Section R11-1-406. Control of employees’ exposure to harmful air- borne contaminants

Control of employees’ exposure to harmful airborne contaminants shall be, insofar as feasible, by prevention of contamination, removal by exhaust ventilation, or by dilution with uncontaminated air. However, where accepted engineering control measures have not been developed or when necessary by the nature of the work involved (for example, while establishing controls or occasional entry into hazardous atmospheres to perform maintenance or inves- tigation), employees may work for reasonable periods of time in concentrations of airborne contaminants exceeding permissible lev- els if they are protected by appropriate respiratory protective equip- ment. Whenever respiratory protective equipment is used a program for selection, maintenance, training, fitting, supervision, cleaning, and use shall meet the following minimum requirements:

1.        Respirators which are applicable and suitable for the pur- pose intended shall be furnished, and employees shall use the protective equipment in accordance with training and instruction.

2.        A respirator program consistent with the requirements of “American National Standard Practices for Respiratory Protection,” which is hereby incorporated by reference and made a part thereof. This publication may be exam- ined in the Arizona State Mine Inspector’s office.

3.        When respiratory protection is used in atmospheres immediately harmful to life, the presence of at least one other person, with backup equipment and rescue capabil- ity shall be required in the event of failure of the respira- tory equipment.

Historical Note

Adopted effective April 7, 1976 (Supp. 76-2). Amended

effective August 18, 1980 (Supp. 80-4).