WAC 296-304-080 Tools and related equipment-Scope and application. 

All sections of this chapter which include WAC 296-304-080 in the section number apply to tools and related equipment.

[Order 74-25, § 296-304-080, filed 5/7/74.]

WAC 296-304-08001 General precautions.

(1) Hand lines, slings, tackles of adequate strength, or carriers such as tool bags with shoulder straps shall be provided and used to handle tools, materials, and equipment so that employees will have their hands free when using ship's ladders and access ladders. The use of hose or electric cords for this purpose is prohibited.

(2) When air tools of the reciprocating type are not in use, the discs and tools shall be removed.

(3) All portable, power-driven circular saws shall be equipped with guards above and below the base plate or shoe. The upper guard shall cover the saw to the depth of the teeth, except for the minimum arc required to permit the base to be tilted for bevel cuts. The lower guard shall cover the saw to the depth of the teeth, except for the minimum arc required to allow proper retraction and contact with the work. When the tool is withdrawn from the work, the lower guard shall automatically and instantly return to the covering position.

(4) The moving parts of machinery on dry docks shall be guarded.

(5) Before use, pneumatic tools shall be secured to the extension hose or whip by some positive means to prevent the tool from becoming accidentally disconnected from the whip.

(6) The moving parts of drive mechanisms, such as gearing and belting on large portable tools, shall be adequately guarded.

(7) Headers, manifolds, and widely spaced hose connections on compressed air lines shall bear the word “air” in letters at least 1 inch high, which shall be painted either on the manifolds or separate hose connections, or on signs permanently attached to the manifolds or connections. Grouped air connections may be marked in one location.

(8) Before use, compressed air hose shall be examined. Visibly damaged and unsafe hose shall not be used.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, 49.17.040, 49.17.050, and 49.17.060. 03-04-099 (Order 02-31), § 296-304-08001, filed 02/04/03, effective 08/01/03. Order 76-7, § 296-304-08001, filed 3/1/76; Order 74-25, § 296-304-08001, filed 5/7/74.]

WAC 296-304-08003 Portable electric tools.

(1) The frames of portable electric tools and appliances, except double insulated tools approved by Underwriters' Laboratories, shall be grounded either through a third wire in the cable containing the circuit conductors or through a separate wire which is grounded at the source of the current.

(2) Grounding circuits, other than by means of the structure of the vessel on which the tool is being used, shall be checked to ensure that the circuit between the ground and the grounded power conductor has resistance which is low enough to permit sufficient current to flow to cause the fuse or circuit breaker to interrupt the current.

(3) Portable electric tools which are held in the hand shall be equipped with switches of a type which must be manually held in the closed position.

(4) Worn or frayed electric cables shall not be used.

(5) The employer shall notify the officer in charge of the vessel before using electric power tools operated with the vessel's current. 

[Order 74-25, § 296-304-08003, filed 5/7/74.]

WAC 296-304-08005 Hand tools.

(1) Employers shall not issue or permit the use of unsafe hand tools.

(2) Wrenches, including crescent, pipe, end and socket wrenches, shall not be used when jaws are sprung to the point that slippage occurs.

(3) Impact tools, such as drift pins, wedges, and chisels, shall be kept free of mushroomed heads.

(4) The wooden handles of tools shall be kept free of splinters or cracks and shall be kept tight in the tool.

[Order 74-25, § 296-304-08005, filed 5/7/74.]

WAC 296-304-08007 Abrasive wheels.

(1) Floor stand and bench mounted abrasive wheels used for external grinding shall be provided with safety guards (protection hoods). The maximum angular exposure of the grinding wheel periphery and sides shall be not more than 90 degrees, except that when work requires contact with the wheel below the horizontal plane of the spindle, the angular exposure shall not exceed 125 degrees. In either case the exposure shall begin not more than 65 degrees above the horizontal plane of the spindle. Safety guards shall be strong enough to withstand the effect of a bursting wheel.

(2) Floor and bench mounted grinders shall be provided with work rests which are rigidly supported and readily adjustable. Such work rests shall be kept a distance not to exceed 1/8 inch from the surface of the wheel.

