SAFETY &

HEALTH
Core Rules

Chapter 296-800 WAC

April 2009 Edition

Washington Industrial
Safety & Health Act

F414-059-000 04/2009 printing

 Chapter 296-800 WAC, Safety and Health Core Rules

Issue Date 04/2009

Effective Date 04/1/2009

The Department of Labor and Industries has adopted changes in chapter 296-800
WAC, Safety and Health Core Rules. The purpose of this rulemaking is to rectify
inconsistencies in reporting requirements for different industries, and to provide equal
protection to all employees.

Instructions:
Please replace any current editions of the Safety and Health Core Rules
with the attached book.

TO RECEIVE E-MAIL UPDATES:

• Sign up for our Listserv at
http://www.lni.wa.gov/main/listservs/safetystandards.asp

TO PRINT YOUR OWN PAPER COPY OR TO VIEW THE RULE ONLINE:

• Go to http://lni.wa.gov/wisha/rules/corerules/

TO REQUEST A SAFETY CD THAT INCLUDES ALL OF OUR RULES:

• E-mail your CD request to: rulesrequests@lni.wa.gov

TO REQUEST A HARDCOPY:
• E-mail your mailing address and book request to:
rulesrequests@lni.wa.gov

DOSH CONTACT INFORMATION:

• Physical address: 7273 Linderson Way, Tumwater, WA 98501-5414,
located off I-5 Exit 101 south of Tumwater.
• Mailing address: DOSH Standards and Information , PO Box 44620,
Olympia, WA 98504-4620
• Information phone number is 1-800-4BESAFE

Also available on the WISHA web site:

• WISHA Core Rules
• Other General WISHA Rules
• Industry and Task-specific Rules
• Proposed rules and hearings
• Newly adopted rules and new rule information
• WISHA Regional Directives (WRDs)
• WISHA Interim Operations and Interpretive Memoranda (WIIM)
• Memoranda of Understanding (MOU)
 Quick Reference
WAC Number Title of Rule . ..................................................Page
296-800-100 I.ntroduction............................................................................100-1
296-800-110 .Employer Responsiblities: Safe Workplace...........................110-1
296-800-120 .Employee Responsibilities.....................................................120-1
296-800-130 .Safety Committees and Safety Meetings...............................130-1
296-800-140 .Accident Prevention Program (APP) . ...................................140-1
296-800-150 .First Aid . ...............................................................................150-1
296-800-160 .Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)....................................160-1
296-800-170 .Employer Chemical Hazard Communication.........................170-1
296-800-180 .Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs) as
.Exposure Records.................................................................180-1
296-800-190 .Safety Bulletin Board.............................................................190-1
298-800-200 .WISHA Poster........................................................................200-1
296-800-210 .Lighting..................................................................................210-1
296-800-220 .Housekeeping, Drainage, and Storage.................................220-1
296-800-230 .Sanitation and Hygiene Facilities and Procedures................230-1
296-800-240 .Environmental Tobacco Smoke in the Office.........................240-1
296-800-250 .Stairs and Stair Railings.........................................................250-1
296-800-260 .Floor Openings, Floor Holes & Open-sided Floors................260-1
296-800-270 .Workplace Structural Integrity...............................................270-1
296-800-280 .Basic Electrical Rules............................................................280-1
296-800-300 .Portable Fire Extinguishers....................................................300-1
296-800-310 .Exit Routes and Employee Alarm Systems............................310-1
296-800-320 .Accident Reporting & Investigating . ....................................320-1
296-800-330 .Releasing Accident Investigation Reports.............................330-1
296-800-340 .Protecting the Identity of the Source of
.Confidential Information.........................................................340-1
296-800-360 .Using Standards from National Organizations
.& Federal Agencies...............................................................360-1
296-800-370 .Definitions..............................................................................370-1
.Resource Section...................................................................... R-1
.Index ....................................................................................... IN-1
.Statutory Authority................................................................... SA-1

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 Contents
Introduction ......................................................................100-1
. bout Workplace Safety and Health Core Rules..........................1
A
.About WISHA................................................................................2
.How is each rule organized..........................................................6

296-800-110 Employer Responsibilities:

Safe Workplace..............................................110-1
296-800-11005 . rovide a workplace free from recognized hazards.....................3
P
296-800-11010 .Provide and use means to make your workplace safe.................3
296-800-11015 .Prohibit employees from entering, or being in,
.any workplace that isn't safe........................................................4
296-800-11020 .Construct your workplace so it's safe...........................................4
296-800-11025 .Prohibit alcohol and narcotics from your workplace.....................4
296-800-11030 .Prohibit employees from using tools and equipment that
aren't safe.....................................................................................5
296-800-11035 .Establish, supervise and enforce rules that lead to a safe and
.healthy work environment that are effective in practice..............5
296-800-11040 .Control chemical agents...............................................................6
296-800-11045 .Protect employees from biological agents...................................6

296-800-120 Employee Responsibilities.............................120-1

296-800-12005 Employee Responsibilities............................................................1

296-800-130 Safety Committees & Safety Meetings.........130-1

296-800-13020 Establish and conduct safety committees....................................2
296-800-13025 Follow these rules to conduct safety meetings.............................4

296-800-140 Accident Prevention Program........................140-1

296-800-14005 Develop a formal, written Accident Prevention Program (APP)....2
296-800-14020 Develop, supervise, implement, and enforce safety and
health training programs that are effective in practice.................4
296-800-14025 Make sure your Accident Prevention Program is
effective in practice......................................................................5

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296-800-150 First Aid..........................................................150-1
296-800-15005 Make sure that first-aid trained personnel are available
to provide quick and effective first aid..........................................3
296-800-15020 Make sure appropriate first-aid supplies are
readily available............................................................................7
296-800-15030 Make sure emergency washing facilities are functional
and readily accessible..................................................................8
296-800-15035 Inspect and activate your emergency washing facilities............11
296-800-15040 Make sure supplemental flushing equipment provides
sufficient water............................................................................12

296-800-160 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)...........160-1

296-800-16005 Do a hazard assessment for PPE ................................................3
296-800-16010 Document your hazard assessment for PPE ...............................4
296-800-16015 Select appropriate PPE for your employees.................................4
296-800-16020 Provide PPE to your employees....................................................6
296-800-16025 Train your employees to use PPE.................................................7
296-800-16030 Retrain employees to use PPE, if necessary................................7
296-800-16035 Document PPE training.................................................................8
296-800-16040 Require your employees to use necessary PPE on the job..........8
296-800-16045 Keep PPE in safe and good condition..........................................9
296-800-16050 Make sure your employees use appropriate
eye and face protection..............................................................10
296-800-16055 Make sure your employees use appropriate head protection....11
296-800-16060 Make sure your employees use appropriate foot protection......12
296-800-16065 Make sure your employees use appropriate hand protection....13
296-800-16070 Make sure your employees are protected from
drowning.....................................................................................14

296-800-170 Employer Chemical Hazard Communication 1. 70-1

Employer Chemical Hazard Communication................................1
296-800-17005 Develop, implement, maintain and make available a
written Chemical Hazard Communication Program......................5

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296-800-17007 Include multiemployer workplaces in your program
if necessary...................................................................................6
296-800-17010 Identify and list all the hazardous chemicals present
in your workplace..........................................................................8
296-800-17015 Obtain and maintain Material Safety Data Sheets
(MSDSs) for each hazardous chemical used...............................9
296-800-17020 Make sure that Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs) are
readily accessible to your employees and NIOSH.....................12
296-800-17025 Label containers holding hazardous chemicals.........................13
296-800-17030 Inform and train your employees about hazardous
chemicals in your workplace......................................................17
296-800-17035 Follow these rules for laboratories using
hazardous chemicals..................................................................20
296-800-17040 Follow these rules for handling chemicals in factory-sealed
containers ..................................................................................21
The Department must:
296-800-17045 Translate certain chemical hazard communication
documents upon request............................................................22
296-800-17050 Attempt to obtain a Material Safety Data Sheet
(MSDS) upon request.................................................................22
Exemptions:
296-800-17055 Items or chemicals exempt from the rule, and
exemptions from labeling...........................................................23

296-800-180 Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs) as

Exposure Records..........................................180-1
Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs) as Exposure
Records........................................................................................1
296-800-18005 Preserve exposure records for at least 30 years..........................3
296-800-18010 Inform current employees of exposure records ..........................4
296-800-18015 Provide access to exposure records ...........................................5
296-800-18020 Transfer records when ceasing to do business . .........................7
296-800-190 Safety Bulletin Board.....................................190-1
296-800-19005 Provide a safety bulletin board in your workplace........................1

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296-800-200 WISHA Poster.................................................200-1
296-800-20005 Post and keep a WISHA poster at your workplace.......................1

296-800-210 Lighting..........................................................210-1
296-800-21005 Provide and maintain adequate lighting.......................................1

296-800-220 Housekeeping, Drainage, & Storage.............220-1

296-800-22005 Keep your workplace clean..........................................................3
296-800-22010 Sweep and clean your workplace to minimize dust.....................3
296-800-22015 Keep your workplace free of obstacles that interfere
with cleaning.................................................................................3
296-800-22020 Control pests in your workplace...................................................4
296-800-22022 Make sure floors are maintained in a safe condition....................5
296-800-22025 Keep your workroom floors dry, when practical...........................5
296-800-22030 Provide proper drainage...............................................................6
296-800-22035 Store things safely........................................................................6
296-800-22040 Control vegetation in your storage areas......................................7

296-800-230 Sanitation and Hygiene Facilities and

Procedures.....................................................230-1
296-800-23005 Provide safe drinking (potable) water in your workplace.............4
296-800-23010 Clearly mark the water outlets that are not-fit-for-drinking
(non-potable)................................................................................5
296-800-23015 Make sure that systems delivering not-fit-for-drinking
(non-potable) water prevent backflow into drinking
water systems...............................................................................7
296-800-23020 Provide bathrooms for your employees........................................7
296-800-23025 Provide convenient, and clean washing facilities.........................9
296-800-23040 Make sure eating areas are safe and healthy...............................9
296-800-23045 Follow these requirements if you provide food service to
your employees..........................................................................10
296-800-23050 Dispose of garbage and waste safely........................................10
296-800-23055 Remove garbage and waste in a way that doesn't create
a hazard......................................................................................11

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296-800-23060 Provide a separate lunchroom if employees are exposed to
toxic substances if they are allowed to eat and drink on
the job.........................................................................................11
296-800-23065 Provide showers when required for employees working with
chemicals....................................................................................12
296-800-23070 Provide change rooms when required........................................13
296-800-23075 Make sure work clothes you provide are dry..............................13

296-800-240 Environmental Tobacco Smoke in the

Office..............................................................240-1
296-800-24005 Control tobacco smoke in your building.......................................2

296-800-250 Stairs & Stair Railings...................................250-1

296-800-25005 Provide fixed stairs where required .............................................2
296-800-25010 Provide stairs that minimize hazards............................................4
296-800-25015 Provide handrails and stair railings..............................................4

296-800-260 Floor Openings, Floor Holes &

Open-sided Floors..........................................260-1
296-800-26005 Guard or cover floor openings and floor holes.............................2
296-800-26010 Protect open-sided floors and platforms......................................5

296-800-270 Workplace Structural Integrity......................270-1

296-800-27005 Not overload floors or roofs..........................................................2
296-800-27010 Make sure that floors are safe.......................................................2
296-800-27015 Make sure floors can support equipment that moves or
has motion....................................................................................3
296-800-27020 Post approved load limits (weight limits) for floors.......................3

296-800-280 Basic Electrical..............................................280-1

296-800-28005 Inspect all electrical equipment your employees
use to make sure the equipment is safe.......................................4
296-800-28010 Make sure all electrical equipment is used for its
approved or listed purpose..........................................................5

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296-800-28015 Make sure electrical equipment used or located in
wet or damp locations is designed for such use..........................6
296-800-28020 Make sure electrical equipment that isn't marked
by the manufacturer can't be used...............................................7
296-800-28022 Identify disconnecting means.......................................................8
296-800-28025 Maintain electrical fittings, boxes, cabinets and
outlets in good condition..............................................................9
296-800-28030 Maintain all flexible cords and cables in good
condition and use safely.............................................................11
296-800-28035 Guard electrical equipment to prevent your employees
from electrical hazards...............................................................16
296-800-28040 Make sure electrical equipment is
effectively grounded ..................................................................18
296-800-28045 Make sure electrical equipment has overcurrent protection .....22

296-800-300 Portable Fire Extinguishers...........................300-1

296-800-30005 Provide portable fire extinguishers in your workplace..................3
296-800-30010 Select and distribute portable fire extinguishers
in your wokplace...........................................................................3
296-800-30015 Make sure that portable fire extinguishers are kept fully
charged, in operable condition, and left in their designated
places...........................................................................................5
296-800-30020 Inspect and test all portable fire extinguishers.............................5
296-800-30025 Train your employees to use portable fire extinguishers..............9

296-800-310 Exit Routes and Employee Alarm Systems...310-1

296-800-31005 Provide an adequate number of exit routes..................................3
296-800-31010 Make sure that exit routes are large enough................................4
296-800-31015 Make sure that exit routes meet their specific design
and construction requirements.....................................................5
296-800-31020 Make sure that each exit route leads outside...............................6
296-800-31025 Provide unobstructed access to exit routes.................................7
296-800-31030 Exit doors must be readily opened from the inside......................7
296-800-31035 Use side-hinged doors to connect to exit routes..........................8
296-800-31040 Provide outdoor exit routes that meet these requirements...........8

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296-800-31045 Minimize danger to employees while they are using
emergency exit routes..................................................................9
296-800-31050 Mark exits adequately...................................................................9
296-800-31053 Provide adequate lighting for exit routes and signs...................10
296-800-31055 Maintain the fire retardant properties of paints or other
coatings......................................................................................10
296-800-31060 Maintain emergency safeguards................................................11
296-800-31065 Maintain exit routes during construction and repair...................11
296-800-31067 Provide doors in freezer or refrigerated rooms
that open from the inside ...........................................................12
296-800-31070 Install and maintain an appropriate employee alarm system . ..12
296-800-31075 Establish procedures for sounding emergency alarms . ...........14
296-800-31080 Test the employee alarm system................................................15

296-800-320 Accident Reporting & Investigating..............320-1

296-800-32005 Report the death, probable death of any employee, or the
in-patient hospitalization of any
employee within 8 hours.............................................................2
296-800-32010 Make sure that any equipment involved in an accident
isn't moved....................................................................................3
296-800-32015 Assign people to assist the Department of Labor and
Industries......................................................................................4
296-800-32020 Conduct a preliminary investigation for all serious injuries..........5
296-800-32025 Document the investigation findings............................................6

296-800-330 Releasing Accident Investigation Reports...330-1

296-800-340 Protecting the Identity of the Source of

Confidential Information................................340-1

296-800-360 Using Standards from National

Organizations & Federal Agencies................360-1
296-800-36005 Comply with standards of national organizations or
federal agencies when referenced in WISHA rules . ...................1

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296-800-370 Definitions......................................................370-1

Resource Section
Helpful Tools
Accident Investigation Report.................................................. R-3
Accident/Incident Table............................................................ R-5
Additional Program Requirements............................................ R-7
Employee Rights Under WISHA Table...................................... R-9
.Hazard Assessment Checklist................................................ R-11
Report of a Workplace Hazard............................................... R-15
Safety Meeting Minutes.......................................................... R-17
Sample Hazardous Chemical Communication Program........ R-19
Sample Labels for Hazardous Chemical Containers.............. R-25
Sample Letter for Requesting a Material Safety Data
Sheet (MSDS)......................................................................... R-27
Training Documentation Form................................................. R-29
Other Resources
Complete List of Safety & Health Rules.................................. R-31
Links to Other Information....................................................... R-39
OSHA/WISHA Rules Comparison........................................... R-43
Service Locations for Labor & Industries................................ R-45
Requesting Information........................................................... R-49

Index ............................................................... IN-1

Statutory Authority......................................... SA-1

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 Introduction
WAC 296-800-100

WAC 296-800-100
The WISHA Core Rules:
Your foundation for a safe and healthful workplace. This book contains 26 basic safety
and health rules that affect all employers and should cover almost everything small,
nonmanufacturing employers need for a safe and healthful workplace. These core
rules include requirements for your Accident Prevention Program, Personal Protective
Equipment, First-Aid, and Hazard Communication Program.

Note:
You may need to comply with other WISHA Rules. For a complete list of
WISHA rules, see the Resource Section of this book.

Why does workplace safety and health matter to you?

On average, two people lose their lives every week in job-related incidents in
Washington state. Each year, more than 250,000 workers’ compensation claims are
accepted for work-related injuries and illnesses. Medical care and wage replacement
for these injured workers costs more than a billion dollars. The indirect costs of
workplace injuries are even larger in terms of lost quality of life, personal financial ruin,
operating costs of business, and decreased profitability. Employers and employees
who work together to identify and control hazards on the job can save lives and money
while improving business and productivity.
What are L&I and WISHA?
The Department of Labor and Industries (L&I) is a state agency that provides many
different services:
• Workplace safety and health, including inspections and enforcement, consultation,
technical assistance, training, education and grants (WISHA).
• Workers’ compensation (or industrial insurance), including claims management,
rate setting, medical payments, and research.
• Specialty compliance services, including contractor registration, electrical
inspections, boiler and elevator inspections, apprenticeship programs and
employment standards.
-Continued-

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 Introduction
WAC 296-800-100

WAC 296-800-100 (Continued)

Many of these services are available from L&I’s 22 regional offices (see the Resource
Section of this book for a list of regional offices).
In 1973, the legislature passed the Washington Industrial Safety and Health Act
or WISHA (Revised Code of Washington (chapter 49.17 RCW)). WISHA requires
employers to provide safe and healthful workplaces for all employees. It gives L&I the
responsibility to establish and enforce workplace safety and health rules. These rules
are the Washington Administrative Code (WAC).
How does WISHA work?
WISHA covers nearly all employers and employees in Washington, including
employees who work for the state, counties, and cities. L&I inspectors enforce WISHA
rules by inspecting workplaces without advance notice including investigations of
work-related deaths, injuries, and employees’ complaints. When WISHA inspectors
find a violation in a workplace, they issue a citation to the employer and a penalty may
be attached. If you have questions about whether you are covered by WISHA,
call 1-800-4BE SAFE (1-800-423-7233) or a local office of L&I.
What is OSHA and its relationship to WISHA?
The U.S. Congress created the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
in 1971 to develop and enforce workplace safety and health rules throughout the
country. States may choose to run their own safety and health programs as long as
they are at least as effective as OSHA. Washington state has chosen to run its own
program and most employers in the state, therefore, are subject to enforcement by L&I
and not by federal OSHA.
In Washington state, OSHA covers workplaces with federal employees, nonfederal
employees working on federal reservations and military bases, employees working
on floating worksites (floating dry docks, fishing boats, construction barges), and
employees working for tribal employers on tribal lands.

