WAC 296-56-60049. Hazardous cargo

(1) Employers must ascertain whether any hazardous cargo is to be handled and must determine the nature of the hazard before cargo handling operations begin. Employers must inform employees of the nature of any hazard and any special precautions to be taken to prevent employee exposure, and must instruct employees to notify the employer of any leaks or spills. (2) Employers must sling and secure all hazardous cargo so that neither the draft nor individual packages can fall as a result of tipping the draft or slackening of the supporting gear. (3) Employers must remove employees from the affected area if hazardous cargo is spilled or if its packaging leaks until the employer has ascertained the specific hazards, provided any equipment, clothing, ventilation and fire protection equipment necessary to eliminate or protect against the hazard. Cleanup employees must be instructed as to the safe method of cleaning up and disposing of the spill, and handling and disposing of leaking containers. Actual cleanup or disposal work must be conducted under the supervision of a designated person. (4) The Department of Transportation and the United States Coast Guard impose requirements related to handling, storing and transportation of hazardous cargo (see 33 C.F.R. Part 126, 46 C.F.R., 49 C.F.R.).