Document evV38dK7dda2ooDyKQLnMgZpp

Federal Register / Vol. 51, No. 119 / Friday, June 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 are 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 standard, and the findings are relevant to prevent eye irritation. PEL. adequate protection will be to this asbestos standard (47 FR 51110 to The standard requires that the afforded and unnecessary costs 51119). employer clean, launder, or dispose of 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 - to be laundered, cleaned, or disposed of that contaminated clothing be stored in increased breathing resistance when be placed In a closable container. The closable containers prior to laundering negative-pressure respirators are used. standard also requires that protective or disposal so that contamination in the Additionally, heat stress, reduced clothing be maintained and replaced as change room is minimized and that ' f vision, and other safety problems presented by respirators should be considered by the employer. Visual needed in order to ensure effectiveness. The requirement to provide and ensure the use of personal protective employees who later handle the clothing are protected. The latter group are further protected by the requirement to impairment could pose a significant clothing when exposed to asbestos put'warning labels on the containers. '* ' - problem where physical hazards exist and the ability to see is important. Speech is also limited by respirator use. Voice transmission through a respirator can be difficult, annoying, and fatiguing, and communication may make the difference between a safe and efficient operation and a hazardous operation, especially in dangerous jobs. OSHA does not presently believe that respirators should be considered the primary means of employee health protection against exposure to asbestos for 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 generally met with approval by all participants to the rulemaking. Many commentere endorsed triggering this requirement at the PEL [Exs. 84-387, 864,90-173, 90-236, 328], There were other commenters that were strongly in favor of requiring the use of protective clothing below the PEL [Exs. 84-244. 90140,127). Other interested parties supported the requirement of furnishing 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 Since these containers are to be located in the change room, it is appropriate to limit the removal of contaminated clothing to that area. The final standard clarifies that the obligation is on the employer to provide personal protective clothing at no cost to the employee. In this way the employer is in the best position to provide the correct type of clothing and keep it in ' repair. Also, as the employer has perriiitted 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 control of emissions.using engineering the PEL of 0.2 f/cc. ft is necessary that the potentially harmful effects of and work practice controls which will protective clothing and foot coverings be exposure to asbestos. This provision is < '.A minimize the need for routine use of required to prevent contamination of the 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. trained to wear the respirator, to know the work day and workplace. Wearing 9. Paragraph (i). Hygiene facilities why the respirator ia needed, and to contaminated clothing outside the work . andpractices. understand the limitations of the area where exposure controls are This provision requires employers to ' respirator. An understanding.of the operating will lengthen the duration of provide hygiene facilities and to. assure hazards involved is necessary to enable exposure through both inhalation and employee compliance with basic the employee to take steps for his or her .ingestion routes. In addition, asbestos hygiene practices which are recognized own protection. The respiratory - will accumulate in 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 washing facilities, maintenance of respirators. 8. Paragraph (h). Protective work, diseases from exposure to asbestos clean rooms for changing clothes, and 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 as well as observe GLEASON-000945