Document 10vKMKyBO3xBOjbr5V9k6w9Qj

Federal Register / Vol..51, No. 119 / Friday, ]une 20,. 1986 / Rules and Regulations 22697 mask respirators. However, for full-face employee is exposed above the The proposal did not specify the negative pressure respirators QNFT is permissible exposure limit. Specifically, frequency with which work clothing required where protection factors up to the employer is to provide coveralls or must be provided. OSHA has 50 arc required.. Respirator fit testing other full body clothing, gloves, and foot determined that if clean work clothing is procedures were'subject to scrutiny coverings. The employer must also provided at least weekly to employees during the public rulemaking for the lead provide eye protection when necessary whose exposure levels are above the i standard, and the findings are relevant to prevent eye irritation. PEL, adequate protection will be I to this asbestos standard (47 FR 51110 to The standard requires that the 51119). employer clean, launder, or dispose of afforded and unnecessary costs minimized. From past experience, OSHA is aware the required protective clothing to The final standard provides that the of the problems of respirator use as the eliminate any potential exposure that employer ensure that all protective primary means of exposure control. might result were the clothing to be clothing is removed at the end of each Proper facial fit is essential, but laundered by the employee at home. work shift only in change rooms. variations in individual facial Furthermore, the standard provides that Furthermore, the standard emphasizes dimensions, as well as facial hair, scars the employer assure that all protective the need to assure that contaminated or growths, make it difficult to maintain clothing is removed at the end of each clothing is stored, cleaned/laundered, or this facial fit. Fatigue and reduced work shift, and that the clothing that is disposed of in a safe manner. It requires efficiency may occur because of increased breathing resistance when to be laundered, cleaned, or disposed of that contaminated clothing be stored in be placed In a closable container. The closable containers prior to laundering negative-pressure respirators are used. Additionally, heat stress, reduced standard also requires that protective clothing be maintained and replaced as or disposal so that contamination in the change room is minimized and that vision, and other safety problems needed in order to ensure effectiveness. employees who later handle the clothing presented by respirators should be The requirement to provide and are protected. The latter group are considered by the employer. Visual ensure the use of personal protective further protected by the requirement to impairment could pose a significant clothing when exposed to asbestos put warning labels oh the containers. problem where physical hazards exist generally met with approval by all Since these containers are to be located and the ability to see is important. participants to the rulemaking. Many in the change room, it is appropriate to Speech is also limited by respirator use. commenters endorsed triggering this limit the removal of contaminated Voice transmission through a respirator requirement at the PEL |Exs. 84-387, 86- clothing to that area. can be difficult, annoying, and fatiguing, 4,90-173, 90-238, 328], There were other The final standard clarifies that the and communication may make the commenters that were strongly in favor obligation is on the employer to provide difference between a safe and efficient of requiring the use of protective personal protective clothing at no cost to operation and a hazardous operation, especially in dangerous jobs. OSHA does not presently believe that clothing below the PEL [Exs. 84-244. 90140,127]. Other interested parties supported the requirement of furnishing the employee. In this way tbe employer is in the best position to provide the correct type of clothing and keep it in rfi V ' respirators should be considered the primary means of employee health protection against exposure to asbestos for1 activities where engineering controls are feasible. However, despite these problems-OSHA has concluded that if the permissible exposure level for asbestos is exceeded, employers must provide-respiratory protection as a supplementary means of protection. However, the goal of the standard is the control of emissions.using engineering and work practice controls which will minimize the need for routine use of and wearing of protective clothing when employee exposures exceed the ceiling . limit (Exs. 90-188, 90-174,90-180).. The. final standard makes a change from the current standard to respond to the comments, arid because OSHA believes a modification is appropriate in light of the evidence developed since 1971 that asbestos is a potent human carcinogen, Protective clothing is to be supplied to employees exposed above the PEL of 0.2 f/cc. It is necessary that protective clothing and foot coverings be required to prevent contamination of the ' repair. Also, as the employer has permitted exposures to exceed the permissible exposure limit the obligation properly rests on the employer. The cost of necessary clothing has been included in the various economic analyses performed. Finally, the standard requires the employer to inform those who handle the contaminated protective clothing of the potentially harmful effects of . exposure to asbestos. This provision is designed to.make clear the need to use respirators. employee's, street clothing and shoes, so proper care in handling of the The employee must be properly that exposure is not extended beyond contaminated protective clothing. tramed to wear the respirator, to know the work day and workplace. Wearing 9. Paragraph (i). Hygiene facilities why the respirator is needed, and to undersfand'the limitations of the respirator. An understanding of the hazards involved is necessary to enable the employee to take steps for his or her contaminated clothing outside the. work area where exposure controls are operating will lengthen the duration of exposure through both inhalation and . ingestion routes. In addition, asbestos andpractices. This provision requires employers to provide hygiene facilities and to. assure employee compliance with basic hygiene practices which are recognized own protection. The respiratory - will accumulate jn employee's cars and ' . industrial hygiene practices for protection program implemented by the homes exposing other family members minimizing additional sources of employer must conform to that set forth to the hazard. Evidence has shown that asbestos which can accumulate on a in paragraph (g)(3). That section family members of asbestos workers worker's clothes or body. As discussed contains basic requirements for proper . face a substantially increased risk of earlier, the employer must provide selection, fit. use, cleaning, and cancer and other asbestos-related adequate shower and wasliing facilities, maintenance of respirators. diseases from exposure to asbestos clean rooms for changing clothes, and 8. Paragraph (h). Protective work, carried home on work clothes [Ex. 146]. filtered air lunchrooms for employees clothing and equipment. At exposures lower than the PEL, OSHA who have exposure above the PEL In This paragraph requires the employer believes it is less likely that clothing will addition, employers must assure that to provide.and ensure that employees become significantly contaminated with employees use the facilities as required use protective clothing where the asbestos. by the standard us well as observe GLEASON-000945