(1) Scope and application. This section applies to occupational exposure to thiram (tetramethylthiuram disulfide), in addition to those requirements listed in chapter 296-841 WAC, Airborne contaminants. Nothing in this section shall preclude the application of other appropriate standards and regulations to minimize worker exposure to thiram.

(2) Definitions. The following definitions are applicable to this section:

(a) Clean. The absence of dirt or materials which may be harmful to a worker's health.

(b) Large seedlings. Those seedlings of such size, either by length or breadth, that it is difficult to avoid contact of the thiram treated plant with the mouth or face during planting operations.

(3) General requirements.

(a) Workers should not be allowed to work more than five days in any seven day period with or around the application of thiram or thiram treated seedlings.

(b) Washing and worker hygiene.

(i) Workers must wash their hands prior to eating or smoking at the close of work.

(ii) Warm (at least 85°F, 29.4°C) wash water and single use hand wiping materials must be provided for washing.

(iii) The warm water and hand wiping materials must be at fixed work locations or at the planting unit.

(iv) Where warm water is not available within fifteen minutes travel time, nonalcoholic based waterless hand cleaner must be provided.

(v) Every planter or nursery worker must be advised to bathe or shower daily.

(vi) The inside of worker carrying vehicles must be washed or vacuumed and wiped down at least weekly during the period of thiram use.

(c) Personal protective measures.

(i) Clothing must be worn by workers to reduce skin contact with thiram to the legs, arms and torso.

(ii) For those workers who have thiram skin irritations, exposed areas of the body must be protected by a suitable barrier cream.

(iii) Clothing worn by workers must be washed or changed at least every other day.

(iv) Only impervious gloves may be worn by workers.

(v) Workers hands should be clean of thiram before placing them into gloves.

(vi) Thiram applicators must be provided with and use respiratory protection in accordance with chapter 296-842 WAC, Respirators, disposable coveralls or rubber slickers or other impervious clothing, rubberized boots, head covers and rubberized gloves.

(vii) Nursery workers, other than applicators, who are likely to be exposed to thiram must be provided with and use disposable coveralls or rubber slickers or other impervious clothing, impervious footwear and gloves, and head covers in accordance with WAC 296-800-160, unless showers have been provided and are used.

(viii) Eye protection according to WAC 296-800-160, must be provided and worn by workers who may be exposed to splashes of thiram during spraying, plug bundling, belt line grading and plugging or other operations.

(ix) Item (viii) of this subdivision need not be complied with where pressurized emergency eye wash fountains are within 10 seconds travel time of the work location. (Approved respirator - See chapter 296-842 WAC, Respirators.)

(x) A dust mask must be worn, when planting large seedlings, to avoid mouth and face contact with the thiram treated plant unless equally effective measures or planting practices have been established.

(d) Food handling.

(i) Food snacks, beverages, smoking materials, or any other item which is consumed must not be stored or consumed in the packing area of the nursery.

(ii) Worker carrying vehicles must have a clean area for carrying lunches.

(iii) The clean area of the vehicle must be elevated from the floor and not used to carry other than food or other consumable items.

(iv) The carrying of lunches, food or other consumable items in tree planting bags is prohibited.

(v) Care must be taken to ensure that worker exposure to thiram spray, including downwind driftings, is minimized or eliminated.

(vi) When bags that contained thiram or thiram treated seedlings are burned, prevent worker exposure to the smoke.

(e) Thiram use and handling.

(i) Thiram treated seedlings must be allowed to dry or stabilize prior to packing.

(ii) Seedlings must be kept moist during packing and whenever possible during planting operations.

(iii) Floors, where thiram is used, must not be dry swept but instead vacuumed, washed or otherwise cleaned at least daily.

(iv) Silica chips used to cover thiram treated seedling plugs must be removed at the nursery.

(f) Training.

(i) Each worker engaged in operations where exposure to thiram may occur must be provided training on the hazards of thiram, as well as the necessary precautions for its safe use and handling.

(ii) The training must include instruction in:

(A) The nature of the health hazard(s) from exposure to thiram including specifically the potential for alcohol intolerance, drug interaction, and skin irritation;

(B) The specific nature of operations which could result in exposure to thiram and the necessary protective steps;

(C) The purpose for, proper use, and limitations of protective devices including respirators and clothing;

(D) The necessity for and requirements of good personal hygiene; and

(E) A review of the thiram rules at the worker's first training and indoctrination, and annually thereafter.

(4) Effective date. This standard must become effective thirty days after being filed with the code reviser.