Section 296-32-250. Tools and personal protective equipment—General.

(1) Personal protective equipment (PPE), protective devices and special tools needed for the work of employees shall be provided and the employer shall ensure that they are used by employees.

(a) Before each day's use the employer shall ensure that these personal protective devices, tools, and equipment are carefully inspected by a competent person to ascertain that they are in good condition.

(b) Tools found to be defective shall be taken out of service.

(c) PPE shall be provided at no cost to the employee.

(2) Head protection. Head protection meeting the requirements of ANSI Z89.2-1971, "Safety Requirements for Industrial Protective Helmets for Electrical Workers, Class B", must be provided whenever there is possible exposure to high voltage electrical contact. Employers must make sure that employees use the head protection.

(3) Eye protection. Protective eye and face equipment shall be required where there is a possibility of injury that can be prevented by such equipment. In such cases, employers shall make conveniently available a type of protector suitable for the work to be performed, and employees shall use such protectors.

Note:	See WAC 296-800-160 for additional personal protective equipment requirements.

(4) Tent heaters, torches and open flame. Open flames shall not be used within ground tents or on platforms within aerial tents unless:

(a) The tent covers are constructed of fire resistant materials, and

(b) Ventilation is provided to maintain safe oxygen levels and avoid harmful buildup of combustion products and combustible gases.

(5) Portable power equipment.

(a) All portable power equipment used in the telecommunications industry shall be grounded.

(b) Nominal 120V, or less, portable generators used for providing power at work locations do not require grounding if the output circuit is completely isolated from the frame of the unit.

(c) Grounding shall be omitted when using soldering irons, guns or wire-wrap tools on telecommunication circuits.

(6) Vehicle-mounted utility generators. Vehicle-mounted utility generators used for providing nominal 240V AC or less for powering portable tools and equipment need not be grounded to earth if all of the following conditions are met:

(a) One side of the voltage source is solidly strapped to the metallic structure of the vehicle;

(b) Grounding-type outlets are used, with a "grounding" conductor between the outlet grounding terminal and the side of the voltage source that is strapped to the vehicle;

(c) All metallic encased tools and equipment that are powered from this system are equipped with three-wire cords and grounding-type attachment plugs, except as designated in subsection (7) of this section.

(7) Portable lights, tools and appliances. When operated from commercial power such metal parts of these devices shall be grounded, unless these tools or appliances are protected by a system of double insulation, or its equivalent. Where such a system is employed, the equipment shall be distinctively marked to indicate double insulation.

(8) Lead work. When operated from commercial power the metal housing of electric solder pots shall be grounded. Electric solder pots may be used with the power equipment described in this subsection, without a grounding conductor.

The employer shall ensure that wiping gloves or cloths and eye protection are used in lead wiping operations. A drip pan to catch hot lead drippings shall also be provided and used.

(9) Fire extinguishers.

(a) Fire extinguishers shall be provided for the protection of both the building structure and the occupancy hazards contained therein.

(b) Employees shall be familiar with the location and operation of fire extinguishers.

(c) Any fire extinguishers showing defects shall be removed from service.

(d) Fire extinguishers shall be thoroughly examined and/or recharged or repaired to insure operability and safety once every year.

(e) Each fire extinguisher shall have a durable tag securely attached to show the maintenance or recharge date and the initials or signature of the person performing this service.

Note:	For additional requirements relating to portable fire extinguishers see WAC 296-800-300.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, 49.17.040, 49.17.050, 49.17.060. WSR 09-05-071, § 296-32-250, filed 2/17/09, effective 4/1/09. Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, [49.17].040, [49.17].050. WSR 02-12-098, § 296-32-250, filed 6/5/02, effective 8/1/02; WSR 01-23-060, § 296-32-250, filed 11/20/01, effective 12/1/01; WSR 01-11-038, § 296-32-250, filed 5/9/01, effective 9/1/01. Statutory Authority: Chapter 49.17 RCW. WSR 94-20-057 (Order 94-16), § 296-32-250, filed 9/30/94, effective 11/20/94. Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.040 and 49.17.050. WSR 82-13-045 (Order 82-22), § 296-32-250, filed 6/11/82; Order 76-38, § 296-32-250, filed 12/30/76; Order 75-41, § 296-32-250, filed 12/19/75.]

RCW 49.17.010, 49.17.040, 49.17.050, 49.17.060. WSR 09-05-071, § 296-32-250, filed 2/17/09, effective 4/1/09. Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, [49.17].040, [49.17].050. WSR 02-12-098, § 296-32-250, filed 6/5/02, effective 8/1/02; WSR 01-23-060, § 296-32-250, filed 11/20/01, effective 12/1/01; WSR 01-11-038, § 296-32-250, filed 5/9/01, effective 9/1/01. Statutory Authority: Chapter 49.17 RCW. WSR 94-20-057 (Order 94-16), § 296-32-250, filed 9/30/94, effective 11/20/94. Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.040 and 49.17.050. WSR 82-13-045 (Order 82-22), § 296-32-250, filed 6/11/82; Order 76-38, § 296-32-250, filed 12/30/76; Order 75-41, § 296-32-250, filed 12/19/75.

Rules

296-800-160,296-800-300,