296-307-09710(2) Table 1:

     (a) Employers must ensure that a sufficient quantity of drinking water is readily accessible to employees at all times; and

     (b) Employers must ensure that all employees have the opportunity to drink at least one quart of drinking water per hour.

     (2) Employers are not required to supply the entire quantity of drinking water needed to be supplied for all employees on a full shift at the beginning of the shift. Employers may begin the shift with smaller quantities of drinking water if effective procedures are established for replenishment during the shift.



[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, 49.17.040, 49.17.050, and 49.17.060. 09-07-098, § 296-307-09740, filed 3/18/09, effective 5/1/09.]