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Purpose
To establish a policy that requires the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) when performing certain hazardous tasks, or when in an unsafe environment.
Application
All Departments/Divisions.
References
WAC 296-800-160, 296-24-980, 296-800-210
Policy
Protective equipment including PPE for eyes, face, head and extremities, protective clothing, respiratory devices, and protective shields and barriers, shall be provided, used, and maintained in a sanitary and reliable condition, when it is required by reason of hazard of processes or environment, chemical hazards, radiological hazards, or mechanical irritants, impairment in the function of any part of the body through absorption, inhalation, or physical contact.
Supervisors are responsible to ensure compliance with the provisions of this policy and the referenced WAC by all members of their crew/division/department.
Supervisors will perform a hazard assessment of their workplace to determine if hazards are present or likely to be present. The hazard assessment form must be completed and signed to document that the supervisor has done the workplace assessment. The hazard assessment must be reviewed annually and a new assessment completed for any new work process or conditions. All employees whose job duties require the use of PPE must complete training that includes the following components:
- When and what personal protective equipment is necessary for the identified hazards.
- How to don (put on), doff (remove), adjust and wear personal protective equipment
- Limitations of personal protective equipment.
- The proper care and maintenance, useful life, and disposal of the personal protective equipment.
The training program must be documented (written outline or video and employee sign-in sheet), and retraining is required when the employee deems it necessary or different personal protective equipment is provided for employees. The employer must ensure employees understand the training.
Employees found in violation of this policy are subject to disciplinary action up to and including termination for repetitive or gross violations.
All supervisory personnel shall perform a hazard assessment of their assigned work areas and employee tasks using one of the two following hazard assessment guides. The hazard assessment is used to select the required personal protective devices to protect against the observed hazards. The personal protective devices shall be used in conjunction with guards, engineering controls, and sound management practices. Review accident, injury and near miss records to identify any problem areas. If the supervisor or employee is not sure of what personal protective equipment is required, available or acceptable please contact the HR Department to request assistance.
OPTION 1
Hazard Assessment For PPE
Use with WAC 296-800-160 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
This tool can help you do a hazard assessment to see if your employees need to use personal protective equipment (PPE) by identifying activities that may create hazards for your employees. The activities are grouped according to what part of the body might need PPE. You can make copies, modify and customize it to fit the specific needs of your particular work place, or develop your own form that is appropriate to your work environment.
This tool can also serve as written certification that you have done a hazard assessment as required by WAC 296-800-16010 Document your hazard assessment for PPE. Make sure that the blank fields at the beginning of the checklist (indicated by *) are filled out (see below, Instructions #4).
Instructions:
- Do a walk through survey of each work area and job/task. Read through the list of work activities in the first column, putting a check next to the activities performed in that work area or job.
- Read through the list of hazards in the second column, putting a check next to the hazards to which employees may be exposed while performing the work activities or while present in the work area. (for e.g., work activity: chopping wood; work-related exposure: flying particles)
- Decide how you are going to control the hazards. Try considering engineering, work place, and/or administrative controls to eliminate or reduce the hazards before resorting to using PPE. If the hazard cannot be eliminated without using PPE, indicate which type(s) of PPE will be required to protect your employee from the hazard.
- Make sure that you complete the following fields on the form (indicated by *) to certify that a hazard assessment was done:
*Name of your work place
*Address of the work place where you are doing the hazard assessment
*Name of person certifying that a workplace hazard assessment was done
*Date the hazard assessment was done
*Required for certifying the hazard assessment. Use a separate sheet for each job/task or work area
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- NOTE: There are other hazards requiring PPE (such as respiratory, noise, fall, etc. hazards), that are not included in this volume of the PPE Guide but will be covered in future volumes (see WAC 296-62 for respiratory and hearing protection and WAC 296-155 for fall protection for further assessment). However, you should consider all hazards when you conduct your hazard assessment.
PPE Hazard Assessment Certification
*Name of work place: __________________________________
*Work place address: __________________________________
*Assessment conducted by: _____________________________
*Date of assessment: ___________________________________
OPTION 2
Job Hazard Analysis Assessment for PPE
Use with WAC 296-800-160 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
The Job Hazard Analysis (JHA) approach to doing a hazard assessment for PPE is a more comprehensive method and may be more useful in larger businesses with many hazards and/or complex safety issues. It also helps you assign a Risk Priority Code to the hazard to determine the course of actions you need to take to control the hazard.
Follow the instructions as you conduct your hazard assessment and fill in the hazard assessment form. You can make copies of the form or customize it to fit the needs of your work place. (For more detailed explanations of the instructions and guidance on doing the hazard assessment, including completed sample forms, see the “Additional Guidelines on Conducting a JHA Hazard Assessment for PPE,” pages 25-30 in the guide.)
This tool can also serve as written certification that you have done a hazard assessment as required by WAC 296-800-16010 Document your hazard assessment for PPE. Make sure that the blank fields at the bottom of the form (indicated by *) are filled out.
Job Hazard Analysis Assessment for PPE:
1. Conduct a walk through survey of your business. For each job/task step, note the presence of any of the following hazard types (see table below), their sources, and the body parts at risk. Fill out the left side of the hazard assessment form (for help, see samples on p.29-30 in the guide). Gather all the information you can.
Look at all steps of a job and ask the employee if there are any variations in the job that are infrequently done and that you might have missed during your observation.
For purposes of the assessment, assume that no PPE is being worn by the affected employees even though they may actually be wearing what they need to do the job safely.
Note all observed hazards. This list does not cover all possible hazards that employees may face or for which personal protective equipment may be required. Noisy environments or those which may require respirators must be evaluated with appropriate test equipment to quantify the exposure level when overexposure is suspected.
- Hazard Type General Description of Hazard Type
- Impact Person can strike an object or be struck by a moving or flying or falling object.
- Penetration Person can strike, be struck by, or fall upon an object or tool that would break the skin.
- Crush or pinch An object(s) or machine may crush or pinch a body or body part.
- Harmful Dust Presence of dust that may cause irritation, or breathing or vision difficulty. May also have ignition potential.
- Chemical Exposure from spills, splashing, or other contact with chemical substances or harmful dusts that could cause illness, irritation, burns, asphyxiation, breathing or vision difficulty, or other toxic health effects. May also have ignition potential.
- Heat Exposure to radiant heat sources, splashes or spills of hot material, or work in hot environments.
- Light (optical) Radiation Exposure to strong light sources, glare, or intense light exposure which is a byproduct of a process.
- Electrical Contact Exposure to contact with or proximity to live or potentially live electrical objects.
- Ergonomic hazards Repetitive movements, awkward postures, vibration, heavy lifting, etc.
- Environmental hazards Conditions in the work place that could cause discomfort or negative health effects.
2. Analyze the hazard. For each job task with a hazard source identified, use the Job Hazard Analysis Matrix table and discuss the hazard with the affected employee and supervisor. Fill out the right side of the hazard assessment form:
Rate the SEVERITY of injury that would reasonably be expected to result from exposure to the hazard.
Rate the PROBABILITY of an accident actually happening.
Assign a RISK CODE based upon the intersection of the SEVERITY and PROBABILITY ratings on the matrix.
3. Take action on the assessment. Depending on the assigned Risk Level/Code (or Risk priority), take the corresponding action according to the table above:
A Risk priority of LOW (3) for a task step requires no further action.
Note: If you assign a risk code of 3, be sure that there isn’t a WISHA standard that requires specific protection be provided. For example: WAC 296-24-65003 requires personal protective equipment when using compressed air for cleaning.
If Risk priority is MEDIUM (2) à select and implement appropriate controls.
If Risk priority is HIGH (1) à immediately stop the task step until appropriate controls can be implemented.
A high risk priority means that there is a reasonable to high probability that an employee will be killed or permanently disabled doing this task step and/or a high probability that the employee will suffer severe illness or injury!
4. Select PPE:
Try to reduce employee exposure to the hazard by first implementing engineering, work practice, and/or administrative controls. If PPE is supplied, it must be appropriately matched to the hazard to provide effective protection, durability, and proper fit to the worker. Note the control method to be implemented in the far right column.
5. Certify the hazard assessment:
Certify on the hazard assessment form that you have done the hazard assessment and implemented the needed controls.
Incorporate any new PPE requirements that you have developed into your written accident prevention program.
Job Hazard Analysis for Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Assessment
Job/Task: __________________ Location: ___________________________
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- Note: Engineering, work practice, and/or administrative hazard controls such as guarding must be used, if feasible, before requiring employees to use personal protective equipment.
Certification of Assessment
*Name of work place: ________________________________
*Address_______________________________________________________
*Assessment Conducted By: _________________________ Title: ________________________
*Date(s) of Assessment ________________
Implementation of Controls Approved By: __________________________
Title:______________________________ Date: _______________
Reassessment of Hazards
It is the responsibility of the supervisors to reassess the workplace hazard situations as necessary, by identifying and evaluating new equipment and processes, reviewing accident records, and reevaluating the suitability of previously selected personal protective equipment. Risk Management will be available for consultation when there are questions on the suitability, availability, compatibility, use and care of the equipment.
Risk Management will conduct periodic audits throughout the year of work areas and will report any deficiencies to the department supervisors for corrective action.
Selection Guidelines
The supervisor, after collecting the data gathered in the Hazard Assessment should review and determine the type, level of risk, and seriousness of potential injury from each of the hazards found in the area. The possibility of exposure to several hazards simultaneously should be considered. After reviewing the data the supervisor shall:
- Become familiar with the potential hazards and the type of protective equipment that is available, and what it can do;
- Compare the hazards associated with the environment; i.e., impact velocities, masses, projectile shape, radiation intensities, with the capabilities of the available protective equipment;
- Select the protective equipment which ensures a level of protection greater than the minimum required to protect employees from the hazards; fit the user with the protective device and give instructions on care and use of the personal protective equipment.
*Careful consideration must be given to comfort and fit.
*PPE that fits poorly will not afford the necessary protection.
*Continued wearing of the device is more likely if it fits the wearer comfortably.
*Protective devices are generally available in a variety of sizes and will be made available at no cost to the employee.
Eye and Face Protection – General Requirements
1. Each affected employee shall use appropriate eye or face protection when exposed to eye or face hazards from flying particles, molten metal, liquid chemicals, acids or caustic liquids, chemical gases or vapors, or potentially injurious light radiation.
2. Each affected employee shall use eye protection that provides side protection when there is a hazard from flying objects. Detachable side protectors (e.g. clip-on or slide-on side shields) meeting the pertinent requirements of this section are acceptable.
3. Each affected employee who wears prescription lenses while engaged in operations that involve eye hazards shall shall wear eye protection that can be worn over the prescription lenses without disturbing the proper position of the prescription lenses or the protective lenses, or may purchase eye protection that incorporates the prescription into its design at their own expense..
4. Eye and face personal protective equipment shall be distinctly marked to facilitate identification of the manufacturer.
5. Each affected employee shall use equipment with filter lenses that have a shade number appropriate for the work being performed for protection from injurious light radiation. The following is a listing of appropriate shade numbers for various operations.
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- *As a rule of thumb, start with a shade that is too dark to see the weld zone. Then go to a lighter shade which gives sufficient view of the weld zone without going below the minimum. In oxyfuel gas welding or cutting where the torch produces a high yellow light, it is desirable to use a filter lens that absorbs the yellow or sodium line in the visible light of the (spectrum) operation.
** These values apply where the actual arc is clearly seen. Experience has shown that lighter filters may be used when the arc is hidden by the work piece.
Notes to Eye and Face Protection Selection Chart
1. Care should be taken to recognize the possibility of multiple and simultaneous exposure to a variety of hazards. Adequate protection against the highest level of each of the hazards should be provided. Protective devices do not provide unlimited protection.
2. Operations involving heat may also involve light radiation. As required by the standard, protection from both hazards must be provided.
3. Faceshields should only be worn over primary eye protection (spectacles or goggles).
4. As required by the standard, filter lenses must meet the requirements for shade designations in WAC 296-800-16050. Tinted and shaded lenses are not filter lenses unless they are marked or identified as such.
5. As required by the standard, persons whose vision requires the use of prescription lenses must wear either protective devices fitted with prescription lenses or protective devices designed to be worn over regular prescription eyewear.
6. Wearers of contact lenses must also wear appropriate eye and face protection devices in a hazardous environment. It should be recognized that dusty and/or chemical environments may represent an additional hazard to contact lens wearers.
7. Caution should be exercised in the use of metal frame protective devices in electrical hazard areas.
8. Atmospheric conditions and the restricted ventilation of the protector can cause lenses to fog. Frequent cleansing may be necessary.
9. Welding helmets or faceshields should be used only over primary eye protection (spectacles or goggles).
10. Non-sideshield spectacles are available for frontal protection only, but are not acceptable eye protection for the sources and operations listed for “impact.”
11. Ventilation should be adequate, but well protected from splash entry. Eye and face protection should be designed and used so that it provides both adequate ventilation and protects the wearer from splash entry.
12. Protection from light radiation is directly related to filter lens density. See note (4). Select the darkest shade that allows task performance.
Selection Guidelines for Head Protection
All head protection (helmets) is designed to provide protection from impact and penetration hazards caused by falling objects. Head protection is also available which provides protection from electric shock and burn. When selecting head protection, knowledge of potential electrical hazards is important. Class A helmets, in addition to impact and penetration resistance, provide electrical protection from low-volt-dilution to impact and penetration resistance, provide electrical protection from high-voltage conductors (they are proof tested to 2,200 volts). Class B helmets, in addition to impact and penetration resistance, provide electrical protection from high-voltage conductors (they are proof tested to 20,000 volts). Class C helmets provide impact and penetration resistance (they are usually made of aluminum which conducts electricity), and should not be used around electrical hazards.
Where falling object hazards are present, helmets must be worn. Some examples include: working below other workers who are using tools and materials which could fall; working around or under conveyor belts which are carrying parts or materials; working below machinery or processes which might cause material or objects to fall; and working on exposed energized conductors.
Some examples of occupations for which head protection should be routinely considered are: carpenters, electricians, linemen, mechanics and repairers, plumbers and pipe fitters, assemblers, packers, wrappers, sawyers, welders, laborers, freight handlers, timber cutting and logging, stock handlers, and warehouse laborers.
Selection Guidelines for Foot Protection
Safety shoes and boots which meet the ANSI Z 41-1991 Standard provide both impact and compression protection. Where necessary, safety shoes can be obtained which provide puncture protection. In some work situations, metatarsal protection should be provided, and in other special situations electrical conductive or insulating safety shoes would be appropriate. Safety shoes or boots with impact protection would be required for carrying or handling materials such as packages, objects, parts or heavy tools, which could be dropped: and, for other activities where objects might fall onto the feet. Safety shoes or boots with compression protection would be required for work activities involving skid trucks (manual material handling carts) around bulk rolls (such as paper rolls) and around heavy pipes, all of which could potentially roll over an employee’s feet. Safety shoes or boots with puncture protection would be required where sharp objects such as nails, wire, tacks, screws, large staples, scrap metal etc., could be stepped on by employees causing a foot injury.
Some occupations (not a complete list) for which foot protection should be routinely considered are: shipping and receiving clerks, stock clerks, carpenters, electricians, machinists, mechanics and repairers, plumbers and pipe fitters, structural metal workers, assemblers, drywall installers and lathers, packers, wrappers, craters, punch and stamping press operators, sawyers, welders, laborers, freight handlers, gardeners and grounds-keepers, timber cutting and logging workers, stock handlers, and warehouse laborers.
Selection Guidelines for Hand Protection
Gloves are often relied upon to prevent cuts, abrasions, burns, and skin contact with chemicals that are capable of causing local or systemic effects following dermal exposure. WISHA is unaware of any gloves that provide protection against all potential hand hazards, and commonly available glove materials provide only limited protection against many chemicals. Therefore, it is important to select the most appropriate glove for a particular application and to determine how long it can be worn, and whether it can be reused.
It is also important to know the performance characteristics of gloves relative to the specific hazard anticipated: e.g., chemical hazards, cut hazards, flame hazards, etc. These performance characteristics should be assessed by using standard test procedures. Before purchasing gloves, the employer should request documentation from the manufacturer that the gloves meet the appropriate test standard(s) for the hazard(s) anticipated.
Other factors to be considered for glove selection in general include:
1. As long as the performance characteristics are acceptable, in certain circumstances, it may be more cost effective to regularly change cheaper gloves than to reuse more expensive types: and,
2. The work activities of the employee should be studied to determine the degree of dexterity required, the duration, frequency, and degree of exposure of the hazard, and the physical stresses that will be applied.
With respect to selection of gloves for protection against chemical hazards:
1. The toxic properties of the chemical(s) must be determined; in particular, the ability of the chemical to cause local effects on the skin and/or to pass through the skin and cause systemic effects;
2. Generally, any “chemical resistant” glove can be used for dry powders;
3. For mixtures and formulated products (unless specific test data are available), a glove should be selected on the basis of the chemical component with the shortest breakthrough time, since it is possible for solvents to carry active ingredients though polymeric materials; and,
4. Employees must be able to remove the gloves in such a manner as to prevent skin contamination.
Training
After the hazard assessment and equipment selection each supervisor shall train each employee who is required to use personal protective equipment. The training shall include at least the following components:
1. When personal protective equipment is necessary;
2. What personal protective equipment is necessary;
3. How to properly don, doff, adjust, and wear personal protective equipment;
4. The limitations of the personal protective equipment; and
5. The proper care, maintenance, useful life and disposal of the personal protective equipment.
Each affected employee shall demonstrate an understanding of the training specified above and the ability to use personal protective equipment properly, before being allowed to perform work requiring the use of personal protective equipment.
Retraining shall be done when the employer has reason to believe that any employee who has already been trained does not have the understanding and skill required using any one of the following:
1. Changes in the workplace render previous training obsolete; or
2. Changes in the types of personal protective equipment to be used render previous training obsolete; or
3. Inadequacies in an employee’s knowledge or use of assigned personal protective equipment indicate that the employee has not retained the requisite understanding or skill
Cleaning and Maintenance
It is important that all personal protective equipment be kept clean and properly maintained. Cleaning is particularly important for eye and face protection where dirty or fogged lenses could impair vision.
For the purposes of compliance with the standard, personal protective equipment should be inspected, cleaned, and maintained at regular intervals so that the personal protective equipment provides the requisite protection.
It is also important to ensure that contaminated personal protective equipment which cannot be decontaminated is disposed of in a manner that protects employees from exposure to hazards.
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NOTE: This section will be updated when the Department of Labor and Industries publishes new SDS standards.
Purpose
To establish a uniform program to comply with “Community and Worker or Right to Know” legislation.
Application
All Departments/Divisions.
References
WAC 296-839-100 through 400, Hazard Communication, State of Washington
WAC 296-800-16050, Eye & Face Protection, State of Washington
WAC 296-841-100 through 200, Respiratory Protection, State of Washington
WAC 296-842-100 through 220, Respirator Protection.
WAC 173-303, Dangerous Waste Regulation, State of Washington and Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department Environmental Health Services (591-6450)
Policy
The Metropolitan Park District of Tacoma provides and promotes a safe and healthful environment for District employees and for the public. The Metropolitan Park District of Tacoma recognizes the community’s and District employees’ need for information covering hazardous chemicals and materials used in District operations and the necessity to provide adequate information quickly to assure personal safety.
Definitions
All words shall have their ordinary and usual meanings except those defined in this section which shall have in addition the meaning set forth below:
Hazardous Chemical or Material: Any solid, liquid or gas used, stored, or produced by District operations which through inhalation, ingestion, or skin contact could cause illness, injury, health hazard or environmental damage during use, storage, or disposal and as defined, referenced, or exempted by WAC 296-839-100 through 400.
Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS): A specially designed report describing a hazardous chemical and containing information relative to identifying physical and chemical characteristics, known health effects, exposure limits, carcinogenic properties, precautionary measures, emergency and first aid procedures, and the identity of the organization which prepared the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS).
Work Place: A usual and permanent location, under the control of Metropolitan park District of Tacoma supervision, where a District employee reports for work.
Responsibilities
Department Directors shall comply with the Chemical Hazard Communication (Right to Know) Policy/Procedure, and will delegate responsibility and accountability to:
- Maintain a copy of the Chemical Hazard Communication (Right to Know) Policy/Procedure in each workplace.
- Maintain the most current list (Inventory) of hazardous chemicals and materials used by the department or agency as provided.
- Maintain a Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) for each of the hazardous chemicals or materials used in the specific workplace. These must be made available for employee review upon request.
- Provide an appropriate Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) or other available information to a citizen who inquires about a specific hazardous chemical or material used in department or agency operations.
- Request a Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) from the distributor when ordering a new hazardous chemical or material.
- Assure that no hazardous chemical or material is used without an approved Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) within the workplace.
- Verify and maintain proper labeling of hazardous chemicals or materials.
- Require all employees exposed to chemical hazards to attend a “Hazardous Chemical Training” class following initial job assignment.
- Assure each employee has specific training and close supervision on the job as new hazardous chemicals are introduced.
Human Resources will provide organizational guidance and monitor the Chemical Hazard Communication (Right to Know) Policy/Procedure for compliance in accordance with State of Washington WAC 296-839-100 through 400, 173-303, 296-800-16050, 296-841-100 through 200, 296-842-100 through 220, and will:
- Maintain a copy of the Chemical Hazard Communication (Right to Know) Policy/Procedure.
- Obtain an initial and current inventory of all hazardous chemicals or materials from all departments and agencies.
- Develop and maintain a complete file of all Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) for all hazardous chemicals or materials used by departments or agencies.
- Review and approve for use all Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS).
- Provide appropriate approved Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) to each department or agency.
- Monitor to assure proper labeling of all hazardous chemicals or materials in the workplace.
- Develop, monitor and maintain Chemical Hazard Communication (Right to Know) employee training and training records as required.
- Provide initial and periodic Chemical Hazard Communication (Right to Know) train the trainer program to supervisors.
- Provide periodic Chemical Hazard Communication (Right to Know) safety assistance, surveys and consultation to departments or agencies to insure compliance.
Department Supervisors shall comply with the Chemical Hazard Communication (Right to Know) Policy/Procedure and be specifically responsible to:
- Maintain a copy of the Chemical Hazard Communication (Right to Know) Policy/Procedure in the immediate workplace and available to all employees.
- Maintain Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) for hazardous chemicals or materials used within the immediate workplace.
- Make Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) available to employees assigned to working with hazardous chemicals or materials.
- Review Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) on new hazardous chemicals or materials with employees assigned to the workplace.
- Provide Safety Office with a copy of any new Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) received.
- Prohibit the use of hazardous chemicals or materials until an approved Material Safety Data Sheet is received, reviewed, and training for employees is provided.
- Provide initial employee training and whenever a new hazardous chemical or material is introduced into the workplace.
- Assure proper disposal of hazardous chemicals or materials in accordance with WAC 173-303, Dangerous Waste Regulation, State of Washington and Pierce County Health Department Environmental Health Services (591-6450).
- An inventory list must be maintained at the front of the MSDS book.
Employees shall comply with the Chemical Hazard Communication (Right to Know) Policy/Procedures and will:
- Be familiar with safety and health requirements described in each Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) involving chemicals or materials used within their work place.
- Follow all instructions and safety procedures dedicated to the use, storage, handling, and disposal of hazardous chemicals or materials.