-Continued-

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 Introduction
WAC 296-800-100

WAC 296-800-100 (Continued)

Does WISHA apply to you?
WISHA applies to almost every employer and employee in Washington. WISHA
applies to you if:
• You hire someone to work for you as an employee, including workers from a
temporary agency.
• You are hired to work for someone as their employee.
• You own your own business or you are a corporate officer and have elected
industrial insurance coverage for yourself.
• You have a contract with someone else that primarily involves personal labor, even
though you aren't required to pay industrial insurance or unemployment insurance
premiums.
• You volunteer your personal labor, or you have volunteers working for you who
receive any benefit or compensation.
If you have any questions about your particular situation, call 1-800-4BE SAFE
(1-800-423-7233) or contact your local office of L&I for help. See the Resource
Section of this book for a complete list of L&I offices.
Are there other safety and health rules I need to know about?
In addition to the rules in the WISHA Safety and Health Core Rules book, there are
other general WISHA rules that may apply to employers, depending upon the industry
and workplace activities. See the resources section of this book for a complete list of
WISHA rules or go to the website for all the state rules administered by L&I at
http://www.wa.gov/lni/home/wacs.htm. If you have questions about these rules or
would like copies of them, call 1-800-4BE SAFE (1-800-423-7233) or your local office
of L&I.

-Continued-

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 Introduction
WAC 296-800-100

WAC 296-800-100 (Continued)

How do the WISHA rules relate to fire, building and electrical
codes?
Fire codes: WISHA rules contain basic requirements for portable fire extinguishers,
exit routes, housekeeping, storage, stairs and electrical hazards for the protection of
employees in your workplace. The rules contained in this book are the most basic
requirements to make sure that as an employer you provide a safe and healthy work
environment. However, these aren't the only rules regarding the requirements for
portable fire extinguishers, exit routes, housekeeping, storage, stairs and electrical
equipment. The fire marshall and local fire authorities enforce the Uniform Fire
Code (UFC). WISHA and UFC requirements differ in some areas, for example UFC
requires exit sign lettering to be 6” or more and WISHA only states that the letters
have to be clearly visible. Fire codes have more detailed and extensive requirements
for the protection of the public than WISHA. Some UFC codes overlap with WISHA
requirements.
Building and electrical codes: WISHA rules are minimum requirements regardless of
when the building was built or remodeled. Buildings must also comply with building
and electrical codes at the time of construction. If you remodel, you must comply
with the building and electrical codes applicable at that time. Building authorities and
electrical inspection authorities enforce rules from the Uniform Building Code (UBC),
and the National Electrical Code (NEC).
You are encouraged to call your local fire, building or electrical authority. For more
information on the requirements in your area look in the government section of your
phone book. Copies of these codes are available at your local library.
How can WISHA help employers and employees?
Employers can ask WISHA safety and health consultation staff for free, confidential
consulting services in your workplace. WISHA safety and health professionals can
examine your workplace and make recommendations about how to comply with
WISHA rules. If the consultant finds hazards, the employer will be given a reasonable
period of time to correct the hazard without citation or penalty.

-Continued-

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 Introduction
WAC 296-800-100

WAC 296-800-100 (Continued)

Sometimes you might have to wait for an appointment because of the demand
for these services. You still must provide a safe workplace while you wait for a
consultation.
WISHA offers a wide variety of free services:
• Safety and health workshops held in locations throughout the state.
• A comprehensive safety and health video lending library.
• Safety and health publications geared for both employer and employee.
• Website with on-line publications and learning opportunities.

Note:
By law, WISHA consultants don't have any enforcement authority.

Link:
For more information, call 1-800-4BE SAFE (1-800-423-7233) or visit
http://www.lni.wa.gov/main/workshopstraining.htm.

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 Introduction
WAC 296-800-100

How is each rule organized?

The following 2 pages illustrate how the rules are organized.

1. Title:
Indicates the rule topic.
2. Wac Numbers:
Washington Administrative Code (WAC) numbers have been assigned to each
rule.
3. Summary:
This is a place holder that tells you where you are, which will either be summary,
introduction, or rule.
4. Your responsibility:
Provides an overview of rule obligations and requirements.
5. You must:
Provides requirements of the rule.
6. Tab icon:
Provides a graphic description of the rules within a topic area.

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WAC 296-800-100

1
2
Accident Prevention Program
WAC 296-800-140

3 Summary

4 YoUr resPonsibility:
To establish, supervise and enforce an Accident Prevention
Program that is effective in practice

5 You must
Do a hazard assessment for PPE
WAC 296-800-14005............................................................................. Page 140- 2
Document your hazard assessment for PPE
WAC 296-800-14015............................................................................. Page 140- 3
Select appropriate PPE
WAC 296-800-14020............................................................................. Page 140- 3

Accident Prevention
Provide PPE to your employees
WAC 296-800-14025............................................................................. Page 140- 4

Program

h t t p : / / w w w . l n i . w a . g o v / wisha 140-1
09/01

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 Introduction
WAC 296-800-100

How is each rule organized? (Continued)

You’ll come across other information in the Core Rules Book in the form of icons and
visual aides. The following is a list of these icons and visual aides:
Bulleting:
Bullets are used to organize and break up information into manageable pieces.
Note:
Provides additional useful information.
Helpful Tool:
These are optional aides such as forms and checklists to help you follow the rule.
Definition:
Terms that are defined within the text of a rule.
Link:
Internet website addresses that may be of interest and assistance.
Exemption:
Circumstances where the rule doesn't apply.
WISHA phone number & website:
Located at the bottom of each page for easy reference.
Page numbers:
Located at the bottom of each page, includes the 3 numbers representing
the WAC section followed by a page number for easy reference. (140-1 is an
example.)
Issue Date:
Located on the book’s title page and below every page number.

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 Employer Responsibilities: Safe Workplace

Employer Responsibilities:
WAC 296-800-110

Safe Workplace
Summary
YoUr resPonsibility:
To provide a safe and healthy workplace free from recognized
hazards

Important:
Use these rules where there are no specific rules applicable to the particular hazard.

You must
Provide a workplace free from recognized hazards
WAC 296-800-11005......................................................................Page 110-3
Provide and use means to make your workplace safe
WAC 296-800-11010......................................................................Page 110-3
Prohibit employees from entering, or being in, any workplace
that isn't safe
WAC 296-800-11015......................................................................Page 110-4
Construct your workplace so it is safe
WAC 296-800-11020......................................................................Page 110-4
Prohibit alcohol and narcotics from your workplace
WAC 296-800-11025......................................................................Page 110-4
Prohibit employees from using tools and equipment that
aren't safe
WAC 296-800-11030......................................................................Page 110-5
Establish, supervise, and enforce rules that lead to a safe and
healthy work environment that are effective in practice
WAC 296-800-11035......................................................................Page 110-5

-Continued-

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 Employer Responsibilities: Safe Workplace
Employer Responsibilities:

WAC 296-800-110
Safe Workplace

Summary
WAC 296-800-110 (Continued)

Control chemical agents

WAC 296-800-11040......................................................................Page 110-6
Protect employees from biological agents
WAC 296-800-11045......................................................................Page 110-6

Note:
Employees may discuss and participate in any WISHA safety and health
related practice and may refuse to perform dangerous tasks without fear
of discrimination. Discrimination includes: dismissal, demotion, loss of
seniority, denial of a promotion, harassment, etc. See Chapter
296-360 WAC, Discrimination pursuant to RCW 49.17.160, for a complete
description of discrimination and the department’s responsibility to
protect employees.

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 Employer Responsibilities: Safe Workplace

Employer Responsibilities:
WAC 296-800-110

Safe Workplace
Rule
WAC 296-800-11005
Provide a workplace free from recognized hazards

You must
• Provide your employees a workplace free from recognized hazards that are
causing, or are likely to cause, serious injury or death.

Note:
A hazard is recognized if it is commonly known in the employer’s
industry, or if there is evidence that the employer knew or should have
known of the existence of the hazard, or if it can be established that any
reasonable person would have recognized the hazard.

WAC 296-800-11010  
Provide and use means to make your workplace safe

You must
• Provide and use safety devices, safeguards, and use work practices, methods,
processes, and means that are reasonably adequate to make your workplace safe.
– Don’t remove, displace, damage, destroy or carry off any safety device,
safeguard, notice or warning, furnished for use in any employment or place of
employment.
– Don’t interfere with use of any of the above.
– Don't interfere with the use of any method or process adopted for the
protection of any employee.
– Do everything reasonably necessary to protect the life and safety of your
employees.

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 Employer Responsibilities: Safe Workplace
Employer Responsibilities:

WAC 296-800-110
Safe Workplace

Rule
WAC 296-800-11015
Prohibit employees from entering, or being in, any workplace that
isn't safe

You must
• Prohibit employees from entering, or being in, any workplace that isn't safe.

WAC 296-800-11020
Construct your workplace so it's safe

You must
• Not construct, or cause to be constructed, a workplace that isn't safe.
– This rule applies to employers, owners, and renters of property used as a
place of employment.

WAC 296-800-11025
Prohibit alcohol and narcotics from your workplace

You must
• Prohibit alcohol and narcotics from your workplace, except in industries and
businesses that produce, distribute, or sell alcohol and narcotic drugs.
• Prohibit employees under the influence of alcohol or narcotics from the worksite.

Exemption:
Employees who are taking prescription drugs, as directed by a physician
or dentist, are exempt from this section, if the employees aren't a danger
to themselves or other employees.

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 Employer Responsibilities: Safe Workplace

Employer Responsibilities:
WAC 296-800-110

Safe Workplace
Rule
WAC 296-800-11030
Prohibit employees from using tools and equipment that aren't safe

You must
• Take responsibility for the safe condition of tools and equipment used by
employees.

Note:
This applies to all equipment, materials, tools, and machinery whether
owned by the employer or under control of another firm or individual.

WAC 296-800-11035
Establish, supervise, and enforce rules that lead to a safe and
healthy work environment that are effective in practice

You must
• Establish, supervise, and enforce rules that lead to a safe and healthy work
environment that are effective in practice.

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110-5
04/09
 Employer Responsibilities: Safe Workplace
Employer Responsibilities:

WAC 296-800-110
Safe Workplace

Rule
WAC 296-800-11040
Control chemical agents

You must
• Control chemical agents in a manner that they won't present a hazard to your workers
or
• Protect workers from the hazard of contact with, or exposure to, chemical agents

Note:
Pesticides are considered to be chemical agents. As required by this
rule, you must control them or provide protection to workers from exposure
to pesticide hazards. Pesticide manufacturers supply precautionary
statements in the informaiton provided with the pesticide that tells you how
to protect your workers from these hazards.

WAC 296-800-11045
Protect employees from biological agents

You must
(1) Protect employees from exposure to hazardous concentrations of biological agents
that may result from processing, handling or using materials or waste.

Note:
• Potential exposure to biological agents occurs during cleanup, or other
tasks, where employees handle:
j˜ Animals or animal waste

j˜ Body fluids

j˜ Biological agents in a medical research lab

j˜ Mold or mildew

• Check the Center of Disease Control website (www.cdc.gov) to find

published guidelines and information on safe handling and protection
from specific biological agents (examples: Hantavirus, TB).
-Continued-

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 Employer Responsibilities: Safe Workplace

Employer Responsibilities:
WAC 296-800-110

Safe Workplace
Rule
WAC 296-800-11045 (Continued)

You must
(2) Warn employees of biohazards
• Use signs, tags, or labels to identify:
j˜ The actual or potential presence of a biohazard
and
j˜ Equipment, containers, rooms, materials, experimental animals,

or any combinations of these that contain viable hazardous

agents.

Definition
Biohazard means those infectious agents presenting a risk or potential
risk of death, injury or illness to employees.

You must
• Make sure the sign, tag, or label includes the biohazard symbol that is designed
and proportioned in the illustration that follows.
H

C
90
B
A
D F
Basic unit E
A
C
L
A 210

330

C
L
Dimension A B C D E F G H
Units 1 3 12 4 6 11 15 21 30

Symbol for Biological Hazard

-Continued-
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110-7
04/09
 Employer Responsibilities: Safe Workplace
Employer Responsibilities:

WAC 296-800-110
Safe Workplace

Rule
WAC 296-800-11045 (Continued)

You must

• Make sure that there is sufficient contrast for the symbol to be clearly defined, if the
sign, tag, or label has a background color.

Reference:
Additional requirements for biohazard signs, tags, and labels may apply.
See WAC 296-823-14025 and WAC 296-823-18040 of the Bloodborne
Pathogens book.

Note:
• It’s recommended that the sign, tag or label have a key color of
fluorescent orange or orange-red and lettering or symbols in a
contrasting color.
• Appropriate wording may be used in association with the symbol to
indicate:
j˜ The nature or identity of the hazard
j˜ Name of individual responsible for its control
j˜Precautionary information
or
j˜ Other information.
3 ˜ ^a’ amOph"›apm ’^p¤d= mp› *F §a››Fm pm ›^F ’©h*pd

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 Employee Responsibilities WAC 296-800-120

Rule
eMPloyee’s resPonsibility:
To play an active role in creating a safe and healthy workplace and
comply with all applicable safety and health rules

Note:
Employees may discuss and participate in any WISHA safety and health
related practice and may refuse to perform dangerous tasks without fear
of discrimination. Discrimination includes: dismissal, demotion, loss of
seniority, denial of a promotion, harassment, etc. (see Chapter 296-

Responsibilities
360 WAC, Discrimination) pursuant to RCW 49.17.160 for a complete
description of discrimination and the department’s responsibility to

Employee
protect employees.

WAC 296-800-12005

Employees must
• Study and follow all safe practices that apply to their work.
• Coordinate and cooperate with all other employees in the workplace to try to
eliminate on-the-job injuries and illnesses.

Helpful Tool:
Report of a Workplace Hazard
Employees are encouraged to use the Report of a Workplace Hazard
form to help carry out the accident prevention program in their
workplace. You can find a copy of the form in the Resource Section of
this book.

• Apply the principles of accident prevention in their daily work and use proper safety
devices and protective equipment as required by their employment or employer.

-Continued-

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 Employee Responsibilities
WAC 296-800-120

Rule
WAC 296-800-12005 (Continued)
• Take care of all personal protective equipment (PPE) properly.
• Not wear torn or loose clothing while working around machinery.

Note:
Things such as clothing, hair, and jewelry can get caught in machinery
and be a hazard on the job.

Employees must
Responsibilities

• Report promptly to their supervisor every industrial injury or occupational illness.

Employee

• Not remove, displace, damage, or destroy or carry off any safeguard, notice, or
warning provided to make the workplace safe.
• Not interfere with the use of any safeguard by anyone in the workplace.
• Not interfere with the use of any work practice designed to protect them from
injuries.
• Do everything reasonably necessary to protect the life and safety of employees.

Helpful Tool:
Employees Rights under WISHA
Refer to this Helpful Tool to see a brief description of your WISHA rights
as an employee. WISHA protects employees’ rights to participate in
the creation of a safe and healthy workplace without fear of discharge,
retaliation, or discrimination. To learn more about employees’ WISHA
rights, see WAC 296-360-010 and RCW 49.17.160. You can find a copy
of this form in the Resource Section of this book.

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 Safety Committees & Safety Meetings WAC 296-800-130

Summary
IMPortant:
This rule requires you to have a method of communicating and evaluating safety
and health issues brought up by you or your employees in your workplace. Larger
employers must establish a safety committee. Smaller employers have the choice of
either establishing a safety committee or holding safety meetings with a management
representative present.
There is a difference between a safety committee and a safety meeting.
• A safety committee is an organizational structure where members represent a
group. This gives everyone a voice but keeps the meeting size to an effective
number of participants.
• A safety meeting includes all employees and a management person is there to
ensure that issues are addressed. Typically, the safety committee is an effective
safety management tool for a larger employer and safety meetings are more
effective for a smaller employer.

YoUr resPonsibility:
To establish a safety committee or hold safety meetings to create
and maintain a safe and healthy workplace for all employees

You must
Establish and conduct safety committees

Safety Committees
& Safety Meetings
WAC 296-800-13020......................................................................Page 130-2
Follow these rules to conduct safety meetings
WAC 296-800-13025......................................................................Page 130-4

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 Safety Committees & Safety Meetings
WAC 296-800-130

Rule
WAC 296-800-13020
Establish and conduct safety committees

You must
If: Then:
You employ 11 or more employees on the You must establish a safety committee
same shift at the same location

You must
(1) Establish a safety committee.
• Make sure your committee:
– Has employee-elected and employer-selected members.
• The number of employee-elected members must equal or
exceed the number of employer-selected members.

Note:
Employees selected by the employees bargaining representative or
union qualify as employee-elected.

• The term of employee-elected members must be a maximum

Safety Committees
& Safety Meetings

of one year. (There is no limit to the number of terms a

representative can serve.)
• If there is an employee-elected member vacancy, a new
member must be elected prior to the next scheduled meeting.
– Has an elected chairperson.
– Determines how often, when, and where, the safety committee will meet.

-Continued-

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 Safety Committees & Safety Meetings WAC 296-800-130

Rule
WAC 296-800-13020 (Continued)
Note:
• Meetings should be one hour or less, unless extended by a majority
vote of the committee.
• If the committee cannot agree on the frequency of meetings, the
department of labor and industries regional safety consultation
representative should be consulted for recommendations. (See the
resources section of this book for contacts.)

You must
(2) Cover these topics:
• Review safety and health inspection reports to help correct safety hazards.
• Evaluate the accident investigations conducted since the last meeting to
determine if the cause(s) of the unsafe situation was identified and corrected.
• Evaluate your workplace accident and illness prevention program and discuss
recommendations for improvement, if needed.
• Document attendance.
• Write down subjects discussed.
(3) Record meetings.
• Prepare minutes from each safety committee and:

Safety Committees
& Safety Meetings
– Preserve them for one year
– Make them available for review by safety and health
consultation personnel of the Department of Labor and
Industries.

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 Safety Committees & Safety Meetings
WAC 296-800-130

Rule
WAC 296-800-13025
Follow these rules to conduct safety meetings

You must
If: Then:
You have 10 or less employees You may choose to hold a safety meeting
or instead of a safety committee
If you have 11 or more that meet these
conditions:
• Work on different shifts and 10 or less
employees are on each shift
or
• Work in widely separated locations
and 10 or less employees are at each
location

You must
(1) Do the following for safety meetings:
• Make sure your meetings:
– Are held monthly. You may meet more often to discuss safety
Safety Committees
& Safety Meetings

issues as they come up.

– Have at least one management representative.
(2) Cover these topics
• Review safety and health inspection reports to help correct safety hazards.
• Evaluate the accident investigations conducted since the last meeting to
determine if the cause(s) of the unsafe situation was identified and corrected.

