Fire departments that use protective body armor must comply
with the following:
(1) If the
employer's PPE assessment required by WAC
296-800-16005
documents a need for body armor, the employer must provide the necessary
equipment and ensure that:
(a) The body armor
fits properly;
(b) Employees are
trained in the use and limitations of the body armor; and
(c) The body armor is worn when necessary.
|
Note:
|
Employees may exceed the minimum requirements for
body armor if they choose.
|
(2) The fire department must develop and have
in place written guidelines for the care, use and maintenance of the protective
body armor in conjunction with the manufacturer's recommendations.
(3) All protective body armor purchased prior
to the effective date of this standard must meet or exceed the April 1987
edition of National Institute of Justice NIJ 0101.03, threat level II
requirements, or be demonstrated by the employer to be equally effective. All
protective body armor purchased after the effective date of this standard must
meet either the September 2000 edition of NIJ 0101.04, threat level II
requirements or the June 2001 revision, NIJ 0101.04A. All body armor made of
decertified materials as outlined in the 2005 edition of NIJ 0101.05 should be
removed from service as soon as replacement body armor is available.
(4) Body armor must be correctly fitted
following the manufacturer's recommendations and must not be used beyond the
manufacturer's warranty.
|
Note:
|
DOSH Directive 5.09, Body Armor as Personal Protective
Equipment, can provide additional guidance regarding selection of body
armor.
|
Notes
Wash. Admin. Code
§
296-305-02012
Amended by
WSR
18-22-116, Filed 11/6/2018, effective
12/7/2018
Statutory Authority:
RCW
49.17.010,
49.17.040,
49.17.050,
49.17.060 and 29 C.F.R. 1910.156,
Fire brigades. 13-05-070, § 296-305-02012, filed 2/19/13, effective
1/1/14.
