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1910.1043(n) Washed Cotton

OSHA 1910 General Industry > Z Toxic and Hazardous Substances > 1910.1043 Cotton Dust > 1910.1043(n) Washed Cotton

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1910.1043(n)(1) Exemptions

Cotton, after it has been washed by the processes described in this paragraph, is exempt from all or parts of this section as specified if the requirements of this paragraph are met.

1910.1043(n)(2) Initial Requirements

In order for an employer to qualify as exempt or partially exempt from this standard for operations using washed cotton, the employer must demonstrate that the cotton was washed in a facility which is open to inspection by the Assistant Secretary and the employer must provide sufficient accurate documentary evidence to demonstrate that the washing methods utilized meet the requirements of this paragraph.

1910.1043(n)(2)(ii)

An employer who handles or processes cotton which has been washed in a facility not under the employer's control and claims an exemption or partial exemption under this paragraph, must obtain from the cotton washer and make available at the worksite, to the Assistant Secretary, to any affected employee, or to their designated representative the following:

1910.1043(n)(2)(ii)(A)

A certification by the washer of the cotton of the grade of cotton, the type of washing process, and that the batch meets the requirements of this paragraph;

1910.1043(n)(2)(ii)(B)

Sufficient accurate documentation by the washer of the cotton grades and washing process; and

1910.1043(n)(2)(ii)(C)

An authorization by the washer that the Assistant Secretary or the Director may inspect the washer's washing facilities and documentation of the process.

1910.1043(n)(3) Medical and Dyed Cotton

Medical grade (USP) cotton, cotton that has been scoured, bleached and dyed, and mercerized yarn shall be exempt from all provisions of this standard.

1910.1043(n)(4) Higher Grade Washed Cotton

The handling or processing of cotton classed as "low middling light spotted or better" (color grade 52 or better and leaf grade code 5 or better according to the 1993 USDA classification system) shall be exempt from all provisions of the standard except the requirements of paragraphs (h) medical surveillance, (k)(2) through (4) recordkeeping -- medical records, and Appendices B, C, and D of this section, if they have been washed on one of the following systems:

1910.1043(n)(4)(i)

On a continuous batt system or a rayon rinse system including the following conditions:

1910.1043(n)(4)(i)(A) With Water

1910.1043(n)(4)(i)(B) At a Temperature of No Less Than 60°C

1910.1043(n)(4)(i)(C)

With a water-to-fiber ratio of no less than 40:1; and

1910.1043(n)(4)(i)(D)

With the bacterial levels in the wash water controlled to limit bacterial contamination of the cotton.

1910.1043(n)(4)(iii) At a Temperature of No Less Than 60°C

1910.1043(n)(4)(iv)

With a water-to-fiber ratio of no less than 40:1, and

1910.1043(n)(4)(v)

With bacterial levels in the wash water controlled to limit bacterial contamination of the cotton, shall be exempt from all provisions of the standard except the requirements of paragraphs (h) Medical Surveillance, (k)(2) through (4) Recordkeeping - Medical Records, and Appendices B, C, and D of this section.

1910.1043(n)(4)(ii)

On a batch kier washing system including the following conditions:

1910.1043(n)(4)(ii)(A) With Water

1910.1043(n)(4)(ii)(B)

With cotton fiber mechanically opened and thoroughly prewetted before forming the cake;

1910.1043(n)(4)(ii)(C)

For low-temperature processing, at a temperature of no less than 60°C with a water-to-fiber ratio of no less than 40:1; or, for high-temperature processing, at a temperature of no less than 93°C with a water-to-fiber ratio of no less than 15:1;

1910.1043(n)(4)(ii)(D)

With a minimum of one wash cycle followed by two rinse cycles for each batch, using fresh water in each cycle, and

1910.1043(n)(4)(ii)(E)

With bacterial levels in the wash water controlled to limit bacterial contamination of the cotton.

1910.1043(n)(5) Lower Grade Washed Cotton

The handling and processing of cotton of grades lower than "low middling light spotted," that has been washed as specified in paragraph (n)(4) of this section and has also been bleached, shall be exempt from all provisions of the standard except the requirements of paragraphs (c)(1)(ii) Permissible Exposure Limit, (d) Exposure Monitoring, (h) Medical Surveillance, (k) Recordkeeping, and Appendices B, C and D of this section.

1910.1043(n)(6)

Mixed grades of washed cotton. If more than one grade of washed cotton is being handled or processed together, the requirements of the grade with the most stringent exposure limit, medical and monitoring requirements shall be followed.