- Use all of the proper personal protective equipment required for each and every hazardous chemical or material exposure.
- Properly clean, store or otherwise care for personal protective equipment provided as described in WAC 296-800-16050, 296-841-100 through 200 and 296-842-100 through 220, State of Washington.
- Dispose of hazardous chemicals or materials in accordance with WAC 173-303, Dangerous Waste Regulation, State of Washington and Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department, Environmental Health Services (253-591-6450).
Procedures
Inventory
Each department Safety Officer, with the assistance of work area supervisors (leads?), will develop and maintain an inventory of hazardous chemicals stored and used in that work area. The inventory will contain the following:
- Storage or use location
- Chemical Name
- Product Name
- Common Name
- Vendor or manufacturer name and address.
Inventory updates will be completed by the Safety Officer based upon data received from departments and agencies. A copy of the updated inventory will be forwarded to the department or agencies affected.
The Safety Officer will periodically inspect work places to audit hazardous chemical and material inventories for accuracy.
Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS)
All departments and agencies will request a Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) from the supplier or manufacturer for each new hazardous chemical or material at the time of purchase.
The letter requesting the MSDS’s should be kept on file until the MSDS’s are received. This shows that the District has requested the MSDS. If you have not received the MSDS within 30 days, notify the Safety Officer who will then contact Labor & Industries for them to collect for you.
The department will maintain a file of all Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) for the hazardous chemicals or materials in their specific workplace.
No hazardous chemical or material will be used unless a current Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) is available in the workplace. A new MSDS does not have to be obtained every time a new shipment of chemical is received. A new MSDS is only required when the chemical formulation has changed or a new manufacturer is used.
Each of the following items must be provided on every MSDS:
- Product or chemical identity used on the label.
- Name, address and phone number for hazard and emergency information.
- Date of MSDS preparation.
- Chemical and common names of hazardous ingredients.
Note: This includes all hazardous ingredients which comprise 1% or greater of the composition, except for chemicals identified as carcinogens, which must be listed if the concentrations are 0.1% or greater. Any chemical ingredient, even if less than 1% of a mixture (or less than 0.1% for a carcinogen), must be listed in the MSDS if there is evidence that the ingredient(s) could be released from the mixture in concentrations which would exceed established “acceptable” exposure limits or if the ingredient(s) could present a health hazard to employees.
- WISHA permissible exposure limit (PEL), American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) threshold limit value (TLV) and other applicable limits.
- Physical and chemical characteristics, such as vapor pressure and flash point.
- Physical hazards, including the potential for fire, explosion and reactivity.
- Primary routes of entry into the body, such as inhalation, ingestion or skin absorption.
- Acute and chronic health hazards, including signs and symptoms of exposure and medical conditions aggravated by exposure.
- Carcinogenic hazard – National Toxicology Program (NTP) Annual Report on Carcinogens, International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) Monographs, or regulated by WISHA or OSHA.
Note: If a chemical is not carcinogenic or if there is no information about its carcinogenicity, then information about item 10 doesn’t have to be listed unless a blank is provided on the form.
- Emergency and first aid procedures.
- Precautions for safe handling and use including hygienic practices, repair and maintenance, protective measures, and spill/leak clean-up.
- Exposure control measures such as engineering controls, work practices and personal protective equipment.
Labeling
Department supervisors shall verify and maintain proper labeling of hazardous chemicals or materials through review of labels on shipment arrivals, and provide labels for containers into which chemicals have been transferred. Labels shall identify the hazardous chemical, contain appropriate hazard warning and provide the name and address of the chemical. The Safety Officer will monitor labeling of hazardous chemicals in the workplace to assist in compliance. Safety inspections and surveys will be conducted periodically for this purpose.
Training
Departments will require employees exposed to, or working with, hazardous chemicals or materials to attend hazardous chemical training classes following initial assignment. Immediate supervisors will provide such training. Training will be designed for the specific needs of their job. Supervisors will provide instructions to each employee when a new hazardous chemical or material is introduced to the workplace.
Prior to starting work, each new employee of Metropolitan Park District of Tacoma will attend a health and safety orientation that includes the following information and training:
- An overview of the requirements contained in the Hazard Communication Standard
- Hazardous chemicals present in their workplace operations
- Physical and health effects of the hazardous chemicals
- The symptoms of overexposure
- How to determine the presence or release of hazardous chemicals in the work area
- How to reduce or prevent exposure to hazardous chemicals through use of control procedures, work practices and personal protective equipment
- Steps the company has taken to reduce or prevent exposure to hazardous chemicals
- Procedures to follow if employees are overexposed to hazardous chemical
- How to read labels and review MSDS’s to obtain hazard information.
- Location of the MSDS file and written hazard communication program
- Attendance will be documented and mandatory for all employees.
Disposal
Disposal of hazardous chemicals and hazardous work products will be in accordance with WAC 173-303, Dangerous Waste Regulation, State of Washington and Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department, Environmental Health Services (591-6450).
Safety Administration Assistance
The Safety Officer will provide safety assistance to ensure consultation to all departments and agencies, continuity in the application of the Chemical Hazard Communication (Right to Know) Policies and Procedures.
Hazard Evaluation
Chemical manufacturers and importers are required to review the available scientific evidence concerning the hazards of the chemicals they produce, then report that information to employers who purchase their product. In all cases, Metropolitan Park District of Tacoma shall rely on the evaluation performed by our suppliers. We shall consider any chemicals listed in anyone of the following sources to be hazardous:
Any substances which have permissible exposure limits (PEL) under 29 CFR 1910, Subpart Z. Toxic and Hazardous Substances, Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).
Any substances which the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienist (ACGIH) has included in the latest edition of its annual threshold limit value (TLV) list.
Any substances which the National Toxicology Program (NTP) or International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) have found to be suspected or confirmed carcinogens, or which OSHA regulates as carcinogenic.
Hazardous Non-Routine Tasks
Periodically, employees are required to perform hazardous non-routine tasks. Prior to starting work on such projects, each affected employee will be given information by their supervisor about hazardous chemicals to which they may be exposed during such activity.
This information will include:
- Specific chemical hazards
- Protective/safety measures the employee can take
- Measures the District has taken to lessen the hazards including, ventilation, respirators, presence of other employees and emergency procedures to be followed.
(Give examples for each location.)
Multi-Employer Workplaces
It is the responsibility of the Department Supervisors to provide employers of any other employees at the worksite a copy of MSDS’s (or make them available at a central location) for any hazardous chemicals that the other employer(s)’ employee may be exposed to while working. Department Supervisors will also inform other employers of any precautionary measures that need to be taken to protect employees during normal operating conditions or in foreseeable emergencies, and provide other employers with an explanation of the labeling system that is used at the worksite.
Appendix
WAC 296-839-100 through 400, Hazard Communication, State of Washington
WAC 296-800-16050, Eye & Face Protection, State of Washington
WAC 296-841-100 through 200, Respiratory Protection, State of Washington
WAC 296-842-100 through 220, Respirator Protection.
WAC 173-303, Dangerous Waste Regulation, State of Washington and Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department, Environmental Health Services (253-591-6450).
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Purpose
An occupational hearing conservation program is a program that protects the hearing of the worker from the effects of hazardous/injurious noise levels in his/her workplace. This program consists of ongoing noise surveys of work areas to determine the amount of noise present in the work areas, issuance and supervised use of personal hearing protection, routine or annual evaluation of each worker’s hearing who works in an area with noise exposure beyond the levels deemed acceptable by WISHA, and an ongoing employee education program regarding the necessity of the use of hearing protection at work.
The Hearing Conservation standard is on file at the Human Resource Office and will be made available to any Metropolitan Park District of Tacoma employee upon request. A copy of this standard will be posted in the work area.
Application
All departments/divisions
References
WAC 296-817-20005 through 20040
Policy
Any employee whose work requires that he/she be exposed to an eight (8) hour time-weighted average sound level of 85 dBA or more is required to submit to annual audiometric tests and is required to wear hearing protectors while performing such work.
Within 180 days of an employee’s first exposure to noise at or above 85 dBA, the employee is required to submit to an audiometric test in order to establish a valid baseline audiogram against which subsequent audiograms can be compared.
Definitions
- Audiogram – A chart, graph, or table resulting from an audiometric test showing an individual’s hearing threshold levels as a function of frequency.
- Audiologist – A professional, specializing in the study and rehabilitation of hearing, who is certified by the American Speech, Hearing, and Language Association or licensed by a state board of examiners.
- Baseline audiogram – The audiogram against which future audiograms are compared.
- Criterion sound level – A sound level of 90 decibels.
- Decibel (dB) – Unit of measurement of sound level.
- Hertz (Hz) – Unit of measurement of frequency, numerically equal to cycles per second.
- Impulsive or impact noise – Noise levels which involve maxima at intervals greater than one second. Where the intervals are less than one second, the noise levels shall be considered continuous.
- Medical pathology – A disorder or disease. For purposes of this regulation, a condition or disease affecting the ear, which should be treated by a physician specialist.
- Noise dose – The ratio, expressed as a percentage, of (a) the time integral, over a stated time or event, of the 0.6 power of the measured SLOW exponential time-averaged, squared A-weighted sound pressure and (b) the product of the criterion duration (8 hours) and the 0.6 power of the squared sound pressure corresponding to the criterion sound level (90 dB).
- Noise dosimeter – An instrument that integrates a function of sound pressure over a period of time in such a manner that it directly indicates a noise dose.
- Otolaryngologist – A physician specializing in diagnosis and treatment of disorders of the ear, nose and throat.
- Representative exposure – Measurements of an employee’s noise dose or 8-hour time-weighted average sound level that the employer deems to be representative of the exposure of other employees in the workplace.
- Standard threshold shift – A hearing level change, relative to the baseline audiogram, of an average of 10 dB or more at 2000, 3000, and 4000 Hz in either ear.
- Sound level – Ten times the common logarithm of the ratio of the square of the measured A-weighted sound pressure to the square of the standard reference pressure of 20 micropascals. Unit: Decibels (dB). For use with this regulation, SLOW time response, in accordance with ANSI S1.4-1971 (R1976), is required unless specifically specified otherwise.
- Sound level meter – An instrument for the measurement of sound level.
- Time-weighted average sound level – That sound level, which if constant over an 8-hour period, would result in the same noise dose as if measured in the time varying noise level environment.
Responsibility
Supervisors have primary responsibility for the following program elements:
- Providing feasible engineering or administrative noise controls;
- Ensuring that warning signs are posted in high noise areas (e.g. areas measured at greater than 115 dBA sound level) as identified by the Safety Officer;
- Providing and supervising correct use of hearing protectors;
- Ensuring that employees required to have baseline and annual audiograms receive such exams, receive appropriate follow-up notification in the case of a standard threshold shift, and provide recordkeeping.
The Risk Manager/HR will provide consulting support for the following as needed:
- Writing site-specific plan;
- Coordination with testing provider for employee hearing testing;
- Assistance with post-testing follow-up with employees with standard threshold shifts; and
- Determining feasible engineering or administrative noise controls, and submitting compliance plans for approval as necessary.
- Noise monitoring
- Selection of method of noise monitoring
- Employee observation of noise monitoring and notification of noise measurements
- Evaluation of hearing protectors and determining appropriate types of hearing protectors.
Implementation Methods
- Noise Monitoring — When reasonable information (provided by supervisors, employees, site walk-through or previous noise monitoring) indicates that any employee’s exposure may equal or exceed an 8-hour time-weighted-average of 85 dBA, The District Safety Officer will obtain individual or representative exposure measurements for all employees who may be exposed at or above that level. All such employees will be required to wear hearing protection and have audiograms.
Monitoring will be done to define boundaries for placement of high noise warning signs.
- Method of Noise Monitoring — Dosimeters and/or sound level meters that meet requirements of the standard, and are calibrated according to instructions before and after each day’s use will be used. Monitoring results of all continuous, intermittent, and impulse sound levels will be integrated in the exposure computation. Monitoring will be repeated whenever a change in production, process, equipment or controls increases noise exposure to the extent that employees are exposed, at or above 85 dBA, or when hearing protectors being used are rendered inadequate.
- Employee Observation of Noise Monitoring, and Notification of Noise Measurements — Employees or their representatives may observe noise monitoring at the Metropolitan park District of Tacoma. The Safety Officer will notify each employee exposed at or above an 8-hour time-weighted average of 85 dBA of the results of the site monitoring.
- Noise Controls–Administrative and Engineering — Whenever employee noise exposures equal or exceed an 8-hour time-weighted average of 90 dBA, feasible administrative or engineering controls shall be utilized.
- Warning Signs — Signs, indicating that an area is high noise and that hearing protectors are required, shall be posted at entrances to or on the periphery of all well defined work areas in which employees may be exposed at or above 115 dBA.
- Hearing Protectors — Hearing protectors shall be made available, at no cost to employees and replaced as necessary, to all Metropolitan Park District of Tacoma employees exposed to noise at a TWA of 85 dBA or above. Protectors shall be worn by employees with the following exposures:
Employees exposed at or above an 8-hour time-weighted average (TWA) of 85 dBA;
Employees exposed to noise above 115 dBA; and
Employees exposed to any impulsive or impact noise measured at or above 140 dB peak sound.District employees shall be given the opportunity to select their hearing protectors from at least two different types (i.e. molded, self-molded, custom molded, or ear muffs) of suitable hearing protectors provided by the District. Employees will be trained in use and care of protectors.The Metropolitan Park District of Tacoma (or designated contractor) will provide proper fitting of protectors and training in the use and care of protectors. The District will provide supervision of the correct use of all hearing protectors.
- Evaluation of Hearing Protectors — Employees’ hearing protectors will be evaluated for reduction of noise exposure in specific noise environments. The methods described in the regulations (WAC 296-81753, Appendix D) will be used.Hearing protectors must reduce exposure to at least a time-weighted average (TWA) of 85 dBA or below.Adequacy of hearing protectors will be re-evaluated whenever employee noise exposure increases to the extent that hearing protectors provided may no longer provide adequate reduction of exposure.
- Hearing Testing–Baseline and Annual Audiograms — Employees will be given baseline audiograms within one year of the employee’s first exposure to noise at or above a TWA of 85 dBA. Employees will thereafter be given annual audiograms which are compared to the baseline audiograms. Tests will be provided by a Park District of Tacoma contractor using a mobile test unit.
- Hearing Testing–Follow-Up With Employees — Employees will be notified by the testing contractor of test results. The Metropolitan Park District of Tacoma will follow-up with employees who have standard threshold shifts.
Training
Introduction
A. An overview of the purpose of the training session.
1. Identify expected outcomes.
2. Introduce program personnel and their responsibilities.
B. Explain the noise survey.
1. Identifying noise sources.
2. Identifying job classifications at risk.
3. Evaluate and explain the extent of the hazard.
C. Explain the Metropolitan Park District of Tacoma’s Hearing Conservation Policy.
- Note District’s efforts at engineering controls.
- State the District’s policy regarding the Hearing Conservation Policy and Disciplinary Program.
- Emphasize employee involvement.
Noise
A. Identify what noise is.
B. Identify where noise is found, both on and off the job.
C. Explain what noise does to your hearing.
- Identify difference between temporary and permanent threshold shifts.
- Include the other physical effects of noise, i.e., headaches, fatigue, stress, etc.
- Make it clear, “you don’t get used to noise, you just lose your hearing.”
Hearing Protectors
A. Why use hearing protectors?
- How and why they work.
- Explain noise reduction rating for different types.
- Use examples to demonstrate the difference between partial and full shift wear.
B. Adjustment period to hearing protectors.
- It takes a few days to get used to the “different” sounds heard in the workplace.
- Jobs that require a worker to “listen” to a machine can still be done once the worker gets used to the protectors
- Speech is not interfered with (unless a worker has a significant existing loss in the speech frequencies).
- Discomfort from hearing protectors in or covering the ear.
The Metropolitan Park District of Tacoma’s Hearing Conservation Program
A. What types of hearing protectors are available?
B. Why were they chosen?
1. What conditions in the workplace make one type preferable over another?
C. Each worker will be fitted individually, at which time they must be instructed in:
- Proper placement and seating of the hearing protectors.
- Limitations of each hearing protector type.
- Proper care of hearing protectors (manufacturer’s directions should be followed.)
D. Audiometric Testing.
- Test hearing to monitor effectiveness of the hearing conservation program.
- Explain test procedure and results.
- Explain who will do the test and who can see the records.
- Explain that testing does not improve, save, or protect worker’s hearing.
Recordkeeping
Recordkeeping shall follow requirements of the Hearing Conservation Standard. Noise exposure records shall be retained for two years. Audiometric test records shall be retained for the duration of the tested employee’s employment with Parks Tacoma.
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Protection Systems
Protection systems for use in excavating more than 20 feet in depth shall be designed by a registered professional engineer according to WAC 296-155-66109.
Trench and Excavation Protection
Except in solid rock, the sides of trenches and excavations, including embankments, four feet or more in depth shall be shored, sheeted, braced, sloped, or supported by a means of sufficient strength to protect employees.
Protection for Trenches Less Than Four Feet
Trenches less than four feet in depth shall be effectively protected when there are indications that hazardous ground movement is possible.
Storage of Excavated Material
A. In excavations that employees are required to enter, excavated or other material shall be stored and retained at least two feet away from the edge of the excavation or trench.
B. Barriers or other effective retaining devices may be used to prevent excavated or other material from falling or rolling into the excavation or trench.
Excavation and Trench Exits
When employees are required to be in excavations or trenches four feet deep or more, an adequate means of exit, such as a ladder or steps, shall be provided and located within 25 feet of lateral travel. An earth ramp is acceptable providing all the following requirements are met:
A. The stability of the earth is adequate for good footing;
B. The total travel distance does not exceed 25 feet; and
C. Adequate shoring or equivalent protection is provided for the entire escape route.
When Sloping Does Not Extend to the Bottom of the Trench
Shoring shall be required to support the vertical part of the trench. The shoring shall extend above the bottom of the slope a minimum of 18 inches to prevent material from sliding or rolling into the trench.
Surface Encumbrances
Trees, boulders, utility poles and other surface encumbrances which create a hazard to employees involved in excavation or trenching work shall be removed or made safe before excavation or trenching is begun or continued.
Installation and Removal of Support
A. Members of support systems shall be securely connected to prevent sliding, falling, kickouts, or other predictable failure.
B. Support systems shall be installed and removed in a way that protects employees from cave-ins, structural collapses, or from other members of the support system.
C. Individual members of support systems shall not be subjected to loads exceeding their design.
D. Before removal of individual members begins, additional precautions shall be taken to ensure the safety of employees installing other structural members to carry the loads imposed on the support system may be required.
E. Removal shall begin at the bottom of the excavation. Members shall be released slowly, noting any indication of possible failure of the remaining members or possible cave-in.
F. Backfilling shall progress together with the removal of support systems from excavations.
Physical Barrier Protection
A. Adequate physical barrier protection shall be provided at all remotely located excavations or trenches.
B. All wells, pits, shafts, etc., shall be barricaded or covered.
C. Upon completion of exploration and similar operations, temporary wells, pits, shafts, etc., shall be completely backfilled.
Inspections
A. Daily inspections of excavations, adjacent areas and protective systems shall be made by a competent person for a situation that would result in cave-ins, failure of protective systems, or other hazardous conditions. An inspection shall be conducted by the competent person before that start of work and as needed throughout the shift. Inspections shall be made after every rainstorm or other hazard increasing occurrence. After training the competent person must be identified and appointed by management.
B. When the competent person finds evidence of a situation that could result in a possible cave-in, failure of protective systems or other hazardous conditions, exposed employees shall be removed from the area until the necessary precautions have been taken.
Manufactured Materials and Equipment
Manufactured materials and equipment used for protective systems shall be used and maintained consistent with the manufacturer’s recommendations.
Stability of Adjacent Structures
A. Where the stability of adjoining buildings, walls, or other structures is endangered by excavation operations, support systems shall be provided to ensure their stability.
B. Excavation below the level of the bases or footing of any foundation or retaining wall that could be reasonably expected to pose a hazard to employees shall be permitted unless:
- A support system is provided to ensure the safety of employees and the stability of the structure; or
- The excavation is in stable rock; or
- A registered professional engineer has determined the structure is sufficiently removed from the excavation and unaffected by the excavation; or
- A registered professional engineer has determined such excavation work will not pose a hazard to employees.
C. Sidewalks, pavements and other structures shall not be undermined unless a support system or another method of protection is provided to protect employees from the possible collapse.
Underground Utilities
Before opening an excavation or trench, underground utilities such as sewer, telephone, fuel, electric, water line, or other installations shall be located. The appropriate utility company shall be notified and requested to identify the exact location of the underground installation.
A. Proper supports and precautions shall be provided for existing utility installations.
B. When electric lines are of the direct burial type, a qualified person shall make positive identification of the cable.
C. Mechanical excavating equipment shall maintain a two foot clearance from the direct burial cable.
Excavation Operations
When excavation operations approach the location of underground installations, the exact location of the installations shall be determined by safe and acceptable means.
Underground Installations Protected
While the excavation is open, underground installations shall be protected, supported, or removed as necessary to safeguard employees.
Water Main Safeguards
When existing loop water mains are running laterally within two feet of the excavation or trench wall, the valve the greatest distance from the work site shall be closed.
A. The exact location of the open valve and the valve key shall be given to the workers before they enter the excavation or trenches.
B. The open valve location shall be marked and clear access to the valve maintained.
Protection from Hazards Associated With Water Accumulation
Employees shall not work in excavation when water is accumulating unless adequate precautions have been taken to protect employees against the hazards of water accumulation. Precautions necessary to protect employees adequately vary with each situation, but could include special support, shield systems to protect from cave-ins, or water removal to control the water level.
Surface Water Control
Diversion ditches, dikes, adequate drainage, or other suitable means shall be used next to the excavation or trench to prevent surface water from entering.
- Timber guards no less than eight inches placed parallel to and secured to the sides of the runway or ramp; or
- Beams or earthen ramps; or
- Other equivalent protection.
Ramps and Runways
Ramps or runways used for vehicles shall be of a width of not less than four feet wider than the vehicle used and shall be provided with:
- All ramps and runways shall receive daily inspection and shall be maintained in a safe serviceable condition.
- Workers shall stay off ramps and runways when vehicles are passing over them.
- All ruts and holes shall be filled in, humps leveled off and the runway or ramp made smooth.
Walkway and Bridge Requirements
Where employees or equipment cross over excavation or trenches, walkways or bridges with standard guardrails shall be provided. Such walkways or bridges shall be designed and constructed by competent persons according to accepted engineering requirements and practices.
Employees Next To Excavations
Employees next to excavations and not directly involved in the excavation work, shall be protected by standard guardrails or equivalent means to prevent heir falling.
Top Person
No person shall be allowed to work in a trench over four feet in depth unless there is a top person in constant attendance. The top person shall be in addition to the equipment operator when the person in the trench is not in constant view of the equipment operator.
Signal Person
Signal person shall be used to direct equipment when backfilling when the operator does not have a clear view of the excavation.
Stop Logs
When mobile equipment is used or allowed next to excavations or trenches, stop logs, or barricades shall be installed. Such devices shall not be required for equipment doing the actual excavating or backfilling operation.
Dust Control
Dust conditions shall be minimized by using water, or other effective means.