(3) Cup type wheels use for external grinding shall be protected by either a revolving cup guard or a band type guard in accordance with the provisions of the United States of American Standard Safety Code for the Use, Care, and Protection of Abrasive Wheels, B7.1.1970. All other portable abrasive wheels used for external grinding shall be provided with safety guards (protection hoods) meeting the requirements of (5) of this section, except as follows:

(a) When the work location makes it impossible, in which case a wheel equipped with safety flanges as described in (6) of this section shall be used.

(b) When wheels 2 inches or less in diameter which are securely mounted on the end of a steel mandrel are used.

(4) Portable abrasive wheels used for internal grinding shall be provided with safety flanges (protection flanges) meeting the requirements of (6) of this section, except as follows:

(a) When wheels 2 inches or less in diameter which are securely mounted on the end of a steel mandrel are used.

(b) If the wheel is entirely within the work being ground while in use.

(5) When safety guards are required, they shall be so mounted as to maintain proper alignment with the wheel, and the guard and its fastenings shall be of sufficient strength to retain fragments of the wheel in case of accidental breakage. The maximum angular exposure of the grinding wheel periphery and sides shall not exceed 180 degrees.

(6) When safety flanges are required, they shall be used only with wheels designed to fit the flanges. Only safety flanges of a type and design and properly assembled so as to insure that the pieces of the wheel will be retained in case of accidental breakage shall be used.

(7) All abrasive wheels shall be closely inspected and ring tested before mounting to ensure that they are free from cracks or defects.

(8) Grinding wheels shall fit freely on the spindle and shall not be forced on. The spindle nut shall be tightened only enough to hold the wheel in place.

(9) The power supply shall be sufficient to maintain the rated spindle speed under all conditions of normal grinding. The rated maximum speed of the wheel shall not be exceeded.

(10) The employer must ensure that all employees using abrasive wheels are protected by eye protection equipment that meets the requirements of WAC 296-304-09005 (1) and (2), except when adequate eye protection is provided by eye shields permanently attached to the bench or floor stand.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.040, 49.17.050, 49.17.060; 98-02-006 (Order 96-18), § 296-304-08007, filed 12/26/97, effective 3/1/98; Order 74-25, § 296-304-08007, filed 5/7/74.]

WAC 296-304-08009 Powder-actuated fastening tools.

(1) The employer must ensure powder-actuated fastening tools are used, designed, constructed, and maintained according to the requirements of 296-807-150, Powder actuated fastening systems.

(2) The employer must ensure that employees using powder-actuated fastening tools are protected by personal protective equipment that meets the requirements of WAC 296-304-09005 (1) and (2). The employer must also meet the requiements of chapter 296-817 WAC, Hearing loss prevention (noise).

[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, .040, .050, and .060. 07-03-163 (Order 06-30), § 296-304-08009, filed 01/24/07, effective 04/01/07. Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, .040, .050, and .060. 03-11-060 (Order 02-16), § 296-304-08009, filed 05/19/03, effective 08/01/03. Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.040, 49.17.050, 49.17.060; 98-02-006 (Order 96-18), § 296-304-08009, filed 12/26/97, effective 3/1/98; Statutory Authority: Chapter 49.17 RCW; 95-04-006, § 296-304-08009, filed 1/18/95, effective 3/10/95; Order 76-7, § 296-304-08009, filed 3/1/76; Order 74-25, § 296-304-08009, filed 5/7/74; Order 74-25, filed 5/7/74.]

WAC 296-304-08011 Internal combustion engines, other than ship's equipment.

(1) When internal combustion engines, furnished by the employer are used in a fixed position below decks, for such purposes as driving pumps, generators, and blowers, the exhaust shall be led to the open air, clear of any ventilation intakes and openings through which it might enter the vessel

(2) All exhaust line joints and connections shall be checked for tightness immediately upon starting the engine, and any leaks shall be corrected at once.

(3) When internal combustion engines on vehicles, such as forklifts and mobile cranes, or on portable equipment such as fans, generators, and pumps exhaust into the atmosphere below decks, the competent person shall make tests of the carbon monoxide content of the atmosphere as frequently as conditions require to ensure that dangerous concentrations do not develop. Employees shall be removed from the compartment involved when the carbon monoxide concentration exceeds 50 parts per million (0.005%). The employer shall use blowers sufficient in size and number and so arranged as to maintain the concentration below this allowable limit before work is resumed.

