Wash. Admin. Code § 296-855-20020 - Exposure control areas

(1) You must establish temporary or permanent exposure control areas where airborne concentrations of ethylene oxide (EtO) exceed or could exceed the permissible exposure limits (PELs) by doing all the following:

(a) Clearly identify the boundaries of exposure control areas in any way that minimizes employee access.

(b) Post signs at access points to exposure control areas that:

(i) Are easy to read (for example, they are kept clean and well lit); and

(ii) Include this warning:

DANGER ETHYLENE OXIDE MAY CAUSE CANCER MAY DAMAGE FERTILITY OR THE UNBORN CHILD RESPIRATORY PROTECTION AND PROTECTIVE CLOTHING MAY BE REQUIRED IN THIS AREA AUTHORIZED PERSONNEL ONLY

(2) You must keep signs and areas near them free of statements that contradict or detract from their message.

Note:

* This requirement does not prevent you from posting other signs.

(3) You must allow only authorized personnel to enter exposure control areas.

Note:

1. When identifying the boundaries of exposure control areas you should consider factors such as: a. The level and duration of airborne exposure. b. Whether the area is permanent or temporary. c. The number of employees in adjacent areas. 2. You may use permanent or temporary enclosures, caution tape, ropes, painted lines on surfaces, or other materials to visibly distinguish exposure control areas or separate them from the rest of the workplace.

(4) You must make sure employees entering exposure control areas have appropriate respirators available for use.

(5) You must prevent all of the following activities from occurring in exposure control areas:

(a) Eating food.

(b) Drinking beverages.

(c) Smoking.

(d) Chewing tobacco or gum.

(e) Applying cosmetics.

(f) Storing food, beverages, or cosmetics.

Notes

Wash. Admin. Code § 296-855-20020

Amended by WSR 14-07-086, filed 3/18/14, effective 5/1/2014 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. 05-17-168, § 296-855-20020, filed 8/23/05, effective 1/1/06.