Trench Failure Warning Signs
A number of stresses and deformations can occur in an open cut or trench. For example, increases or decreases in moisture content can adversely affect the stability of a trench or excavation. The following diagrams show some of the more frequently identified causes of trench failure.
- Tension Cracks. Tension cracks usually form at a horizontal distance of 0.5 to 0.75 times the depth of the trench, measured from the top of the vertical face of the trench. See the accompanying drawing for additional details.
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FIGURE 5:2-1. TENSION CRACK 
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- Sliding or sluffing may occur as a result of tension cracks, as illustrated below.
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FIGURE 5:2-2. SLIDING
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- Toppling. In addition to sliding, tension cracks can cause toppling. Toppling occurs when the trench’s vertical face shears along the tension crack line and topples into the excavation.
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FIGURE 5:2-3. TOPPLING
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- Subsidence and Bulging. An unsupported excavation can create an unbalanced stress in the soil, which, in turn, causes subsidence at the surface and bulging of the vertical face of the trench. If uncorrected, this condition can cause face failure and entrapment of workers in the trench.
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FIGURE 5:2-4. SUBSIDENCE
AND BULGING
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- Heaving or Squeezing. Bottom heaving or squeezing is caused by the downward pressure created by the weight of adjoining soil. This pressure causes a bulge in the bottom of the cut, as illustrated in the drawing above. Heaving and squeezing can occur even when shoring or shielding has been properly installed.
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FIGURE 5:2-5. HEAVING OR
SQUEEZING
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- Boiling is evidenced by an upward water flow into the bottom of the cut. A high water table is one of the causes of boiling. Boiling produces a “quick” condition in the bottom of the cut, and can occur even when shoring or trench boxes are used.
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FIGURE 5:2-6. BOILING
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- Unit Weight of Soils refers to the weight of one unit of a particular soil. The weight of soil varies with type and moisture content. One cubic foot of soil can weigh from 110 pounds to 140 pounds or more, and one cubic meter (35.3 cubic feet) of soil can weigh more than 3,000 pounds.
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Determination of Soil Type
OSHA categorizes soil and rock deposits into four types, A through D, as follows:
- Stable Rock is natural solid mineral matter that can be excavated with vertical sides and remain intact while exposed. It is usually identified by a rock name such as granite or sandstone. Determining whether a deposit is of this type may be difficult unless it is known whether cracks exist and whether or not the cracks run into or away from the excavation.
- Type A Soils are cohesive soils with an unconfined compressive strength of 1.5 tons per square foot (tsf) (144 kPa) or greater. Examples of Type A cohesive soils are often: clay, silty clay, sandy clay, clay loam and, in some cases, silty clay loam and sandy clay loam. (No soil is Type A if it is fissured, is subject to vibration of any type, has previously been disturbed, is part of a sloped, layered system where the layers dip into the excavation on a slope of 4 horizontal to 1 vertical (4H:1V) or greater, or has seeping water.
- Type B Soils are cohesive soils with an unconfined compressive strength greater than 0.5 tsf (48 kPa) but less than 1.5 tsf (144 kPa). Examples of other Type B soils are: angular gravel; silt; silt loam; previously disturbed soils unless otherwise classified as Type C; soils that meet the unconfined compressive strength or cementation requirements of Type A soils but are fissured or subject to vibration; dry unstable rock; and layered systems sloping into the trench at a slope less than 4H:1V (only if the material would be classified as a Type B soil).
- Type C Soils are cohesive soils with an unconfined compressive strength of 0.5 tsf (48 kPa) or less. Other Type C soils include granular soils such as gravel, sand and loamy sand, submerged soil, soil from which water is freely seeping, and submerged rock that is not stable. Also included in this classification is material in a sloped, layered system where the layers dip into the excavation or have a slope of four horizontal to one vertical (4H:1V) or greater.
- Layered Geological Strata. Where soils are configured in layers, i.e., where a layered geologic structure exists, the soil must be classified on the basis of the soil classification of the weakest soil layer. Each layer may be classified individually if a more stable layer lies below a less stable layer, i.e., where a Type C soil rests on top of stable rock.
Test Equipment and Methods for Evaluating Soil Type
Many kinds of equipment and methods are used to determine the type of soil prevailing in an area, as described below.
- Pocket Penetrometer. Penetrometers are direct-reading, spring-operated instruments used to determine the unconfined compressive strength of saturated cohesive soils. Once pushed into the soil, an indicator sleeve displays the reading. The instrument is calibrated in either tons per square foot (tsf) or kilograms per square centimeter (kPa). However, Penetrometers have error rates in the range of ± 20-40%.i. Shearvane (Torvane). To determine the unconfined compressive strength of the soil with a shearvane, the blades of the vane are pressed into a level section of undisturbed soil, and the torsional knob is slowly turned until soil failure occurs. The direct instrument reading must be multiplied by 2 to provide results in tons per square foot (tsf) or kilograms per square centimeter (kPa).ii. Thumb Penetration Test. The thumb penetration procedure involves an attempt to press the thumb firmly into the soil in question. If the thumb makes an indentation in the soil only with great difficulty, the soil is probably Type A. If the thumb penetrates no further than the length of the thumb nail, it is probably Type B soil, and if the thumb penetrates the full length of the thumb, it is Type C soil. The thumb test is subjective and is therefore the least accurate of the three methods.iii. Dry Strength Test. Dry soil that crumbles freely or with moderate pressure into individual grains is granular. Dry soil that falls into clumps that subsequently break into smaller clumps (and the smaller clumps can be broken only with difficulty) is probably clay in combination with gravel, sand, or silt. If the soil breaks into clumps that do not break into smaller clumps (and the soil can be broken only with difficulty), the soil is considered unfissured unless there is visual indication of fissuring.
- Plasticity or Wet Thread Test. This test is conducted by molding a moist sample of the soil into a ball and attempting to roll it into a thin thread approximately 1/8 inch (3 mm) in diameter (thick) by 2 inches (50 mm) in length. The soil sample is held by one end. If the sample does not break or tear, the soil is considered cohesive.
- Visual Test. A visual test is a qualitative evaluation of conditions around the site. In a visual test, the entire excavation site is observed, including the soil adjacent to the site and the soil being excavated. If the soil remains in clumps, it is cohesive; if it appears to be coarse-grained sand or gravel, it is considered granular. The evaluator also checks for any signs of vibration.During a visual test, the evaluator should check for crack-line openings along the failure zone that would indicate tension cracks, look for existing utilities that indicate that the soil has previously been disturbed, and observe the open side of the excavation for indications of layered geologic structuring.The evaluator should also look for signs of bulging, boiling, or sluffing, as well as for signs of surface water seeping from the sides of the excavation or from the water table. If there is standing water in the cut, the evaluator should check for “quick” conditions (see Paragraph III. F in this chapter). In addition, the area adjacent to the excavation should be checked for signs of foundations or other intrusions into the failure zone, and the evaluator should check for surcharging and the spoil distance from the edge of the excavation.
Shoring Types
Shoring is the provision of a support system for trench faces used to prevent movement of soil, underground utilities, roadways, and foundations. Shoring or shielding is used when the location or depth of the cut makes sloping back to the maximum allowable slope impractical. Shoring systems consist of posts, wales, struts, and sheeting. There are two basic types of shoring, timber and aluminum hydraulic.
FIGURE V:2-7. TIMBER SHORING
- Hydraulic Shoring. The trend today is toward the use of hydraulic shoring, a prefabricated strut and/or wale system manufactured of aluminum or steel. Hydraulic shoring provides a critical safety advantage over timber shoring because workers do not have to enter the trench to install or remove hydraulic shoring. Other advantages of most hydraulic systems are that they:
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- Are light enough to be installed by one worker;
- Are gauge-regulated to ensure even distribution of pressure along the trench line;
- Can have their trench faces “preloaded” to use the soil’s natural cohesion to prevent movement; and
- Can be adapted easily to various trench depths and widths.
All shoring should be installed from the top down and removed from the bottom up. Hydraulic shoring should be checked at least once per shift for leaking hoses and/or cylinders, broken connections, cracked nipples, bent bases, and any other damaged or defective parts.
FIGURE V:2-8. SHORING VARIATIONS: TYPICAL ALUMINUM HYDRAULIC SHORING INSTALLATIONS
- Pneumatic Shoring works in a manner similar to hydraulic shoring. The primary difference is that pneumatic shoring uses air pressure in place of hydraulic pressure. A disadvantage to the use of pneumatic shoring is that an air compressor must be on site.
- Screw Jacks. Screw jack systems differ from hydraulic and pneumatic systems in that the struts of a screw jack system must be adjusted manually. This creates a hazard because the worker is required to be in the trench in order to adjust the strut. In addition, uniform “preloading” cannot be achieved with screw jacks, and their weight creates handling difficulties.
- Single-Cylinder Hydraulic Shores. Shores of this type are generally used in a water system, as an assist to timber shoring systems, and in shallow trenches where face stability is required.
- Underpinning. This process involves stabilizing adjacent structures, foundations, and other intrusions that may have an impact on the excavation. As the term indicates, underpinning is a procedure in which the foundation is physically reinforced. Underpinning should be conducted only under the direction and with the approval of a registered professional engineer.
FIGURE V:2-9. SHORING VARIATIONS
SHIELDING TYPES
A. Trench Boxes are different from shoring because, instead of shoring up or otherwise supporting the trench face, they are intended primarily to protect workers from cave-ins and similar incidents. The excavated area between the outside of the trench box and the face of the trench should be as small as possible. The space between the trench boxes and the excavation side are backfilled to prevent lateral movement of the box. Shields may not be subjected to loads exceeding those which the system was designed to withstand.
FIGURE V:2-10. TRENCH SHIELD FIG. V:2-11. TRENCH SHIELD, STACKED
- Combined Use. Trench boxes are generally used in open areas, but they also may be used in combination with sloping and benching. The box should extend at least 18 in (0.45 m) above the surrounding area if there is sloping toward excavation. This can be accomplished by providing a benched area adjacent to the box.Earth excavation to a depth of 2 ft (0.61 m) below the shield is permitted, but only if the shield is designed to resist the forces calculated for the full depth of the trench and there are no indications while the trench is open of possible loss of soil from behind or below the bottom of the support system. Conditions of this type require observation on the effects of bulging, heaving, and boiling as well as surcharging, vibration, adjacent structures, etc., on excavating below the bottom of a shield. Careful visual inspection of the conditions mentioned above is the primary and most prudent approach to hazard identification and control.
FIGURE V:2-12. SLOPE AND SHIELD CONFIGURATIONS
SLOPING AND BENCHING
A. Sloping. Maximum allowable slopes for excavations less than 20 ft (6.09 m) based on soil type and angle to the horizontal are as follows:
TABLE V:2-1. ALLOWABLE SLOPES
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Soil type
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Height/Depth ratio
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Slope angle
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Stable Rock
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Vertical
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90°
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Type A
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¾:1
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53°
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Type B
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1:1
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45°
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Type C
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1½:1
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34°
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Type A (short-term)
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½:1
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63°
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(For a maximum excavation depth of 12 ft)
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FIGURE V:2-13. SLOPE CONFIGURATIONS: EXCAVATIONS IN LAYERED SOILS
FIGURE V:2-14. EXCAVATIONS MADE IN TYPE A SOIL
A. Benching. There are two basic types of benching, simple and multiple. The type of soil determines the horizontal to vertical ratio of the benched side.
As a general rule, the bottom vertical height of the trench must not exceed 4 ft (1.2 m) for the first bench. Subsequent benches may be up to a maximum of 5 ft (1.5 m) vertical in Type A soil and 4 ft (1.2 m) in Type B soil to a total trench depth of 20 ft (6.0 m). All subsequent benches must be below the maximum allowable slope for that soil type. For Type B soil the trench excavation is permitted in cohesive soil only.
FIGURE V:2-15. EXCAVATIONS MADE IN TYPE B SOIL
Excavations made in type B soil
A. Temporary Spoil. Temporary spoil must be placed no closer than 2 ft (0.61 m) from the surface edge of the excavation, measured from the nearest base of the spoil to the cut. This distance should not be measured from the crown of the spoil deposit. This distance requirement ensures that loose rock or soil from the temporary spoil will not fall on employees in the trench.
Spoil should be placed so that it channels rainwater and other run-off water away from the excavation. Spoil should be placed so that it cannot accidentally run, slide, or fall back into the excavation.
FIGURE V:2-16. TEMPORARY SPOIL
- Permanent Spoil. Permanent spoil should be placed at some distance from the excavation. Permanent spoil is often created where underpasses are built or utilities are buried. The improper placement of permanent spoil, i.e. insufficient distance from the working excavation, can cause an excavation to be out of compliance with the horizontal-to-vertical ratio requirement for a particular excavation. This can usually be determined through visual observation. Permanent spoil can change undisturbed soil to disturbed soil and dramatically alter slope requirements.
SPECIAL HEALTH AND SAFETY CONSIDERATIONS
A. Surface Crossing of Trenches.
- Surface crossing of trenches should be discouraged; however, if trenches must be crossed, such crossings are permitted only under the following conditions:
- Vehicle crossings must be designed by and installed under the supervision of a registered professional engineer. Walkways or bridges must be provided for foot traffic. These structures shall:
– have a safety factor of 4;
– have a minimum clear width of 20 in (0.51 m);
– be fitted with standard rails; and
– extend a minimum of 24 in (.61 m) past the surface edge of the trench.
B. Ingress and Egress.
- Access to and exit from the trench require the following conditions:
- Trenches 4 ft or more in depth should be provided with a fixed means of egress.
- Spacing between ladders or other means of egress must be such that a worker will not have to travel more than 25 ft laterally to the nearest means of egress.
- Ladders must be secured and extend a minimum of 36 in (0.9 m) above the landing.
- Metal ladders should be used with caution, particularly when electric utilities are present.
C. Exposure to Vehicles.
- Procedures to protect employees from being injured or killed by vehicle traffic include:
- Providing employees with and requiring them to wear warning vests or other suitable garments marked with or made of reflectorized or high-visibility materials.
- Requiring a designated, trained flagperson along with signs, signals, and barricades when necessary.
D. Exposure to Falling Loads.
Employees must be protected from loads or objects falling from lifting or digging equipment.
- Procedures designed to ensure their protection include:
- Employees are not permitted to work under raised loads.
- Employees are required to stand away from equipment that is being loaded or unloaded.
- Equipment operators or truck drivers may stay in their equipment during loading and unloading if the equipment is properly equipped with a cab shield or adequate canopy.
E. Warning Systems for Mobile Equipment.
The following steps should be taken to prevent vehicles from accidentally falling into the trench:
- Barricades must be installed where necessary.
- Hand or mechanical signals must be used as required.
- Stop logs must be installed if there is a danger of vehicles falling into the trench.
- Soil should be graded away from the excavation; this will assist in vehicle control and channeling of run-off water.
F. Hazardous Atmospheres and Confined Spaces.
Employees shall not be permitted to work in hazardous and/or toxic atmospheres. Such atmospheres include those with:
- Less than 19.5% or more than 23.5% oxygen;
- A combustible gas concentration greater than 20% of the lower flammable limit; and
- Concentrations of hazardous substances that exceed those specified in the Threshold Limit Values for Airborne Contaminants established by the ACGIH (American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists).
All operations involving such atmospheres must be conducted in accordance with OSHA requirements for occupational health and environmental controls (see Subpart D of 29 CFR 1926) for personal protective equipment and for lifesaving equipment (see Subpart E of 29 CFR 1926). Engineering controls (e.g., ventilation) and respiratory protection may be required.
When testing for atmospheric contaminants, the following should be considered:
- Testing should be conducted before employees enter the trench and should be done regularly to ensure that the trench remains safe.
- The frequency of testing should be increased if equipment is operating in the trench.
- Testing frequency should also be increased if welding, cutting, or burning is done in the trench.
Employees required to wear respiratory protection must be trained, fit-tested, and enrolled in a respiratory protection program. Some trenches qualify as confined spaces. When this occurs, compliance with the Confined Space Standard is also required.
G. Emergency Rescue Equipment. Emergency rescue equipment is required when a hazardous atmosphere exists or can reasonably be expected to exist. Requirements are as follows:
- Respirators must be of the type suitable for the exposure.
- Employees must be trained in their use and a respirator program must be instituted.
- Attended (at all times) lifelines must be provided when employees enter bell-bottom pier holes, deep confined spaces, or other similar hazards.
- Employees who enter confined spaces must be trained.
Standing Water and Water Accumulation. Methods for controlling standing water and water accumulation must be provided and should consist of the following if employees are permitted to work in the excavation:
- Use of special support or shield systems approved by a registered professional engineer.
- Water removal equipment, i.e. well pointing, used and monitored by a competent person.
- Safety harnesses and lifelines used in conformance with 29 CFR 1926.104.
- Surface water diverted away from the trench.
- Employees removed from the trench during rainstorms.
- Trenches carefully inspected by a competent person after each rain and before employees are permitted to re-enter the trench.
SOILS CLASSIFICATION CHECKLIST
Competent Person: Date:
Job Location: WO#/Job#:
The following checklist outlines the visual and manual soil test that the competent person must perform daily, each time soil conditions change or before anyone enters an excavation of four feet deep. The standard requires that one visual and one manual test be performed. Performing several tests is recommended so that the condition of the excavation is thoroughly examined.
Visual Tests — one or more test required re: WAC 296-155-669, Ap
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Purpose
To provide proper training and stimulate safe practices for Metropolitan Park District of Tacoma employees when entering and working in confined spaces. The procedures are intended to reduce or eliminate fatalities and injuries in all work areas defined as confined spaces, including but not limited to sewers, manholes, wet wells, vaults, and pump stations.
The following procedures are required practices to be utilized by Metropolitan Park District of Tacoma employees. Current safety standards require that management shall be responsible for procedures, training and planning for entry into confined spaces which present a problem due to toxicity, flammability, oxygen deficiency or excess, mechanical, electrical, corrosive or temperature hazard.
The procedures outlined here meet the requirements of current safety standards. They are requirements which as adopted are intended to achieve the purpose stated above. Management shall distribute and enforce this written procedure which shall include planning, general precautions, procedures, evaluation of hazards, ventilation requirements, personal protection, isolation and responsibilities. For each project or job, individuals who are competent in evaluation of hazards, precautions, first aid and artificial respiration shall be specifically assigned. Supervisors shall ensure that all employees are properly trained in the procedures to be followed prior to entering confined spaces.
Application
This procedure shall apply to all persons working in sewers, manholes, wet wells, vaults, and pump stations and other similar confined spaces.
References
A. Washington State Department of Labor and Industries General Occupational Health Standards WAC 296-809-Confined Spaces.
B. Washington State Department of Labor and Industries General Occupational Health Standards WAC 296-841Airborne Contaminants C. Washington State Department of Labor and Industries General Occupational Health Standards WAC 296-803The Control of Hazardous Energy (Lockout/Tagout).
D. Washington State Department of Labor and Industries General Occupational Health Standards WAC 296-155-24601 through 155-24624 Fall Restraint and Fall Arrest.
Policy
The Metropolitan Park District of Tacoma requires all employees assigned to work in and around confined spaces to be adequately trained and protected from the hazards that might be encountered. All employees and supervisors working in or near confined spaces shall follow the procedures set forth by their departments using the following guidelines.
WORKING IN CONFINED SPACES:
POTENTIAL HAZARDS AND PRECAUTIONS
PERMIT PROCESS
CONFINED SPACES
Definitions
Attendant: means an individual stationed outside one or more permit spaces who monitors the authorized entrants and who performs all attendant’s duties assigned in the Metropolitan Park District of Tacoma’s permit space.
Authorized Entrant: means an employee who is authorized by the employer to enter a permit space.
Chemical Contact Agents:
- “Corrosives” means substances which cause destruction of living tissue by chemical action upon contact.
- “Irritants” means substances which on immediate, prolonged, or repeated contact with normal living tissue will induce a local inflammatory reaction.
- “Toxicants” means substances which have the inherent capacity to produce personal injury, sickness or death through exposure or ingestion.
Confined Space: Means an enclosed space which:
- Is large enough and so configured that an employee can bodily enter and perform assigned work; and;
- Has limited or restricted means for entry or exit (some examples are tanks, vessels, silos, storage bins, hoppers, vaults, pits and diked areas), and;
- Is not designed for continuous employee occupancy.Contains or has a potential to contain a hazardous atmosphere;
Confined Space (permit required): Is a confined space that has one or more of the following characteristics:
- Contains or has a potential to contain a hazardous atmosphere;
- Contains or has a known potential for engulfment of an entrant;
- Has an internal configuration such that an entrant could be trapped or asphyxiated by inwardly converging walls, or a floor which slopes downward and tapers to a smaller cross-section; or
- Contains any other recognized serious safety or health hazard.
Confined Space (non-permit): A confined space that does not contain or, with respect to atmospheric hazards, have the potential to contain any hazard capable of causing death or serious injury.
Contaminants: A contaminant is any organic or inorganic substance, dust, fume, mist, vapor or gas, whose presence in air may be harmful to human beings.
Engulfment: means the surrounding and effective capture of a person by a liquid or finely divided (flowable) solid substance that can be aspirated to cause death by filling or plugging the respiratory system or that can exert enough force on the body to cause death by strangulation, constriction, or crushing.
Entry: means the action by which a person passes through an opening into a permit-required confined space. Entry includes ensuing work activities in that space and is considered to have occurred as soon as any part of the entrant’s body breaks the plane of an opening into the space.
Entry Permit: means the written or printed document that is provided by the employer to allow and control entry into a confined space.
Entry Supervisor: the person (such as the employer, lead worker or crew chief) responsible for determining if acceptable entry conditions are present at a permit confined space where entry is planned, for authorizing entry and overseeing entry operations, and for terminating entry as required by the regulations. An entry supervisor also may serve as an attendant or as an authorized entrant, as long as that person is trained and equipped for each role they fill. The duties of entry supervisor may be passed from one individual to another during the course of an entry operation.
Flammable Atmospheres: are atmospheres in excess of 10% of the lower explosive limit (LEL). These are usually toxic as well as flammable.
Hazardous Atmosphere: hazardous atmosphere means an atmosphere that may expose employees to the risk of death, incapacitation, impairment of ability to self-rescue (that is, escape unaided from a permit space), injury, or acute illness from one or more of the following causes:
- Flammable gas, vapor, or mist in excess of 10 percent of its lower flammable limit (LFL).
- Airborne combustible dust at a concentration that meets or exceeds its LFL. This concentration may be approximated as a condition in which the dust obscures vision at a distance of 5 feet or less.
- Atmospheric oxygen concentration below 19.5% or above 23.5%.
- Atmospheric concentration of any substance for which a dose or a permissible exposure limit is published in WAC 296-62-075.
- Any other atmospheric condition that is immediately dangerous to like or health.
Hot Work Permit: means the employer’s written authorization to perform operations (for example, riveting, welding, cutting, burning, and heating) capable of providing a source of ignition.
OSHA/WISHA: – Permit required confined space means an enclosed space which: (i) is large enough and so configured that an employee can bodily enter and perform assigned work; (ii) has limited or restricted means for entry or exit (some examples are tanks, vessels, silos, storage bins, hoppers, vaults, pits and diked areas); (iii) is not designed for continuous employee occupancy; and (iv) has one or more of the following characteristics: (a) contains or has a known potential for engulfment of an entrant; (c) has an internal configuration such that an entrant could be trapped or asphyxiated by inwardly converging walls, or a floor which slopes downward and tapers to a smaller cross-section; or (d) contains any other recognized serious safety or health hazard.
