Fire departments that use protective body armor must comply with the following:

1. (1) If the employer's PPE assessment required by WAC 296-800-16005 documents a need for body armor, the employer must provide the necessary equipment and ensure that:

   1. (a) The body armor fits properly;
   2. (b) Employees are trained in the use and limitations of the body armor; and

   3. (c) The body armor is worn when necessary.

      Note:

      Employees may exceed the minimum requirements for body armor if they choose.

2. (2) The fire department must develop and have in place written guidelines for the care, use and maintenance of the protective body armor in conjunction with the manufacturer's recommendations.
3. (3) All protective body armor purchased prior to the effective date of this standard must meet or exceed the April 1987 edition of National Institute of Justice NIJ 0101.03, threat level II requirements, or be demonstrated by the employer to be equally effective. All protective body armor purchased after the effective date of this standard must meet either the September 2000 edition of NIJ 0101.04, threat level II requirements or the June 2001 revision, NIJ 0101.04A. All body armor made of decertified materials as outlined in the 2005 edition of NIJ 0101.05 should be removed from service as soon as replacement body armor is available.

4. (4) Body armor must be correctly fitted following the manufacturer's recommendations and must not be used beyond the manufacturer's warranty.

   Note:

   DOSH Directive 5.09, Body Armor as Personal Protective Equipment, can provide additional guidance regarding selection of body armor.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, 49.17.040, 49.17.050, and 49.17.060. WSR 18-22-116, § 296-305-02012, filed 11/6/18, effective 12/7/18. Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, 49.17.040, 49.17.050, 49.17.060 and 29 C.F.R. 1910.156, Fire brigades. WSR 13-05-070, § 296-305-02012, filed 2/19/13, effective 1/1/14.]