[Order 74-25, § 296-304-08011, filed 5/7/74.]

WAC 296-304-090 Personal protective equipment (PPE)-General requirements. 

The employer must provide and ensure that each affected employee uses the appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) for the eyes, face, head, extremities, torso, and respiratory system, including protective clothing, protective shields, hearing protection, protective barriers, personal fall protection equipment, and life saving equipment, wherever the employee is exposed to hazards that require the use of PPE. The employer must furnish the personal protective equipment at no cost to employees if:

• The intended purpose is to protect against hazardous materials (the PPE may be contaminated by hazardous materials in the course of employment); or

• The PPE is of such a nature that it would not reasonably be worn outside the worksite.

The provision of personal protective equipment which may reasonably be worn outside of the workplace is subject to labor-management negotiations, but the employer must ensure that exposed employees are wearing the appropriate PPE.

Examples of PPE that must be provided at no cost to employees include but are not limited to:

• Boots worn to protect against chemicals;

• Nonprescription protective eye wear;

• Goggles to fit over prescription eye wear;

• Metatarsal protection;

• Full body harnesses and lanyards.

Examples of PPE that provision is subject to labor-management negotiation include but are not limited to:

• Leather boots with or without steel toes;

• Coats to protect against inclement weather;

Prescription protective eye wear (except as part of a full facepiece or hooded respirator).

[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.040, 49.17.050, 49.17.060; 98-02-006 (Order 96-18), § 296-304-090, filed 12/26/97, effective 3/1/98; Order 74-25, § 296-304-090, filed 5/7/74; Order 76-7, filed 3/1/76.]

WAC 296-304-09001 Hazard assessment and equipment selection.

(1) The employer must assess its work activity to determine if hazards that require the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) are present, or are likely to be present.

(a) If such hazards are present, or likely to be present, the employer must:

(i) Select, and require each affected employee to use, PPE that will protect the employee from the hazards identified in the hazard assessment;

(ii) Inform the affected employee what types of PPE to use;

(iii) Select PPE that properly fits the affected employee; and

(iv) Verify that the hazard assessment has been performed through a document that contains the following information:

• Work activity evaluated;

• Occupation;

• Date(s) of the hazard assessment; and

• The name of the person performing the hazard assessment.

Note: A hazard assessment conducted according to the trade or occupation of affected employees will be considered to comply with this requirement if it addresses all PPE - related hazards to which employees are exposed in the course of their work activities.

(2) The employer must ensure that employees do not use defective or damaged PPE.

(3) The employer must ensure that all unsanitary PPE, including all previously used PPE, is cleaned and disinfected before it is reissued.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.040, 49.17.050, 49.17.060; 98-02-006 (Order 96-18), § 296-304-09001, filed 12/26/97, effective 3/1/98; Order 76-7, § 296-304-09001, filed 3/1/76; Order 74-25, § 296-304-09001, filed 5/7/74; Order 93-04, filed 9/22/93, effective 11/1/93.]

WAC 296-304-09003 Training. 

The employer must provide training to each employee for whom PPE is required by this section.

(1) Each employee whose work activities require the use of PPE must be trained to know at least the following:

(a) When PPE is necessary;

(b) What PPE is necessary;

(c) How to properly put on, take off, adjust, and wear PPE;

(d) The limitations of the PPE; and

(e) The proper care, maintenance, useful life and disposal of the PPE.

(2) The employer must ensure that each affected employee demonstrates the ability to use PPE properly before being allowed to perform work where its use is required.

(3) The employer must retrain any employee who does not understand or display the skills required by subsection (2) of this section. Circumstances where retraining is required include, but are not limited to, situations where:

(a) Changes in occupation or work make previous training obsolete; or

(b) Changes in the types of PPE to be used make previous training obsolete; or

(c) Inadequacies in an affected employee's knowledge or use of assigned PPE indicate that the employee has not retained the understanding or skill.

