Infectious diseases - Washington

Washington has adopted federal OSHA standards and incorporates most by reference The Washington Division of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH) has additional state requirements to protect employees who may be exposed to airborne contaminants and biological agents in the workplace.

Summary of state regulations 

Washington Administrative Code 296-841, Airborne Contaminants, applies to places where employees may be exposed to airborne hazards, which include harmful chemicals and substances as well as “biological agents such as harmful bacteria, viruses or fungi.” Employers must, for example, conduct exposure evaluations, implement exposure controls, and require protective equipment (respirators) if exposure controls are not sufficient to remove the airborne hazard. 

Washington Administrative Code 296-800-11045 requires employers to protect employees from biological agents as part of the state’s overall Safety and Health Core Rules (WAC 296-800). Such exposure may result from processing, handling, or using materials or waste such as: 

• Animals or animal waste; 
• Body fluids; 
• Biological agents in a medical research lab; 
• Mold or mildew; and more.

Employers must warn employees of the presence and location of biohazards in the workplace using signs, tags, or labels that meet the criteria listed in WAC 296-800-11045. 

Related information

• Pandemic flu
• Tuberculosis

Citations

• Federal regulation 29 USC 654
• WAC Airborne Contaminants Chapter 296-841
• WAC Protection from Biological Agents 296-800-11045