Oxygen-Deficient Atmospheres: are deemed to exist if the atmosphere at sea level has less than 19.5% oxygen by volume or has a partial pressure of 148 millimeters of mercury or less. This may deviate when working at higher altitudes and should be determined for an individual location. Factors such as acclimatization, physical condition of persons involved, etc., must be considered for such circumstances and conditions.
Testing: Testing means the process by which the hazards that may confront entrants of a permit space are identified and evaluated. Testing includes specifying the tests that are to be performed in the permit space. Testing enables employers both to devise and implement adequate control measures for the protection of authorized entrants and to determine if acceptable entry conditions are present immediately prior to, and during, entry.
Hazard Analysis
Each workplace will be evaluated to determine the type of confined spaces that are present.
Confined spaces at the Metropolitan Park District of Tacoma include, but are not limited to, utility vaults, sewers, manholes, wet wells, filtration tanks, fresh and salt water pump stations, boilers and fuel storage tanks.
All confined spaces identified will be evaluated to determine the actual or potential safety and health hazards in each space. Any questions concerning these hazards can be addressed to the Metropolitan Park District of Tacoma Risk Manager. This evaluation will be documented by creating a list of the confined spaces and their hazards. These spaces shall be evaluated to determine if they are permit required confined spaces or if they have the potential to be converted to non-permit confined spaces.
Note: The decision flow chart in Appendix A provides guidance for making proper identification of confined spaces.
Identifying Confined Space Hazards
Once a space has been identified as being confined, the hazards that may be present within the confined space must be identified. Confined space hazards can be grouped into the following categories:
- Toxic atmospheres,
- Oxygen-deficient atmospheres (less than 19.5% by volume),
- Flammable atmospheres (greater than 10% of the LEL), or
- Mechanical and physical hazards.
Every confined space must be evaluated for the four types of hazards. The three types of atmospheric hazards are often the most difficult to identify since they are normally invisible. About two-thirds of all deaths and injuries in confined spaces result from atmospheric hazards.
Unless identified with an alternative procedure all confined spaces at the Metropolitan Park District of Tacoma will be labeled. The label containing the words listed below, or similar warning language, should be posted at the entrance to all permit-required confined spaces:
DANGER
PERMIT-REQUIRED CONFINED SPACE
DO NOT ENTER
Note: A map of the confined spaces is an acceptable alternative for identification of the difficult to label confined spaces such as manholes. This map is also very useful for training workers on how to identify the different types of confined spaces.
Responsibilities
Supervisor – Supervisors of employees who enter confined spaces must:
- Ensure a site-specific confined space entry plan is written;
- Ensure that identification and labeling of confined spaces is completed;
- Ensure that materials and equipment needed for confined space entry are stocked and maintained and provided to employees prior to entry;
- Ensure that all employees who enter, attend or supervise confined space entry are trained;
- Ensure that safety techniques of atmosphere evaluation, entry and permit completion are carried out properly.
Authorized Entrants – The employee(s) authorized to enter space to perform work must:
- Know the hazards that may be faced during entry, including information on the mode (e.g. respiratory, dermal, ingestion), signs or symptoms, and consequences of the exposure.
- Properly use equipment, particularly personal protective equipment;
- communicate with attendant regularly to allow attendant to monitor status and order evacuation if problems arise;
- alert the attendant whenever any warning sign or symptoms of exposure to a dangerous situation, or a prohibited condition, is detected;
- Exit from permit space when ordered by attendant, when experiencing signs and/or symptoms of exposure; when a prohibited condition exists; or when an alarm sounds.
Attendant – The individual stationed outside one or more permit spaces who monitors the authorized entrants, and who performs all attendant’s duties must:
- Have knowledge of the hazards and potential hazards associated with the specific permit space including, mode of exposure (e.g. respiratory, dermal), signs or symptoms, and consequences of exposure prior to entry.
- Remain outside the permit space until termination of the entry operation or until relieved by another qualified attendant.
- Maintain an accurate count of authorized entrants within the permit space.
- Maintain communication with the authorized entrant(s) to monitor his/her status and to alert the entrant of any need to evacuate the space.
- Monitoring activities inside and outside the space to determine if it is safe for entrants to remain in the space or order evacuation if the attendant:
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- detects a prohibited condition;
- detects behavioral symptoms in the authorized entrant as a result of exposure to atmospheric hazards;
- detects a condition outside the space that could endanger the authorized entrant(s); or
- cannot effectively and safely perform all required duties of an attendant.
Performing no other duties that interfere with primary attendant duties.Performing non-entry rescues as required by the specific entry permit.
Entry Supervisor – the “entry supervisor” as defined by this policy shall be responsible for:
- Having knowledge of the hazards and potential hazards associated with the specific permit space including, mode of exposure (e.g. respiratory, dermal), signs or symptoms, and consequences of exposure which may be faced during entry.
- Verifying that the appropriate entries have been made on the permit, that all tests specified on the permit have been conducted and that all procedures and equipment specified on the permit are in place, before endorsing the permit and allowing entry to begin.
- Terminating the entry and cancel the permit when the entry operation has been completed, or a prohibited condition arises in or near the space.
- Verifying that rescue services are available and that the means for summoning them are operational.
- Removes unauthorized individuals who enter or who attempt to enter the permit space during entry operations.
- Ensuring that the entry operations remain consistent with the terms of the entry permit and that acceptable entry conditions are maintained.
NOTE: As defined by WAC 296-809-800 and this policy, entry supervisors also may serve as an attendant or as an authorized entrant, as long as that person is trained and equipped as required by this section for each role he or she fills. Also, the duties of entry supervisor may be passed from one individual to another during the course of an entry operation.
Noise/Hearing HazardsTools:
Tools: Power tools or large motorized equipment may cause excessive noise in confined spaces. (Refer to WAC 296-62-09015 through 09055.)
PROCEDURE FOR ENTRY INTO CONFINED SPACES
Evaluation of Air in Confined Space
Evaluation of atmosphere must be made by competent personnel “Capable of identifying existing and predictable hazards in the surroundings or working conditions which are unsanitary, hazardous, or dangerous to employees and who has authorization to take prompt corrective action to eliminate them.” (WAC 296-62-020(6).)
Tests must cover all areas where exposure may occur.
Tests must be recorded on the permit before beginning work, immediately prior to entry, after starting any hot work and at intervals during any work which may cause conditions to change. Air monitoring equipment will be in use at all time when in a confined space.
Equipment Malfunction: Anyone noting a malfunction of any gas detector, sampling device, ventilation equipment or any other device required for safe entry shall write a discrepancy report and remove the equipment from service. A method of tagging or otherwise identifying faulty equipment shall be utilized. The person noting the malfunction shall tag or otherwise identify the equipment as deficient and personally deliver the equipment and the discrepancy report to their supervisor. The report will identify the faulty equipment, nature of defect, date taken from service and person reporting the discrepancy. A copy of the report should be retained by the originator.
The supervisor shall be responsible for stocking, controlling and maintaining the material and equipment needed. They shall be responsible to ensure that sampling complies with the manufacturer’s instructions.
Appropriate instruments must be used to test for potential hazards, including:
- Toxic gas concentrations
- Flammable gas levels
- Oxygen level
- Noise level
- Temperature
NOTE: It is recommended that atmospheric tests be conducted prior to the opening of any covers, if this is possible.
NOTE: All atmospheric tests should be taken at the bottom, middle and top of all confined spaces.
NOTE: All testing equipment should be calibrated per the manufacturer’s instructions. Also, all manufacturers operating instructions must be followed.
PRELIMINARY PREPARATION
1. Determine physical and chemical character of substances in the confined space:
- a. Solubility – A term expressing the percentage of a material (by weight) that dissolves in a liquid at ambient temperature.
- b.Vapor pressure – Vapor pressures reported on MSDS’s are usually stated in millimeters of mercury (mmHg) at 68°F (20°C). The lower a substance’s boiling point, the higher its vapor pressure; and the higher the vapor pressure, the greater the material’s tendency to evaporate into the atmosphere. Vapor pressures are useful(with evaporation rates) in learning how quickly a material becomes airborne within the workplace and thus how quickly a worker is exposed to it.
- c. Flash point – Is the lowest temperature at which a flammable liquid gives off sufficient vapor to form an ignitable mixture with air near its surface or within a vessel.
- d. Ignition point – The lowest temperature at which a combustible material ignites in air and continues to burn independently of the heat source.
- e. Flammable Limits – The minimum and maximum concentrations of a flammable gas or vapor between which ignition can occur. Concentrations below the lower explosive limit (LEL) are to lean to burn, while concentrations above the upper explosive limit (UEL) are too rich to burn. All concentrations between the LEL and Uel are in the flammable range, and special precautions are needed to prevent ignition or explosion.
- f. Reactivity or stability – A substance’s tendency to undergo chemical reaction or not either by itself or with other materials with the release of energy. Undesirable effects such as pressure buildup; temperature increase; or formation of noxious, toxic, or corrosive by-products may occur because of the substance’s reactivity to heating, burning, direct contact with other materials, or other conditions in use or in storage.
2. Survey surrounding area. Do not start work if wind would carry vapor into an area which creates a hazard.
3. Post or barricade area to prevent unauthorized entry.
4. Ensure control of ignition sources.
5. Have all equipment and tools required available at site. Inspect all equipment to be used. (Such as pumps, blowers (ventilation fans) and lines, personal protective devices, gas detector, etc.)
6. Instruct personnel in attendance if they are unfamiliar with procedures.
Removal of Hazardous Chemical and/or Physical Substances
Principles
- Reactive or unstable materials, such as explosives must be handled with extra care.
- Avoid creating air or water pollution and fire hazards.
Methods of Removal
1. Vent or relieve for all pressurized hazards.
2. Empty or drain. For all liquid or solid products, including removal of materials from any internal piping, traps or standpipes.
3. Wash or flush. Use hot water, solvents, caustic solution or neutralizing agents as appropriate to hazard. If, you plan to use chemical cleaners, name the type of chemicals and describe the procedures. The MSDS for the chemical should be consulted prior to the chemical use.
NOTE: When introducing a chemical into a confined space, the compatibility of that chemical with the contents of the confined space must be checked.
4. Purge.
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- a. Displace with water; then purge. Provide proper ventilation.
- b. Displace with air; then purge and ventilate, using blower or fan.
- c. Displace with inert gas; use N2 or CO2. Contact the Safety Office with Risk Management prior to inerting.
5. Remove residual liquids or solids; some may be trapped under heavy scale or rust. If heated, they may release flammable or toxic vapors. Use proper safety equipment and remove residual by steam cleaning or chemical cleaning according to hazard present.
6. Ventilation:
- a. Oxygen shall never be used for ventilating.
- b. Keep supplied air inlet well away from discharge outlet. Inlet hose should be at 1/4 the height of the space.
- c. Minimum air changes: NEVER VENTILATE LESS THAN 5 MINUTE
5 air changes – oxygen deficiency
10 air changes – flammable or toxic gases
If the potential for accumulation of toxic atmosphere or oxygen deficiency exists,
work must be ventilated at all times when space is occupied
- d. Fans and Equipment: Must conform to NFPA requirements. No ignition sources shall be allowed.
7. Lockout:
- a. Pipelines: Must all be disconnected, blanked and tagged.
- b. Powered devices: Fans, agitators, etc. must be disconnected and locked out.
- c. Interconnection lines: Must be sealed at both ends.
- d. Overhead Hazards: Protection must be provided.
REQUIREMENTS FOR ENTRY INTO CONFINED SPACES
1. Respiratory protection equipment shall be used as required.
2. At least one observer must be outside and in constant contact, visually or by radio, with worker(s) entering space. The observer must have the authority to control the confined space and must have at least the equivalent of the protective gear in use by the worker in the space, in case of the need for rescue. Personnel authorized to be the standby person for an entry shall have no other duty but to maintain contact wit the entrants inside the confined space. The standby person must order the authorized entrants to exit the confined space immediately when:
- a. The standby person observes a condition that is not allowed by the entry permit.
- b. The standby person detects behavioral effects of a hazard exposure.
- c. The standby person detects a situation outside the space which could endanger the entrants.
- d. The standby person detects an uncontrolled hazard within the confined space, or
- e. The standby person must not leave the work area.
3. Fire extinguishing equipment must be readily available.
4. Ventilation must be maintained at all times when employees are in confined spaces.
5. Emergency lighting must be available as required. Explosion proof if potential for flammable or combustible vapors or liquids are present.
6. If the development of flammable, toxic or oxygen deficient atmospheres during work is possible, workers entering space must wear full-body harnesses with rescue lines attached.
NOTE: When an employee is wearing a full-body harness with rescue lines attached a tripod lifting hoist shall be used to retrieve the employee if necessary. This hoist shall not be used as a working device unless approved by the manufacturer.
7. All work must be stopped if:
- a. Ventilation fails,
- b. Any indication of ill effects is noticed, such as dizziness, irritation, or excessive odors.
PRECAUTIONS FOR WORK IN CONFINED SPACES
Hot Work: (Work involving heat and ignition sources, such as welding, burning, cutting, soldering, etc.)
Hot work permit is required before entry. Beware of the following hazardous conditions:
1. Flammable atmosphere – combustible materials present from painting, cementing, coating, etc.
2. Toxic atmosphere – gases, vapors or fumes which may be generated by hot work.
3. Excessive noise – damaging levels generated by use of tools such as grinders, chippers, blasters, etc.
Use of toxic or flammable materials in confined spaces: (Paints, coatings, cements, solvents, etc.)
1. Minimize quantity of material taken into space.
2. Use local exhaust and/or respiratory protection for gases, vapors, fumes, dusts and mists created by work.
3. Ventilate continuously during work.
4. Evaluate atmosphere continuously during work.
5. Protect hearing during noisy operations.
6. Use only approved tools and lighting in confined spaces/
Alternative Confined Space Entry Procedure
When is an Alternative Procedure Applicable?
The confined space regulation WAC 296-62-14503 (5) allows an employer to use an alternate procedure for entering permit confined spaces, if the employer can demonstrate that the only hazard posed by the permit-required confined space is an actual or potential hazardous atmosphere. The employer must also demonstrate that continuous forced air ventilation alone is sufficient to maintain the permit-required space safe for entry.
Note: An attendant is not required for the alternative entry procedure.
Validation Data for Alternative Entry Procedures:
The Risk Manager will help each department develop the necessary inspection and monitoring data to demonstrate that other safety hazards can be readily eliminated from these spaces and that continuous forced air ventilation is capable of maintaining safe air quality in the confined space.
Entry Into a Confined Space Using the Alternative Procedure:
The lead person on the crew performing the confined space entry shall verify that the space is safe for entry and that the pre-entry measures required have been taken. Once the pre-entry check is complete, the lead person shall complete a written certificate (See Appendix C) by noting the date, location of the entry, and signing the certificate. The completed certificate shall be made available to each employee entering the space.
The following precautions will be taken when using an “alternative confined space entry procedure”:
- Check the air in the confined space prior to entry;
- The ventilation required will be determined by;
- Calculating the volume of air in the confined space;
- Determining the volume of air supplied by the ventilation fan to be used;
- Calculating the number of minutes required to supply five air changes.
The number of minutes required to supply five air changes will be posted at the entry to the confined space and the entry will not begin until a minimum of 5 air changes have occurred.
When entering the space continuous ventilation will be used.
When entrance covers are removed, the opening shall be promptly guarded by a railing, temporary cover, or other temporary barrier that will prevent an accidental fall through the opening and that will protect each employee working in the space from foreign objects entering the space.
Continuous air monitoring shall be performed during the entry. If a hazardous atmosphere is detected, during the entry, the employees shall exit the confined space immediately and the space shall be re-evaluated prior to re-entry.
Entering Manholes, Vaults, Wet Wells, Sewers, etc. (other than new construction)
1. Warning devices, guards, etc., should be installed to provide adequate protection to workers and public.
2. If possible, initial testing of a manhole atmosphere should be done through holes in manhole covers.
a. If not possible, crack the manhole cover just enough to insert the testing device to get an accurate test. This should be done without scraping to avoid sparks. Never use an open flame to thaw ice around a cover.
b. Never strike a seated cover with a steel or iron tool. If needed, a hardened bronze cold chisel or some other non-sparking implement should be used.
c. If the initial test of the manhole is below 80% of the lower explosive limit (LEL), remove the manhole cover and make additional tests at various levels in the manhole. Test for the oxygen content first as none of the other sensors will function correctly if there is not enough oxygen.
d.Even if all tests are within allowable limits, the manhole shall be purged with a power blower with a fresh supply of air for at least five (5) changes of air, but never less than five (5) minutes.
e. Prior to entry, test again! If all tests are OK (the typical gases monitored are oxygen 19.5 – 23.5%, combustible gases LEL less than 10%, carbon monoxide less than 35 parts per million (ppm), and hydrogen sulfide less than 10 ppm. Continuous monitoring is the strongly recommended. Test generally at all areas and levels of the manhole. The atmosphere shall be retested any time there is a potential change in the atmosphere if continuous monitoring is done available. Continuous mechanical ventilation must be maintained at all times whenever anyone is in a confined space. All work shall stop and the manhole evacuated if ventilation fails. Re-entry sampling shall be conducted after ventilation has been restored. Sampling should be conducted anytime a manhole is reopened or for crew changes.
f. If gases are found or an oxygen deficiency exists, the following procedure should be implemented:
(1) For oxygen deficiency, ventilate for five (5) air changes and test again. Do not enter an atmosphere that tests below 19.5% O2 by volume. If you cannot get a safe (19.5%) reading, close the manhole and contact your supervisor. Five (5) minutes shall be the minimum ventilation time.
(2) If gases are detected, purge the manhole until you can get a zero reading. If at any time the concentrations exceed 10% of the lowest explosive limit (LEL), cease operations. Close the manhole and advise the supervisor.
Blowers should be located so there are no unnecessary bends in the hose. One 90 degree bend reduces the blower capacity to 70% of rated capacity. Two 90% bends reduce capacity to 50% or one-half. When the output of the blower capacity is reduced to below 300 CFM, a larger or additional blower should be used. For continuous ventilation with people in a manhole a blower of at least 500 CFM should be used.
Blowers shall be located so they will not pick up exhaust gases from vehicles, heaters, furnaces or the blower engine. They shall not ingest vapors, e.g., gasoline, propane, etc. The blowers should operate for one (1) minute, to flush out the hose, prior to placing it in the manhole. Air should be tempered eliminating temperature extremes. The blowers shall meet NFPA requirements to prevent ignition hazard.
It is more efficient to blow air into the confined space – placing the end of the blower hose approximately one fourth of the height above the floor.
Entry into manhole, wet well or vault shall be made only when a minimum of one (1) person is available outside to handle a safety line and to provide assistance or emergency aid as necessary. This person shall not leave the person unattended and shall observe all operations while the person is below the rim of the vault.
General
- Air supplying respiratory protection shall be required in cases of oxygen atmospheres of less than 19.5%. Respiratory protection shall be required in the presence of airborne contaminant concentrations above the permissible exposure limit (PEL) as defined in WAC 296-62-075.
- All respirator programs shall comply with WAC 296-62-071. All respirators shall be selected based on the degree of protection required. An ongoing respirator safety program shall be implemented which will ensure proper equipment is available and proper training is provided for the circumstances in which they are to be used.
- No person shall enter an oxygen deficient atmosphere, toxic atmosphere or flammable atmosphere without the knowledge and permission of their supervisor and the person responsible for the safety of the operation as indicated on the entry permit.
- Protective clothing and gloves shall be worn when entering a manhole, wet well or sewer. In spaces which do or could contain corrosive chemicals which are toxic through contact, special equipment to prevent skin or eye contact shall be worn.
- All workers shall wear a hard hat when possible.
- All workers trained for confined space entry shall carry a current first aid card recognized by the Department of Labor and Industries.
- The Occupational Health Standards and National Electrical Code require special lighting equipment for work in manholes. The Metropolitan Park District of Tacoma shall provide the proper equipment and no other equipment shall be used. All portable lights and tools shall be “explosion proof” when working in flammable atmospheres (See N.E.C)
- No matches, lighters or any other item capable of producing a spark or flame (other than approved tools) are allowed in a manhole. Radios, flashlights, lanterns and lighted smoking materials shall not be used in or within ten (10) feet of an open manhole.
- Supervisors shall ensure that adequate procedures are implemented to prevent foreign objects, tools, rocks, dirt, water, etc., from entering a manhole.
- Hot work permits shall be required prior to doing hot work in a manhole. Hot work means any work which requires the intentional use of an ignition source of any type which could ignite flammable gases or vapors, e.g., cutting torch, welding, etc. See Appendix “D” for hot work permit form. Re: WAC 296-62-14527 Hot Work.
- In an emergency you must wear and use proper emergency rescue equipment. Remember one-half of all fatalities in confined spaces are would-be rescues.
- Never enter a contaminated (atmosphere above PEL) or an oxygen-deficient atmosphere without specific permission of the person assigned to the safety of the operation as indicated on the entry permit. The majority of time the ventilation shall remove the contaminants to levels below the permissible exposure limits allowing the employees to enter without the need for respiratory protection.
- If you are not sure – don’t go in.
- If you smell anything different or feel different – get out NOW!
Training
The Metropolitan Park District of Tacoma will provide training so that all employees who work in confined spaces understand, know and have the skills necessary for the safe performance of the duties assigned.
Training shall be provided to each affected employee:
- Before the employee is first required to work in confined spaces.
- When there is a change in assigned duties.
- When there is a change in the regulations affecting confined space entry that presents a hazard about which an employee has not previously been trained.
- When different air monitoring or retrieval equipment is purchased and made available for use in confined space entry.
- When the authorized supervisor has reason to believe either that there are deviations from the permit space entry procedures or that there are inadequacies in the employee’s knowledge or use of these procedures.
Employees who are authorized entry or empowered to authorize entry into a confined space shall receive training in recognition of exposure signs and symptoms and the consequences of exposure that may be encountered while entering, working in or exiting the confined space, including:
- Personal protective equipment (i.e. retrieval devices, respirators, protective clothing) for safe entry.
- External barriers and their proper use to protect entrants from external hazards.
- Communication procedures and requirements.
All training will be documented and contain each employee’s name, the name of the trainer and the dates of training. The documentation shall be available for inspection by any appropriate personnel. All persons working in manholes, wet wells, vaults and sewers shall be provided respirator and rescue procedure training at least once a year. These procedures refer to and are in compliance with WAC 296-62-145. For further information, see those regulations or contact the Safety Officer/Risk Manager.
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Purpose
To provide a policy and procedure establishing a safety inspection program for all District-owned and operated facilities.
Application
All departments/divisions.
Policy
- An important feature of the District’s safety program involves the periodic inspection of all District owned/operated buildings and facilities. Each District facility shall periodically be inspected by Safety Representatives and/ or the District’s Risk Manager.
- Each department/division director is responsible for ensuring the safe operation at facilities under his/her jurisdiction. Department/division directors shall take all steps necessary to address deficiencies noted through safety inspections in a thorough and expeditious manner.