(4) The employer must verify that each affected employee has received the required training through a document that contains the following information:

• Name of each employee trained;

• Date(s) of training; and

• Type of training the employee received.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.040, 49.17.050, 49.17.060; 98-02-006 (Order 96-18), § 296-304-09003, filed 12/26/97, effective 3/1/98; Statutory Authority: Chapter 49.17 RCW; 93-19-142 (Order 93-04), § 296-304-09003, filed 9/22/93, effective 11/1/93. Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.040 and 49.17.050. 83-24-013 (Order 83-34), § 296-304-09003, filed 11/30/83; Order 74-25, § 296-304-09003, filed 5/7/74; Order 74-25, filed 5/7/74.]

WAC 296-304-09005 Eye and face protection.

(1) The employer must provide each affected employee with eye and face protection according to the following requirements:

(a) Each affected employee must use appropriate eye or face protection when exposed to eye or face hazards caused by flying particles, molten metal, liquid chemicals, acid or caustic liquids, chemical gases or vapors, or potentially injurious light radiation.

(b) Each affected employee must use eye or face protection that provides side protection when there is a hazard from flying objects. A detachable side protector (e.g., a clip-on or slide-on side shield) that meets the requirements of this section is acceptable.

(c) Each affected employee who wears prescription lenses must:

• Use eye protection that incorporates the prescription in its design; or

• Be protected by eye protection that can be worn over prescription lenses without disturbing the proper position of either the PPE or the prescription lenses.

(d) Each affected employee must use equipment with filter lenses of a shade that provides appropriate protection from injurious light radiation. Tables I-1A and I-1B lists the appropriate shade numbers for various operations. If filter lenses are used in goggles worn under a helmet with a lens, the shade number of the lens in the helmet may be reduced so that the shade numbers of the two lenses will equal the value shown in the Tables I-1A and I-1B.

(2) The employer must ensure that all protective eye and face devices meet the following criteria:

(a) Protective eye and face devices purchased after February 20, 1995, comply with the American National Standards Institute, ANSI Z87.1-1989, “Practice for Occupational and Educational Eye and Face Protection,” or the employer demonstrates that the devices are equally effective.

(b) Eye and face protective devices purchased before February 20, 1995, comply with “American National Standard Practice for Occupational and Educational Eye and Face Protection, Z87.1-1979,” or the employer demonstrates that the devices are equally effective.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.040, 49.17.050, 49.17.060; 98-02-006 (Order 96-18) § 296-304-09005, filed 12/26/97, effective 3/1/98; Statutory Authority: Chapter 49.17 RCW.; Order 74-25, § 296-304-09005, filed 5/7/74.]

WAC 296-304-09007 Respiratory protection. 

The employer must provide respiratory protection that meets the requirements of chapter 296-842 WAC, Respirators.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, .040, .050, and .060. 05-03-093 (Order 04-41), § 296-304-09007, filed 01/18/05, effective 03/01/05. Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.040, 49.17.050, 49.17.060; 98-02-006 (Order 96-18), § 296-304-09007, filed 12/26/97, effective 3/1/98; Order 76-7, § 296-304-09007, filed 3/1/76; Order 74-25, § 296-304-09007, filed 5/7/74.]

WAC 296-304-09009 Hearing protection. 

The employer must meet the requirements of chapter 296-817 WAC, Hearing loss prevention (noise).

[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, .040, .050, and .060. 03-11-060 (Order 02-16), § 296-304-09009, filed 05/19/03, effective 08/01/03. Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.040, 49.17.050, 49.17.060; 98-02-006 (Order 96-18), § 296-304-09009, filed 12/26/97, effective 3/1/98.]

WAC 296-304-09011 Head protection.

(1) The employer must provide each affected employee with head protection according to the following requirements:

(a) Each affected employee wears a protective helmet when working in areas where there is a potential for injury to the head.

(b) Each affected employee wears a protective helmet designed to reduce electrical shock hazards where there is potential for electric shock or burns from contact with exposed electrical conductors that could contact the head.

(2) The employer must ensure that all protective helmets meet the following criteria:

(a) Protective helmets purchased before February 20, 1995, comply with the “American National Standard Safety Requirements for Industrial Head Protection, Z89.1-1969,” or the employer demonstrates that they are equally effective.