-Continued-

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 Safety Committees & Safety Meetings WAC 296-800-130

Rule
WAC 296-800-13025 (Continued)
• Evaluate your workplace accident and illness prevention program and discuss
recommendations for improvement, if needed.
• Document attendance.
• Write down subjects discussed.

Note:
There are no formal documentation requirements for safety meetings
except for writing down who attended and the topics discussed.

Safety Committees
& Safety Meetings

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 Notes

1•800•4BE SAFE (1•800•423•7233)

04/09
 Accident Prevention Program (APP)

Accident Prevention
Program (APP)
WAC 296-800-140

Summary
YoUr resPonsibility:
To establish, supervise and enforce an accident prevention
program (APP) that is effective in practice (You may call this your
total safety and health plan.)

You must
Develop a formal, written accident prevention program (APP)
WAC 296-800-14005......................................................................Page 140-2
Develop, supervise, implement, and enforce safety and health
training programs that are effective in practice
WAC 296-800-14020......................................................................Page 140-4
Make sure your accident prevention program (APP) is effective
in practice
WAC 296-800-14025......................................................................Page 140-5

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 Accident Prevention Program (APP)
Accident Prevention
Program (APP)

WAC 296-800-140

Rule
WAC 296-800-14005
Develop a formal, written accident prevention program (APP)

You must
• Develop a formal accident prevention program that is outlined in writing. The
program must be tailored to the needs of your particular workplace or operation
and to the types of hazards involved.

Note:
The term “accident prevention program” refers to your written plan to
prevent accidents, illnesses, and injuries on the job. Your accident
prevention program may be known as your safety and health plan, injury
prevention program, or by some other name.

You must
• Make sure your Accident Prevention Program contains at least the following
elements:
– A safety orientation:
• A description of your total safety and health program.
• On-the-job orientation showing employees what they need to
know to perform their initial job assignments safely.
• How and when to report on-the-job injuries including instruction
about the location of first-aid facilities in your workplace.
• How to report unsafe conditions and practices.
• The use and care of required personal protective equipment
(PPE).
• What to do in an emergency, including how to exit the
workplace.
• Identification of hazardous gases, chemicals, or materials used
on-the-job and instruction about the safe use and emergency
action to take after accidental exposure.
– A safety and health committee (WAC 296-800-130)
-Continued-
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 Accident Prevention Program (APP)

Accident Prevention
Program (APP)
WAC 296-800-140

Rule
WAC 296-800-14005 (Continued)
Helpful Tool:
Additional Program Requirements Table
The table will help you determine additional programs, plans, and
other related requirements that might be needed beyond your accident
prevention program (your total safety and health plan). If you are required
to have additional written programs or procedures, they can be included
in your accident prevention program or covered in supplemental
documents. You can find a copy of this table in the Resource Section of
this book.

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 Accident Prevention Program (APP)
Accident Prevention
Program (APP)

WAC 296-800-140

Rule
WAC 296-800-14020
Develop, supervise, implement, and enforce safety and health
training programs that are effective in practice

You must
• Develop, supervise, implement, and enforce training programs to improve the skill,
awareness, and competency of all your employees in the field of occupational
safety and health.
• Make sure training includes on-the-job instruction to employees prior to their job
assignment about hazards such as:
– Safe use of powered materials-handling equipment such as forklifts, backhoes,
etc.
– Safe use of machine tool operations
– Use of toxic materials
– Operation of utility systems

Helpful Tool:
Training Documentation Form
The sample Training Documentation Form can help you verify in writing
that each employee who needs training has received and understood it.
You can find a copy of this sample form in the Resource Section of this
book.

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 Accident Prevention Program (APP)

Accident Prevention
Program (APP)
WAC 296-800-140

Rule
WAC 296-800-14025
Make sure your accident prevention program (APP) is effective in
practice

You must
• Establish, supervise, and enforce your accident prevention program in a manner
that is effective in practice.

Helpful Tool:
Report of a Workplace Hazard Form
Your employees are encouraged to use this form to help carry out the
Accident Prevention Program in your workplace. You can find a copy of
this form in the Resource Section of this book.

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140-5
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 Notes

1•800•4BE SAFE (1•800•423•7233)

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 First Aid
WAC 296-800-150

Summary
YoUr resPonsibility:
Make sure first-aid trained personnel are available to provide quick
and effective first aid

You must
Make sure that first-aid trained personnel are available to provide
quick and effective first aid
WAC 296-800-15005......................................................................Page 150-3
Make sure appropriate first-aid supplies are readily available
WAC 296-800-15020......................................................................Page 150-4

First Aid
Make sure emergency washing facilities are functional and
readily accessible
WAC 296-800-15030......................................................................Page 150-5
Inspect and activate your emergency washing facilities
WAC 296-800-15035......................................................................Page 150-8
Make sure supplemental flushing equipment provides
sufficient water
WAC 296-800-15040......................................................................Page 150-9

-Continued-

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 First Aid
WAC 296-800-150

Summary
WAC 296-800-150 (Continued)
Note:
• Employers who require their employees to provide first aid must
comply with chapter 296-823 WAC, Occupational exposure to
bloodborne pathogens.
• Your workplace may be covered by separate first-aid rules. If you
do any of the types of work listed below, you must follow separate,
industry specific rules:
Industry Chapter (WAC)
Agricultural.................................................... 296-307
First Aid

Compressed air.............................................. 296-36

Construction.................................................. 296-155
Fire fighting................................................... 296-305
Logging........................................................... 296-54
Sawmill........................................................... 296-78
Ship building and repairing........................... 296-304

You can get copies of these rules by calling 1-800-4be safe

(1-800-423-7233), or by going to http://www.lni.wa.gov

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 First Aid
WAC 296-800-150

Rule
WAC 296-800-15005
Make sure that first-aid trained personnel are available to provide
quick and effective first aid

You must:
Comply with the first-aid training requirements of 29 CFR 1910.151(b) which states:
"In the absence of an infirmary, clinic, or hospital in near proximity to the
workplace, which is used for the treatment of all injured employees, a
person or persons shall be adequately trained to render first-aid."

First Aid

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 First Aid
WAC 296-800-150

Rule
WAC 296-800-15020
Make sure appropriate first-aid supplies are readily available

You must
• Make sure first-aid supplies are readily available.
• Make sure first-aid supplies at your workplace are appropriate to:
– Your occupational setting.
– The response time of your emergency medical services.

Note:
First Aid

First-aid kits from your local retailer or safety supplier should be

adequate for most nonindustrial employers.

You must
• Make sure that first-aid supplies are:
– Easily accessible to all your employees.
– Stored in containers that protect them from damage, deterioration, or
contamination. Containers must be clearly marked, not locked, and may be
sealed.
– Able to be moved to the location of an injured or acutely ill employee.

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 First Aid
WAC 296-800-150

Rule
WAC 296-800-15030
Make sure emergency washing facilities are functional and readily
accessible

You must
• Provide an emergency shower:
– When there is potential for major portions of an employee’s body to contact
corrosives, strong irritants, or toxic chemicals.
– That delivers water to cascade over the user’s entire body at a minimum rate of
20 gallons (75 liters) per minute for fifteen minutes or more.

First Aid
• Provide an emergency eyewash:
– When there is potential for an employee’s eyes to be exposed to corrosives,
strong irritants, or toxic chemicals.
– That irrigates and flushes both eyes simultaneously while the user holds their
eyes open.
– With an on-off valve that activates in one second or less and remains on
without user assistance until intentionally turned off.
– That delivers at least 0.4 gallons (1.5 liters) of water per minute for 15 minutes
or more.

-Continued-

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 First Aid
WAC 296-800-150

Rule
WAC 296-800-15030 (Continued)
Note:
Chemicals that require emergency washing faclilites:
• You can determine whether chemicals in your workplace require
emergency washing facilities by looking at the material safety data
sheet (MSDS) or similar documents. The MSDS contains information
about first-aid requirements and emergency flushing of skin or eyes.
• For chemicals developed in the workplace, the following resources
provide information about first-aid requirements:
- NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards
*DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No. 97-140
First Aid

*http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/npg/ggdstart.html
- Threshold Limit Values for Chemical Substances and Physical
Agents American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists
(ACGIH)

You must
• Make sure emergency washing facilities:
– Are located so that it takes no more than ten seconds to reach.
– Are kept free of obstacles blocking their use.
– Function correctly.
– Provide the quality and quantity of water that is satisfactory for emergency
washing purposes.

Note:
• If water in emergency washing facilities is allowed to freeze, they won't
function correctly. Precautions need to be taken to prevent this from
happening.
• The travel distance to an emergency washing facility should be no
more than 50 feet (15.25 meters).

-Continued-

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 First Aid
WAC 296-800-150

Rule
WAC 296-800-15030 (Continued)

• For further information on the design, installation, and maintenance

of emergency washing facilities, see American National Standards
Institute (ANSI) publication Z358.1 - 1998, Emergency Eyewash and
Shower Equipment. Emergency washing facilities that are designed to
meet ANSI Z358.1 - 1998 also meet the requirements of this standard.
The ANSI standard can be obtained from the American National
Standards Institute, 1430 Broadway, NewYork, New York 10018.

Reference:
• Training in the location and use of your emergency washing facilities

First Aid
is required under the employer chemical hazard communication rule,
WAC 296-800-170, and the accident prevention program rule, WAC
296-800-140.
• All emergency washing facilities using “not fit for drinking”
(nonpotable) water must have signs stating the water is “not fit for
drinking.” See WAC 296-800-23010.

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 First Aid
WAC 296-800-150

Rule
WAC 296-800-15035
Inspect and activate your emergency washing facilities

You must
• Make sure all plumbed emergency washing facilities are inspected once a year to
make sure they function correctly.

Note:
Inspections should include:
• Examination of the piping
First Aid

• Make sure that water is available at the apporpriate temperature and

quality
• Activation to check that the valves and other hardware work properly
• Checking the water flow rate.

You must
• Make sure plumbed emergency eyewashes and hand-held drench hoses are
activated weekly to check the proper functioning of the valves, hardware, and
availability of water
• Make sure all self-contained eyewash equipment and personal eyewash units are
inspected and maintained according to manufacturer instructions.
– Inspections to check proper operation must be done once a year
– Sealed personal eyewashes must be replaced after the manufacturer’s
expiration date.

Note:
Most manufacturers recommend replacing fluid in open self-contained
eyewashes every 6 months. The period for sealed containers is typically
2 years.

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 First Aid
WAC 296-800-150

Rule
WAC 296-800-15040
Make sure supplemental flushing equipment provides sufficient
water

Note:
Supplemental flushing equipment can't be used in place of required
emergency showers or eyewashes.

You must
• Make sure hand-held drench hoses deliver at least 3.0 gallons (11.4 liters) of water

First Aid
per minute for 15 minutes or more.

Note:
Why use a drench hose? A drench hose is useful when:
• The spill is small and doesn't require an emergency shower
• Used with a shower for local rinsing, particularly on the lower
extremities.

You must
• Make sure personal eyewash equipment delivers only clean water or other
medically approved eye flushing solutions.

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 Notes

1•800•4BE SAFE (1•800•423•7233)

04/09
 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) WAC 296-800-160

Summary
YoUr resPonsibility:
To make sure that your employees have, use, and care for the
appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE)
PPE is an item or items used to protect the eyes, face, head, body, arms, hands, legs,
and feet such as goggles, helmets, head covers, gloves, rubber slickers, disposable
coveralls, safety shoes, protective shields, and barriers.

You must
Do a hazard assessment for PPE
WAC 296-800-16005......................................................................Page 160-3
Document your hazard assessment for PPE
WAC 296-800-16010......................................................................Page 160-4
Select appropriate PPE for your employees
WAC 296-800-16015......................................................................Page 160-4
Provide PPE to your employees
WAC 296-800-16020......................................................................Page 160-6
Train your employees to use PPE
WAC 296-800-16025......................................................................Page 160-7
Retrain employees to use PPE, if necessary

Personal Protective
Equipment (PPE)
WAC 296-800-16030......................................................................Page 160-7
Document PPE training
WAC 296-800-16035......................................................................Page 160-8
Require your employees to use necessary PPE on the job
WAC 296-800-16040......................................................................Page 160-8
Keep PPE in safe and good condition
WAC 296-800-16045......................................................................Page 160-9
—Continued—

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 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
WAC 296-800-160

Summary
WAC 296-800-160(Continued)

Make sure your employees use appropriate eye and face

protection
WAC 296-800-16050....................................................................Page 160-10
Make sure your employees use appropriate head protection
WAC 296-800-16055....................................................................Page 160-11
Make sure your employees use appropriate foot protection
WAC 296-800-16060....................................................................Page 160-12
Make sure your employees use appropriate hand protection
WAC 296-800-16065....................................................................Page 160-13
Make sure your employees are protected from drowning
WAC 296-800-16070....................................................................Page 160-14

Exemption:
WACs 296-800-16015, 296-800-16025, 296-800-16030, and
296-800-16035 don't apply to electrical protective equipment or
respiratory protection. See Chapters 296-24 WAC, Part L and Chapter
296-62 WAC, Part E for rules about these types of protective equipment.
Personal Protective
Equipment (PPE)

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 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) WAC 296-800-160

Rule
WAC 296-800-16005
Do a hazard assessment for PPE

You must
• Look for and identify hazards or potential hazards in your workplace and determine
if PPE is necessary on the job.

Note:
PPE alone shouldn't be relied on to provide protection for your
employees. PPE should be used after all other reasonable means of
reducing hazards have been carried out. Identifying hazards in your
workplace should be built into your regular routine. You should take
active steps to get rid of all identified hazards. For example, you can:
• Consider other ways to get hazardous jobs done.
• Reduce hazardous materials or processes.
• Apply engineering controls to reduce or eliminate hazards.

Helpful Tool:
Hazard Assessment Checklist
The sample Hazard Assessment Checklist can help you do a hazard
assessment to see if your employees need to use PPE. You will find a

Personal Protective
copy of this sample checklist in the Resource Section of this book.

Equipment (PPE)

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 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
WAC 296-800-160

Rule
WAC 296-800-16010
Document your hazard assessment for PPE

You must
• Verify that a hazard assessment for PPE has been done at your workplace and
complete a written certification (paper or electronic format) that includes the:
– Name of the workplace.
– Address of the workplace you inspected for hazards.
– Name of person certifying that a workplace hazard assessment was done.
– Date(s) the workplace hazard assessment was done.
– Statement identifying the document as the certification of hazard assessment
for PPE for the workplace.

WAC 296-800-16015
Select appropriate PPE for your employees

You must
(1) Select appropriate PPE.
Personal Protective

• Select appropriate PPE for your employees if hazards are present, or likely to
Equipment (PPE)

be present.
• Select PPE for each at-risk employee to use for protection from the hazards
identified in your workplace hazard assessment.
(2) Select PPE that properly fits each at-risk employee.

-Continued-

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 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) WAC 296-800-160

Rule
WAC 296-800-16015 (Continued)

Note:
The hazards in your workplace may have special rules that apply to
them. For information about PPE for specific workplaces, see these
WISHA rule books:
Construction Work Chapter 296-155 WAC
Electrical Workers Chapter 296-45 WAC
Fire Fighters Chapter 296-305 WAC
General Occupational Health Standards Chapter 296-62 WAC
General Safety and Health Standards Chapter 296-24 WAC
Logging Operations Chapter 296-54 WAC
Pulp, Paper, & Paperboard Mills and Converters Chapter 296-79 WAC
Ship Repairing, Ship Building and Shipbreaking Chapter 296-304 WAC
Ski Area Facilities and Operations Chapter 296-59 WAC
Telecommunication Chapter 296-32 WAC
Textile Industry Chapter 296-301 WAC

Note:
For help in selecting PPE for your employees, you have several options.

Personal Protective
Equipment (PPE)
You may:
• Visit the OSHA website http://www.osha-slc.gov/SLTC/personalprotecti
veequipment/index.html.
• Call 1-800-4be safe (1-800-423-7233) for guidelines for selecting
PPE.
• Consult with safety and health professionals knowledgeable in this
area. See Resource Section for links to professional organizations.
• Discuss PPE choices with your employees.

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 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
WAC 296-800-160

Rule
WAC 296-800-16020
Provide PPE to your employees

You must
• Provide PPE at no cost to employees if the PPE is:
– The type that would not reasonably or normally be worn away from the
workplace, such as single use or disposable PPE.
– Required to comply with a safety and health standard to
protect employees wherever hazards exist from:
• Processes
• Environmental hazards
• Physical, chemical, or radiological hazards
or
• Mechanical irritants that could cause injury or impairment to
the function of any body part through absorption, inhalation, or
physical contact.
Personal Protective
Equipment (PPE)

-Continued-

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 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) WAC 296-800-160

Rule

WAC 296-800-16020 (Continued)

Table-X: Employer Responsibility for providing PPE

*This table provides examples only and is not all-inclusive
Part of Body PPE employers are required to provide at no cost Items in which employer
to employees. payment is not required.
Head Bump caps.
Hard hat. ---
Nonconductive head protection.
Eye and Face Face shields. Nonspecialty prescription
Goggles. safety eyewear.
Laser safety goggles.
Nonprescription eye protection.
Prescription eyewear inserts/lenses for full-face
respirators.
Welding and diving helmets.
Ear Hearing protection. ---
Hand/Arm Aluminized gloves. Hand protection
Barrier creams (unless used solely for weather used only for
related protection). keeping clean or
Chemical resistant gloves aprons/clothing. for cold weather
Hand protection used only for keeping clean or for with no safety or
cold weather with no safety or health consideration. health consideration.
Mesh cut proof gloves.
Mesh or leather aprons.
Nonspecialty gloves if required to protect from
dermatitis, severe cuts, or abrasions.
Rubber insulating gloves.
Rubber sleeves.

Personal Protective
Equipment (PPE)
Foot Metatarsal foot protection. Nonspecialty safety-toe
Rubber boots with steel toes. protective footwear such
Shoe covers - toe caps and metatarsal guards. as steel-toe shoes or
Special boots for longshoremen working logs. boots.
Sturdy work shoes.
Lineman's boots. Logging
boots required under
chapter 296-54 WAC.

-Continued-

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 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
WAC 296-800-160

Rule
WAC 296-800-16020 (Continued)

(Continued)Table-X: Employer Responsibility for providing PPE

*This table provides examples only and is not all-inclusive
Part of Body PPE employers are required to provide at no Items in which
cost to employees. employer payment is
not required.
Other Atmosphere supplying respirators (escape Long sleeve shirts.
only). Long pants.
Climbing ensembles used by linemen such as Ordinary cold weather
belts and climbing hooks. gear (coats, parkas, cold
weather gloves, winter
Level A - fully encapsulated chemical protective
boots).
suits. Ordinary rain gear.
Level B - chemical protective clothing. Personal Dust mask/respirators
fall arrest systems. Personal fall restraint used under the voluntary
systems. use provisions in chapter
Fire fighting PPE (helmet, gloves, 296-842 WAC.
boots,proximity suits, full gear). Back belts.
Ordinary rain gear. Sunglasses.
Dust mask/respirators used under the voluntary Sunscreen.
use provisions in chapter 296-842 WAC.
Back belts.
Sunglasses. Sunscreen. Ladder safety device
belts. Personal floatation devices (life jackets).
Class II or III high visibility garments that meet
Personal Protective

ANSI 107-2004 specifications.