- The District Risk Manager is responsible for monitoring the safety inspection program, and liaison with department heads and the Chief Financial Officer.
- A report of each inspection shall be prepared showing any deficiencies or infractions.
- A second unscheduled inspection shall be made of the same facility within thirty to forty-five days to verify the infractions/hazards have been corrected.
Below is an example of the safety audit template that can be customized and is available in Word format from Risk Management.
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Purpose
To establish a policy and procedure for employees to report obvious or potential safety hazards, as required by State law.z
Application
All departments/divisions.
References
WAC 296-24-040
Policy
The Hazard Reporting System is part of the District’s accident prevention program. It is every employee’s responsibility to report an obvious or potential safety or health hazard.
Definitions
An obvious or potential safety or health hazard:
Any unsafe condition, either in a facility or on equipment, or any unsafe act or practice by an employee(s) that could cause injury or illness.
Procedures
Any employee who observes a safety hazard that is facility or equipment related should inform his/her supervisor and complete a District Work Order for immediate correction of the hazard. If the observed safety hazard is not resolved within a reasonable amount of time, the condition should be reported to the Department Director and Safety Committee.
The Department Director will take whatever action is necessary and will reply with the action taken to the employee initiating the work order.
If the observed safety hazard is procedural or a practice, the employee should discuss the hazard with his/her supervisor for resolution. If the observed safety hazard is not resolved within a reasonable amount of time, the hazard should be reported to the Department Director and Safety Committee.
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Purpose
To establish policy and procedures for flagging certification.
Application
All Departments.
References
WAC 296-155-305
Policy
All employees who, as part of their job, may be required to perform flagging duties must complete a Washington State approved flagging course, or the equivalent, prior to being assigned duties as a flagger.
Flaggers must wear a red or orange warning garment while flagging. Warning garments worn at night must be reflectorized material.
Definitions
Flagger means a person who provides temporary traffic control necessitated by construction or maintenance work. For the context of this policy/procedure, Flagger does not include a person who provides direction or traffic control strictly for parking vehicles at attractions or special events.
Procedure
Supervisors will determine which of their employees require this course and will arrange for the employees to attend.
Recertification requires retraining and certification every three years.
Flaggers
- When operations are such that signs, signals, and barricades do not provide the necessary protection on or adjacent to a highway, street or parking area, flaggers or other appropriate traffic controls shall be provided.
- Signaling directions by flaggers shall conform to American National Standards Institute D6.1‑1988, Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices for Streets and Highways, as amended by the Washington State Department of Transportation. (M24-01 (HT)).
- Hand signaling by flaggers shall be by use of sign paddles at least 18 inches in diameter with series “C” letters at least 6 inches high or lights approved by the transportation commission. When hand signaling is done in periods of darkness, the sign paddles must be reflectorized or illuminated as required by ANSI D6.1‑1988, Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices. The “STOP” side of the paddle shall have a red background with white lettering. When a paddle has a “SLOW” side, the background shall be orange and the lettering black. Colors shall conform to ANSI D6.1 current edition.
- Flaggers shall wear an orange warning garment and a yellow protective helmet while flagging. Warning garments worn at night shall be of reflectorized material. Yellow is specified as the color of helmets; the issue is clearly one of high visibility. Other colors providing equal visibility than the specified yellow will be acceptable. The iridescent or reflectorized hard hats, available in several colors, which provide “high visibility” in both day and night applications, will meet standard specifications.
- Each flagger shall be trained every three years in accordance with the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) D6.1‑1988 manual on uniform traffic control devices as amended by the Washington State Department of Transportation (M 24‑01 (HT)).
Note: Personnel that have not completed a flagging course may be assigned duties as flaggers only during emergencies when a sudden, generally unexpected, set of circumstances demands immediate attention.
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Purpose
To establish policy for the provision of first aid courses for supervisors, leads, or persons in direct charge of a group or groups of employees, in compliance with State regulations.
Application
All departments/divisions.
References
WAC 296-800-150
Policy
The WAC 296-800-150 first aid training and certification states:
“All leads, supervisors or persons in direct charge of crews working in physically dispersed operations shall have a valid first aid certificate. A crew shall mean a group of two or more employees working at a work site separate and remote from the main office or fixed work place.”
In order to conform with these regulations, the Metropolitan Park District of Tacoma shall provide first aid courses for its employees.
Procedure
Supervisors are responsible for ensuring that all appropriate personnel in their work area have the proper first aid training, that it is kept current and that training documentation is kept on file.
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Purpose
To protect Metropolitan Park District of Tacoma employees who may be occupationally exposed to blood or other potentially infectious materials the following policy shall apply.
Application
All Departments
Reference
WAC 296-62-080
Definitions
Occupational Exposure: shall mean a reasonably anticipated skin, eye, mucous membrane, or parenteral contact with blood or other potentially infectious materials that may result from the performance of an employee’s duties.
Exposure Incident: Exposure incident shall mean a specific incident, eye, mouth, other mucous membrane, non-intact skin, or parenteral contact with blood or other potentially infectious materials that results from the performance of an employee’s duties.
Covered Employees: Appendix A, attached hereto, lists the job classifications that have been determined to have an occupational exposure based on their job tasks and procedures. At a minimum, employees in the classifications listed in Appendix A, shall be covered by this policy. Departments are encouraged to implement this policy with respect to all employees.
Abatement Methods: The District shall make available to employees with occupational exposures, at no cost to the employee, Hepatitis B vaccinations through Allenmore Industrial Medicine. Employees who choose to receive Hepatitis B vaccinations through other sources will be responsible for any cost not covered by their applicable health insurance plan.
Covered employees who do not wish to be vaccinated against Hepatitis B must complete and sign a waiver (Appendix B) stating that they received the District’s offer of vaccination against Hepatitis B and declined this offer. Employees who are or think they might be pregnant will not be vaccinated without written direction from the employee’s personal physician. The District will not discriminate in any way against an employee who refuses vaccination.
The District disclaims responsibility for any effects of the Hepatitis B vaccination experienced by any District employee who undergoes the vaccination series, or for the effects of Hepatitis B Virus experienced by any District employee who waives the option to receive the vaccination series. This waiver is included in the acceptance/rejection form.
Departments are directed to develop procedures to deal with linens, reusable equipment, or other articles that may be exposed to potentially infectious materials. Departmental S.O.P.’s shall include provisions for the use of warning labels with the orange or orange/red biohazard symbol affixed to containers of regulated waste/refrigerators and freezers, and other containers which are used to store or transport blood or other potentially infectious materials.
Employees will be provided at no cost, appropriate personal protective equipment such as gloves, gowns, masks, mouth pieces and resuscitation bags, and these items must be kept clean, repaired and replaced when necessary. Each departmental S.O.P. shall include a written schedule for cleaning, and identifying the method of decontamination to be used in addition to cleaning following contact with blood or other potentially infectious materials. Provisions shall be made for the disposal of contaminated sharps by placement in approved disposal containers.
Eating, drinking, applying cosmetics or lip balm, and handling contact lenses are prohibited in work areas where there is a reasonable likelihood of occupational exposure.
Post Exposure Evaluation and Follow-Up
If an exchange of blood or bodily fluids occurs, the employee will as soon as possible use appropriate disinfectant procedures. All exchanges of blood or bodily fluids must be reported using a departmental incident report form.
If the employee has a needle stick or cut or mucous membrane (splash to eye, nasal mucous, or mouth) exposure to bodily fluids or a cutaneous exposure to blood when the employee’s skin is chapped, abraded, or otherwise not intact, the employee shall be tested for HIV and HBV infections, after the consent of the employee is obtained. The employee’s personnel file will be viewed for documentation of vaccination against Hepatitis B.
The employee will be provided with a Worker Compensation claim form and be advised of his/her right to file a claim.
In the absence of documentation of vaccination, the employee will be offered vaccination at no cost and referred to his/her physician for follow-up treatment and counseling. If an employee becomes positive for Hepatitis B, contact with the public or others to whom there is a risk of spreading the infection will be restricted until it is determined safe for the employee to return to his or her regular duties. In the event that AIDS exposure is suspected, state and federal law will be followed to insure that pretest, HIV testing and, post testing counseling is done, permission is obtained from parties involved for testing, and confidentiality of all parties involved will be maintained.
The District will make immediately available to an exposed employee, a confidential medical evaluation and follow up which includes at least the following elements:
1. Documentation of the route(s) of exposure, and the circumstances under which the exposure incident occurred.
2. Identification and documentation of the source individual, unless the employer can establish that identification is infeasible or prohibited by state or local law.
- a. The source individual’s blood shall be tested as soon as feasible and after consent is obtained in order to determine HBV and HIV infectivity. If consent is not obtained, the employer shall establish that legally required consent cannot be obtained. When the source individual’s consent is not required by law, the source individual’s blood, if available, shall be tested and the results documented.
- b. When the source individual is already known to be infected with HBV or HIV, testing for the source individual’s known HBV or HIV status need not be repeated.
- c. Results of the source individual’s testing shall be made available to the exposed employee, and the employee shall be informed of applicable laws and regulations concerning disclosure of the identity and infectious status of the source individual.
3. Collection and testing of blood for HBV and HIV serological status;
- a. The exposed employee’s blood shall be collected as soon as feasible and tested after consent is obtained.
- b. If the employee consents to baseline blood collection, but does not give consent at that time for HIV serologic testing, the sample shall be preserved for at least 90 days. If, within 90 days of the exposure incident, the employee elects to have the biasing sample tested, such testing shall be done as soon as feasible.
4. Post-exposure prophylaxis, when medically indicated, as recommended by the U.S. Public Health Service.
5. Counseling; and
6. Evaluation of reported illnesses.
Information Provided to the Health Care Professional
1. The District shall ensure that the health care professional responsible for the employee’s Hepatitis B vaccination is provided a copy of this policy.
2. The District shall ensure that the Health Care professional evaluating an employee after an exposure incident is provided the following information:
- a. A copy of this policy;
- b. A description of the exposed employee’s duties as they relate to the exposure incident;
- c. Documentation of the route(s) of exposure and circumstances under which exposure occurred;
- d. Results of the source individual’s blood testing, if available; and
- e. All medical records relevant to the appropriate treatment of the employee including vaccination status which are the employer’s responsibility to maintain.
Health Care Professional’s Written Opinion
The District shall obtain and provide the employee with a copy of the evaluating Health Care professional’s written opinion within 15 days of the completion of the evaluation.
1. The Health Care professional’s written opinion for Hepatitis B vaccination shall be limited to whether Hepatitis B vaccination is indicated for an employee, and if the employee has received such vaccination.
2. The Health Care professional’s written opinion for post-exposure evaluation and follow-up shall be limited to the following information:
- a. That the employee has been informed of the results of the evaluation; and
- b. That the employee has been told about any medical conditions resulting from exposure to blood or other potentially infectious materials which require further evaluation or treatment.
3. All other findings or diagnoses shall remain confidential and shall not be included in the written report.
Information and Training
Covered employees shall be trained initially upon hire and annually thereafter. Training shall include making accessible a copy of the regulatory text of the standard and explanation of its context, general discussion of bloodborne diseases and their transmission, exposure control plan, engineering and work practice controls, personal protective equipment, Hepatitis B vaccine, response to emergencies involving blood, how to handle exposure incidents, the post exposure evaluation and follow-up program, and signs and labeling. There shall be an opportunity for questions and answers and the trainer must be knowledgeable in the subject matter. Records shall be maintained of all training sessions for a period of three years. These records shall include the dates of training, content of training program or a summary, the trainer’s name and qualifications, and the names and job titles of all persons attending the training sessions.
Record Keeping
Incident reports for occupational exposure shall be retained in the Human Resources Department for the duration of employment plus 30 years. These records shall be kept confidential and must include the name and social security number of the employee, Hepatitis B vaccination status including date, results of any examinations, medical testing and follow-up procedures, a copy of the health care professional’s written opinion, and a copy of information provided to the health care professional. Medical records shall be available to the subject employee and anyone with written consent of the employee.
Appendix A
The following classifications have been determined to have an occupational exposure pursuant to the definition contained in the policy.
- All Lifeguard personnel
- All Animal Care Technicians, to include Animal Care/Keeper Assistants, Animal Care Technician-Veterinary Technician, Animal Keeper NWT, Staff Biologist, Dive Safety Officer/Animal Care Technician, Head Animal Keeper-NWT All
- Janitorial staff, to include Utility Custodian, Facility Custodian, Security Custodian, NW Trek and Zoological Maintenance Laborer/Custodian
Appendix B
Metropolitan Park District of Tacoma
Hepatitis B Vaccine Treatment Options and Consent Form
Employee Name
Social Security No. Date
Department
Washington State law provides that you have both the right and the obligation to make decisions about your health care. Completion of this form acknowledges your receipt of information needed to make an informed decision regarding treatment of the Hepatitis B virus and its risks, and verifies your personal decision on protection against the virus.
Hepatitis B Virus:
Hepatitis B virus is a viral infection with a major effect on the liver.
Hepatitis B virus infection is transmitted through close personal contact with an infected individual. There may be six weeks to six months between exposure and onset of symptoms.
Who Should Get Hepatitis B Vaccine?
The vaccine is recommended for persons with occupational risk. Public safety workers who are exposed to blood or blood products or who may get accidental needlesticks should be vaccinated.
1st dose: at elected date; 2nd dose: 1 month later; 3rd dose: 6 months after 1st dose.
Possible Side Effects From the Vaccine
The most common side effect is soreness at the site of injection. Illnesses, such as neurology reactions, have been reported after vaccine is given, but Hepatitis B vaccine is not believed to be the cause of these illnesses.
Special Precautions
Children, pregnant women, nursing mothers, and persons with severe heart or lung problems should not receive the vaccine unless they receive prior approval from their doctor.
If you have a severe reaction, or one lasting more than 48 hours, see a doctor.
If you have any questions, contact the Human Resources Department.
One of the following must be initialed:
I choose to receive the Hepatitis B vaccine as offered by the Metropolitan Park District of Tacoma through Allenmore Industrial Medicine to help protect me from infection by the Hepatitis B virus. To my knowledge, I am not pregnant. I agree to provide The District evidence of receiving the three shot series of vaccinations.
Date of vaccination:
#1
#2
#3
I choose not to receive the Hepatitis B vaccine as offered by the Metropolitan Park District of Tacoma through Allenmore Industrial Medicine that would help protect me from infection by the Hepatitis B virus. I understand that due to my occupational exposure to blood or other potentially infectious materials I may be at risk of acquiring hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. I have been given the opportunity to be vaccinated with hepatitis B vaccine, at no charge to myself, however, I decline hepatitis B vaccination at this time. I understand that by declining this vaccine, I continue to be at risk of acquiring hepatitis B, a serious disease. If in the future I continue to have occupational exposure to blood or other potentially infectious materials and I want to be vaccinated with hepatitis B vaccine, I can receive the vaccination series at no charge to me.
I have previously received the Hepatitis B Vaccination series and have supplied the Metropolitan Park District of Tacoma documentation establishing when and where I received the vaccination.
The Metropolitan Park District of Tacoma Date
Employee Signature
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Purpose
This procedure establishes the minimum requirements for the lockout or tagout of energy isolating devices. It shall be used to ensure that the machine or equipment is isolated from all potentially hazardous energy, and locked out or tagged out before employees perform any servicing or maintenance activities where the unexpected energization, start-up or release of stored energy could cause injury.
Responsibility
Appropriate employees, including each new or transferred employee and other employees whose work operations are or may be in the affected area shall be instructed in the safety significance and use of the lockout (or tagout) procedure. Employees must be identified by name and job title and a record kept of the training date and time..
Preparation for Lockout or Tagout
Make a survey to locate and identify all isolating devices to be certain which switch(s), valve(s), or other energy isolating devices apply to the equipment to be locked or tagged out. More than one energy source (electrical, mechanical, or others) may be involved. (Type(s) and Location(s) of energy isolating means).
Sequence of Lockout or Tagout System Procedure
- Notify all affected employees that a lockout or tagout system is going to be utilized and the reason therefor. The authorized employee shall know the type and magnitude or energy that the machine or equipment utilizes and shall understand the hazards thereof.
- If the machine or equipment is operating, shut it down by the normal stopping procedure (depress stop button, open toggle switch, etc.).
- Operate the switch, valve, or other energy isolating device(s) so that the equipment is isolated from its energy source(s). Stored energy (such as that in springs, elevated machined members, rotating flywheels, hydraulic systems, and air, gas, steam, or water pressure, etc.) must be dissipated or restrained by methods such as repositioning, blocking, bleeding down, etc. (Type(s) of Stored Energy-methods to dissipate or restrain).
- Lockout and or tagout the energy isolating devices with assigned individual lock(s) or tag(s) Method(s) Selected; i.e., locks tags, additional safety measures, etc.)
- After ensuring that no personnel are exposed, and as a check on having disconnected the energy sources, operate the push button or other normal operating controls to make certain the equipment will not be operated Type(s) of Equipment checked to ensure disconnections).
Caution: Return operating control(s) to “neutral” or “off” position after the test.
- The equipment is now locked out or tagged out.
Restoring Machines or Equipment to Normal Production Operation
- After the servicing and/or maintenance is complete and equipment is ready for normal production operations, check the area around their machine or equipment to ensure that no one is exposed.
- After all tools have been removed from the machine or equipment, guards have been reinstalled and employees are in the clear, remove all lockout or tagout devices. Operate the energy isolating devices to restore energy to the machine or equipment.
Procedure Involving More Than One Person
In the preceding steps, if more than one individual is required to lockout or tagout equipment, each shall place his/her own personal lockout or tagout device on the energy isolating device(s). When an energy isolating device cannot accept multiple locks or tags, a multiple lockout or tagout device (hasp) may be used. If lockout is used, a single lock may be used to lockout the machine or equipment with the key being placed in a lockout box or cabinet which allows their use of multiple locks to secure it. Each employee will then use his/her own lock to secure the box or cabinet. As each person no longer needs to maintain his/her lockout protection, that person will remove his/her lock from the box or cabinet. (Name(s)/Job Title(s) of employees authorized for group lockout or tagout).
Basic Rules for Using Lockout or Tagout System Procedure
All equipment shall be locked out or tagged out to protect against accidental or inadvertent operation when such operation could cause injury to personnel. Do not attempt to operate any switch, valve, or other energy isolating device where it is locked or tagged out.
Preparing for Lockout
All workers affected by energy neutralization and lockout will be notified by management of the lockout application:
- Special operating problems, unusual equipment process modes, and other factors affecting equipment release will be discussed by responsible and knowledgeable personnel. Mutual understanding with respect to extent of work and time involved will exist. All affected workers are to be notified prior to the prearranged turnover of the equipment.
- Where equipment complexity or other conditions warrant, a lockout plan will be developed to service as a control measure for the duration of the job.
- To assure appropriate protection on jobs extending beyond the established shift schedule, a written lockout plan is to be developed.
- A responsible and knowledgeable person should always conduct a pre-job briefing review with all affected workers on the lockout sequence or plan.
Minimum Device Specifications
- Should include a substantial lock and identification of workers protected.
Substantial
- Locks are the devices to be used and should be of such durability and key coding that they cannot be removed except by the proper key.
Identifiable
- The lockout device should include provisions for the identification of the workers protected by the device(s).
- Special skill and additional safety measures may be necessary to effect neutralization and lockout where multiple forms of energy, high voltages or complex inter-connected components exist.
- A written sequence in checklist form should be prepared for complex equipment access, energy neutralization, lockout, clearance, release and start-up.
- Although “simple” lockout applications, such as one worker to one energy source, do not usually require a prepared written sequence, it is advisable to have available written lists, or drawings, of all equipment and the specific location of their energy neutralization devices.
Lockout
Application of Lockout
- Turn off all operating controls using the appropriate shutdown procedure(s). Only authorized workers should do this.
- All energy neutralizing devices should be located and operated in such a way as to isolate the equipment from the energy source(s), thereby producing a Zero Energy State.
- The lockout plan and checklist should be followed to prevent any energy neutralizing devices or controls from being omitted or operated in the wrong sequence.
- Apply appropriate lockouts to each energy neutralizing control, so as to hold the control(s) in a safe position, achieving Zero Energy State.
After Lockout
- Make certain that everyone stands clear, then operate the equipment controls (push buttons, switches, etc.) to assure that the equipment is inactive.
- Check to see that the equipment controls have been returned to the off or neutralized position immediately after the test.
- Relieve, disconnect or restrain any residual or stored energy.
- If required, immobilize equipment with safety blocks or other physical restraints.
- Ground stored electrical energy in capacitors, etc. if necessary to discharge the energy.
- Test the equipment with appropriate test equipment and/or visual inspection to determine that the energy source neutralization works.
Sample Lockout Procedure
A good lockout procedure, at a minimum, should contain the following parts:
- All maintenance should be provided with a good lock. The lock should have the individual worker’s name and other identification on it. Each worker should have the only key to the lock.
- The worker should check to be sure that no-one is operating the equipment he/she has de-energized before turning off the power. The equipment operator should be informed before the power is turned off. Sudden loss of power could cause an accident.
- Steam, air and hydraulic lines should be bled, drained, and cleaned out. There should be no pressure in these lines or in reservoir tanks.
- Any mechanism under tension or pressure, such as a spring, should be released and blocked.
- Each person who will be working on the equipment should put a lock on the equipment’s lockout device(s). Each lock should remain on the equipment until the work is completed.
- All energy sources which could activate the equipment should be locked out.
- The main valve or main electrical disconnect should be tested to be sure that the power to the equipment is off.
- Electrical circuits should be checked with proper and calibrated electrical testing equipment. An electrical failure could energize the equipment even if the switch is in the off position. Stored energy in electrical capacitors should be safety discharged.
- When working on machines such as power presses and welding presses that have a ram which could fall, the ram should be supported with safety blocks or pins. Fully interlocked safety blocks are the safest.
Tagout
Tagout Devices
- Tagout devices, including and their means of attachment, shall be substantial enough to prevent inadvertent or accidental removal. Tagout device attachment means shall be of a non-reusable type, attachable by hand, self-locking, and non-releasable with a minimum unlocking strength of no less than 50 pounds and having the general design and basic characteristics of being at lease equivalent to a one-piece, all-environment-tolerant nylon cable tie.
- Identifiable: Lockout and Tagout devices shall indicate the identity of the employee applying the device(s).
- Tagout devices shall warn against hazardous conditions if the machine or equipment is energized and shall include a legend such as the following: Do not start, do not open, do not close, do not energize, do not operate.
- Periodic inspection: the employer shall conduct a periodic inspection of the energy control procedure at least annually to ensure that the procedure and the requirements of the standards are being followed.
- When tagout systems are used, employees shall be trained in the following limitations of tags:
- a. Tags are essentially warning devices affixed to energy isolating devices, and do not provide the physical restraint on those devices that is provided by a lock.
- b. When a tag is attached to an energy isolating means, it is not to be removed without authorization of the authorized person responsible for it, and it is never to be bypassed, ignored, or otherwise defeated.
- c. Tags must be legible and understandable by all authorized employees, affected employees, and all other employees whose work operations are or may be in the area, in order to be effective.
- d. Tags and their means of attachment must be made of materials which will withstand the environmental conditions encountered in the workplace.
- e. Tags may evoke a false sense of security, and their meaning needs to be understood as part of the overall energy control program.
