| Respiratory Protection Standard Chapter 296-62 Part E |  | |
(A Summary of Key Differences with OSHA's 1910.134)
Scope
- Agricultural respiratory hazards and tuberculosis respiratory hazards will continue to be covered by the revised Part E.
- Public sector firefighter’s use of respirators will continue to be covered as referenced in WAC 296-305.
Definitions
- Kept some WISHA specific definitions (e.g., APF, Helmet).
Respirator Program
- Kept SOP requirement for non-routine tasks since OSHA only mentions SOPs for routine and emergency tasks. This helps make it clear that infrequent tasks (i.e., cleaning out a bag filter system, etc.) are clearly addressed.
- Cost responsibility for employer- or standard-required use is clarified to include wages and travel expenses. This is consistent with OSHA’s enforcement policy.
Selection
- Kept and updated APF table based on ANSI Z88.2-1992 as indicated by employer survey results (April 1998). These values will be applied until OSHA completes its rule making on this issue.
- Kept requirement for an analysis of emergency and rescue uses of respirator since it clarifies what criteria must be followed.
Medical Evaluation
- Added verbiage that emphasizes a questionnaire-initiated approach, making it clearer that exams are not a necessary first step in the process.
- Included an overview of how a questionnaire-initiated process works for clarification purposes.
- Added verbiage emphasizing that employers cannot review an employee's completed questionnaire.
- Added allowance for portability of medical evaluations if the current employer can show that the respirator, types of work and use parameters are substantially similar to those of a previous employer. The current employer assumes any follow-up responsibilities indicated by a previous medical evaluation. This is consistent with OSHA’s enforcement policy.
- Excluded loose-fitting (e.g., ELSAs) and mouthpiece, escape-only respirators from medical evaluations. This is consistent with OSHA enforcement policy.
Fit-Testing
- Added allowance for portability of fit-testing if the employer is provided with written documentation of a current fit-test and all other fit-testing requirements are considered (such as the QL-fit-test restriction mentioned above, and other triggers for additional fit-tests). This is consistent with OSHA’s enforcement policy.
Use of Respirators
- Clarified when a single standby is permitted in general IDLH situations. The focus is on a well characterized IDLH where the employer can show that one employee can handle all standby requirements for communication and rescue initiation. The criteria selected are based on OSHA’s rationale presented in the preamble to its final rule (1910.134).
- Kept allowance for employees to leave respirator use area if severe discomfort or symptoms of illness are experienced.
- Moved "2-in/2-out" requirement for interior structural firefighting to the Fire Brigade Standard.
Maintenance and Care
- Kept requirement to provide an adequate number of emergency respirators for each work area.
ID of Filters, Cartridges and Canisters
- Kept old table for informational purposes at the request of the advisory committee.
Training and Information
- Kept requirement for supervisors and persons issuing respirators to be trained.
Program Evaluation
- Kept requirement for periodic supervisory monitoring of respirator use.
Recordkeeping
- Kept training records requirement.
