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Washington Administrative Code (Last Updated: November 23, 2016) |
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Title 296. Labor and Industries, Department of |
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Chapter 296-856. Formaldehyde. |
Section 296-856-500. Definitions.
Latest version.
- Action levelAn airborne concentration of formaldehyde of 0.5 parts per million of air calculated as an 8-hour time-weighted average.Authorized personnelIndividuals specifically permitted by the employer to enter the exposure control area to perform duties, or to observe employee exposure evaluations as a designated representative.Breathing zoneThe space around and in front of an employee's nose and mouth, forming a hemisphere with a six- to nine-inch radius.CAS (chemical abstract service) numberCAS numbers are internationally recognized and used on safety data sheets (SDSs) and other documents to identify substances. For more information see http://www.cas.orgCanister or cartridge (air-purifying)Part of an air-purifying respirator that consists of a container holding materials such as fiber, treated charcoal, or a combination of the two, that removes contaminants from the air passing through the cartridge or canister.ContainerAny container, except for pipes or piping systems that contains formaldehyde. It can be any of the following:• Barrel.• Bottle.• Can.• Cylinder.• Drum.• Reaction vessel.• Shipping containers.• Storage tank.Designated representativeAny one of the following:• Any individual or organization to which an employee gives written authorization.• A recognized or certified collective bargaining agent without regard to written employee authorization.• The legal representative of a deceased or legally incapacitated employee.EmergencyAny event that could or does result in the unexpected significant release of formaldehyde. Examples of emergencies include equipment failure, container rupture, or control equipment failure.ExposureThe contact an employee has with formaldehyde, whether or not protection is provided by respirators or other personal protective equipment (PPE). Exposure can occur through various routes of entry such as inhalation, ingestion, skin contact, or skin absorption.FormaldehydeAn organic chemical with the formula of HCHO, represented by the chemical abstract service (CAS) registry number 50-00-0. Examples of primary uses of formaldehyde and its solutions are as follows:• An intermediate in the production of:- Resins.- Industrial chemicals.• A bactericide or fungicide.• A preservative.• A component in the manufacture of end-use consumer items such as cosmetics, shampoos, and glues.Licensed health care professional (LHCP)An individual whose legally permitted scope of practice allows him or her to provide some or all of the health care services required for medical evaluations.Permissible exposure limits (PELs)PELs are employee exposures to toxic substances or harmful physical agents that must not be exceeded. PELs are also specified in WISHA rules found in other chapters. The PEL for formaldehyde is an 8-hour time-weighted average (TWA8) of 0.75 parts per million (ppm) and a 15-minute short-term exposure limit of 2 ppm.Short-term exposure limit (STEL)An exposure limit averaged over a 15-minute period that must not be exceeded during an employee's workday.Time-weighted average (TWA8)An exposure limit averaged over an 8-hour period that must not be exceeded during an employee's workday.Uncontrolled releaseA release where significant safety and health risks could be created. Releases of hazardous substances that are either incidental or could not create a safety or health hazard (i.e., fire, explosion, or chemical exposure) are not considered to be uncontrolled releases.Examples of conditions that could create a significant safety and health risk are:• Large-quantity releases.• Small releases that could be highly toxic.• Potentially contaminated individuals arriving at hospitals.• Airborne exposures that could exceed a WISHA permissible exposure limit or a published exposure limit and employees are not adequately trained or equipped to control the release.