IMPORTANT:

This section applies to employees who voluntarily use respirators only when maintenance is necessary to prevent the respirator from creating a hazard. See WAC 296-842-11005 for voluntary use requirements.

1. (1) Make sure respirators are kept, at no cost to the employee, clean, sanitary and in good working order.

2. (2) Clean and disinfect respirators as often as specified in Table 8 of this section.

   Note:	1. Use required cleaning and disinfecting procedures in WAC 296-842-22015, or the manufacturer's procedures that:
   	a. Result in a clean and sanitary respirator;
   	b. Do not damage the respirator;
   	c. Do not harm the user.
   	2. Automated cleaning and disinfecting are permitted.
   	3. Cleaning and disinfecting may be done by a central facility as long as you make sure respirators provided are clean, sanitary, and function properly.

3. (3) Make sure respirators are assembled properly after cleaning or disinfecting.

   Table 8

   Required Frequencies for Cleaning and Disinfecting Respirators

   If the respirator willbe …	Then clean and disinfect the respirator …
   • Used exclusively by one employee	• As often as needed to:
   		– Keep it clean and functional; and
   		– To prevent health hazards such as skin irritation
   • Shared for nonemergency use; or	• Before it is worn by another employee
   • Used for fit-testing or training
   • Shared for emergency use	• After each use so the respirator is immediately ready for use at all times

[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, 49.17.040, 49.17.050, and 49.17.060. WSR 17-18-075, § 296-842-17005, filed 9/5/17, effective 10/6/17. Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.050 and 29 C.F.R. Subpart Z. WSR 09-19-119, § 296-842-17005, filed 9/22/09, effective 12/1/09. Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, 49.17.040, 49.17.050, 49.17.060. WSR 07-05-072, § 296-842-17005, filed 2/20/07, effective 4/1/07; WSR 03-20-114, § 296-842-17005, filed 10/1/03, effective 1/1/04.]