- f. Tags must be securely attached to energy isolating devices so that they cannot be inadvertently or accidentally detached during use.
- g. Energy isolation: Implementation of lockout or the tagout systems shall be performed only by authorized employees.
- h. Standardized: Lockout and tagout devices shall be standardized within the facility in at least one of the following criteria: Color, shape or size and additionally, in the case of tagout devices, print and format shall be standardized.
Preparing For Lockout Or Tagout
Written Plan
- Job objectives and equipment involved:
- Estimated job durations:
- Personnel and skills involved:
- Personnel sign-on and sign-off provisions:
- Type, number and location of energy neutralization devices requiring lockout or tagout.
- Responsible and knowledgeable person(s) approvals:
- Start-up provisions:
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Policy
Application of new lead based paint shall not take place without the Risk Manager approval. Lead solder for plumbing fixtures shall be eliminated where there is an acceptable substitute.
Lead based paint shall be removed prior to welding, cutting or torch burning. The lead coatings or paints shall be removed by manual scraping, manual sanding, heat gun applications and/or power tool cleaning with dust collection systems.
The Metropolitan Park District of Tacoma painters shall remove old lead based paint before applying new paint, using the following methods in priority order:
- Hand scraping because it will generate the least amount of airborne respirable lead.
- Manual sanding.
- Heat gun or power toll cleaning with dust collection systems.
Procedure
All employees will wear respirators in accordance with the District’s respirator program until the District has collected enough personal air monitoring data to determine which jobs require the respirators. The District’s respirator program requires that any employee that wears a respirator shall be properly fit tested for the respirator in use. If the first or second method above are used, dust filter cartridges may be used.
The standard requires that the employer ensure that the employees follow good work practices when working in areas where exposure to lead may exceed the permissible exposure limit (PEL). The following procedures should be observed prior to beginning work with respect to protective clothing and equipment:
Before entering the work area
- Change into work clothing and shoe covers in a clean area;
- Use work garments of appropriate protective gear, including respirators, before entering the work area; and
- Store any clothing not worn under protective clothing in a clean area.
Upon leaving the work area
- HEPA vacuum heavily contaminated protective work clothing while it is still being worn. At no time may lead be removed from protective clothing by any means which result in uncontrolled dispersal of lead into the air;
- Remove shoe covers and leave them in the work area;
- Remove protective clothing and gear in a clean part of the work area.
- Remove protective coveralls by carefully rolling down the garment to reduce exposure to dust;
- Remove respirators last; and
- Wash hands and face.
Employees should follow these procedures upon finishing work for the day (in addition to procedures described above):
- Place disposable coveralls and shoe covers with the abatement waste;
- Contaminated clothing which is to be cleaned, laundered or disposed of must be placed in closed containers in the change room;
- Clean protective gear, including respirators, according to the procedures outlined in the respirator program;Wash hands and face again.
If showers are available, take a shower and wash hair. If shower facilities are not available at the work site, shower immediately when you arrive at home and wash hair.
Food and beverages shall not be present or consumed, nor cosmetics applied, in the work area where airborne exposures are above the PEL.
An HEPA vacuum will be used to clean up any area contaminated with lead dust. Dry or wet sweeping, shoveling or brushing may not be used except where vacuuming or other equally effective methods have been tried and do not work. Vacuums and filters must be emptied in a manner which minimizes the reentry of lead into the workplace.
No other employees shall be allowed to work in the area where they may be exposed to airborne lead above the PEL and the following sign shall be posted:
WARNING:
LEAD WORK AREA
POISON
NO EATING
The painter foreman with cooperation of the Safety Officer shall conduct regular inspections of the work areas where potential lead exposure may occur. They shall document the following:
- Materials being removed;
- Equipment in use;
- Personnel doing the work.
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PURPOSE
This section outlines the policies and procedures the Metropolitan Park District of Tacoma employees will use when faced with potential exposure to fall hazards of six feet or more.
WISHA’s fall protection standard WAC 296-155-24501 through 24525 requires that all Metropolitan Park District of Tacoma employees that are required to work where there is a fall potential of six feet or more be protected from the fall hazard. It also requires the Metropolitan Park District of Tacoma to prepare and train employees on a written fall protection plan that identifies each area where fall hazards of six feet or more exist and describe in detail the fall protection system to be used.
DEFINITIONS
Body harness means straps which may be secured about the employee in a manner that will distribute the fall arrest forces over at least the thighs, pelvis, waist, chest and shoulders with means for attaching it to other components of a personal fall arrest system.
Fall Protection Work Plan means a written planning document in which the agency employee identifies areas on the job site which have the potential to expose them to a fall hazard of ten (10) feet or more. The plan describes the method or methods of fall protection that are utilized to protect workers, and includes the procedures governing the installation, and use of the fall protection methods or methods selected by the contractor/employer at the worksite.
Lanyard means a flexible line of rope, wire rope, or strap which generally has a connector at each end for connecting the body belt or body harness to a deceleration device, lifeline, or anchorage.
Low-Slope roof means a roof having a slope less than or equal to 4 in 12 (vertical to horizontal).
Opening means a gap or void 30 inches (76 cm) or more high and 18 inches (48 cm) or more wide, in a wall or partition, through which employees can fall to a lower level.
Personal fall arrest system means a system used to arrest an employee in a fall from a working level. It consists of an anchorage, connectors, body harness and may include a lanyard(s), deceleration device, lifeline, or suitable combinations of these.
Personal fall restraint system means a system used to prevent an employee from falling. It consists of anchorage’s, connectors, body belt/harness. It may include, lanyards, lifelines and ropegrabs designed for the purpose.
Roof means the exterior surface on the top of a building. This does not include floors or form work which, because a building has not been completed, temporarily become the surface of a building.
Work area means that portion of a walking/working surface where job duties are being performed.
Walking/working surface means any surface, whether vertical or horizontal on which an employee walks or works, including, but not limited to, floors, roofs, ramps, bridges, runways, form work and concrete reinforcing steel but not including ladders, vehicles, or trailers, on which employees must be located in order to perform their job duties.
PROCEDURES
A. Every employee that is assigned to work in an area that is greater than six feet in height shall be trained by a competent person on the specific equipment that will be used at that site. Employees shall be trained on the Fall Protection Plan and the plan shall include the following:
- Identify all fall hazards in the work area
- Describe the method of fall arrest or restraint to be provided.
- Describe the correct procedures for the assembly, maintenance, inspection and disassembly of the fall protection system to be used.
- Describe the correct procedures for the handling, storage, and securing of tools and materials.
- Describe the method of providing overhead protection for workers who may be in, or pass through the area below the work site.
- Describe the method for prompt, safe removal of injured workers.
- Be available on the job site for inspection by the Department of Labor and Industries.
B. The supervisor shall ensure that the manufacturers written instructions on the use, inspection and maintenance of all fall protection equipment is on site and the employees are aware of it.
- No employee shall be issued any fall protection equipment if they have not received the fall protection training and training on the equipment issued.
- If an untrained employee discovers that they are in an area in which a fall hazard exists, the employee shall immediately leave the area.
- The employee may continue activities in other area of the work site where no fall hazard exists. The supervisor should be notified.
C. To ensure the safety of employees and compliance with the WISHA regulations, the attached Metropolitan Park District of Tacoma Fall Protection Work Plan shall be used. A person competent in the use of fall protection equipment procedures and knowledgeable of current regulatory requirements shall complete and sign the work plan. Copies of completed work plans shall be sent to the Metropolitan Park District of Tacoma, Risk Manager as soon as practical for review.
D. When possible fall hazards will be mitigated by eliminating the hazard by building guardrails or covering floor openings.
E. At any time there is any question as to the employee’s safety in any fall hazard situation, the employee shall withdraw.
F. A critical aspect of the Fall Protection Work Plan is a written site specific rescue plan that defines procedures for removing sick or injured employees who work at elevations 6 feet or greater. The rescue plan will address but not necessarily be limited to the following:
- Emergency telephone numbers for medical and rescue assistance.
- Site address and specific directions for getting to the site.
- Location of first aid kit.
- Special equipment needed for rescue, such as cranes or ladders, etc.Location and availability of personnel trained and competent in rescue procedures.
- Employees working in fall hazard areas regulated by this plan shall be knowledgeable of all the above requirements.
Employees working in fall hazard areas regulated by this plan shall be knowledgeable of all the above requirements.
Potential Fall Hazards
- Floor openings and floor holes
- Flat or low pitched roofs
- Open decks greater than four (4) feet
- Elevator openings
- Stairways
- Crane booms
- Open sided walkways greater than four (4) feet
Fall Protection Equipment and Selection
Lifelines, body harnesses, and lanyards shall be used only by authorized city employees that have successfully completed fall protection training within the previous 12 months. Personal fall protection devices are classified by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) as follows:
Class I Body belts – used as a restraint to protect a person from falling (not fall arrest).
Class II Chest harness – used for restraint purposes – NOT for vertical free fall hazards.
Class III Full body harness – used for fall arrest purposes. Can also be used for fall restraint.
Class IV Suspension/position belt – used to suspend or support the worker. If a fall arrest hazard exists this must be supplemented by use of a safety harness.
Note: A Class III full body harness is the only personal fall protection device approved by this policy for fall arrest protection.
Fall Arrest and Restraint Equipment and Components
- Full body harness
- Lanyards
- Locking snap hooks
- Deceleration devices (retractable lifeline, rip stitch lanyard, shock absorbing lanyard)
- Restraint lines
- Hardhats
Equipment Maintenance and Inspection
All fall protection equipment shall be well organized and stored in areas which will ensure that it remains clean, dry and away from any contact with chemicals. In addition, equipment made from synthetic and natural fiber materials such as harnesses and lanyards should be kept away from prolonged exposures to direct sunlight, (i.e., inside vehicles). Employees shall not use equipment that is unsafe or damaged. Each employee is responsible to ensure that their fall protection equipment is in safe operating condition prior to donning and placing the equipment into use. Any equipment or component with any significant defect, such as cuts, tears, abrasions, mold, or undue stretching, which might affect its efficiency; damage due to deterioration; contact with fire, acids, or other corrosives; distorted hooks or faulty hook springs; tongues unfitted to the shoulder of buckles; loose or damaged mountings; non-functioning parts; or wearing or internal deterioration in the ropes must be removed from service immediately and returned to the employees supervisor for repair or disposal. In addition, equipment that has actually been subjected to impact loading (such as a fall of worker) shall be immediately removed from service, and shall not be used again for employee safeguarding.
Clean the harness with a mild soap or detergent and water solution. Hardware should be wiped off with a clean dry cloth. The harness should be hung up to air dry.
Inspection Procedures
Harnesses
A. Beginning at one end, holding the body side of the belt or harness toward you, grasp the belt with your hands six to eight inches apart. Bend the belt in an inverted “U”. The surface tension resulting makes damaged fibers or cuts easier to see.
B. Follow this procedure the entire length of the belt or harness. Watch for frayed edges, broken fibers, pulled stitches, cuts or chemical damage.
C. Special attention should be given to the attachment of buckles and D-rings to webbing. Note any unusual wear, frayed or cut fibers, or distortion of the buckles or D-rings.
D. Inspect for frayed or broken strands. Broken webbing strands generally appear as tufts on the webbing surface. Any broken, cut or burned stitches will readily be seen.
E. Rivets should be tight and immovable with fingers. Body side rivet base and outside rivet burr should be flat against the material. Bent rivets will fail under stress. Especially note condition of D-ring rivets and D-ring metal wear pads (if any). Discolored, pitted or cracked rivets indicate chemical corrosion.
F. The tongue, or billet of the belts receives heavy wear form repeated buckling and unbuckling. Inspect for loose, distorted or broken grommets.
G. Tongue Buckle – Buckle tongues should be free of distortion. The outer bars and center bars must be straight. Pay special attention to corners and attachment points of the center bar.
H. Friction Buckle – Inspect buckle frame and sliding bar for cracks, distortion, or sharp edges.
I. Sliding Bar Buckle – Inspect buckle frame and sliding bar for cracks, distortion, or sharp edges. Sliding bar should move freely. Knurled edge will slip if worn smooth. Pay special attention to corners and ends of sliding bar.
Lanyards
When inspecting lanyards, begin at one end and work to the opposite end. Slowly rotate the lanyard so that the entire circumference is checked. Spliced ends require particular attention. Hardware should be examined in addition to the procedures detailed below, i.e., snaps, D-rings, and thimbles.
A. Steel – While rotating the steel lanyard, watch for cuts, frayed areas, or unusual wearing patterns on the wire. Broken strands will separate from the body of the lanyards.
B. Webbing – While bending webbing over a pipe or mandrel, observe each side of the webbed lanyard. This will reveal any cuts or breaks. Swelling, discoloration, cracks or charring are obvious signs of chemical damage. Observe closely for any breaks in stitching.
C. Rope – Rotation of the rope lanyard while inspecting from end to end will bring to light any fuzzy, worn, broken or cut fibers. Weakened areas from extreme loads will appear as a noticeable change in the original diameter and should be removed from service immediately.
Protecta International, Inc. – Belt and Harness/ABO and AB1 Series
- Belt: Put belt around the waist and buckle up.
- Harness: Grasp harness by the D-ring on the back so that the harness is correctly positioned with the yellow seat strap at the bottom. Put on the shoulder straps, taking care not to twist them. Bring the yellow thigh straps around between the legs, taking care not tangle them, and fasten them to the front buckles. Adjust the shoulder and thigh straps making sure they are neither too tight nor too loose, as the harness can only be fully effective when properly adjusted.
- Harnesses and belts should fit snugly.
- Ensure anchor structure has 5,000 pounds strength resistance.
- a) Back D-ring for fall arrest. (6 feet free fall permitted only)
b) Top shoulder D-rings for retrieval only
c) Front D-ring for positioning or climbing only
d) Side D-ring for positioning only.
DBI/SALA Full Body Harness Donning and Fitting the Harness
- If your harness incorporates a removable waist type belt, the belt should be installed through the four loops in the harness. The leather hip pad, if used, is secured to the belt by passing the belt through the four slots in the hip pad.
- Locate back D-ring held in position by D-ring pad, lift up harness and hold by this D-ring. Ensure the straps are not twisted.
- Grasp shoulder straps between back D-ring and front D-ring and slip harness over head from the left side.
- Grasp male pass through buckle, located on yellow strap (or orange on HV models) below the front D-ring, and connect to female pass through buckle, attached to black strap on your right hip. Male end of buckle must pass through female end, make certain straps are not tangled or crossed.
- Reach between legs and grasp black strap on your left side (a male pass through buckle is secured to this strap). Bring strap up between legs and connect to female pass through buckle attached to yellow strap (or orange on HV models) on your left hip.
- Reach between legs and grasp black strap on your right side (a male pass through buckle is secured to this strap). Bring strap up between legs and connect to female pass through buckle attached to yellow strap (or orange on HV models) on your right hip.
- Snugly adjust shoulder straps at buckles and through front D-ring. Left and right sides of shoulder straps should be adjusted to the same length and the front D-ring should be centered on your lower chest. The back D-ring should be centered between the shoulder blades. Adjust leg straps to a snug fit. Adjust the waist type belt to a snug fit (if present).
Miller Equipment – Full Body Harness Donning Instructions
- Hold the harness by the back D ring. Shake harness to allow straps to fall in place.
- If waist and/or leg straps are connected, unbuckle and release straps at this time.
- Connect waist strap. Waist strap should be tight, but not binding.
- Pull buckle portion of leg strap between legs and connect to opposite end of leg strap.
- Repeat with second leg strap.
Note: On some harnesses, procedures will be reversed – buckle position will be pulled between legs.After all straps have been buckled, tighten all friction buckles so that harness fits snug but allows full range of movement.If harness contains a chest strap, pull strap around shoulder strap and fasten in mid chest area.
- Tighten to keep shoulder straps taut.To remove harness, reverse procedures.
Rose Manufacturing Company – Pullover Ô Harness Donning Instructions
- Step in over green seat strap.
- Pull up on top of harness and insert forearms.
- Pull over head Green “V” chest strap is well below chin.
- Buckle and adjust thigh straps.
- Adjust chest straps for snug comfortable fit.
Developing a Fall Protection Work Plan
1. Identify the work site to which the plan applies. This information should be listed as the first item in your plan.
2. Identify all fall hazards in the work area. All jobs and tasks to be done must be reviewed to make this determination. Replacing siding on a building, building forms for a highway overpass, replacing skylights, or building the top deck of a building are some examples of fall hazards.
After all fall hazards have been identified, list those requiring employees to work 6 feet or more above the ground, other work surface, or water. See the appendix to Part C-1 (WAC 296-155-24525) for some specific safety codes requiring the use of fall protection equipment. These are in addition to the general requirements contained in Part C-1, WAC 296-155-245.
3. Determine the method of fall arrest or fall restraint to be provided for each job and task to be done that is 6 feet or more above the ground, other work surface, or water.
You might decide to use scaffolding with standard guardrails for replacing siding on a building, and full-body harness with lanyard secured to an anchorage point for building forms for a highway overpass or replacing skylights.
Building the top deck of a building might best be done by using different kinds of fall protection, such as fall restraint for those working away from the leading edge and fall arrest for those working near the edge of the unprotected deck.
If a safety monitor system is used, you must use special care to ensure full compliance with WAC 296-1155-24521.
4. Describe the procedures for assembly, maintenance, inspection, and disassembly of the fall protection system to be used.
Examples of how this requirement might appear on the document are as follows:
“Tube and coupler scaffolding with standard rail guards will be used to replace siding on building. The scaffolding will be erected and disassembled by “Z” Scaffolding Company. The job supervisor will inspect the scaffolding before allowing employees to work on it at the start of each work day and after major changes in the weather conditions. The scaffolding must meet the requirements of WAC 296-155-485.”
“Some critical items are:
- It must be on a firm base.
- The planks must be in good condition and secured from shifting. They must also be fitted to fill the scaffolding frames.
- All open sides and ends must be enclosed with standard guardrails and toe boards.
“Fall arrest equipment, including approved full-body type III harness, lanyards and horizontal lifelines attached to ___________________will be used for replacing skylights.”
“Employees will put the equipment on before climbing to the roof. They will snap into the horizontal lifeline immediately after mounting the roof.”
“All equipment will be inspected by the employee using it each day before putting it on”
“The inspection will include checking for damage, wear and mildew.”
“Any defective equipment will be taken to the job shack for evaluation by the job supervisor and turned in for repair or destroyed, as appropriate.”
“The lifeline will be secured to the roof by employees wearing fall blocks anchored to ________________before the decking crew is allowed on the roof and will be removed after the deck crew is off the roof.”
(List procedures and equipment to be used for other jobs or tasks.)
5. Describe the correct procedures for handling, storage and security of tools and materials. Some examples follow:
“All fall protection equipment will be kept in a designated place or in the job equipment shack. It will be picked up from the shack at the start of each work day by each using employee and returned after the shift is over. Employees will advise the job supervisor of any damage to the equipment.”
“Webbing will be washed, if dirty.
Tools will be secured as follows:
- Tool belts will be used to carry hand tools to the elevated work surface.
- Tools too large for the tool belt will be raised by rope and pulley.
- When hand tools are used, they will be returned to the tool belt immediately after use.
- Large tools, such as skillsaws, will be secured to the scaffold guard rails with the cable provided.
- Siding material will be raised to the work platform by crane and sling. No more than ______stacks of material will be kept on the platform at any one time. It will be secured inside the guardrails not more than one stack high.”
6. Describe the method of providing overhead protection for workers who may be in, or pass through, the area below the work site.
An example follows:
- The area under the scaffolding will have a warning line installed to protect against other employees accidentally walking under it.
- The scaffolding will have #18 screen installed between the toe board and the guardrail at all locations where employees must work below.
- The area above the scaffolding will be decked over at all points where the siding crew must work immediately under the roofing crew or other employees.
7. Describe the method for prompt, safe removal of injured workers.
An example of this requirement might be as follows:
“If a siding crew member is injured, the supervisor will evaluate the employee’s condition and administer first aid. If the employee’s condition appears serious, the supervisor or other designated person will call “911” or other local emergency rescue unit to request assistance. The lift platform will be used to lower the injured person to ground level if appropriate.”
8. Include where (on the job site) a copy of this plan will be posted (i.e. the job shack).
9. Train and instruct all personnel in all of the above items (equipment to use, how to use it, etc.).
10.Keep a record of employee training and maintain it on the job.
Metropolitan Park District of Tacoma
FALL PROTECTION WORK PLAN
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Purpose
The purpose of the Metropolitan Park District of Tacoma respirator program is to protect District employees from occupational exposure to potentially hazardous air contaminants while in the process of performing their essential job functions.
Program Administration And Evaluation
- Responsibility and authority for the respirator program is assigned to one person designated as the Respirator Program Administrator (RPA). The current Parks Department Administrator is Thang Nguyen, PDZA is the Dive Safety Officer, and NWT is xxx).
- The respirator program will be evaluated annually by the RPA. The RPA has the authority and shall take corrective action for any defects found in the program.
- The maintenance, care and inspection of respirators will be the responsibility of the employee using the respirators.
Employees will be given a choice of different respirator types and makes. The following will be considered:
- comfort
- breathing resistance
- fatigue
- interference with vision
- restriction of movement
- interference with job performance
- confidence in the protection provided by the respirator
The results of reviewing wearer acceptance of respirators, inspecting the respirator program operation, and evaluating protection provided by respirators will be used to determine the effectiveness of the respirator program. The findings of the respirator program evaluation will be documented. The documentation will list plans to correct faults in the program and target dates for implementation of the plans.
Medical And Bioassay Surveillance
- Employees that are potentially over exposed to lead or asbestos shall be required to have a medical exam.
- Those employees with a potential for over exposures to lead will be required to have bioassay surveillance for blood leads. This surveillance shall be arranged by the employee’s supervisor in accordance with the air monitoring results.
Physiological And Psychological Limitations To Wear Respirators
1. A qualified physician will determine if a person with one or more of the following conditions may wear respiratory protection:
- Emphysema
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
- Bronchial asthma
- X-ray evidence of pneumoconiosis
- Evidence of reduced pulmonary function
- Coronary artery disease or cerebral blood vessel disease
- Severe or progressive hypertension
- Epilepsy
- Anemia, pernicious
- Diabetes
- Punctured eardrum
- Pneumomediastinum gap
- Communication of sinus through upper jaw to oral cavity
- Breathing difficulty when wearing a respirator
- Claustrophobia or anxiety when wearing a respirator
2. A respirator medical questionnaire will be completed by each respirator wearer.
3. The RPA or other qualified person will observe the respirator wearer during training and fit-testing for factors (such as anxiety or breathing difficulties) affecting the wearer’s ability to wear a respirator.
Training Program
- The RPA will oversee all respirator training and will assist all supervisors with setting up appropriate respirator training courses.
- New employees will be trained by the employee’s supervisor with the assistance of the RPA. This training will cover the care, use and maintenance of the particular respirators selected.
- Annual refresher training will be conducted by the employee’s supervisor to ensure effective and appropriate respirator use.
- Written training records of the initial and annual refresher courses, including the dates of training and attendance, will be submitted to the RPA.
Training Program Elements
- An overview of respirator terminology (See Appendix A)
- The reasons for respiratory protection to include the nature, extent and effects of respiratory hazards.