Equipment (PPE)

Respiratory protection.
SCBA (selfcontained breathing apparatus).
Welding PPE.

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 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) WAC 296-800-160

Rule
WAC 296-800-16025
Train your employees to use PPE

You must
• Communicate your PPE selection decision to each at-risk employee.
• Provide training to each employee who is required to use PPE on the job. Each
affected employee must be trained to know at least the following:
– When PPE is necessary.
– What PPE is necessary.
– How to put on, take off, adjust, and wear PPE.
– Limitations of PPE.
– Proper care, maintenance, useful life, and disposal of PPE.
• Make sure, before an employee is allowed to perform work requiring the use of
PPE, that the employee can:
– Demonstrate an understanding of the training specified above;
and
– Demonstrate the ability to use PPE properly.

Personal Protective
WAC 296-800-16030

Equipment (PPE)
Retrain employees to use PPE, if necessary

You must
• Retrain an employee when you have reason to believe the understanding,
motivation, and skills required to use the PPE hasn't been retained. Circumstances
where retraining is required include:
– Changes in the workplace that make previous training out of date.
– Changes in the types of PPE to be used make previous training out of date.
– Work habits or demonstrated knowledge indicate that the employee hasn't
retained the necessary understanding, skill, or motivation to use PPE.

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 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
WAC 296-800-160

Rule
WAC 296-800-16035
Document PPE training

You must
• Document in writing that each employee using PPE has received and understood
the required training.
– This documentation must include:
• Name of each employee
• Date(s) of training
• Subject of the training

Note:
Documentation may be stored on a computer as long as it is available
to safety and health personnel from the Department of Labor and
Industries.

Helpful Tool:
Training Documentation Form
The sample Training Documentation form can help you verify in writing
that each employee who needs to use PPE has received and understood
Personal Protective

the required training. You will find a copy of this sample form in the
Equipment (PPE)

Resource Section of this book.

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 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) WAC 296-800-160

Rule
WAC 296-800-16040
Require your employees to use necessary PPE on the job

You must
• Require your employees to use necessary PPE on the job.

WAC 296-800-16045
Keep PPE in safe and good condition

You must
• Make sure all PPE is safe for the work to be performed. It must:
– Be durable.
– Fit snugly.
– Not interfere with the employee’s movements.
• Make sure PPE is used and maintained in a clean and reliable condition.
– Defective equipment must not be used.
• Make sure if employees provide their own PPE, that it is adequate for the workplace
hazards, and maintained in a clean and reliable condition.

Personal Protective
Equipment (PPE)

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 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
WAC 296-800-160

Rule
WAC 296-800-16050
Make sure your employees use appropriate eye and face protection

You must
• Make sure that employees exposed to hazards that could injure their eyes and/or
face use appropriate protection. Examples of these hazards include:
– Flying particles.
– Molten metal.
– Liquid chemicals.
– Acids or caustic liquids.
– Chemical gases or vapors.
– Any light that could injure the eyes such as lasers, ultraviolet, or infrared light.
– Objects that puncture.
• Make sure employees exposed to hazards from flying objects have eye protection
with side protection, such as safety glasses with clip-on or slide-on side shields.
• Make sure eye protection for employees who wear prescription lenses:
– Incorporates the prescription into the design of the eye protection;
or
Personal Protective

– Is large enough to be worn over the prescription lenses without disturbing

Equipment (PPE)

them.
• Make sure PPE used to protect the eyes and face meet the following specific ANSI
(American National Standards Institute) standards. Most commercially available
PPE is marked with the specific ANSI requirements.
– PPE bought before February 20, 1995, must meet ANSI standard Z87.1-1968.
– PPE bought on or after February 20, 1995, must meet ANSI standard
Z87.1-1989.
– If you use eye or face protection that doesn't meet these ANSI standards, you
must show they are equally effective.

-Continued-

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 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) WAC 296-800-160

Rule
WAC 296-800-16050 (Continued)
Note:
ANSI is the American National Standards Institute that publishes
nationally recognized safety and health requirements. Their address is:
ANSI (American National Standards Institute)
1819 L Street, NW
Washington, DC 20036
Phone: (202) 293-8020
FaX: (202) 293-9287
http://www.ansi.org

WAC 296-800-16055
Make sure your employees use appropriate head protection

You must
(1) Make sure employees wear appropriate protective helmets:
• Where employees are exposed to hazards that could cause a head injury.
Examples of this type of hazard include:
– Flying or propelled objects.

Personal Protective
– Falling objects or materials.

Equipment (PPE)
• Where employees are working around or under scaffolds or other overhead
structures.
• That helmets meet the following specific ANSI standards (most commercially
available PPE is marked with specific ANSI requirements):
– Protective helmets bought before February 20, 1995, must meet
ANSI standard Z89.1-1969.
– Protective helmets bought after February 20, 1995, must meet
ANSI standard Z89.1-1986.
– If you use protective helmets that don't meet these ANSI
standards, you must show they are equally effective.

-Continued-
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 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
WAC 296-800-160

Rule
WAC 296-800-16055 (Continued)
(2) Make sure employees working near exposed electrical conductors that could
contact their head wear a protective helmet designed (that meet the above ANSI
standards) to reduce electrical shock hazard.
• Caps with metal buttons or metal visors must not be worn around electrical
hazards.
(3) Make sure employees working around machinery or in locations that present a
hair-catching or fire hazard wear caps or head coverings that completely cover their
hair.
• Employees must wear a hair net that controls all loose ends when:
– Hair is as long as the radius of pressure rolls with exposed
in-running nip points.
– Hair is twice as long as the circumference of exposed revolving
shafts or tools in fixed machines.
• Employees must wear a hair covering of solid material when:
– The employee is exposed to an ignition source and may run into
an area containing class-1 flammable liquids, such as ether,
benzene, or combustible atmospheres if their hair is on fire.

WAC 296-800-16060
Personal Protective
Equipment (PPE)

Make sure your employees use appropriate foot protection

You must
(1) Use appropriate foot protection:
• Where employees are exposed to hazards that could injure their feet.
Examples of these hazards are:
– Falling objects
– Rolling objects
– Piercing/cutting injuries
– Electrical hazards
-Continued-
1•800•4BE SAFE (1•800•423•7233)
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 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) WAC 296-800-160

Rule
WAC 296-800-16060 (Continued)
• That meets specific ANSI requirements. (Most commercially available PPE is
marked with specific ANSI requirements.)
– PPE bought before February 20, 1995, must meet ANSI
standard Z41.1-1967.
– PPE bought after February 20, 1995, must meet ANSI standard
Z41-1991.
– If you use foot protection that doesn't meet these ANSI
standards, you must show it is equally effective.
(2) Make sure your employees wear calks or other suitable footwear to protect against
slipping while they are working on top of logs.

WAC 296-800-16065
Make sure your employees use appropriate hand protection

You must
• Make sure employees exposed to hazards that could injure their hands use
appropriate hand protection. Examples of these hazards include:
– Absorbing harmful substances

Personal Protective
– Severe cuts, lacerations or abrasions

Equipment (PPE)
– Punctures
– Chemical burns and/or thermal burns
– Harmful temperature extremes
• Make sure when choosing hand protection, you consider how well the hand
protection performs relative to the:
– Task
– Conditions present
– Duration of use
– Hazards
– Potential hazards
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 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
WAC 296-800-160

Rule
WAC 296-800-16070
Make sure your employees are protected from drowning

You must
(1) Provide and make sure your employees wear personal flotation devices (PFD).
• When they work in areas where the danger of drowning exists, such as:
– On the water
– Over the water
– Alongside the water

Note:
Employees aren't exposed to the danger of drowning when:
• Employees are working behind standard height and strength
guardrails.
• Employees are working inside operating cabs or stations that eliminate
the possibility of accidentally falling into the water.
• Employees are wearing an approved safety belt with a lifeline attached
that prevents the possibility of accidentally falling into the water.
Personal Protective
Equipment (PPE)

-Continued-

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 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) WAC 296-800-160

Rule
WAC 296-800-16070 (1)(Continued)

You must
• Provide your employees with PFDs approved by the United States Coast Guard for
use on commercial or merchant vessels. The following are appropriate or allowable
United States Coast Guard-approved PFDs:
Type of PFD General Description
Type I Off-Shore Life Jacket - effective for all waters or where
rescue may be delayed.
Type II Near-Shore Buoyant Vest - intended for calm, inland
water or where there is a good chance of quick rescue.
Type III Flotation aid - good for calm, inland water, or where
there is a good chance of rescue.
Type V Flotation aids such as boardsailing vests, deck suits,
work vests and inflatable PFDs marked for commercial
use.

Note:
• Commercially available PFDs are marked or imprinted with the type of
PFD.
• Type IV PFDs are throwable devices. They are used to aid persons

Personal Protective
who have fallen into the water.

Equipment (PPE)
You must
• Inspect PFDs before and after each use for defects and make sure that defective
PFDs aren't used.

-Continued-

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 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
WAC 296-800-160

Rule
WAC 296-800-16070 (Continued)

You must
(2) Provide approved life rings with an attached line on all docks, walkways, and fixed
installations on, or adjacent to, water more than 5 feet deep.
• Life rings must:
– Be United States Coast Guard approved 30 inch size.
– Have attached lines that are at least 90 feet in length.
– Have attached lines at least 1/4 inch in diameter.
– Have attached lines with a minimum breaking strength of 500
pounds.
– Be spaced no more than 200 feet apart.
– Be kept in easily visible and readily accessible locations.
• Life rings and attached lines must:
– Be maintained to retain at least 75% of their designed buoyancy
and strength.
– Be provided in the immediate vicinity when employees are
assigned work at other casual locations where the risk of
drowning exists.
• Work assigned over water where the vertical drop from an accidental fall would
Personal Protective

be more than 50 feet, must be subject to specific procedures as approved by

Equipment (PPE)

the Department.

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 Employer Chemical Hazard Communication
WAC 296-800-170

Summary

Hazard Communication
Employer Chemical
IMPORTANT:
Thousands of chemicals can be found in today’s workplaces. These chemicals may
have the capacity to cause health problems, from minor skin irritations to serious
injuries or diseases like cancer. You should review the type of chemicals you use
and consider using less hazardous chemicals (such as less toxic and nonflammable
chemicals).
The Employer Chemical Hazard Communication rule was developed to make sure
employers and employees are informed about chemical hazards in the workplace.
This rule applies to:
• Employers engaged in businesses where chemicals are used, distributed, or
produced for use or distribution.
• Contractors or subcontractors that work for employers engaged in businesses
where chemicals are used, distributed, or produced for use or distribution.

Exemptions: Certain products, chemicals, or items are exempt from this

rule. Below is a summarized list of these exemptions. See
WAC 296-800-17055 at the end of this rule to get complete information
about these exemptions:
– Any hazardous waste as defined by the Solid Waste Disposal Act, as
amended by the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act of 1976,
as amended (42 U.S.C. 6901 et seq.), when subject to regulations
issued under that act by the Environmental Protection Agency.
– Any hazardous substance as defined by the Comprehensive
Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability ACT (CERCLA)
(42 U.S.C. 9601 et seq.) when the hazardous substance is the focus
of remedial or removal action being conducted under CERCLA in
accordance with the Environmental Protection Agency regulations.
– Tobacco or tobacco products
– Wood or wood products that are not chemically treated and won't be
processed, for example, by sawing and sanding
– Food or alcoholic beverages
– Some drugs, such as retail or prescription medications
– Retail cosmetics
– Ionizing and nonionizing radiation
– Biological hazards
– Any consumer product or hazardous substance when workplace
exposure is the same as that of a consumer
-Continued-

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 Employer Chemical Hazard Communication
Hazard Communication
Employer Chemical

WAC 296-800-170

Summary
WAC 296-800-170 (Continued)
Exemptions:
• Retail products used in offices in the same manner and frequency
used by consumers, can be termed “consumer products”, and include
things such as: correction fluid, glass cleaner, and dishwashing liquid.
Example: If you use a household cleaner in your workplace in the
same manner and frequency that a consumer would use it when
cleaning their house, your exposure should be the same as the
consumer’s, and you are exempt. A janitor using a household
cleaner, such as bleach, throughout the day, is not considered to be
a consumer, and isn't exempt.
• Manufactured items that remain intact are exempt from this rule.
• Manufactured items that are fluids or in the form of particles aren't
exempt from this rule.
The following are examples:
Item Covered by this rule Not covered by this rule
Brick sawed or cut in half used whole or intact
Pipe cut by a torch bent with a tube bender
Nylon rope burning the ends tying a knot

Reference:
• If you produce, import, distribute and/or repackage chemicals, or
choose not to rely on labels or material safety data sheets provided by
the manufacturer or importer, you must comply with chemical hazard
communication for manufacturers, importers and distributers,
WAC 296-62-054.
• You may withhold trade secret information under certain
circumstances. See Trade Secrets, WAC 296-62-053, to find out what
information may be withheld as a trade secret and what information
must be released.

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 Employer Chemical Hazard Communication

Hazard Communication
Employer Chemical
WAC 296-800-170

Summary
YoUr resPonsibility:
To inform and train your employees about the hazards of chemicals
they may be exposed to during normal working conditions, or in
foreseeable emergencies by:
• Making a list of the hazardous chemicals present in your workplace.
• Preparing a written Chemical Hazard Communication Program for your workplace.
• Informing your employees about this rule and your program.
• Providing training to your employees about working in the presence of hazardous
chemicals.
• Getting and keeping the Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs) for the hazardous
chemicals.
• Making sure that labels on containers of hazardous chemicals are in place and
easy to read.

You must
Develop, implement, maintain, and make available a written
Chemical Hazard Communication Program
WAC 296-800-17005......................................................................Page 170-5
Include multiemployer workplaces in your program if necessary
WAC 296-800-17007......................................................................Page 170-6
Identify and list all the hazardous chemicals present in your
workplace
WAC 296-800-17010......................................................................Page 170-8
Obtain and maintain Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) for each
hazardous chemical used
WAC 296-800-17015......................................................................Page 170-9
Make sure that Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) are readily
accessible to your employees and NIOSH
WAC 296-800-17020....................................................................Page 170-12
-Continued-

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 Employer Chemical Hazard Communication
Hazard Communication
Employer Chemical

WAC 296-800-170

Summary
WAC 296-800-170 (Continued)

Label containers holding hazardous chemicals

WAC 296-800-17025....................................................................Page 170-13
Inform and train your employees about hazardous chemicals in
your workplace
WAC 296-800-17030....................................................................Page 170-17
Follow these rules for laboratories using hazardous chemicals
WAC 296-800-17035....................................................................Page 170-20
Follow these rules for handling chemicals in factory-sealed
containers
WAC 296-800-17040....................................................................Page 170-21

The Department must:

Translate certain chemical hazard communication documents
upon request
WAC 296-800-17045....................................................................Page 170-22
Attempt to obtain a Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) upon
request
WAC 296-800-17050....................................................................Page 170-22

Exemption:
Items or chemicals exempt from the rule, and exemptions
from labeling
WAC 296-800-17055....................................................................Page 170-23

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 Employer Chemical Hazard Communication

Hazard Communication
Employer Chemical
WAC 296-800-170

Rule
WAC 296-800-17005
Develop, implement, maintain, and make available a written
Chemical Hazard Communication Program

You must
• Develop, implement, maintain, and make available a written Chemical Hazard
Communication Program specific to your workplace. The Chemical Hazard
Communication Program must, at a minimum, include:
– A list of hazardous chemicals known to be present in your workplace.
– Procedures for making sure all containers are properly labeled.
– A description of how you are going to obtain and maintain your Material Safety
Data Sheets (MSDSs).
– A description of how you are going to train and inform your employees about
hazardous chemicals in their workplace.
– A description of how you are going to inform your employees about:
• Chemical hazards used during nonroutine tasks.
• The hazards associated with chemicals contained in unlabeled
pipes in employee work areas.

Helpful Tool:
Sample Hazardous Chemical Communication Program
This optional tool can help you develop a Chemical Hazard
Communication Program. You can find a sample copy of this program in
the Resource Section of this book.

-Continued-

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 Employer Chemical Hazard Communication
Hazard Communication
Employer Chemical

WAC 296-800-170

Rule
WAC 296-800-17005 (Continued)

You must
• Make your Chemical Hazard Communication Program available to your employees

Note:
• You must make the written Chemical Hazard Communication
Program available, upon request, to employees, their designated
representatives, the Department and NIOSH, in accordance with the
requirements of Access to Records, WAC 296-62-052.
• Where employees must travel between workplaces during a workshift,
that is, if their work is carried out at more than one geographical
location, the written Chemical Hazard Communication Program may be
kept at the primary workplace facility.

WAC 296-800-17007
Include multiemployer workplaces in your program if necessary

IMPortant:
• Sharing chemical hazard information at multiemployer workplaces is required for
the success of your hazard communication program and the success of other
employers'programs.
• This section applies to a site where you or your employees work if:
– Your employees may be exposed to hazardous chemicals used by another
employer;
OR
– Another employer's employees may be exposed to hazardous chemicals you
or your employees use.
Examples include employees of construction companies, cleaning services, or
maintenance contractors visiting or working on-site.
-Continued-

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 Employer Chemical Hazard Communication

Hazard Communication
Employer Chemical
WAC 296-800-170

Rule
WAC 296-800-17007 (Continued)

You must
• Include, in your written Chemical Hazard Communication Program, the methods
you will use to share the following hazard information with other employers when
their employees share a workplace with you and are potentially exposed to
chemicals you produce, use, or store:
– How you will provide other employers with a copy of the relevant material
safety data sheets (MSDSs), or provide access to the MSDSs in a specified
location.
– How you will inform the other employees of any precautionary measures
needed to protect employees during normal operating conditions and in
forseeable emergencies.
– A description of how you will inform other employers of the labeling system you
use.

Note:
You may rely on another employer's Chemical Hazard Communication
Program to share the information required if the program meets the
requirements of this rule.

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 Employer Chemical Hazard Communication
Hazard Communication
Employer Chemical

WAC 296-800-170

Rule
WAC 296-800-17010
Identify and list all the hazardous chemicals present in your
workplace

You must
• Identify all hazardous chemicals at your workplace.
– This includes any chemical that is known to be present in your workplace in
such a way that employees may be exposed to it under normal conditions of
use or in a foreseeable emergency.
• Create a list of these chemicals using the chemical or common name on the
Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS). This list:
– Must be compiled for the workplace as a whole, or for individual work areas.
– Is necessary to make sure that all hazardous chemicals are identified and that
MSDS, and labeling rules are met.
– Must be current.

