Voluntary PPE Use in Washington

Do You Know the Rule?

Seattle, WA (WorkersCompensation.com) -- What happens in the State of Washington when an employer doesn't require employees to wear personal protective equipment but an employee wishes to? As Simply Research readers know, the rule goes as follows.

Voluntary PPE

Every employer that does not require employees or contractors to wear a specific type of personal protective equipment as determined under the PPE hazard assessment, employer policy, or where otherwise required to comply with safety and health standards rules, must allow its employees or contractors voluntary use of PPE. This only applies when:

(1) The voluntary use of personal protective devices and equipment does not introduce hazards to the work environment and is consistent with applicable rules established by the department;

(2) The voluntary use of personal protective devices and equipment does not interfere with an employer's security requirements; and

(3) The voluntary use of these personal protective devices and equipment does not conflict with standards for that specific type of equipment established by the department of health or DOSH.

Voluntary PPE not Required

Employers are not required to allow the voluntary use of respirators other than filtering-facepiece respirators under this section. All voluntary use of respirators other than filtering-facepiece respirators, such as elastomeric respirators, must comply with state law.

Verification

An employer may verify that voluntary use of personal protective equipment meets all regulatory requirements for workplace health and safety.

No Purchase Necessary

Employers do not have to purchase, store, maintain, or otherwise provide protective devices or equipment for voluntary use by employees under this section.

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