- An explanation of why the particular respirators were provided and the operation, capabilities and limitations of the respirators.
- Instructions on the inspecting, donning, fitting and wearing of respirators following the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Instructions on the proper cleaning, maintenance and storage of each respirator type that has been provided for the employees.
- A review of any emergency situations that may arise while wearing a respirator.
- A copy of the WISHA regulations governing the care, use and maintenance of respirators WAC 296-62-071 is available for their review at the RPA’s office
Respirator Selection
- Respirators will be selected according to the nature of the hazard involved, the capabilities and limitations of the respirator, and the ability of each respirator wearer to obtain a satisfactory fit with the selected respirator.
- Respirators shall be required to be worn based on a review by the employee’s supervisor and the RPA. Cause for respirator use may be potential over exposure to an air contaminant or for employee comfort. In either case when a respirator is used it shall be used properly and all aspects of this written program shall be enforced by the employee’s supervisor.
- Potential over exposure to air contaminants may be based on the following:
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- MSDS information
- Odor and irritation threshold information
- Air sampling data
- Professional judgmentprocess information
Each department shall maintain a list of respirators, and the employee to whom they are issued.
For consistency and cost control the number of respirator manufacturers should be limited to as few as possible, but still flexible enough to allow as many employees as possible to get an adequate respirator fit.
Fit-Test Policy / Respirator Protection Factors
- Because good reliable quantitative fit testing for single use respirators is not available the Metropolitan Park District of Tacoma will not use single use respirators when a respirator is required. If an employee requests a single use respirator for comfort they can be used if there is no over exposure to airborne contaminants. If there is over exposure to airborne contaminants a minimum of a half mask respirator will be worn.
- When a negative pressure respirator is worn it will be qualitatively and/or quantitatively fit tested and a record of the fit factor maintained.
- Table 5 in WAC 296-62-07113 for maximum use fit factors shall be followed.
- Each respirator wearer shall be fit-tested at least annually or when there has been a weight loss or gain of twenty pounds, loss of teeth, or other physical change that may affect respirator fit.
- The exception to 4 above is any employee that does asbestos removal. They shall be fit-tested every six months as required in the asbestos standard.
Qualitative Fit Test Protocols
Isoamyl Acetate Protocol (Banana Oil)
Odor Threshold Screening
- Three one-liter glass jars with metal lids (e.g., Mason or Ball jars) are required.
- Odor free water (e.g., distilled or spring water) at approximately 25°C shall be used for the solutions.
- The isoamyl acetate (IAA) (also known as isopentyl acetate) stock solution is prepared by adding one cc of pure IAA to eight hundred cc of odor free water in a one-liter jar and shaking for thirty seconds. This solution shall be prepared new at least weekly.
- The screening test shall be conducted in a room separate from the room used for actual fit testing. The two rooms shall be well ventilated but shall not be connected to the same recirculating ventilation system.
- The odor test solution is prepared in a second jar by placing 0.4 cc of the stock solution into five hundred cc of odor free water using a clean dropper or pipette. Shake for thirty seconds and allow to stand for two to three minutes so that the IAA concentration above the liquid may reach equilibrium. This solution may be used for only one day.
- A test blank is prepared in a third jar by adding five hundred cc of odor free water.
- The odor test and test blank jars shall be labeled one and two for jar identification. If the labels are put on the lids they can be periodically peeled, dried off and switched to maintain the integrity of the test.
- The following instructions shall be typed on a card and placed on the table in front of the two test jars (i.e., one and two): “The purpose of this test is to determine if you can smell banana oil at a low concentration. The two bottles in front of you contain water. One of these bottles also contains a small amount of banana oil. Be sure the covers are on tight, then shake each bottle for two seconds. Unscrew the lid of each bottle, one at a time, and sniff at the mouth of the bottle. Indicate to the test conductor which bottle contains banana oil.”
- The mixtures used in the IAA odor detection test shall be prepared in an area separate from where the test is performed, in order to prevent olfactory fatigue in the subject.If the test subject is unable to correctly identify the jar containing the odor test solution, the IAA qualitative fit test may not be used.
- If the test subject correctly identifies the jar containing the odor test solution, the test subject may proceed to respirator selection and fit testing.
Respirator Selection
1. The test subject shall be allowed to pick the most comfortable respirator from a selection including respirators of various sizes from different manufacturers. The selection shall include at least five sizes of elastomeric half facepieces, from at least two manufacturers.
2. The selection process shall be conducted in a room separate from the fit-test chamber to prevent odor fatigue. Prior to the selection process, the test subject shall be shown how to put on a respirator, how it should be positioned on the face, how to set strap tension and how to determine a “comfortable” respirator. A mirror shall be available to assist the subject in evaluating the fit and positioning of the respirator. This instruction may not constitute the subject’s formal training on respirator use, as it is only a review.
3. The test subject should understand that the employee is being asked to select the respirator which provides the most comfortable fit. Each respirator represents a different size and shape and, if fit properly and used properly will provide adequate protection.
4. The test subject holds each facepiece up to the face and eliminates those which obviously do not give a comfortable fit. Normally, selection will begin with a half-mask and if a good fit cannot be found, the subject will be asked to test the full face piece respirators. (A small percentage of users will not be able to wear any half-mask.)
5. The more comfortable facepieces are noted; the most comfortable mask is donned and worn at least five minutes to assess comfort. All donning and adjustments of the facepiece shall be performed by the test subject without assistance from the test conductor or other person. Assistance in assessing comfort can be given by discussing the points in 9.206 of this subsection. If the test subject is not familiar with using a particular respirator, the test subject shall be directed to done the mask several times and to adjust the straps each time to become adept at setting proper tension on the straps.
6. Assessment of comfort shall include reviewing the following points with the test subject and allowing the test subject adequate time to determine the comfort of the respirator:
- Positioning of mask on nose.
- Room for eye protection.
- Room to talk.
- Positioning mask on face and cheeks.
7. The following criteria shall be used to help determine the adequacy of the respirator fit:
- Chin properly placed.
- Strap tension.
- Fit across nose bridge.
- Distance from nose to chin.
- Tendency to slip.
- Self-observation in mirror.
8. The test subject shall conduct the conventional negative and positive-pressure fit checks before conducting the negative-or positive-pressure test the subject shall be told to “seat” the mask by rapidly moving the head from side-to-side and up and down, while taking a few deep breaths.
9. The test subject is now ready for fit testing.
10. After passing the fit test, the test subject shall be questioned again regarding the comfort of the respirator. If it has become uncomfortable, another model of respirator shall be tried.
11. The employee shall be given the opportunity to select a different facepiece and be retested if the chosen facepiece becomes increasingly uncomfortable at any time.
Fit Test
1. The fit test chamber shall be similar to a clear fifty-five gallon drum liner suspended inverted over a two-foot diameter frame, so that the top of the chamber is about six inches above the test subject’s head. The inside top center of the chamber shall have a small hook attached.
2. Each respirator used for the fitting and fit testing shall be equipped with organic vapor cartridges or offer protection against organic vapors. The cartridges or masks shall be changed at least weekly.
3. After selecting, donning, and properly adjusting a respirator the test subject shall wear it to the fit testing room. This room shall be separate from the room used for odor threshold screening and respirator selection, and shall be well ventilated, as by an exhaust fan or lab hood, to prevent general room contamination.
4. A copy of the following test exercises and “rainbow passage” shall be taped to the inside of the test chamber:
5. Test exercises.
- Breathe normally.
- Breathe deeply. Be certain breaths are deep and regular.
- Turn head all the way from one side to the other. Inhale on each side. Be certain movement is complete. Do not bump the respirator against the shoulders.
- Nod head up and down. Inhale when head is in the full up position (looking toward ceiling). Be certain motions are complete and made about every second. Do not bump the respirator on the chest.
- Talking. Talk aloud and slowly for several minutes. The following paragraph is called the “rainbow passage.” Reading it will result in a wide range of facial movements, and thus be useful to satisfy this requirement. Alternative passages which serve the same purpose may also be used.
- “Rainbow Passage.”
- When the sunlight strikes raindrops in the air, they act like a prism and form a rainbow. The rainbow is a division of white light into many beautiful colors. These take the shape of a long round arch, with its path high above, and its two ends apparently beyond the horizon. There is, according to legend, a boiling pot of gold at one end. People look, but no one ever finds it. When a man looks for something beyond his reach, his friends say he is looking for the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow.
- Jogging in place.
- Breathe normally.
6. Each test subject shall wear the respirator for at least ten minutes before starting the fit test.
7. Upon entering the test chamber, the test subject shall be given a six-inch by five-inch piece of paper towel or other porous absorbent single ply material, folded in half and wetted with three-quarters of one cc of pure IAA. The test subject shall hang the wet towel on the hook at the top of the chamber.
8. Allow two minutes for the IAA test concentration to be reached before starting the fit-test exercises. This would be an appropriate time to talk with the test subject, to explain the fit test, the importance of cooperation, the purpose for the head exercises, or to demonstrate some of the exercises.
9. Each exercise described in 9.304 of this subsection shall be performed for at least one minute.
10. If at any time during the test, the subject detects the banana-like odor of IAA, the test has failed. The subject shall quickly exit from the test chamber and leave the test area to avoid olfactory fatigue.
11. If the test is failed, the subject shall return to the selection room and remove the respirator, repeat the odor sensitivity test, select and put on another respirator, return to the test chamber, and again begin the procedure described in 9.304 through 9.309 of this subsection. The process continues until a respirator that fits well has been found. Should the odor sensitivity test be failed, the subject shall wait about five minutes before retesting. Odor sensitivity will usually have returned by this time.
12. If a person cannot pass the fit test described above wearing a half-mask respirator from the available selection, full facepiece models must be used.
13. When a respirator is found that passes the test, the subject breaks the faceseal and takes a breath before exiting the chamber. This is to assure that the reason the test subject is not smelling the IAA is the good fit of the respirator facepiece seal and not olfactory fatigue.
14. When the test subject leaves the chamber, the subject shall remove the saturated towel and return it to the person conducting the test. To keep the area from becoming contaminated, the used towels shall be kept in a self-sealing bag so there is no significant IAA concentration buildup in the test chamber during subsequent tests.
15. At least two facepieces shall be selected for the IAA test protocol. The test subject shall be given the opportunity to wear them for one week to choose the one which is more comfortable to wear.
16. Persons who have successfully passed this fit test with a half-mask respirator may be assigned the use of the test respirator in atmospheres with up to the permissible exposure limit.
17. The test shall not be conducted if there is any hair growth between the skin and the facepiece sealing surface.
18. If hair growth or apparel interfere with a satisfactory fit, then they shall be altered or removed so as to eliminate interference and allow a satisfactory fit. If a satisfactory fit is still not attained, the test subject must use a positive-pressure respirator such as powered air-purifying respirators, supplied-air respirator, or self-contained breathing apparatus.
19. If a test subject exhibits difficulty in breathing during the tests, she or he shall be referred to a physician trained in respirator diseases or pulmonary medicine to determine whether the test subject can wear a respirator while performing her or his duties.
20. Qualitative fit testing shall be repeated at least annually unless the fit testing is for asbestos exposures and then it shall be done every six months.
21. 9.321 In addition, because the sealing of the respirator may be affected, qualitative fit testing shall be repeated immediately when the test subject has a:
- Weight change of twenty pounds or more.
- Significant facial scarring in the area of the face-piece seal.
- Significant dental changes; i.e., multiple extraction’s without prosthesis, or acquiring dentures.
- Reconstructive or cosmetic surgery.
- Any other condition that may interfere with facepiece sealing.
22. Record keeping.
23. A Summary of all test results shall be maintained in each office for three years. The summary shall include:
- Name of test subject.
- Date of testing.
- Name of the test conductor.
- Respirators selected (indicate manufacturer, model, size and approval number).
- Testing agent.
Saccharin Solution Aerosol Protocol
Respirator Selection.
Respirators shall be selected as described in 9.2 of this subsection (Respirator Selection), except that each respirator shall be equipped with a particulate filter.
Taste Threshold Screening.
1. An enclosure about head and shoulders shall be used for threshold screening (to determine if the individual can taste saccharin) and for fit testing. The enclosure shall be approximately twelve inches in diameter by fourteen inches tall with at least the front clear to allow free movement of the head when a respirator is worn.
2. The test enclosure shall have a three-quarter inch hole in front of the test subject’s nose and mouth area to accommodate the nebulizer nozzle.
3. The entire screening and testing procedure shall be explained to the test subject prior to conducting the screening test.
4. During the threshold screening test, the test subject shall don the test enclosure and breathe with open mouth with tongue extended.
5. Using a DeVilbiss Model 40 Inhalation Medication Nebulizer or equivalent, the test conductor shall spray the threshold check solution into the enclosure. This nebulizer shall be clearly marked to distinguish it from the fit test solution nebulizer.
6. The threshold check solution consists of 0.83 grams of sodium saccharin, USP in water. It can be prepared by putting 1 cc of the test solution (see 9.607 of this subsection) in one hundred cc of water.
7. To produce the aerosol, the nebulizer bulb is firmly squeezed so that it collapses completely, then is released and allowed to fully expand.
8. Ten squeezes of the nebulizer bulb are repeated rapidly and then the test subject is asked whether the saccharin can be tasted.
9. If the first response is negative, ten more squeezes of the nebulizer bulb are repeated rapidly and the test subject is again asked whether the saccharin can be tasted.
10. If the second response is negative, ten more squeezes are repeated rapidly and the test subject is again asked whether the saccharin can be tasted.
11. The test conductor will take note of the number of squeezes required to elicit a taste response.
12. If the saccharin is not tasted after thirty squeezes (9.510 of this subsection), the saccharin fit test cannot be performed on the test subject.
13. If a taste response is elicited, the test subject shall be asked to take note of the taste for reference in the fit test.
14. Correct use of the nebulizer means that approximately 1 cc of liquid is used at a time in the nebulizer body.
15. The nebulizer shall be thoroughly rinsed in water, shaken dry, and refilled at least every four hours.
Fit Tests
1. The test subject shall don and adjust the respirator without the assistance from any person.
2. The fit test uses the same enclosure described in 9.5 of this subsection.
3. Each test subject shall wear the respirator for at least ten minutes before starting the fit test.
4. The test subject shall don the enclosure while wearing the respirator selected in 9.2 of this subsection. This respirator shall be properly adjusted and equipped with a particulate filter.
5. The test subject may not eat, drink, (except plain water), or chew gum for fifteen minutes before the test.
6. A second DeVilbiss Model 40 Inhalation Medication Nebulizer is used to spray the fit test solution into the enclosure. This nebulizer shall be clearly marked to distinguish it from the screening test solution nebulizer.
7. The fit test solution is prepared by adding eighty-three grams of sodium saccharin to one hundred cc of warm water.
8. As before, the test subject shall breathe with mouth open and tongue extended.
9. The nebulizer is inserted into the hole in the front of the enclosure and the fit test solution is sprayed into the enclosure using the same technique as for the taste threshold screening and the same number of squeezes required to elicit a taste response in the screening. (See 9.508 through 9.510 of this subsection.)
10. After generation of the aerosol read the following instructions to the test subject. The test subject shall perform the exercises for one minute each.
- Breathe normally.
- Breathe deeply. Be certain breaths are deep and regular.
- Turn head all the way from one side to the other. Be certain movement is complete. Inhale on each side. Do not bump the respirator against the shoulders.
- Nod head up and down. Be certain motions are complete. Inhale when head is in the full up position (when looking toward the ceiling). Do not bump the respirator on the chest.
- Talking. Talk aloud and slowly for several minutes. The following paragraph is called the “Rainbow Passage.” Reading it will result in a wide range of facial movements, and thus be useful to satisfy this requirement. Alternative passages which serve the same purpose may also be used. They must be approved by Risk Management.
- “Rainbow Passage.”
- When the sunlight strikes raindrops in the air, they act like a prism and form a rainbow. The rainbow is a division of white light into many beautiful colors. These take the shape of a long round arch, with its path high above, and its two ends apparently beyond the horizon. There is, according to legend, a boiling pot of gold at one end. People look, but no one ever finds it. When a man looks for something beyond his reach, his friends say he is looking for the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow.
- Jogging in place.
- Breathe normally.
11. At the beginning of each exercise, the aerosol concentration shall be replenished using one-half the number of squeezes as initially described in 9.609 of this subsection.
12. The test subject shall indicate to the test conductor if at any time during the fit test the taste of saccharin is detected.
13. If the saccharin is detected the fit is deemed unsatisfactory and a different respirator shall be tried.
14. At least two facepieces shall be selected by the saccharin test protocol. The test subject shall be given the opportunity to wear them for one week to choose the one which is more comfortable to wear.
15. Successful completion of the test protocol shall allow the use of the half mask tested respirator in contaminated atmospheres up to ten times the permissible exposure limit for the contaminant. In other words this protocol may be used to assign protection factors no higher than ten.
16. The test shall not be conducted if there is any hair growth between the skin and the facepiece sealing surface.
17. If hair growth or apparel interfere with a satisfactory fit, then they shall be altered or removed so as to eliminate interference and allow a satisfactory fit. If a satisfactory fit is still not attained, the test subject must use a positive-pressure respirator such as powered air-purifying respirators, supplied-air respirator, or self-contained breathing apparatus.
18. If a test subject exhibits difficulty in breathing during the tests, she or he shall be referred to a physician trained in respirator diseases or pulmonary medicine to determine whether the test subject can wear a respirator while performing her or his duties.
19. Qualitative fit testing shall be repeated at least once every year.
20. In addition, because the sealing of the respirator may be affected, qualitative fit testing shall be repeated immediately when the test subject has a:
- Weight change of twenty pounds or more.
- Significant facial scarring in the area of the face-piece seal.
- Significant dental changes; i.e., multiple extraction’s without prosthesis, or acquiring dentures.
- Reconstructive or cosmetic surgery.
- Any other condition that may interfere with face-piece sealing.
Recordkeeping.
A summary of all test results shall be maintained in each office for three years. The summary shall include:
1. Name of test subject.
2. Date of testing.
3. Name of test conductor.
4. Respirators selected (indicate manufacturer, model, size and approval number).
5. Testing agent.
Irritant Fume Protocol
Respirator Selection
Respirators shall be selected as described in 9.2 of this subsection, except that each respirator shall be equipped with a high-efficiency cartridge.
Fit Test
1. The test subject shall be allowed to smell a weak concentration of the irritant smoke to familiarize the subject with the characteristic odor.
2. The test subject shall properly don the respirator selected as above, and wear it for at least ten minutes before starting the fit test.
3. The test conductor shall review this protocol with the test subject before testing.
4. The test subject shall perform the conventional positive pressure and negative pressure fit checks (see ANSI Z88.2 1980). Failure of either check shall be cause to select an alternate respirator.
5. Break both ends of a ventilation smoke tube containing stannic oxychloride, such as the MSA part #5645, or equivalent. Attach a short length of tubing to one end of the smoke tube. Attach the other end of the smoke tube to a low pressure air pump set to deliver two hundred milliliters per minute.
6. Advise the test subject that the smoke can be irritating to the eyes and instruct the subject to keep the eyes closed while the test is performed.
7. The test conductor shall direct the stream of irritant smoke from the tube towards the faceseal area of the test subject. The person conducting the test shall begin with the tube at least twelve inches from the facepiece and gradually move to within one inch, moving around the whole perimeter of the mask.
8. The test subject shall be instructed to do the following exercises while the respirator is being challenged by the smoke. Each exercise shall be performed for one minute.
- Breathe normally.
- Breathe deeply. Be certain breaths are deep and regular.
- Turn head all the way from one side to the other. Be certain movement is complete. Inhale on each side. Do not bump the respirator against the shoulders.
- Nod head up and down. Be certain motions are complete. Inhale when head is in the full up position (when looking toward the ceiling). Do not bump the respirator on the chest.
- Talking. Talk aloud and slowly for several minutes. The following paragraph is called the “Rainbow Passage.” Repeating it after the test conductor (keeping eyes closed) will result in a wide range of facial movements, and thus be useful to satisfy this requirement. Alternative passages which serve the same purpose may also be used. They must be approved by Risk Management.
- “Rainbow Passage.”
- When the sunlight strikes raindrops in the air, they act like a prism and form a rainbow. The rainbow is a division of white light into many beautiful colors. These take the shape of a long round arch, with its path high above, and its two ends apparently beyond the horizon. There is, according to legend, a boiling pot of gold at one end. People look, but no one ever finds it. When a man looks for something beyond his reach, his friends say he is looking for the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow.
- Jogging in place.
- Breathe normally.
9. The test subject shall indicate to the test conductor if the irritant smoke is detected. If smoke is detected, the test conductor shall stop the test. In this case, the tested respirator is rejected and another respirator shall be selected.
10. Each test subject passing the smoke test (i.e., without detecting the smoke) shall be given a sensitivity check of smoke from the same tube to determine if the test subject reacts to the smoke. Failure to evoke a response shall void the fit test.
11. This fit test protocol, 9.904, 9.909, and 9.910 of this subsection, shall be performed in a location with exhaust ventilation sufficient to prevent general contamination of the testing area by the test agents.
12. An alternative fit test chamber shall be similar to a clear fifty-five gallon drum liner suspended inverted over a two-foot diameter frame, so that the top of the chamber is about six inches above the test subject’s head. The side of the chamber shall have a small hole that a smoke tube can fit into and a sufficient supply of smoke can be pumped into the drum liner using a squeeze bulb. The test subject shall follow the procedures outlined in 9.908 of this subsection. This procedure allows the test conductor to carry out the test without the need to wear a respirator.
13. At least two facepieces shall be selected by the irritant fume test protocol. The test subject shall be given the opportunity to wear them for one week to choose the one which is more comfortable to wear.
14. Respirators successfully tested by the protocol may be used in contaminated atmospheres up to ten times the permissible exposure limit of the air contaminant.
15. The test shall not be conducted if there is any hair growth between the skin and the facepiece sealing surface.
16. If hair growth or apparel interfere with a satisfactory fit, then they shall be altered or removed so as to eliminate interference and allow a satisfactory fit. If a satisfactory fit is still not attained, the test subject must use a positive-pressure respirator such as powered air-purifying respirators, supplied-air respirator, or self-contained breathing apparatus.
17. If a test subject exhibits difficulty in breathing during the tests, she or he shall be referred to a physician trained in respirator diseases or pulmonary medicine to determine whether the test subject can wear a respirator while performing her or his duties.
18. Qualitative fit testing shall be repeated at least annually.
19. In addition, because the sealing of the respirator may be affected, qualitative fit testing shall be repeated immediately when the test subject has a:
- Weight change of twenty pounds or more.
- Significant facial scarring in the area of the face-piece seal.
- Significant dental changes; i.e., multiple extraction’s without prosthesis, or acquiring dentures.
- Reconstructive or cosmetic surgery.
- Any other condition that may interfere with facepiece sealing.
Recordkeeping.