Note:
• The following are some ways to determine whether a product is
hazardous:
– Look for words on the label, such as “CAUTION,” “WARNING,” or
“DANGER.”
– Look for words or “hazard coding” that indicate that the chemical
is flammable, an irritant, corrosive, carcinogenic, etc. “Hazard
coding” refers to words, numbers, or colors that tell you a
chemical is dangerous.
– Check the product’s MSDS for hazard information.
• Examples of hazardous chemicals are: Acids, adhesives, caustics,
fuels, paints, varnishes, shellacs and pesticides. Too many other
classes of hazardous chemicals exist to list them all here. If you have
any questions about a chemical you have at your workplace, contact
your local L&I office (see the Resource Section of this book).

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 Employer Chemical Hazard Communication

Hazard Communication
Employer Chemical
WAC 296-800-170

Rule
WAC 296-800-17015
Obtain and maintain Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs) for each
hazardous chemical used

Note:
MSDSs are a type of employee exposure record. Therefore, you must
comply with the Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs) as Exposure
Records, WAC 296-800-180, located in this book.

You must
• Obtain a MSDS for each hazardous chemical used as soon as possible, if the
MSDS isn't provided with the shipment of a hazardous chemical, from the chemical
manufacturer or importer.

Note:
• To obtain a MSDS, you may try calling the manufacturer or checking
their website.
• If you have a commercial account with a retailer or wholesaler, you
have the right to request and receive a MSDS about hazardous
chemicals you purchase.
• If a chemical is purchased from a retailer with no commercial
accounts, you have the right to request and receive the manufacturer’s
name and address so that you can contact them and request a MSDS
for the chemical.
• Whoever prepares the MSDS is required to mark all blocks on the form,
even if there is no relevant information for that section.

-Continued-

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 Employer Chemical Hazard Communication
Hazard Communication
Employer Chemical

WAC 296-800-170

Rule
WAC 296-800-17015 (Continued)

Note:
• If you have problems getting a MSDS within 30 calendar days after
making a written request to the chemical manufacturer, importer, or
distributor, you can get help from WISHA. You may contact your local
regional office for assistance or make a written request for assistance
to the:
DEPARTMENT OF LABOR AND INDUSTRIES
RIGHT-TO-KNOW PROGRAM
P.O. BOX 44610
OLYMPIA, WASHINGTON 98504-4610
Include in your request:
– A copy of the purchaser’s written request to the chemical
manufacturer, importer, or distributor.
– The name of the product suspected of containing a hazardous
chemical.
– The identification number of the product, if available.
– A copy of the product label, if available.
– The name and address of the chemical manufacturer, importer, or
distributor from whom the product was obtained.

Helpful Tool:
Sample Letter for Requesting MSDS
You can use the sample letter to request MSDSs. You can find a copy of
this letter in the Resource Section of this book.

Link:
A list of the addresses and phone numbers of the regional offices of
the Department of Labor and Industries can be found by visting the L&I
website at http://www.lni.wa.gov/wisha or by calling 1-800-4besafe
(1-800-423-7233).
-Continued-

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 Employer Chemical Hazard Communication

Hazard Communication
Employer Chemical
WAC 296-800-170

Rule
WAC 296-800-17015 (Continued)

You must
• Maintain a MSDS for each hazardous chemical:
– Keep copies of the required MSDSs for each hazardous chemical present in
your workplace.
– Each MSDS must be in English. You may also keep copies in other languages.

Reference:
• See material safety data sheets and label preparation, chapter
296-839 WAC, if you choose to create your own MSDS or label.

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 Employer Chemical Hazard Communication
Hazard Communication
Employer Chemical

WAC 296-800-170

Rule
WAC 296-800-17020
Make sure Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs) are readily
accessible to your employees and NIOSH

You must
• Make sure that MSDSs are readily accessible, easily obtained without delay during
each work shift by employees when they are in their work area(s).
• Make sure that employees, who must travel between workplaces during a work
shift, such as when their work is carried out at more than one geographical location,
can immediately obtain the required MSDS informaiton in an emergency. (MSDSs
may be kept at a central location at the primary workplace facility and accessed by
means such as voice communication or laptop computer.)

Note:
• Electronic access (such as computer or fax), microfiche, and other
alternatives to maintaining paper copies of the MSDSs are permitted
as long as they don't create barriers to immediate employee access in
each workplace.
• Barriers to immediate access of electronic MSDSs may include:
– Power outages
– Equipment failure
– System delays
– Deficient user knowledge to operate equipment
– Location of equipment outside the work area
Solutions to eliminating these and other possible barriers to access
may require the availability of back-up systems, employee training,
and providing access equipment in the work areas.

You must
• Make MSDSs readily available, when requested, to representatives of the National
Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH).

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 Employer Chemical Hazard Communication

Hazard Communication
Employer Chemical
WAC 296-800-170

Rule
WAC 296-800-17025
Label containers holding hazardous chemicals

Exemptions:
The following is a summary of items that are exempt from this rule:
• Pesticides, when labeled as required by the Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA).
• Food, food additives, color additives, drugs, cosmetics, or medical/
veterinary devices or products.
• Alcoholic beverages not intended for industrial use.
• Consumer products labeled as required by the Consumer Product
Safety Commission.
• Agriculture or vegetable seeds treated and labeled as required by the
Federal Seed Act.
For complete information about each of these, see WAC 296-800-17055.

Note:
You aren't required to label portable containers into which hazardous
chemicals are transferred from labeled containers, if the chemical is
used and controlled by the same employee who performed the transfer
within the same shift.

Helpful Tool:
Sample Labels for Hazardous Chemical Containers
You can find sample hazard chemical labels in the Resource Section of
this book.

-Continued-

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 Employer Chemical Hazard Communication
Hazard Communication
Employer Chemical

WAC 296-800-170

Rule
WAC 296-800-17025 (Continued)

You must
• Make sure that each container of hazardous chemicals in the workplace is labeled,
tagged, or marked with the following information:
– The identity of the hazardous chemical(s) using either the chemical or common
name.
– Appropriate hazard warnings which give general information about the
relevant health and physical hazards of the chemicals. This includes health
effects information, such as information about organs most likely to be affected
by the chemicals.
– For individual stationary process containers, you may use alternate labeling
methods such as:
• Signs
• Placards
• Process sheets
• Batch tickets
• Operating procedures
• Other such written materials, as long as the alternate method
identifies the containers and conveys the required label
information.

-Continued-

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 Employer Chemical Hazard Communication

Hazard Communication
Employer Chemical
WAC 296-800-170

Rule
WAC 296-800-17025 (Continued)
Note:
• You don't need to put on new labels if existing labels already provide
the required information.
• You aren't required to list each component in a hazardous mixture on
the label. If a mixture is referred to on an MSDS by a product name,
then the product name should be used as the identifier.
• You may use words, pictures, symbols, or any combination of these, to
communicate the hazards of the chemical.

Sample Container Labels

• Be sure to train your employees so they can demonstrate a knowledge

of the labeling system you use.
• Some alternative labeling systems don't communicate target organ
information, so the employee will have to rely on training provided by
the employer to obtain this information.

-Continued-

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 Employer Chemical Hazard Communication
Hazard Communication
Employer Chemical

WAC 296-800-170

Rule
WAC 296-800-17025 (Continued)

You must
• Not remove or deface existing labels on incoming containers of hazardous
chemicals unless the container is immediately labeled with the required
information.

This is an example of a labeled container. You may use a laminated or

coated label, affixed to the container with a wire, to avoid deterioration of
labels due to a solvent, such as acetone.

You must
• Make sure that labels or other forms of warning are legible, in English, and
prominently displayed on the container, or readily available in the work area
throughout each work shift.

Note:
Employers with non-English speaking employees may use other
languages in the warning information in addition to the English language.

• Make sure if the hazardous chemical is regulated by WISHA or OSHA in a

substance-specific health rule, that the labels or other warnings are used according
to those rules.

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 Employer Chemical Hazard Communication

Hazard Communication
Employer Chemical
WAC 296-800-170

Rule
WAC 296-800-17030
Inform and train your employees about hazardous chemicals in
your workplace

You must
• Provide employees with effective information on hazardous chemicals in their work
area at the time of their initial job assignment. Whenever a new physical or health
hazard related to chemical exposure is introduced into their employees’ work areas,
information must be provided.
– Inform employees of:
• The requirements of this rule.
• Any operations in their work area where hazardous chemicals
are present.
• The location and availability of your written Chemical Hazard
Communication Program, including the list(s) of hazardous
chemicals and Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs) required
by this rule.
• Provide employees with effective training about hazardous chemicals in their work
area at the time of their initial job assignment. Whenever a new physical or health
hazard related to chemical exposure is introduced, the employees must be trained.
• Make sure employee training includes:
– Methods and observations that may be used to detect the presence or release
of a hazardous chemical in the work area.
Examples of these methods and observations may include:
• Monitoring conducted by you.
• Continuous monitoring devices.
• Visual appearance or odor of hazardous chemicals when being
released.
– Physical and health hazards of the chemicals in the work area, including the
likely physical symptoms or effects of overexposure.
-Continued-

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 Employer Chemical Hazard Communication
Hazard Communication
Employer Chemical

WAC 296-800-170

Rule
WAC 296-800-17030 (Continued)
– Steps employees can take to protect themselves from the chemical hazards in
your workplace, including specific procedures implemented by you to protect
employees from exposure to hazardous chemicals. Specific procedures may
include:
• Appropriate work practices
• Engineering controls
• Emergency procedures
• Personal protective equipment to be used
– Details of the chemical hazard communication program developed by you,
including an explanation of the labeling system and the MSDS, and how
employees can obtain and use the appropriate hazard information.
• Tailor information and training to the types of hazards to which employees will
be exposed. The information and training may be designed to cover categories
of hazards, such as flammability or cancer-causing potential, or it may address
specific chemicals. Chemical-specific information must always be available
through labels and MSDSs.
• Make reasonable efforts to post notices in your employees’ native languages (as
provided by the department) if those employees have trouble communicating in
English.

Note:
• Interactive computer-based training or training videos can be used
provided they are effective.
• Your MSDSs may not have WISHA permissible exposure limits (PELs)
listed. In some cases, WISHA PELs are stricter than the OSHA PELs
and other exposure limits listed on the MSDSs you receive. If this is
the case, you must refer to the WISHA PEL table, WAC 296-62-075, for
the appropriate exposure limits to be covered during training.

-Continued-

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 Employer Chemical Hazard Communication

Hazard Communication
Employer Chemical
WAC 296-800-170

Rule
WAC 296-800-17030 (Continued)

Helpful Tool:
Training Documentation Form
The Training Documentation Form can help you document employees’
hazardous chemical communication training. You can find a sample
copy of this form in the Resource Section of this book.

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 Employer Chemical Hazard Communication
Hazard Communication
Employer Chemical

WAC 296-800-170

Rule
WAC 296-800-17035
Follow these rules for laboratories using hazardous chemicals

Note:
• Laboratories are required to have a written Chemical Hygiene Plan
under WAC 296-62-400, if applicable. They are not required to have a
written Chemical Hazard Communication Program.
• You may combine your Accident Prevention Program and Chemical
Hazard Communication Program to assist you in developing a
chemical hygiene plan for your laboratory.

You must
(1) Make sure that labels on incoming containers of hazardous chemicals are in place
and readable.
(2) Maintain Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs) received with incoming shipments of
hazardous chemicals and make them readily accessible to laboratory employees
when they are in their work areas.
(3) Provide laboratory employees with information and training as described in:
“Inform and train your employees about hazardous chemicals in your workplace,”
WAC 296-800-17030. You don't have to cover the location and the availability of the
Hazard Communication Program.

Note:
Laboratory employers that ship hazardous chemicals are considered
to be either chemical manufacturers or distributors. When laboratory
employers ship hazardous chemicals they must comply with the rule,
“hazard communication standards for chemical manufacturers, importers
and distributors,” WAC 296-62-054.

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 Employer Chemical Hazard Communication

Hazard Communication
Employer Chemical
WAC 296-800-170

Rule
WAC 296-800-17040
Follow these rules for handling chemicals in factory-sealed
containers
This applies to situations where employees only handle chemicals in factory-sealed
containers that aren't opened under normal use (such as those found in marine cargo
handling, trucking, warehousing, or retail sales).

You must
(1) Make sure that labels on incoming containers of hazardous chemicals are in place
and readable.
(2) Keep or obtain Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs).
• Keep any MSDSs that are received with incoming shipments of the sealed
containers of hazardous chemicals.
• If a factory-sealed container of hazardous chemicals comes without a MSDS,
obtain one as soon as possible, if an employee requests it.
(3) Make sure that the MSDSs are readily accessible during each work shift to
employees when they are in their work area(s).
(4) Inform and train your employees about hazardous chemicals in your workplace,
to protect them in case of a hazardous chemical spill or leak from a factory-sealed
container. You don't have to cover the location and availability of the written
Chemical Hazard Communication Program.

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 Employer Chemical Hazard Communication
Hazard Communication
Employer Chemical

WAC 296-800-170

Rule
WAC 296-800-17045
Translate certain chemical hazard communication documents upon
request

The Department must

• Upon receipt of a written or verbal request, prepare and make available (within
available resources) to employers or the public, a translation into Cambodian,
Chinese, Korean, Spanish, or Vietnamese of any of the following:
– An employer’s written Chemical Hazard Communication Program.
– A Material Safety Data Sheet;
or
– Written materials prepared by the Department to inform employees of their
rights described in this rule, regarding chemical hazard communication.

Note:
Written requests for translations should be directed to:
DEPARTMENT OF LABOR AND INDUSTRIES
Right-to-Know Program
P.O. BoX 44610
Olympia, Washington 98504-4610

WAC 296-800-17050
Attempt to obtain a Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) upon
request

The Department must

• Upon receipt of an employer’s written request for a Material Safety Data Sheet,
attempt to obtain the MSDS from the chemical manufacturer, importer, or distributor.
When the department receives the MSDS, the department must forward a copy of it
to the purchaser at no cost. Small business employers will be given priority for this
service.

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 Employer Chemical Hazard Communication

Hazard Communication
Employer Chemical
WAC 296-800-170

Rule
WAC 296-800-17055
Items or chemicals exempt from the rule, and exemptions from
labeling
• Listed below are the full descriptions of the items or chemicals that are exempt, or
not covered, by this rule:
– Any consumer product or hazardous substance, defined in the Consumer
Product Safety Act (15 U.S.C. 2051 et seq.) and Federal Hazardous Substance
Act (15 U.S.C. 1261 et seq.) respectively, where you can show that it is used
in the workplace for the purpose intended by the chemical manufacturer or
importer of the product, and the use results in a duration and frequency of
exposure that isn't greater than the range of exposures that could reasonably
be experienced by consumers when used for the purpose intended.
– Any hazardous waste defined by the Hazardous Waste Management Act
chapter 70.105 RCW, when subject to regulations issued under that act by
the Department of Ecology that describes specific safety, labeling, personnel
training, and other rules for the accumulation, handling and management of
hazardous waste.
– Any hazardous waste defined by the Solid Waste Disposal Act, as amended
by the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act of 1976, as amended (42
U.S.C. 6901 et seq.), when subject to regulations issued under that act by the
Environmental Protection Agency.
– Any hazardous substance defined by the Comprehensive Environmental
Response, Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA) (42 U.S.C. 9601 et seq.),
when the hazardous substance is the focus of remedial or removal action
being conducted under CERCLA in accordance with Environmental Protection
Agency regulations.
– Tobacco or tobacco products.

-Continued-

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 Employer Chemical Hazard Communication
Hazard Communication
Employer Chemical

WAC 296-800-170

Rule
WAC 296-800-17055 (Continued)
– Wood or wood products, including lumber that won't be processed, where
the chemical manufacturer or importer can establish that the only hazard they
pose to the employees is the potential for flammability or combustibility. Wood
or wood products that have been treated with hazardous chemicals covered
by this rule, and wood that may be subsequently sawed or cut, generating
dust, aren't exempted.
– Articles, meaning manufactured items other than a fluid or particle that:
• Are formed to a specific shape or design during manufacture;
• Have end use function(s) dependent in whole or in part upon
their shape or design during end use;
AND
• Under normal conditions of use, don't release more than very
small quantities, for example, minute or trace amounts of a
hazardous chemical such as, emissions from a marking pen or
a newly varnished wood chair, and don't pose a physical hazard
or health risk to employees.
– Food or alcoholic beverages that are sold, used, or prepared in a retail
establishment such as a grocery store, restaurant, or drinking place, and foods
intended for personal consumption by employees while in the workplace.
– Any drug, defined in the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (21 U.S.C.
301 et seq.), when it is in solid, final form for direct administration to the
patient (for example, tablets or pills); drugs that are packaged by the chemical
manufacturer for sale to consumers in a retail establishment (for example,
over-the-counter drugs); and drugs intended for personal consumption by
employees while in the workplace (for example, first-aid supplies). Aerosolized
or cytotoxic drugs administered by a health care worker aren't excluded.

-Continued-

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 Employer Chemical Hazard Communication

Hazard Communication
Employer Chemical
WAC 296-800-170

Rule
WAC 296-800-17055 (Continued)
– Cosmetics packaged for sale to consumers in a retail establishment, and
cosmetics intended for personal consumption by employees while in the
workplace.
– Ionizing and nonionizing radiation.
– Biological hazards.
• This rule doesn't require labeling of the following chemicals:
– Any pesticide defined in the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide
Act (7 U.S.C. 136 et seq.), when subject to the labeling requirements of that
act and labeling regulations issued under that act by the Environmental
Protection Agency.
– Any chemical substance or mixture defined in the Toxic Substance Control
Act (15 U.S.C. 2601 et seq.), when subject to the labeling requirements of that
act, and labeling requirements issued under that act by the Environmental
Protection Agency.
– Any food, food additive, color additive, drug, cosmetic, or medical/veterinary
device or product, including materials intended for use as ingredients in such
products (for example, flavors and fragrances), are defined in the Federal
Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (21 U.S.C. 301 et seq.) or the Virus-Serum Toxin
Act of 1913 (21 U.S.C. 151 et seq.) and regulations issued under those acts,
when they are subject to the labeling requirements under those acts by either
the Food and Drug Administration or the Department of Agriculture.
– Any distilled spirits (beverage alcohols), wine, or malt beverage intended
for nonindustrial use, defined in the Federal Alcohol Administration Act (27
U.S.C. 201 et seq.) and regulations issued under that act, when subject to the
labeling requirements of that act and labeling regulations issued under that act
by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms.

-Continued-

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 Employer Chemical Hazard Communication
Hazard Communication
Employer Chemical

WAC 296-800-170

Rule
WAC 296-800-17055 (Continued)
– Any consumer product or hazardous substance defined in the Consumer
Product Safety Act (15 U.S.C. 2051 et seq.) and Federal Hazardous
Substances Act (15 U.S.C. 1261 et seq.) respectively, when subject to
a consumer product safety rule or labeling requirement of those acts,
or regulations issued under those acts by the Consumer Product Safety
Commission.
– Agricultural or vegetable seed treated with pesticides and labeled in
accordance with the Federal Seed Act (7 U.S.C. 1551 et seq.) and the labeling
requirements issued under that act by the Department of Agriculture.