(b) Protective helmets purchased after February 20, 1995, comply with ANSI Z89.1-1986, “Personnel Protection--Protective Headwear for Industrial Workers-Requirements,” or the employer demonstrates that they are equally effective.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.040, 49.17.050, 49.17.060; 98-02-006 (Order 96-18), § 296-304-09011, filed 12/26/97, effective 3/1/98.]

WAC 296-304-09013 Foot protection.

(1) The employer must ensure that each affected employee wears protective footwear when working in areas where:

• There is a danger of foot injuries from falling or rolling objects;

• There is a danger of foot injuries from objects piercing the sole; or

• Where an employee's feet are exposed to electrical hazards.

(2) The employer must ensure that all protective footwear meets the following criteria:

(a) Protective footwear purchased before February 20, 1995, complies with the ANSI standard “USA Standard for Men's Safety-Toe Footwear,” ANSI Z41-1983, or the employer demonstrates that footwear is equally effective.

(b) Protective footwear purchased after February 20, 1995, complies with ANSI Z41-1991, “American National Standard for Personal Protection--Protective Footwear,” or the employer demonstrates that footwear is equally effective.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.040, 49.17.050, 49.17.060; 98-02-006 (Order 96-18), § 296-304-09013, filed 12/26/97, effective 3/1/98.]

WAC 296-304-09015 Hand and body protection. 

The employer must ensure that each affected employee uses appropriate hand protection and other protective clothing where there is exposure to hazards such as:

• Skin absorption of harmful substances;

• Severe cuts or lacerations;

• Severe abrasions;

• Punctures;

• Chemical burns;

• Thermal burns;

• Harmful temperature extremes; and

• Sharp objects.

(1) Hot work operations. The employer must ensure that an employee's clothing is free from flammable or combustible materials (such as grease or oil) while engaged in hot work operations or working near an ignition or oxygen source.

(2) Electrical protective devices. The employer must ensure that each affected employee wears protective electrical insulating gloves and sleeves or other electrical protective equipment, if that employee is exposed to electrical shock hazards while working on electrical equipment.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.040, 49.17.050, 49.17.060; 98-02-006 (Order 96-18), § 296-304-09015, filed 12/26/97, effective 3/1/98.]

WAC 296-304-09017 Lifesaving equipment.

(1) Personal flotation devices (PFD).

• You must provide your employees with PFDs approved by the United States Coast Guard for use on commercial or merchant vessels. The following are appropriate or allowable United States Coast Guard approved PFDs.

Note:
· Commercially available PFDs are marked or imprinted with the Type of PFD.
· Type IV PFDs are throwable devices. They are used to aid persons who have fallen into the water.
· The requirements for USCG approval are in 46 CFR Part 160, Coast Guard Lifesaving Equipment Specifications.

The employer must ensure that each personal flotation device is inspected before use for dry rot, chemical damage, or other defects that may affect its strength and buoyancy. Defective personal floatation devices shall not be used.

(2) Ring life buoys and ladders.

(a) The employer must ensure that when work is performed on a floating vessel 200 feet (61 m) or more in length, at least three 30-inch (0.76 m) U.S. Coast Guard approved ring life buoys with lines attached are located in readily visible and accessible places. Ring life buoys must be located one forward, one aft, and one at the access to the gangway.

(b) On floating vessels under 200 feet (61 m) in length, at least one 30-inch (0.76 m) U.S. Coast Guard approved ring life buoy with line attached must be located at the gangway.

(c) At least one 30-inch (0.76 m) U.S. Coast Guard approved ring life buoy with a line attached must be located on each staging alongside of a floating vessel on which work is performed.

(d) At least 90 feet (27.43 m) of line must be attached to each ring life buoy.

(e) There must be at least one portable or permanent ladder near each floating vessel on which work is performed. The ladder must be long enough to help an employee reach safety in the event of a fall into the water.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, 49.17.040, 49.17.050, and 49.17.060. 03-04-099 (Order 02-31), § 296-304-09017, filed 02/04/03, effective 08/01/03. Statutory Authority: 98-02-006 (Order 96-18) § 296-304-09017, filed 12/26/97, effective 3/1/98.]

WAC 296-304 Continued