A summary of all test results shall be maintained in each office for three years. The summary shall include:
1. Name of test subject.
2. Date of testing.
3. Name of test conductor.
4. Respirators selected (indicate manufacturer, model, size and approval number).
5. Testing agent.
Respirators Provided For Use
1. Half-face and full face-piece respirator chemical cartridges are provided for protection against:
- organic vapors
- acid gases
- ammonia and methylamine
- dusts, mists and fumes
- pesticides
- highly toxic particulate
- asbestos
- adionuclides
2. Self-contained breathing apparatus are provided for protection against:
- oxygen deficiency
- immediately dangerous to life or health (IDLH) atmospheres
- unknown atmospheres (i.e., chlorine, hydrogen sulfide)
- HAZMAT response
- emergency response
Respirator Use Rules
Physical Characteristics
- Hair (stubble, mustache, sideburns, beard, low hairline, bangs) passing between the face and sealing surface of the respirator is not permitted.
- Hair (mustache, beard) that interferes with the function of respirator valve(s) is not permitted.
- If scars, hollow temples, excessively protruding cheekbones, deep creases in facial skin, the absence of teeth, dentures, or unusual facial configurations prevent the seal of a respirator to a wearer’s face, the respirator will not be worn.
Corrective Lenses
- Contact lenses will not be worn if the risk of eye damage is increased by their use (i.e., half-face respirator used in an eye irritation environment – elevated levels of chlorine, ammonia or hydrogen sulfide). Soft contact lenses may be worn with a SCBA.
- Spectacles having temple bars or straps passing between the sealing surface of a respirator and the wearer’s face are not to be worn. Spectacle frames will be available on request from your supervisor.
Other Personal Protective Equipment
- A head covering passing between the sealing surface and the wearer’s face is not allowed.
- The wearing of a spectacle, goggle, faceshield, welding helmet, or other protective device interfering with the seal of a respirator to the wearer is not allowed.
Respirator Maintenance
Each respirator will be properly maintained by the employee to retain its original shape and effectiveness. Respirator maintenance will contain the following elements:
- Cleaning and sanitizing
- Inspection for defects
- Repair
- Storage
Each respirator will be cleaned and sanitized prior to issue and after each use, using the following procedure:
- Remove the following components of respirator-inlet covering assemblies before cleaning and sanitizing:
Filters, cartridges, canisters
Speaking diaphragms
Any components recommended by the respirator manufacturer
- Wash respiratory-inlet covering assemblies in warm (49°C or 120°F maximum temperature) cleaner-sanitizer solution. A soft bristle brush may be used to facilitate removal of dirt or other foreign material.
- Rinse respiratory-inlet covering in clean, warm 49°C or 120°F maximum temperature water.
- Drain all water and air-dry the respiratory-inlet covering.
- Clean and sanitize all parts removed from respiratory-inlet covering as recommended by the manufacturer.
- Hand wipe respiratory-inlet covering, all parts, and all gasket and valve sealing surfaces with damp, lint-free cloth as needed to remove water residue and all foreign materials.
- Inspect parts and replace any which are defective
- Assemble parts on respiratory-inlet covering.
- Visually inspect and, where possible, tests parts and respirator assemblies for proper functions.
- Place assembled respirators in appropriate containers for storage.
- Repairs will be approved by the Respirator Program Administrator and or Supervisor. Replacement parts will be those manufactured for the specific respirator being repaired. Reducing or admission valves, regulators, and alarms will be returned to the manufacturer or to a trained technician for repair or adjustment.
- Respirators will be stored to protect them from dust, sunlight, heat, extreme cold, excessive moisture, damaging chemicals, and to prevent distortion of rubber or other elastomeric parts.
- Respirators will not be stored with chemical cartridges or filters attached.
- Self-contained breathing apparatus have additional maintenance requirements: (See Appendix B SCBA Checklist for Inspection)
- Cylinder refilling after each use
- Hydrostatic testing of the cylinder:
- 3 years if fiber wound
- 5 years if metal
- Monthly inspections if for emergency use
- Breathing air shall be Grade D or better
Field Inspection of Air-Purifying Respirators
1. Air-purifying respirators that are used routinely should be checked for the following elements before and after each use.
Facepiece
- Excessive dirt
- Cracks, tears, holes, or physical distortion of shape resulting from improper storage
- Lack of pliability and signs of deterioration of rubber facepiece
- Cracked or badly scratched lenses in full facepieces
- Incorrectly mounted full facepiece lenses or broken or missing mounting clips
- Cracked or broken air-purifying element holder(s), badly worn threads, or missing gasket(s) if required
Head straps or head harness
- Breaks
- Loss of elasticity
- Broken or malfunctioning buckles and attachments
- Excessively worn serration’s on head harness, which might permit slippage
- Exhalation valve (after its cover is removed)
- Foreign material, such as detergent residue, dust particles, or human hair under the valve seat
- Cracks, tears, or distortion in the valve material
- Improper insertion of the valve body in the facepiece
- Cracks, breaks, or chips in the valve body, particularly in the sealing surface
- Missing or defective valve cover
Air-purifying element
- Incorrect cartridge, canister, or filter for the hazard
- Incorrect installation, loose connections, missing or worn gasket or cross threading in the holder
- Expired shelf life date on the canister
- Expired end-of-service life indicator condition or the date the cartridge was put into service where required
- Cracks or dents in the outside case of the filter, cartridge, or canister
- Evidence of prior use of sorbent cartridge or canister indicated by the absence of sealing material, tape, foil, etc., over the inlet
Corrugated breathing tube (if present on the device)
- Broken or missing end connectors
- Missing or loose hose clamps
- Deterioration and/or cracks evident when the tube is stretched
Harness of a front- or back-mounted gas mask
- Damage or wear to the canister holder, which may prevent its being held in place
- Broken harness straps for fastening
Inspection of Powered Air-Purifying Respirators
A routinely used, powered air-purifying respirator should be checked in the same manner as an air-purifying respirator. If the device is a hood, helmet, or blouse, the following procedures should be used.
- The hood or blouse should be examined for rips and tears, seam integrity, etc.
- The protective headgear, if required, should be examined for general condition with emphasis on the suspension inside the headgear.
- The protective face shield, if any, should be examined for cracks, breaks, or impairment of vision.
- The protective screen must be intact and secured correctly over the face shield of abrasive blasting hoods and blouses.
- In addition, the battery pack should be checked for good physical condition and good electrical connections. The function of the respirator should be checked by turning the power switch on to listen to and to feel the air flow, by verifying proper airflow as indicated by devices from the manufacturer such as flow meters, magnehelic gauges, flow test plates, or built-in alarm systems, and by testing the alarm system on those respirators so equipped.
Inspection of Air-Line Respirators
For a routinely used air-line respirator, the following procedures should be applied.
- If the device is a tight-fitting facepiece, the procedures outlined under air-purifying respirators (except those procedures pertaining to the air-purifying elements) should be used
- If the device is a hood, blouse, or full suit, the following procedures should be used:
- The hood, blouse, or full suit should be examined for rips and tears, seam integrity, etc.
- The protective headgear, if required, should be examined for general condition with emphasis on the suspension inside the headgear
- The protective face shield, if any, should be examined for cracks, breaks, or impairment of vision
- The protective screen must be intact and secured correctly over the face shield of abrasive blasting hoods and blouses
The air-supply systems should be examined for the following:
- Integrity and good condition of air-supply lines and hoses, including attachment and end fittings
- Correct operation and condition of all regulators or flow regulators (e.g., valves)
- Correct air-supply lines and hoses, including quick disconnects and end fittings, as specified by the approval label or manufacturers instructions
- Proper air-supply line and hose length and pressure settings as indicated on the approval label
- Air quality
Inspection of Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA)
- In addition to the above facepiece, head straps, and valve inspection requirements, SCBA units should be examined for the following:
- The high-pressure cylinder of compressed air or oxygen is sufficiently charged, preferably to full capacity, for the intended use.
- On closed-circuit SCBA, a fresh canister of carbon dioxide (CO2) sorbent is installed.
- On open-circuit SCBA, the cylinder has been recharged if less than 90% of the useful service time remains.
- The regulator and warning devices function properly.
Inspection of Air-Line Respirator/SCBA Combination
The air-line respirator portion should be inspected as described above. In addition, the SCBA high-pressure cylinder should be examined to verify that the cylinder is at least 90% full.
Inspection of Non Routinely Used Air-Purifying or Atmosphere-Supplying Devices
- When air-purifying or atmosphere-supplying devices are used non routinely, all of the above procedures should be followed for each use. OSHA requires that devices for emergency use be inspected once a month and that “a record shall be kept of inspection dates and findings for respirators maintained for emergency use.” Copies will be forwarded to the Respirator Program Administrator.
- Each rubber or other elastomeric part will be inspected for pliability and signs of deterioration. Each air cylinder will be inspected to ensure a full charge (according to manufacture’s instructions) and compliance with 49 CFR parts 173 and 178.
- Negative and positive pressure fit checks will be performed on each respirator before it is worn in a hazardous atmosphere.
Respirator Use Monitoring
- At least semi-annually the supervisors will monitor respirator usage to ensure that respirators are being used and maintained properly. A monitoring checklist is available from the Respirator Program Administrator (see Section 13.13 below) which may be used as a guideline for the evaluation. Problems or questions should be brought to the Respirator Program Administrator as soon as feasible.
- Improper usage or maintenance of respirators will be corrected by the supervisor immediately.
Respirator use monitoring checklist:
New Hazard Tracking
- Quarterly, the supervisors will review any new respiratory hazards encountered by the employees to evaluate the use of respiratory protection.
- The supervisors will report to the Respirator Program Administrator any hazards encountered for which adequate respiratory protection was not available.
- The Respirator Program Administrator shall conduct periodic audits of the departments where respiratory protection is required to ensure compliance with this program.
APPENDIX A
The following definitions were taken from “Respiratory Protection – A Manual and Guideline” 2nd Edition published by the American Industrial Hygiene Association.
aerosol Liquid or solid particles dispersed in a gaseous medium (air, usually): includes mists, smokes fumes and dusts.
- ACGIH American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists.
- AIHA American Industrial Hygiene Association.
- ANSI American National Standards Institute; publishes consensus standards on respiratory protection (e.g., Z88.2-1980, Z88.6-1984).
- approval Respirator certification granted by NIOSH/MSHA. An approval indicates that certain minimum test requirements that are outlined in 30 CFR Part 11, 1989, pp. 18-82, have been met.
- assigned protection factor The minimum expected workplace level of respiratory protection that would be provided by a properly functioning respirator or class of respirators, to a stated percentage of properly fitted and trained users. The maximum use concentration for a respirator is generally determined by multiplying a contaminant’s exposure limit by the protection factor assigned to the respirator. Abbreviated APF.
- carcinogen Cancer-producing material.
- ceiling value Airborne concentration that shall not be exceeded during any part of the workday. If instantaneous monitoring is not feasible, then the ceiling shall be assessed as a 15-minute time-weighted average exposure that shall not be exceeded at any time over a working day. See permissible exposure limit. Abbreviated C.
- certified Used synonymously with approval. The National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health maintains a Certified Equipment List of respiratory protective devices. See approval.
- CGA Compressed Gas Association.
- disposable respirator A respirator for which maintenance is not intended and that is designed to be discarded after excessive resistance, sorbent exhaustion, physical damage, or end of service life renders it unsuitable for use. Can be a particulate, gas/vapor, or air-line respirator.
- DOP Dioctyl Phthalate; an oily particle commonly used for quantitative fit testing and filter testing.
- DOT Department of Transportation.
- dust An aerosol consisting of solid particles usually produced by mechanical breakdown of bulk material. Activities that generate dusts include crushing, drilling, grinding, sweeping, or handling of solid materials.
- fit check A positive or negative pressure check for proper respirator seal. The fit of a respirator should be tested each time it is donned. This is normally done by cupping hands over the facepiece, exhalation valve, or cartridges of the respirator and exhaling or inhaling sharply as directed in the fitting instructions. A fit check does not qualify as a fit test (See fit test).
- fit factor A measure of how well a respirator fits, determined by a quantitative fit test. It is the ratio of test agent concentration outside a respirator to the test agent concentration inside the respirator. Fit factor determination is usually made in a fit test booth. In order for the inside concentration to reflect only faceseal leakage, high efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters must be employed when an aerosol test agent is used. Exercises simulating motions made by workers are included in the fit test, but actual protection factors provided by the respirator in the field may differ substantially from the fit factor measured in the booth (See workplace protection factor). Abbreviated PF.
- fit test A means for determining an individual’s ability to obtain a good face fit with a particular respirator. A fit test is required by OSHA regulation (29 CFR 1910.134). It must be satisfactorily completed before a respirator is worn in a contaminated area. See qualitative fit tests, quantitative fit tests, fit factor.
- fume An aerosol consisting of solid particles (usually less than 1 µm) generated by condensation of a substance from the gaseous state to the solid state. The most common example is a metal fume, generated by cooling and condensation of gas released from molten metal. Gases and vapors are not fumes.
- gas A substance that is in a gaseous state at room temperature and pressure; normally formless fluids that expand to fully occupy a space or enclosure and that can be changed to the liquid or solid state only by the combined effect of increased pressure and decreased temperature (e.g., oxygen and nitrogen in the air).
- HEPA A high efficiency particulate air filter. By NIOSH definition a high efficiency filter is one that is at least 99.97% efficient when challenged with 0.3 µm DOP particles.
- isoamyl acetate A common qualitative fit test agent. Subjects smell a banana-like odor if a respirator fits them poorly. Recommended for organic vapor respirators only. See qualitative fit test.
- loose-fitting facepiece A respiratory inlet covering that is designed to form a partial seal with the face, does not cover the neck and shoulders, and may or may not offer head protection against impact and penetration.
- mist An aerosol consisting of liquid particles generated by condensation of a substance from the gaseous to the liquid state, or by breaking up a liquid into a dispersed state.
- MSHA Mine Safety and Health Administration.
- negative pressure respirator A respirator that relies on inhalation through air-purifying elements to deliver breathable air to the user. During inhalation, air evacuated from the facepiece creates a negative pressure with respect to the atmosphere outside the respirator.
- NFPA National Fire Protection Association.
- NIOSH National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health.
- nuisance dust Generally innocuous dust, not recognized as the direct cause of a serious pathological condition.
- odor threshold The lowest concentration of an air contaminant that can be detected by smell.
- OSHA Occupational Safety and Health Administration.
- oxygen deficiency An atmosphere with less than 19.5% oxygen in air. An atmosphere with less than 16.5% oxygen is considered immediately dangerous to life or health.
- permissible exposure limit OSHA regulations for airborne exposures. Abbreviated PEL. See time-weighted average, ceiling value, short-term exposure limit.
- pneumoconiosis Greek derivation meaning “lung” and “dust” or “dusty lung”; a fibrous hardening of the lungs caused by the irritation created from the inhalation of dust.
- positive pressure respirator A respirator in which normally a positive pressure is maintained inside the hood or facepiece; may be an air-purifying or an atmosphere-supplying respirator.
- protection factor Often used synonymously with workplace protection factor; also used synonymously with assigned protection factor for a particular type or class of respirator (e.g., it will provide a protection factor of 10, or protection at concentrations up to 10 times the PEL). Abbreviated PF.
- qualitative fit test A fit test that relies on the respirator wearer’s ability to sense a test agent by taste, smell, or irritation. See saccharin and isoamyl acetate. Abbreviated QLFT.
- quantitative fit test A fit test for which a respirator is worn in a test for which a respirator is worn in a test atmosphere inside a booth. Instrumentation measures any leakage into the respirator. Results are expressed as fit factors. See fit factor and fit test. Abbreviated QNFT.
- radionuclide A species of atom, characterized by a specific mass number, atomic number, and energy state of the nucleus, that can release alpha, beta, or gamma radiation.
- respirable dust That fraction of airborne dust that is small enough to penetrate to the lungs (5-10 microns or less).
- respiratory inlet covering That portion of a respirator that connects the wearer’s respiratory tract to an air-purifying device or respirable gas source, or both, i.e., the part that covers the mouth and nose. It may be a facepiece, helmet, hood, suit, or mouthpiece/nose clamp.
- saccharin A common qualitative fit test agent. Subjects taste a sweet taste in their mouth if a respirator fits poorly. Recommended for respirators with particulate filters. See qualitative fit test.
- SCBA Self-contained breathing apparatus.
- short-term exposure limit The 15-minute time-weighted average exposure that shall not be exceeded at any time during a workday unless another time limit is specified in a parenthetical notation below the limit. If another time period is specified, the time-weighted average exposure over that time limit shall not be exceeded at any time during the working day. See permissible exposure limit. Abbreviated STEL.
- single use (1) Used by NIOSH as a synonym for disposable or maintenance-free respirator (i.e., a respirator that is entirely discarded after excessive breathing resistance, sorbent exhaustion, or damage renders it unsuitable for further use); somewhat misleading since such respirators are frequently good for more than a single use; (2) A NIOSH approval category, covering respirators designed as respiratory protection against pneumoconiosis and fibrosis-producing dusts only. This second meaning applies to the limiting factor in respirator selection tables.
- smoke An aerosol consisting of solid and/or liquid particles that result from incomplete combustion.
- threshold limit value Airborne concentrations of substances representative of conditions to which nearly all workers may be exposed for 8 hour a day over a lifetime without adverse effect; guidelines developed by ACGIH. Abbreviated TLV.
- TLV-C Threshold limit value-ceiling; the concentration that should not be exceeded even instantaneously.
- TLV-STEL Threshold limit value-short-term exposure limit; the 15-min time-weighted average exposure that should not be exceeded at any time during a workday even if the 8-hour time-weighted average is within the TLV.
- TLV-TWA Threshold limit value-time-weighted average; the time-weighted average concentration for a normal 8-hour workday and a 40-hour workweek to which nearly all workers may be repeatedly exposed, day after day, without adverse effect.
- time-weighted average The 8-hour average airborne concentration that shall not be exceeded in any 8-hour work shift of a 40-hour workweek. See permissible exposure limit. Abbreviated TWA.
- vapor The gaseous form of a substance that is normally a solid or liquid at room temperature and pressure. Liquids are changed into the vapor state and mixed with the surrounding atmosphere through evaporation.
- workplace protection factor A measure of the actual protection provided in the workplace when a respirator is correctly selected, fit tested, and worn; the ratio of the air contaminant concentration outside to the air contaminant concentration inside the respirator. Both concentrations are determined from samples taken simultaneously, only while the respirator is properly worn and used during normal work activities. Abbreviated WPF.
APPENDIX B
SCBA Checklist For Inspection
SCBAs must be inspected before and after use as well as monthly to ensure proper operation. These inspections should be recorded. You should obtain an inspection checklist, if available, from the manufacturer.
The following provides a checklist for inspection of pressure-demand self-contained breathing apparatus without mode select lever. Prior to beginning inspection, the following should be checked.
- The high-pressure hose connector is tight on the cylinder fitting.
- Bypass valve is closed.
- Main line valve is closed.
- There is no cover or obstruction on the regulator outlet.
The following indicates what should be inspected and how to accomplish the inspections. Items to be done on monthly inspections are indicated by (M).
I. Back Pack & Harness Assembly
A. Straps
- A complete set is present.
- There are no frayed or damaged straps that may break during use.
B. Buckles
- Mating ends are present.
- Lock functions
C. Back Plate and Cylinder Lock
- Back plate contains no cracks, has no missing rivets or screws.
- Cylinder hold down strap, strap tightener, and lock are fully engaged.
II. Cylinder and Cylinder Valve Assembly
A. Cylinder
- Cylinder is tightly fastened to back plate.
- Hydrostatic test date is current. (M)]
- Metal cylinders contain no large dents or gouges, have no corrosion or pitting.
- Composite cylinders contain no abrasions, cuts, dents, delamination, or bruises. (M)
B. Head and Valve Assembly
- Cylinder valve lock is present. (M)
- Cylinder gauge face, needle, and lens are in good condition. (M)
- No leakage around packing is heard or felt when cylinder valve is open. (If leakage is noted, cylinder should not be used until repaired). Valve lock functions.
III. Regulator and High-Pressure Hose
A. High-Pressure Hose and Connector
1. No leakage in hose or at hose-to-cylinder connector can be heard or felt. (Bubble in outer hose covering may be caused by seepage of air through hose when stored under pressure. This does not necessarily mean a faulty hose.)
B. Regulator and Low-Pressure Alarm
- With the outlet of regulator covered by the palm of the hand, the main line valve should be opened and the regulator gauge should be read (it must read at least 2000 psi and not more than rated cylinder pressure for a 2216 psi cylinder-90% of rated capacity).
- The cylinder valve should be closed, and the hand should be removed slowly from the regulator outlet to allow a slow flow of air. Gauge should begin to show immediate loss of pressure as air flows. Low-pressure alarm should sound between 550 psi and 450 psi for a 2216 psi cylinder (20-25% of rated capacity). Regulator outlet should be opened completely and main line valve should be closed.
- The inspector should place his mouth on to or over the regulator outlet and blow. A positive pressure should be created and maintained for 5-10 seconds without any loss of air. Next, a slight negative pressure should be created (by sucking air out of the outlet of the regulator) and held for 5-10 seconds. Vacuum should remain constant. This tests the integrity of the diaphragm. Any loss of pressure or vacuum during this test indicates a leak in the apparatus.
- Cylinder valve should be opened. With the regulator outlet covered by the palm of the hand, the main line valve should be opened. The regulator outlet should be covered and uncovered twice, in rapid movement. Air should escape when the outlet is opened each time, indicating a positive pressure in the chamber. The main line valve should be closed and the regulator outlet should be unblocked. At this point, there should be no air leaking from any point on the pressurized unit.
- The outlet port should be unobstructed. The bypass valve should be opened slightly to ensure proper function of the bypass valve. The bypass valve should then be closed.
IV. Face-piece and Corrugated Breathing Tube
A. Face-piece
- Head harness should be inspected for damaged serration’s and deteriorated rubber. Rubber face-piece body should be inspected for signs of deterioration or extreme distortion.
- Lens should be inspected for proper seal in the retaining clamp, and for cracks or large scratches.
- Exhalation valve should be inspected for visible signs of deterioration or foreign material buildup
B. Breathing Tube and Connector
- Breathing tube should be stretched and visually inspected for deterioration and holes.
- Connector should be inspected to ensure good condition of threads and for presence and proper condition of O-ring or rubber gasket seal.
C. Negative Pressure Test on Face-piece
Note: Final test of face-piece would involve a negative pressure test for overall seal and check of exhalation valve. If monthly inspection, mask may now be placed against face and the following tests performed. If preparing for use, one should don the backpack, then don the face-piece and use the following procedure. With face-piece held tightly to face or face-piece properly donned, breathing tube should be stretched to open corrugations and the end of the connector should be blocked. When the inspector inhales, negative pressure should be created inside mask, causing it to pull tightly to the face. This negative pressure should be maintained for 5-10 seconds. If negative pressure leaks down, the face-piece assembly is not adequate and should not be worn. With multiple size face-pieces the inspector could only test the face-pieces that he had been fit tested for.
V. Storage of Units
- A. Cylinder should be refilled as necessary and unit cleaned and inspected.
- B. Cylinder valve should be closed.
- C. High-pressure hose connector should be tight on cylinder.
- D. Pressure should be bled off of high-pressure hose and regulator.
- E. Bypass valve should be closed.
- F. Main line valve should be closed.
- G. All straps should be completely loosened and laid straight.
- H. Facepiece should be properly stored to protect against dust, sunlight, heat, extreme cold, excessive moisture, and damaging chemicals.
- I. During the inspection, any discrepancy found should be cause for setting the unit aside until repair can be done by certified repair persons.