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 Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs)
as Exposure Records
WAC 296-800-180

Summary
Important:
Exposure records contain information about employees’ exposure to toxic substances
or harmful physical agents. Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs) are one type of
exposure record. The preservation of and access to exposure records is necessary to
improve detection, treatment, and prevention of occupational diseases.
This rule supplements the chemical hazard communication rule by extending access
to MSDSs, or their alternative, after employment and after the hazardous chemical is
no longer used in the workplace.

as Exposure Records

Material Safety Data

Sheets (MSDSs)
YoUr resPonsibility:
To preserve and provide access to Material Safety Data Sheets
(MSDSs) or their alternative as exposure records

You must
Preserve exposure records for at least 30 years
WAC 296-800-18005......................................................................Page 180-3
Inform current employees of exposure records
WAC 296-800-18010......................................................................Page 180-4
Provide access to exposure records
WAC 296-800-18015......................................................................Page 180-5
Transfer records when ceasing to do business
WAC 296-800-18020......................................................................Page 180-7

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 Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs)
as Exposure Records
WAC 296-800-180

Summary
Note:
• Access to records, WAC 296-62-052, requires the preservation and
access to other exposure records including records such as workplace
monitoring data and biological monitoring results and medical
records. If you keep these other types of employee exposure records
or employee medical records, you must comply with these additional
requirements.
Material Safety Data

as Exposure Records

• This rule applies to every employer who maintains, makes, contracts

Sheets (MSDSs)

for, or has access to MSDSs for chemicals used in their workplace.

• The specific identity of a toxic substance may be withheld from a
disclosable record if it is a verifiable trade secret. For trade secret
requirements see WAC 296-62-053.

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 Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs)
as Exposure Records
WAC 296-800-180

Rule
WAC 296-800-18005
Preserve exposure records for at least 30 years

You must
• Keep Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs) and analyses using MSDSs for at least
30 years, including current, former, and future employers receiving transferred
records. Preserve MSDSs in any form, as long as the information isn't altered and
is retrievable. You may keep alternative records instead of MSDSs concerning the

as Exposure Records

Material Safety Data

identity of a substance. The alternative record must also be kept for 30 years and

Sheets (MSDSs)
contain the following information:
– Some record of the identity (chemical name, if known) of a substance or agent
– Where the substance or agent was used
– When the substance or agent was used

Note:
Keeping alternative records may be less work than you think. When
developing your hazard communication program’s list of hazardous
chemicals (WAC 296-800-17010), add the “where used” and “when
used” information required by this rule.

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 Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs)
as Exposure Records
WAC 296-800-180

Rule
WAC 296-800-18010
Inform current employees of exposure records

You must
• Inform current employees who are, or will be exposed to a toxic chemical of:

Note:
A chemical is toxic if:
Material Safety Data

as Exposure Records
Sheets (MSDSs)

• The latest printed edition of the National Institute for Occupational

Safety and Health (NIOSH) Registry of Toxic Effects of Chemical
Substances (RTECS) lists the substance. This may be obtained on-line,
CD-ROM, or on a computer tape.
• Testing by or known to the employer has shown positive evidence that
the substance is an acute or chronic health hazard.
• A material safety data sheet (MSDS) kept by or known to the employer
shows the material may be a hazard to human health.
– The existence, location, and availability of MSDSs or alternative records, and
any other records covered by this rule.
– The person responsible for maintaining and providing access to records.
– Exposure records when the employee first enters into employment and then
once a year thereafter.
– Existence and their rights of access to these records.

Note:
Informing employees of the availability of these records may be
accomplished by posting, group discussion or by individual notifications.

You must
• Keep a copy of this rule and make copies available upon request to employees.
• Distribute to employees any informational materials about this rule that are made
available to the employer by the department.

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 Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs)
as Exposure Records
WAC 296-800-180

Rule
WAC 296-800-18015
Provide access to exposure records

You must
• Provide access, whenever requested by an employee or their designated
representative, to a relevant exposure record:
– In a reasonable time, place, and manner.
– Within 15 working days. If the employer can't meet this requirement, they must

as Exposure Records

Material Safety Data

Sheets (MSDSs)
inform the requesting party of the reason for the delay and the earliest date the
record will be made available.

Note:
• Employee means any current, former or transfered worker.
• A relevant exposure record is an MSDS or its alternative; or analysis
using MSDSs or their alternative.

You must
• Make sure Labor and Industries has prompt access to any exposure records
and related analysis. This must be done without violation of any rights under the
Constitution or the Washington Industrial Safety and Health Act that the employer
chooses to exercise.

Note:
Nothing in this rule is meant to prevent employees and collective
bargaining agents from getting access to information beyond that is
required by this rule.

-Continued-

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 Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs)
as Exposure Records
WAC 296-800-180

Rule
WAC 296-800-18015 (Continued)

You must
• Make sure that whenever an employee or designated representative requests an
initial copy of an exposure record, related analysis or new information added to the
record:
– A copy of the record is provided without cost to the employee or their
representative.
Material Safety Data

as Exposure Records

or
Sheets (MSDSs)

– The facilities are made available for copying without cost to the employee or
their representative.
or
– The record is loaned to the employee or their representative for a reasonable
time to enable a copy to be made.

Note:
Whenever a record has been previously provided without cost to an
employee or designated representative, and they request additional
copies, the employer may charge reasonable, nondiscriminatory
administrative costs (e.g., search and copying expenses, but no
overhead expenses).

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 Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs)
as Exposure Records
WAC 296-800-180

Rule
WAC 296-800-18020
Transfer records when ceasing to do business

You must
• Transfer all Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs) as exposure records to the
successor employer, who must do the following to these records:
– Receive

as Exposure Records

Material Safety Data

– Preserve

Sheets (MSDSs)
– Keep unchanged
• If there is no successor to receive and preserve the employee exposure records:
– Notify affected current employees of their rights of access to records at least 3
months prior to the cessation of the employer’s business.
and
– Transfer the records to the Department, if required by a specific WISHA safety
and health rule.

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 Notes

1•800•4BE SAFE (1•800•423•7233)

04/09
 Safety Bulletin Board
WAC 296-800-190

Rule
YoUr resPonsibility:
To provide a safety bulletin board

WAC 296-800-19005
Provide a safety bulletin board in your workplace

You must
• Install and maintain a safety bulletin board in every fixed workplace (establishment)
that has 8 or more employees. Make sure the safety bulletin board is large enough
to post information such as the following:
– Safety bulletins
– Safety newsletters
– Safety posters
– Accident statistics
– Other safety educational material

Note:
You may want to post your emergency phone numbers on the safety
bulletin board.

Safety Bulletin
Board

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 Notes

1•800•4BE SAFE (1•800•423•7233)

04/09
 WISHA Poster

WISHA Poster
WAC 296-800-200

Rule
YoUr resPonsibility:
To post the WISHA poster, which informs your employees of their
job safety and health protection rights

WAC 296-800-20005
Post and keep a WISHA poster in your workplace

You must:
• Post it where it can easily be seen by employees and keep it in good condition.

Note:
• Other programs within Labor and Industries may require other
workplace posters. These are:
- Job safety and health protection
and
- Notice to employees -- If a job injury occurs
and
- Your rights as a nonagricultural worker
• You can obtain a free copy of Labor and Industries posters from any
Labor and Industries office or by printing it off our website
(http://www.lni.wa.gov/ipub/101-054-000.htm). You can find the Labor
and Industries office closest to you by:
• Checking the Resource Section of this book for regional offices.
or
- Calling 1-800-4be safe (1-800-423-7233)
or
- http://www.lni.wa.gov/wisha/question.htm#contact

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 Notes

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04/09
 Lighting
WAC 296-800-210

Rule
YoUr resPonsibility:
To provide and maintain adequate lighting in your workplace

WAC 296-800-21005
Provide and maintain adequate lighting

Note:
This section establishes minimal levels of lighting for safety purposes
only. Guidelines pertaining to optimal levels of lighting and illumination
may be found in Practice for Industrial Lighting, ANSI/IES RP7-1979.
(See the Resource Section of this book on how to contact ANSI.)

Lighting
You must
• Provide and maintain adequate lighting for all work activities in your workplace.
See the following table:
Lighting Table
Any one single measurement
used to determine the aver-
Minimum acceptable average age lighting level* can't be
lighting level in an area: less than:
Activity (Foot-candles) (Foot-candles)
Indoor task 10 5
Outdoor task 5 2.5
Nontask activities for both indoor 3 1.5
and outdoor

* Lighting levels must be measured at 30 inches above the floor/working surface at the task.

You must
• Have adequate light for employees to see nearby objects that might be potential
hazards or to see to operate emergency controls or other equipment, if general
lighting isn't available.
-Continued-

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 Lighting
WAC 296-800-210

Rule
WAC 296-800-21005 (Continued)
Note:
• Lighting levels can be measured with a light meter.
• Conversion information: 1 foot-candle =1 lumen incident per square
.

foot =10.76 lux.

.
Lighting

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 Housekeeping, Drainage, & Storage WAC 296-800-220

Summary
YoUr resPonsibility:
To provide your employees with a clean, dry, pest-free workplace

Note:
The introduction has important information about building, electrical and
fire codes that may apply to you in addition to WISHA rules. See “How
do the WISHA rules relate to building, fire, and electrical codes” in the
introduction section of this book.

You must
Housekeeping
Keep your workplace clean
WAC 296-800-22005......................................................................Page 220-3
Sweep and clean your workplace to minimize dust
WAC 296-800-22010......................................................................Page 220-3
Keep your workplace free of obstacles that interfere with cleaning
WAC 296-800-22015......................................................................Page 220-3
Control pests in your workplace
WAC 296-800-22020......................................................................Page 220-4
Make sure floors are maintained in a safe condition
WAC 296-800-22022......................................................................Page 220-5

Drainage, & Storage

Housekeeping,
Drainage
Keep your workroom floors dry, when practical
WAC 296-800-22025......................................................................Page 220-5
Provide proper drainage
WAC 296-800-22030......................................................................Page 220-6
-Continued-

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 Housekeeping, Drainage, & Storage
WAC 296-800-220

Summary
WAC 296-800-220 (Continued)
Storage
Store things safely
WAC 296-800-22035......................................................................Page 220-6
Control vegetation in your storage areas
WAC 296-800-22040......................................................................Page 220-7
Drainage, & Storage
Housekeeping,

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 Housekeeping, Drainage, & Storage WAC 296-800-220

Rule
HoUsekeePinG

WAC 296-800-22005
Keep your workplace clean

You must
• Keep all areas of your workplace, passageways, storage rooms, and service rooms
in a clean, orderly and sanitary condition to the extent the nature of the work allows.

WAC 296-800-22010
Sweep and clean your workplace to minimize dust

You must
• Sweep and clean your workplace in a way that minimizes dust in the air as much as
possible.
• When practical, clean after hours so that your employees aren't exposed to dust in
the air on the job.

Drainage, & Storage

WAC 296-800-22015

Housekeeping,
Keep your workplace free of obstacles that interfere with cleaning

You must
• Keep your workplace clear of obstructions such as nails, splinters, loose boards
and unnecessary holes and openings to make cleaning easier and more effective.

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 Housekeeping, Drainage, & Storage
WAC 296-800-220

Rule
WAC 296-800-22020
Control pests in your workplace

You must
• Make sure each building in your workplace is constructed, equipped and
maintained so it restricts pests from entering or living in it. Pests include animals
such as:
– Rodents (rats, mice, and squirrels).
– Birds (starlings, pigeons, and swallows).
– Insects (bees, wasps, and mosquitoes).
• Take steps to effectively control pests in your workplace, if they are detected.
– Carry out a continuing and effective control program in the areas of your
workplace where pests have been detected.

Note:
• By handling dead or live pests including their waste products,
attached parasites and other contaminated materials, your employees
may be exposed to certain health risks. These risks include, but aren't
limited to: Hanta virus, rabies, lyme disease and psittacosis. Contact
your local L&I office (see Resource Section of this book) or the public
health department for more information about health risks and proper
Drainage, & Storage

pest handling and disposal techniques.

Housekeeping,

• “Workplace” includes storage areas.

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 Housekeeping, Drainage, & Storage WAC 296-800-220

Rule
WAC 296-800-22022
Make sure floors are maintained in a safe condition

You must
• Make sure floors are kept free of debris. This includes:
– Buildings
– Platforms
– Walkways and driveways
– Storage yards
– Docks
• Use a nonslip coating on all polished floors.

DrainaGe

WAC 296-800-22025
Keep your workroom floors dry, when practical

You must

Drainage, & Storage

• Do the following to help keep your employees dry if wet processes are used in your

Housekeeping,
work area:
– Maintain drainage away from the work area;
and
– Provide false floors, platforms, or other dry places where employees can
stand, where practical
or
– Provide appropriate waterproof footgear.

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04/09
 Housekeeping, Drainage, & Storage
WAC 296-800-220

Rule
WAC 296-800-22030
Provide proper drainage

You must
• Provide all areas where employees work, such as yards, basements, or garages,
with adequate drainage.

StoraGe
WAC 296-800-22035
Store things safely

You must:
• Store materials so they don't create a hazard.
• Keep workplace storage areas free from accumulation of materials that could
create hazards from tripping, fire, or explosion.
• Secure stored items such as bundles, containers, and bags to prevent them from
falling, sliding, or collapsing by doing one or more of the following:
Drainage, & Storage

– Stacking
Housekeeping,

– Racking
– Blocking
– Interlocking
– Otherwise securing them

-Continued-

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 Housekeeping, Drainage, & Storage WAC 296-800-220

Rule
WAC 296-800-22035 (Continued)
• Make sure stored items are limited in height so that they are stable and secure to
prevent sliding or collapse.

WAC 296-800-22040
Control vegetation in your storage areas

You must
• Control vegetation in your storage areas when necessary to create a safe working
environment.

Drainage, & Storage

Housekeeping,

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 Notes

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04/09
 Sanitation and Hygiene

Facilities and Procedures

Sanitation and Hygiene
Facilities and Procedures
WAC 296-800-230

Summary
YoUr resPonsibility:
To provide safe drinking (potable) water, bathrooms, washing
facilities, eating areas and garbage and waste disposal in your
workplace

You must

General reQUireMents for all workPlaces

drinKing water
Provide safe drinking (potable) water in your workplace
WAC 296-800-23005......................................................................Page 230-4
Clearly mark water outlets that are not-fit-for-drinking
(non-potable)
WAC 296-800-23010......................................................................Page 230-5
Make sure that systems delivering the not-fit-for-drinking (non-potable)
water prevent backflow into drinking water systems
WAC 296-800-23015......................................................................Page 230-7
BathrOOms and washing facilities
Provide bathrooms for your employees
WAC 296-800-23020......................................................................Page 230-7
Provide convenient, and clean washing facilities
WAC 296-800-23025......................................................................Page 230-9

-Continued-

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 Sanitation and Hygiene
Facilities and Procedures
Sanitation and Hygiene

Facilities and Procedures

WAC 296-800-230

Summary
WAC 296-800-230 (Continued)
Eating areas and fOOd serVices
Make sure eating areas are safe and healthy
WAC 296-800-23040......................................................................Page 230-9
Follow these requirements if you provide food service to your
employees
WAC 296-800-23045....................................................................Page 230-10
Garbage and waste dispOsal
Dispose of garbage and waste safely
WAC 296-800-23050....................................................................Page 230-10
Remove garbage and waste in a way that doesn't create a
health hazard
WAC 296-800-23055....................................................................Page 230-11
lUnchrOOms and persOnal serVice rOOms
Provide a separate lunchroom if employees are exposed to toxic
substances if they are allowed to eat and drink on the job site
WAC 296-800-23060....................................................................Page 230-11
Provide showers when required for employees working with
chemicals
WAC 296-800-23065....................................................................Page 230-12
Provide change rooms when required
WAC 296-800-23070....................................................................Page 230-13
Make sure any work clothes you provide are dry
WAC 296-800-23075....................................................................Page 230-13
-Continued-

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 Sanitation and Hygiene

Facilities and Procedures

Sanitation and Hygiene
Facilities and Procedures
WAC 296-800-230

Rule
WAC 296-800-230 (Continued)

Note:
Some industries may have additional rules on bathrooms and washing
facilities. Some examples include:

Industry WAC
Agriculture; Indoor Sanitation and
Temporary Labor Camps..............................Chapter 296-307 WAC
Carcinogens; General Regulated
Area Requirements.......................................WAC 296-62-07308
Charter Boats................................................WAC 296-115-050
Compressed Air Work...................................WAC 296-36-160(5)
Construction.................................................WAC 296-155-140
Temporary Labor Camps..............................WAC 296-24-12507

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 Sanitation and Hygiene
Facilities and Procedures
Sanitation and Hygiene

Facilities and Procedures

WAC 296-800-230

Rule
DRINKING WATER
WAC 296-800-23005
Provide safe drinking (potable) water in your workplace

You must
(1) Provide safe drinking (potable) water for employees for:
• Washing themselves.
• Personal service rooms.
• Cooking.
• Washing premises where food is prepared or processed.
• Washing food, eating utensils, or clothing.
(2) Make sure when providing movable or portable drinking water dispensers that they
are:
• Capable of being closed.
• Kept in sanitary condition.
• Equipped with a tap.
(3) Prohibit employees from:
• Using shared drinking cups or utensils.
• Using open containers such as barrels, pails, and tanks that require employees
to dip or pour drinking water, even if the containers have covers.

-Continued-

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 Sanitation and Hygiene

Facilities and Procedures

Sanitation and Hygiene
Facilities and Procedures
WAC 296-800-230

Rule
WAC 296-800-23005 (Continued)

Definition:
• Potable water is water that you can safely drink that meets specific
safety standards prescribed by the United States Environmental
Protection Agency’s National Interim Primary Drinking Water
Regulations, published in 40 CFR Part 141, and 40 CFR 147.2400.
• Personal service rooms are used for activities not directly connected
with a business'production or service function such as first aid,
medical services, dressing, showering, bathrooms, washing and
eating.

WAC 296-800-23010
Clearly mark the water outlets that are not-fit-for-drinking
(non-potable)

You must
(1) Mark water outlets that aren't fit for drinking (nonpotable), such as those used for
industrial processes or firefighting, so they won't be used for:
• Drinking
• Washing themselves, except in emergencies
• Cooking
• Washing food, eating utensils, or clothing.
(2) Prohibit the use of nonpotable water containing substances that could create
unsafe conditions such as:
• Concentrations of chemicals, such as lead or chlorine
• Fecal coliform bacteria.

