(1) You must make a determination as to
whether a hazardous atmosphere is present whenever cargo in a space is or has
been stowed, handled, or treated with a fumigant, pesticide, insecticide, or
hazardous preservative. Only employees protected as required in subsection (5)
of this section shall enter the space if it is hazardous.
(2) You must make sure tests to determine the
atmospheric concentration of chemicals used to treat cargo are:
(a) Appropriate for the hazard
involved;
(b) Conducted by
designated persons; and
(c)
Performed at the intervals necessary to ensure that employee exposure does not
exceed the permissible exposure limit for the chemical involved, see chapters
296-62 and
296-841 WAC.
(3) You must make available any test results
for at least thirty days.
(4) You
must make sure chemicals are only applied to cargoes by designated
persons.
(5) You must make sure
only designated persons enter hazardous atmospheres. Whenever a hazardous
atmosphere is entered the following provisions apply:
(a) Persons entering a space containing a
hazardous atmosphere must be protected by respiratory and emergency protective
equipment meeting the requirements of part G of this standard; and
(b) Persons entering a space containing a
hazardous atmosphere must be instructed in the nature of the hazard,
precautions to be taken, and the use of protective and emergency equipment.
Standby observers, similarly equipped and instructed, must continuously monitor
the activity of employees within such a space.
(6) You must clearly post signs where
fumigants, pesticides or hazardous preservatives have created a hazardous
atmosphere. These signs must note the danger, identify specific chemical
hazards, and give appropriate information and precautions, including
instructions for the emergency treatment of employees affected by any chemical
in use.
(7) You must aerate the
contents of a container by opening the container doors for a period of
forty-eight hours after the completion of fumigation and prior to loading in
the case of containerized shipments of fumigated tobacco. When tobacco is
within shipping cases having polyethylene or similar bag liners, the aeration
period must be seventy-two hours. You must obtain a written warranty from the
fumigation facility stating that the appropriate aeration period has been
met.