-Continued-

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 Sanitation and Hygiene
Facilities and Procedures
Sanitation and Hygiene

Facilities and Procedures

WAC 296-800-230

Rule
WAC 296-800-23010 (Continued)
Note:
As long as the nonpotable water is free of substances that could create
unsafe conditions, the water can be used for cleaning both:
• Work premises used for activities other than food preparation or
processing.
and
• Personal service rooms, such as bathrooms.

Reference:
You may need to follow additional requirements for emergency washing
facilities. See WAC 296-800-150, First Aid for more information.

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 Sanitation and Hygiene

Facilities and Procedures

Sanitation and Hygiene
Facilities and Procedures
WAC 296-800-230

Rule
WAC 296-800-23015
Make sure that systems delivering not-fit-for-drinking (nonpotable)
water prevent backflow into drinking water systems

You must
• Make sure that systems delivering not-fit-for-drinking (nonpotable) water prevent
backflow into drinking water systems.

BATHROOMS AND WASHING FACILITIES

WAC 296-800-23020
Provide bathrooms for your employees

Exemption:
You don’t have to provide bathrooms:
• For mobile crews or at work locations not normally attended by
employees, if there is transportation immediately available to nearby
bathrooms that meet the requirements of this section.

You must
(1) Provide bathrooms with the appropriate number of toilets for your employees at
every workplace based on Table 1.
• Have the appropriate number of toilets for each gender, based on the number
of male and female employees at your workplace.
– For example, if you have 37 men and 17 women, you need to
have 3 toilets for the men and 2 toilets for the women, based on
Table 1.
• Make sure each toilet is in a separate compartment with a door and walls or
partitions for privacy.
-Continued-

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 Sanitation and Hygiene
Facilities and Procedures
Sanitation and Hygiene

Facilities and Procedures

WAC 296-800-230

Rule
WAC 296-800-23020 (Continued)
Table 1
Required Number of Employee Toilets
at Every Workplace
Maximum Number of Employees Present at Any Minimum Number of Toilets
One Time During a Shift Required
1 to 15 1
16 to 35 2
36 to 55 3
56 to 80 4
81 to 110 5
111 to 150 6
Over 150 One additional toilet for each
additional 40 employees

Note:
A shared bathroom (multipple toilets without enclosures) counts as one
toilet no matter how many toilets it contains. In bathrooms used only by
men, urinals may be substituted for up to 1/3 of the required toilets.

You must
(2) Provide toilet paper and a toilet paper roll holder for each toilet.
(3) Make sure bathrooms are maintained in a clean and sanitary condition.
(4) Make sure the sewage disposal method doesn't endanger the health of employees.

Exemption:
Separate bathrooms for men and women aren't required if the bathroom:
• Will only be occupied by one person at a time.
• Can be locked from the inside.
• Contains at least one toilet.

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 Sanitation and Hygiene

Facilities and Procedures

Sanitation and Hygiene
Facilities and Procedures
WAC 296-800-230

Rule
WAC 296-800-23025
Provide convenient, and clean washing facilities

Exemption:
You do not have to provide washing facilities for:
• Mobile crews, or work locations not normally attended by employees,
if there is immediately available transportation to nearby washing
facilities that meet the requirements of this rule.

You must
• Provide convenient and clean washing facilities for employees including:
– Sinks or basins for personal washing.
– Hot and cold water, or lukewarm (tepid), running water in each sink and basin.
– Hand soap or similar cleaning agents.
– One of the following:
• Individual paper or cloth hand towels
• Individual sections of clean continuous cloth toweling
• Warm air blowers for drying hands, located near the sinks and
basins.

EATING AREAS AND FOOD SERVICE

WAC 296-800-23040
Make sure eating areas are safe and healthy

You must
(1) Make sure employees aren't allowed to eat and drink in:
• Bathrooms
• Area exposed to toxic substances
(2) Make sure food isn't stored in bathrooms or areas exposed to toxic substances.

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230-9
04/09
 Sanitation and Hygiene
Facilities and Procedures
Sanitation and Hygiene

Facilities and Procedures

WAC 296-800-230

Rule
WAC 296-800-23045
Follow these requirements if you provide food service to your
employees

You must
• Make sure all food service facilities and operations you make available follow sound
hygiene principles.
• Make sure the food is:
– Unspoiled.
– Protected from contamination during processing, preparation, handling, and
storage.

GARBAGE AND WASTE DISPOSAL

WAC 296-800-23050
Dispose of garbage and waste safely

You must
(1) Make sure garbage containers are:
• Kept in clean and sanitary condition.
• Made from smooth, corrosion resistant materials.
• Easily cleaned or are disposable.
• Equipped with a solid tight-fitting cover unless you can keep them in a sanitary
condition without a cover.
(2) Provide enough garbage containers to make sure they:
• Are conveniently located to encourage their use.
• Won't be overfilled.

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 Sanitation and Hygiene

Facilities and Procedures

Sanitation and Hygiene
Facilities and Procedures
WAC 296-800-230

Rule
WAC 296-800-23055
Remove garbage and waste in a way that doesn't create a health
hazard

You must
• Remove all sweepings, solid and liquid wastes, refuse, and garbage as often as
needed to keep the workplace in a sanitary condition.

LUNCHROOMS AND PERSONAL SERVICE ROOMS

WAC 296-800-23060
Provide a separate lunchroom if employees are exposed to toxic
substances if they are allowed to eat and drink on the job site

You must
(1) Provide a lunchroom separate from the work are if employees are exposed to toxic
substances.
(2) Use Table 2 to determine the required square footage in your lunchroom based on
the number of employees using the room at any one time.

Table 2
Maximum Number of Employees
Using Lunchroom at One Time
Number of persons Square Feet per Person
25 and less 13
26-74 12
75-149 11
150 and over 10

Note:
You don't have to provide a separate lunchroom if it's convenient for
employees to leave the workplace to eat and drink.

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 Sanitation and Hygiene
Facilities and Procedures
Sanitation and Hygiene

Facilities and Procedures

WAC 296-800-230

Rule
WAC 296-800-23065
Provide showers when required for employees working with
chemicals

You must
• Provide showers for employees if:
– They work with chemicals that could cause an occupational illness;
and
– The chemicals remain on the skin between work shifts.
• Make sure employees who work with such chemicals shower at the end of their
shifts.
– Make sure showers have:
• Soap or other cleansing agents
• Hot and cold water with a common discharge line.
– Provide individual, clean towels for each employee who is required to shower.
• Provide at least one shower for every 10 employees (or every
fraction of 10) of each gender.

Note:
Table 3 shows the number of showers to provide based on a "Fraction of
10."
Table 3
Number of Employees Number of showers
of Each Gender
1-10 1
11-20 2
21-30 3
31-40 4
41-50 5

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 Sanitation and Hygiene

Facilities and Procedures

Sanitation and Hygiene
Facilities and Procedures
WAC 296-800-230

Rule
WAC 296-800-23070
Provide change rooms when required

You must
• Provide change rooms when employees are required by a particular standard
to wear protective clothing because of the possibility of contamination with toxic
materials.
• Make sure change rooms have separate storage facilities for street clothes and
protective clothing.

WAC 296-800-23075
Make sure any work clothes you provide are dry

You must
• Make sure when providing work clothes to employees that the clothing provided is
dry if the clothing:
– Gets wet during use;
or
– Is washed before it is reused.

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 Notes

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04/09
 Environmental Tobacco
Smoke in the Office WAC 296-800-240

Summary
YoUr resPonsibility:
To control exposure to environmental tobacco smoke in your office
work environment

You must
Control tobacco smoke in your building
WAC 296-800-24005......................................................................Page 240-2

Environmental Tobacco
Smoke in the Office
Note:
This rule doesn’t preempt any federal, state, municipal, or other local
authority’s regulation of indoor smoking that is more protective than this
section.

Definition:
Office work environment is an indoor or enclosed occupied space where
clerical work, administration, or business is carried out. In addition, it
includes:
• Other workplace spaces controlled by the employer and used by office
workers, such as cafeterias, meeting rooms, and washrooms.
• Office areas of manufacturing and production facilities, not including
process areas.
• Office areas of businesses such as food and beverage establishments,
agricultural operations, construction, commercial trade, services, etc.

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 Environmental Tobacco
Smoke in the Office
WAC 296-800-240

Rule
WAC 296-800-24005
Control tobacco smoke in your building

Exemption:
The minimum criteria specified in this rule don’t apply to outdoor
structures provided for smokers such as gazebos or lean-tos.

You must
Environmental Tobacco

• Prohibit smoking in your office work environment

Smoke in the Office

or
• Restrict smoking inside your office work environment to designated enclosed
smoking rooms that meet the following minimum criteria:
– Identify smoking rooms clearly with signs.
– Make sure the designated smoking rooms aren't in common areas, such as:
• Places where nonsmoking employees are required to work or
visit.
• Restrooms
• Washrooms
• Hallways
• Stairways
• Cafeterias/lunchrooms
• Meeting rooms.
– Make sure that no employee is required to enter a designated smoking room
while someone is smoking there.
– Conduct cleaning and maintenance work in designated smoking rooms when
smokers aren't present.

-Continued-

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 Environmental Tobacco
Smoke in the Office WAC 296-800-240

Rule
WAC 296-800-24005 (Continued)

You must
• Ventilate designated smoking rooms at a rate of at least 60 cubic feet per minute
per smoker (calculated on the basis of the maximum number of smokers expected
during the course of a normal working day), which can be supplied by transfer air
from adjacent areas.
– Maintain enough negative air pressure in designated smoking areas to prevent

Environmental Tobacco
smoke from migrating into nonsmoking areas, at all times.

Smoke in the Office

– Operate a separate mechanical exhaust system in designated smoking rooms,
to make sure exhausted air moves directly outside, and doesn't recirculate into
nonsmoking areas.
– Prohibit use of the designated smoking room if the mechanical exhaust system
isn't working properly, until repairs are completed.

Note:
This ventilation rate is recommended for occupancies of no more
than 7 people for every 100 square feet of net occupied space in the
designated smoking room.

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 Notes

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04/09
 Stairs & Stair Railings
WAC 296-800-250

Summary
YoUr resPonsibility:
To make sure stairs used by employees are safe

You must
Provide fixed stairs where required
WAC 296-800-25005......................................................................Page 250-2
Provide stairs that minimize hazards
WAC 296-800-25010......................................................................Page 250-4
Provide handrails and stair railings
WAC 296-800-25015......................................................................Page 250-4

Exemptions:
This rule does not apply to:
• Stairs used exclusively for fire exit purposes.
• Construction operations (See WAC 296-24-76503 for the specifications
for the safe design and construction of fixed general industrial stairs).
• Private buildings or residences.
• Articulated stairs (for example, stairs used at a marina).
• Nonindustrial and monumental stairs are excluded as they aren't
industrial stairs; however, when public and private building steps are
located at loading or receiving docks, in maintenance areas, etc., or

Stairs & Stair

are used exclusively by employees, the requirements of this rule must

Railings
apply.

Note:
The introduction has important information about building, electrical and
fire codes that may apply to you in addition to WISHA rules. See “How
do the WISHA rules relate to building, fire, and electrical codes” in the
Introduction Section of this book.

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 Stairs & Stair Railings
WAC 296-800-250

Rule
WAC 296-800-25005
Provide fixed stairs where required

You must
• Install fixed stairs where:
– Employees travel between different levels on a predictable and regular basis.
– Access to platforms is required to give routine attention to equipment under
operation.
– Daily movement between elevations is required to gauge, inspect, and
maintain equipment where those work assignments may expose employees to
acids, caustics, gases, or other harmful substances.
– Carrying tools or equipment by hand is a normal work requirement.
• Not use spiral stairways except as secondary exit routes.

Note:
• You can use fixed ladders for climbing elevated structures, such
as tanks, towers, and overhead traveling cranes, when their use is
common practice in your industry.
• You can use winding stairways on tanks and similar round structures if
the structure’s diameter is at least 5 feet.
• You could use a spiral stairway as an exit route in a restricted area that
lacks room for a conventional stairway.
Stairs & Stair
Railings

-Continued-

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 Stairs & Stair Railings
WAC 296-800-250

Rule
WAC 296-800-25005 (Continued)

Definitions:
• A stairway or fixed stairs is a series of steps and landings:
– Leading from one level or floor to another
– Leading to platforms, pits, boiler rooms, crossovers, or around
machinery, tanks, and other equipment
– Used more or less continuously or routinely by employees or only
occasionally by specific individuals
– With 3 or more risers.
• A riser is the vertical part of the step at the back of a tread that rises to
the front of the tread above.
• A tread is the horizontal part of the step. Tread width is the distance
from the front of the tread to the back.

Stair Components

Stairs & Stair

Railings

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 Stairs & Stair Railings
WAC 296-800-250

Rule
WAC 296-800-25010
Provide stairs that minimize hazards

You must
(1) Make sure stairs have slip-resistant treads.
(2) Make sure that stairs with four or more risers have:
• Railings on the open sides of all exposed stairways and stair platforms
• Handrails on at least one side of closed stairways, preferably on the right side
while descending.
(3) Provide a platform where doors or gates open directly on a stairway. The swing of
the door must not reduce the effective width of the platform to less than 20 inches.

Note:
To see all of the rules for building fixed stairs, refer to WAC 296-24-75011
and 296-24-765 of the General Safety and Health Standard.

WAC 296-800-25015
Provide handrails and stair railings

Exemption:
Vehicle service pit stairways are exempt from the rules for stairway railing
Stairs & Stair

and guards, if they would prevent a vehicle from moving into a position
Railings

over the pit.

Definition:
• A handrail is a single bar or pipe on brackets from a wall or partition to
provide a continuous handhold for persons using a stair.
• A stair railing is a vertical barrier attached to a stairway with an open
side, to prevent falls. The top surface of the stair railing is used as a
handrail.
-Continued-

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 Stairs & Stair Railings
WAC 296-800-250

Rule
WAC 296-800-25015 (Continued)

You must
• Make sure stairways less than 44 inches wide have:
– At least one handrail, preferably on your right side as you go down the stairs, if
both sides are enclosed.
or
– At least one stair railing on the open side, if one side is open.
or
– One stair railing on each side, if both sides are open.
• Make sure stairways more than 44 inches wide but less than 88 inches wide have:
– One handrail on each enclosed side.
– One stair railing on each open side.
• Make sure stairways at least 88 inches wide have:
– One handrail on each enclosed side.
– One stair railing on each open side.
– One intermediate stair railing located approximately midway of the width.
• Equip winding stairs with a handrail, offset to prevent walking on all portions of the
treads, less than 6 inches wide.

Reference:

Stairs & Stair

Railings must consist of a top rail, intermediate rail, and posts. To see all
of the rules for building handrails and stairway railings, refer to
WAC 296-24-75011 of the General Safety and Health Standard.
Railings

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 Notes

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04/09
 Floor Openings, Floor Holes, & Open-Sided Floors

Open-Sided Floors

Floor Openings,
Floor Holes, &
WAC 296-800-260

Summary
YoUr resPonsibility:
To safely guard floor openings, floor holes, and open-sided floors
in your workplace

You must:
Guard or cover floor openings and floor holes
WAC 296-800-26005......................................................................Page 260-2
Protect open-sided floors and platforms
WAC 296-800-26010......................................................................Page 260-5

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 Floor Openings, Floor Holes, & Open-Sided Floors
Open-Sided Floors
Floor Openings,
Floor Holes, &

WAC 296-800-260

Rule
WAC 296-800-26005
Guard or cover floor openings and floor holes

Definition:
• A floor opening is an opening in any floor, platform, pavement, or yard
that measures at least 12 inches in its smallest dimension and through
which a person can fall.
Examples of floor openings are:
- Hatchways
- Stair or ladder openings
- Pits
- Large manholes
• The following are not considered floor openings:
- Openings occupied by elevators
- Dumbwaiters
- Conveyors
- Machinery
- Containers
• A floor hole is an opening in any floor, platform, pavement, or yard
that measures at least one inch but less than 12 inches at its smallest
dimension and through which materials and tools (but not people) can
fall.
Examples of floor holes are:
- Belt holes
- Pipe openings
- Slot openings

-Continued-

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 Floor Openings, Floor Holes, & Open-Sided Floors

Open- Sided Floors

Floor Openings,
Floor Holes, &
WAC 296-800-260

Rule
WAC 296-800-26005 (Continued)

You must
(1) Guard stairway floor openings, temporary floor openings and floor holes.
• Protect all stairway floor openings with a railing. The railing must protect all
open sides except the stairway entrance side.

• Use a hinged cover and a removable railing where traffic across an

infrequently used stairway floor opening prevents the installation of a fixed
railing. This removable railing must protect all open sides except the stairway
entrance side.
• Protect temporary floor openings by either a railing or by a person who
constantly attends the opening.

-Continued-

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 Floor Openings, Floor Holes, & Open-Sided Floors
Open-Sided Floors
Floor Openings,
Floor Holes, &

WAC 296-800-260

Rule
WAC 296-800-26005 (Continued)
• Protect exposed floor holes into which a person can accidentally walk by either
– A railing with a toeboard on all open sides.
or
– A floor hole cover of standard strength and construction that
can be hinged in place. When a floor hole cover isn't in place,
the hole must be protected by a removable railing or constantly
attended by someone.
• Provide covers for floor openings. Floor opening covers may be of any
material that has a safety factor of 4, or is strong enough to hold up to 4 times
the intended load. Covers that don't project more than one inch above the
floor level may be used providing all edges are beveled (slanted) to prevent
tripping. All hinges, handles, bolts, or other parts of a cover must set flush with
the floor or cover surface.

(2) Prevent tools and materials from falling through a floor hole. The floor hole must
be protected by a cover that leaves an opening no more than one inch wide
and is securely held in place. This applies only to floor holes that persons can't
accidentally walk into on account of fixed machinery, equipment, or walls.

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 Floor Openings, Floor Holes, & Open-Sided Floors

Open- Sided Floors

Floor Openings,
Floor Holes, &
WAC 296-800-260

Rule
WAC 296-800-26010
Protect open-sided floors and platforms

You must
(1) Guard open-sided floors and platforms.
• Guard open-sided floors and platforms 4 feet or more above adjacent floor
or ground level by a railing. The entrance to a ramp, stairway, or fixed ladder
doesn't need a railing.
• Guard open-sided floors, walkways and platforms above or adjacent to
dangerous equipment, pickling or galvanizing tanks, degreasing units, and
other similar hazards, regardless of height with a railing and toeboard.
(2) Make sure tools and loose materials aren't left on overhead platforms and scaffolds.

Note:
• Where the guarding rules above don't apply because employees
exposure to falls is infrequent (not on a predictable and regular basis),
you must comply with the Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) rules
(WAC 296-800-160) or other effective fall protection must be provided.
• You can find the minimum requirements for standard railings of various
types of construction in WAC 296-24-75011.

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 Notes

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04/09
 Workplace Structural Integrity WAC 296-800-270

Summary
YoUr resPonsibility:
To make sure that the buildings, floors, and other structures in
your workplace are safe, well-built, and not overloaded

You must
Not overload floors or roofs
WAC 296-800-27005......................................................................Page 270-2
Make sure that floors are safe
WAC 296-800-27010......................................................................Page 270-2

Structural Integrity
Make sure floors can support equipment that moves or has motion

Workplace
WAC 296-800-27015......................................................................Page 270-3
Post approved load limits (weight limits) for floors
WAC 296-800-27020......................................................................Page 270-3

Note:
The Introduction has important information about fire, building and
electrical codes that may apply to you in addition to WISHA rules. See
“How do the WISHA rules relate to fire, building and electrical codes” in
the Introduction Section of this book.

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 Workplace Structural Integrity
WAC 296-800-270

Rule
WAC 296-800-27005
Not overload floors or roofs

You must
• Prohibit overloading roofs and floors of any building or other structure with more
weight than is approved by the building official.

WAC 296-800-27010
Structural Integrity

Make sure that floors are safe

Workplace

You must
• Make sure that floors including their parts and structural members are safe.
• Make sure floors are of substantial construction and kept in good repair. This
includes floors of:
– Buildings
– Platforms
– Walks and driveways
– Storage yards
– Docks.
• Make sure that structures are designed, constructed, and maintained to provide a
safety factor of 4 times the imposed maximum strain.
– If you notice bowing, cracking, or other indications of excessive strain on a
structure, you must take action to make sure it is safe.

Note:
This rule applies to all buildings or those that have had complete or
major changes or repairs built after 5/7/74.

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 Workplace Structural Integrity WAC 296-800-270

Rule
WAC 296-800-27015
Make sure floors can support equipment that moves or has motion

You must
• Make sure flooring of buildings, ramps, docks, trestles and other fixed structures
that supports equipment that moves or has motion such as vibration, must not be
less than 2 1/2 inch material.

Structural Integrity
Note:
Where flooring is covered by steel floor plates, 2-inch material may be

Workplace
used.

WAC 296-800-27020
Post approved load limits (weight limits) for floors

You must
• Post approved load limits (weight limits) for floors used for mercantile, business,
industrial or storage purposes in an obvious place.
• As the owner, or owner’s agent, of a building (or other part of a workplace) post the
load approved by the building official by:
– Supplying and affixing a durable metal sign that is marked with the approved
load.
– Placing the metal sign in an obvious spot in the space to which it applies.
– Replacing the metal sign if it is lost, defaced, damaged, or removed.

Note:
This rule applies to the floor that supports shelving, but not to the shelves
themselves.

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 Notes

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04/09
 Basic Electrical
WAC 296-800-280

Summary
YoUr resPonsibility:
To protect your employees from hazards when working with
electrical equipment, tools, and appliances

You must
Inspect all electrical equipment your employees use to make
sure the equipment is safe
WAC 296-800-28005......................................................................Page 280-4
Make sure all electrical equipment is used for its approved
or listed purpose
WAC 296-800-28010......................................................................Page 280-5
Make sure electrical equipment used or located in wet or
damp locations is designed for such use
WAC 296-800-28015......................................................................Page 280-6
Make sure electrical equipment that isn't marked by the
manufacturer can't be used
WAC 296-800-28020......................................................................Page 280-7
Identify disconnecting means
WAC 296-800-28022......................................................................Page 280-8
Maintain electrical fittings, boxes, cabinets, and outlets in
good condition

Basic Electrical
WAC 296-800-28025......................................................................Page 280-9
Maintain all flexible cords and cables in good condition and
use safely
WAC 296-800-28030....................................................................Page 280-11
Guard electrical equipment to prevent your employees from
electrical hazards
WAC 296-800-28035....................................................................Page 280-16
-Continued-

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 Basic Electrical
WAC 296-800-280

Summary
WAC 296-800-280 (Continued)
Make sure electrical equipment is effectively grounded
WAC 296-800-28040....................................................................Page 280-18
Make sure electrical equipment has overcurrent protection
WAC 296-800-28045....................................................................Page 280-22

Exemptions:
• These rules apply to all electrical equipment used in the workplace,
except for:
– Electrical installations and equipment on ships, aircraft and all
automotive vehicles other than mobile homes and recreational
vehicles.
– Electrical installations and equipment used to generate, transmit,
transform or distribute power exclusively for operation of rolling
stock.
– Electrical installations used exclusively for signaling and
communicating with rolling stock.
– Installations underground in mines.
– Installations of communication equipment located outdoors or inside
buildings used and controlled exclusively by communication utilities.
– Installations controlled and used exclusively by electric utilities for
communication or metering.
or
Basic Electrical

For generating, controlling, transforming, transmitting and distributing

electric energy in buildings used exclusively by the company located:
• Outdoors on property owned or leased by the utility;
or
• On public highways, streets and roads;
or
• Outdoors by established rights on private property.

-Continued-

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 Basic Electrical
WAC 296-800-280

Summary
WAC 296-800-280 (Continued)
Note:
• The introduction has important information about fire, building and
electrical codes that may apply to you in addition to WISHA rules. See
“How do the WISHA rules relate to fire, building and electrical codes”
in the introduction section of this book.
• These rules guide how electrical equipment is used and maintained
in your workplace. They shouldn't be used in place of your local
electrical codes if you are installing electrical wiring, electrical circuits
or electrical distribution equipment.
• This rule applies to 600 volts or less. Requirements for specific
equipment or special installation are found in Chapter 296-24 WAC,
Part L.

Basic Electrical

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 Basic Electrical
WAC 296-800-280

Rule
WAC 296-800-28005
Inspect all electrical equipment your employees use to make sure
the equipment is safe

You must
• Inspect electrical equipment to make sure there are no recognized hazards likely to
cause your employees’ death or serious physical harm. Determine the safety of the
equipment by using the following list:
– Has been approved or listed by a recognized testing laboratory, such as
Underwriters Laboratories (UL) or other approving agency.
– Is approved, or listed as approved, for the purpose it is being used.
– Has strong and durable guards providing adequate protection including parts
designed to enclose and protect other equipment.
– Is insulated.
– Won't overheat under conditions of use.
– Won't produce arcs during normal use.
– Is classified by:
• Type
• Size
• Voltage
Basic Electrical

• Current capacity
• Specific use
• Other factors.

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 Basic Electrical
WAC 296-800-280

Rule
WAC 296-800-28010
Make sure all electrical equipment is used for its approved or listed
purpose

Definitions:
• Electrical outlets are places on an electric circuit where power is
supplied to equipment through receptacles, sockets and outlets for
attachment plugs.
• Receptacles are outlets that accept a plug to supply electric power to
equipment through a cord or cable.

You must
• Make sure electrical outlets are rated equal or greater to the electrical load
supplied.
• Make sure the proper mating configuration exists when connecting the attachment
plug to a receptacle.
• Make sure when electrical outlets, cord connectors, and receptacles are joined,
they accept the attachment plug with the same voltage or current rating.

Basic Electrical

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 Basic Electrical
WAC 296-800-280

Rule
WAC 296-800-28015
Make sure electrical equipment used or located in wet or damp
locations is designed for such use

You must
• Make sure fixtures and receptacles located in wet or damp locations are approved
for such use. They must be constructed or installed so that water can't enter or
accumulate in wireways, lampholders, or other electrical parts.
• Make sure cabinets, fittings, boxes, and other enclosures in wet or damp locations
are installed to prevent moisture or water from entering and accumulating inside.
– In wet locations these enclosures must be weatherproof.
– Switches, circuit breakers, and switchboards located in wet locations must be
in weatherproof enclosures.
Basic Electrical

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 Basic Electrical
WAC 296-800-280

Rule
WAC 296-800-28020
Make sure electrical equipment that isn't marked by the
manufacturer can't be used

You must
• Make sure markings are durable and appropriate to the environment.
• Appropriate markings include:
– The manufacturer’s name
or
– Trademark;
or
– The organization responsible for the product;
and
– Voltage, current and wattage, or other ratings as necessary.

Basic Electrical

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04/09
 Basic Electrical
WAC 296-800-280

Rule
WAC 296-800-28022
Identify disconnecting means

You must
• Make sure the disconnect means (such as on/off switches and circuit breakers) is
marked to show when it's open and closed and what equipment it controls, unless
located and arranged so the purpose is obvious.
• Make sure each service, feeder and branch circuit is marked, at its disconnecting
means or overcurrent device, to show when the circuit is open and closed and what
circuit it controls, unless located and arranged so the purpose is obvious.
• Make sure markings are durable and appropriate to the environment.
Basic Electrical

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 Basic Electrical
WAC 296-800-280

Rule
WAC 296-800-28025
Maintain electrical fittings, boxes, cabinets and outlets in good
condition

You must
(1) Do the following to covers and openings.
• Do the following when conductors enter boxes, cabinets, or fittings:
– Protect the conductor (wires) from abrasion.
– Effectively close the openings where conductors enter.
– Effectively close all unused openings.
• Provide pull boxes, junction boxes, and fittings with covers approved for the
purpose.
• Make sure each outlet box has a cover, faceplate, or fixture canopy in
completed installations.
• Make sure covers for outlet boxes with openings for flexible cord pendants
have bushings to protect the cord, or have a smooth and well rounded surface
where the cord touches the opening.
• Ground metal covers.
(2) Make sure the area in front of electrical panels, circuit breaker boxes and similar
equipment which operates at 600 volts or less:
• Has sufficient working area at least 30 inches wide for operation and

Basic Electrical
maintenance of the equipment.
• Is kept clear and free of stored materials so that employees can access this
equipment for servicing, adjustments or maintenance.
• Has at least one access route to provide free and unobstructed access.
• Has at least 3 feet of working space in front, measured from the exposed live
parts or the enclosure front (See the work clearance table on the following
page).
• Has adequate indoor lighting (WAC 296-800-210).
• Has at least 6 feet 3 inches of headroom.
-Continued-

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 Basic Electrical
WAC 296-800-280

Rule
WAC 296-800-28025 (Continued)
This table shows the area you must keep clear depending on the layout of the
electrical equipment.
0 - 150 Volts 151 - 600 volts
Conditions*
to ground to ground
a 3 ft. 3 ft.
b 3 ft. 3-1/2 ft.
c 3 ft. 4 ft.
Minimum clear distances may be 2 feet 6 inches for equipment built or installed before
3/20/82.
*Conditions a, b, and c are as follows:
a = Exposed live parts on one side and no live or grounded parts on
the other side of the working space, or exposed live parts on both
sides effectively guarded by suitable wood or other insulating
material. Insulated wire or insulated bus bars operating at not
over 300 volts aren't considered live parts.
b= Exposed live parts on one side and grounded parts on the other
side
c = Exposed live parts on both sides of the workspace (not guarded
as provided in condition (a) with the operator between the panels)
Basic Electrical

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 Basic Electrical
WAC 296-800-280

Rule
WAC 296-800-28030
Maintain all flexible cords and cables in good condition and use
safely

Exemption:
These rules don’t apply to cords and cables that are an internal part
of factory assembled appliances and equipment, like the windings on
motors or wiring inside electrical panels.

Note:
Flexible cords and cables are typically used to connect electrical
equipment to a power source. These cords can have an electrical plug
to connect to a power source or can be permanently wired into the
power source. The terms flexible cords, extension cord, cables and
electrical cords all refer to a type of flexible cord.

You must
(1) Perform visual inspections.
• On portable cord- and plug-connected equipment and extension cords before
use on each work shift. Defects and damage to look for include:
– Loose parts.
– Deformed or missing pins.
– External defects and damage.

Basic Electrical
– Damage to the outer covering or insulation.
– Pinched or crushed covering or insulation that might indicate
internal damage.

Exemption:
You don’t need to visually inspect portable cord- and plug-connected
equipment and extension cords that stay connected once in place and
aren't exposed to damage until they are moved.
-Continued-

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 Basic Electrical
WAC 296-800-280

Rule
WAC 296-800-28030 (Continued)

You must
• Remove from service any defective or damaged cord until repaired and tested.
• Make sure flexible cords and cables are used as described.
(2) Use.
• Use flexible cords only as follows:
– Wiring of equipment and appliances.
– Data processing cables approved as a part of the data
processing system.
– Pendants.
– Wiring for fixtures.
– Connecting portable lamps or appliances to an approved outlet
with an attachment plug.
– Connecting stationary equipment that is frequently changed
with an attachment plug energized from an approved outlet.
– Preventing noise or vibration transmission.
– Appliances that have been designed to permit removal for
maintenance and repair if the appliance is equipped with an
attachment plug energized from an approved outlet.
Basic Electrical

– Elevator cables.
– Wiring of cranes and hoists.

-Continued-

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 Basic Electrical
WAC 296-800-280

WAC 296-800-28030 (Continued) Rule

Note:
Extension cords (flexible cord sets) may be used on a temporary basis if
you follow the rules described in the temporary use section,
WAC 296-800-28030(3).

You must
• Not use flexible cords in the following ways:
– As a substitute for fixed wiring of a structure
– To run through holes in walls, ceilings, or floors
– To run through doorways, windows, or similar openings
– To attach to building surfaces

Basic Electrical
– To conceal behind building walls, ceilings, or floors
– To raise or lower equipment

-Continued-

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 Basic Electrical
WAC 296-800-280

Rule
WAC 296-800-28030 (Continued)
• Make sure flexible cords and cables are approved and suitable for:
– The way they will be used.
– The location where they will be used.
• Not fasten or hang cords and equipment in any way that could cause damage to
the outer jacket or insulation of the cord.
• Make sure insulation on flexible cords and cables is intact.
• Make sure flexible cords and electrical cords are:
– Connected to devices and fittings so that any pulling force on the cord is
prevented from being directly transmitted to joints or terminal screws on the
plug
– Used only in continuous lengths without splice or tap.
.

• Prohibit your employees from using wet hands to plug or unplug equipment or
extension cords if the equipment is energized.

Note:
Hard service flexible cords No. 12 or larger may be repaired or spliced
if the insulation, outer sheath properties, and use characteristics of the
cord are retained.
Basic Electrical

-Continued-

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 Basic Electrical
WAC 296-800-280

Rule
WAC 296-800-28030 (Continued)

You must
(3) Provide the following for temporary use.
• Make sure temporary electrical power and lighting installations that operate at
600 volts or less are used only:
– During and for remodeling, maintenance, repair or demolition of
buildings and similar activities.
– Experimental or developmental work.
– For no more than 90 days for:
• Christmas decorative lighting
• Carnivals
• Other similar purposes
• Make sure flexible cords and electrical cords used on a temporary basis are
protected from accidental damage.
– By avoiding sharp corners and projections.
– If they pass through doorways or other pinchpoints.

Basic Electrical

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04/09
 Basic Electrical
WAC 296-800-280

Rule
WAC 296-800-28035
Guard electrical equipment to prevent your employees from
electrical hazards

You must
(1) Guard live parts of electric equipment operating at 50 volts or more against
accidental contact by any of the following means:
• By approved cabinets or other forms of approved enclosures.
• By location in a room, vault, or similar enclosure that is accessible only to
employees qualified to work on the equipment. Entrances to rooms and
other guarded locations containing exposed live parts must be marked with
conspicuous warning signs forbidding unqualified persons to enter.
• By permanent, substantial partitions or screens so that only employees
qualified to work on the equipment will have access within reach of the live
parts. Any openings must prevent accidental contact with live parts by
employees or objects employees carry.
• By location on a balcony, gallery, or platform that will exclude unqualified
persons.
• By being located 8 feet or more above the floor or other working surface.
(2) Make sure all electrical appliances, fixtures, lampholders, lamps, rosettes, and
receptacles don't have live parts normally exposed to employee contact.
Basic Electrical

• Rosettes and cleat type lampholders at least 8 feet above the ground may
have exposed parts.

-Continued-

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 Basic Electrical
WAC 296-800-280

Rule
WAC 296-800-28035 (Continued)
(3) In locations where electric equipment would be exposed to physical damage,
enclosures or guards must be so arranged and of such strength as to prevent such
damage.
Live Parts Guarded by Distance

Basic Electrical

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 Basic Electrical
WAC 296-800-280

Rule
WAC 296-800-28040
Make sure electrical equipment is effectively grounded

You must
• Make sure the path to ground from circuits, equipment, and enclosures is
permanent and continuous.
• Make sure equipment connected by cord and plug is grounded under these
conditions:
– Equipment with exposed noncurrent carrying metal parts
– Cord and plug connected equipment which may become energized
– Equipment that operates at over 150 volts to ground
– Equipment in hazardous locations. (WAC 296-24-95613)

Exemption:
This doesn't apply to guarded motors and metal frames of electrically
heated appliances, if the appliance frames are permanently and
effectively insulated from ground.

You must
• Ground the following type of equipment:
– Hand-held motor-operated tools
Basic Electrical

– Refrigerators
– Freezers
– Air conditioners
– Clothes washers and dryers
– Dishwashers
– Electrical aquarium equipment
– Hedge clippers
– Electric lawn mowers
-Continued-

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 Basic Electrical
WAC 296-800-280

Rule
WAC 296-800-28040 (Continued)
– Electric snow blowers
– Wet scrubbers
– Tools likely to be used in damp or wet locations
– Appliances used by employees standing on the ground, on metal floors or
working inside of metal tanks or boilers
– Portable hand lamps.

Note:
Grounding can be achieved by: Using tools and appliances equipped
with an equipment grounding conductor (3-prong plug and grounded
electrical system).

Basic Electrical
You must
• Make sure exposed metal parts of fixed equipment that don't conduct electricity,
but may become energized, are grounded if the equipment is in a wet or damp
location and isn't isolated.
• Make sure ground wires are identified and look different than the other conductors
(wires).

-Continued-

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 Basic Electrical
WAC 296-800-280

Rule
WAC 296-800-28040 (Continued)
• Make sure grounded conductors aren't attached to any terminal or lead to reverse
polarity of the electrical outlet or receptacle. See illustration - Examples of wiring.
• Make sure grounding terminals or grounding-type devices on receptacles, cords,
connectors, or attachments plugs aren't used for purposes other than grounding.
Basic Electrical

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 Basic Electrical
WAC 296-800-280

Rule
WAC 296-800-28040 (Continued)
Brass Screw
"Hot" Terminal Normal Wiring of Receptacle and Plug
Nickel Screw
Neutral Terminal
Black ("Hot")

Green Screw
Ground Terminal
Green (Ground) White (Neutral)

Black ("Hot")
White (Neutral)

Green or Bare
(Ground)

Reverse Polarity Wiring Hazard

Black

Hot and Neutral Reversed Error at Receptacle

Hot and Neutral Reversed Error at Plug Basic Electrical

Reverse polarity wiring can cause a faulty tool to start as soon as it is plugged in
or not stop when the switch is released. This could cause an injury. An extremely
dangerous type of reverse polarity wiring switches the hot and ground wires. This
causes the body of the tool or appliance to be "hot". Touching the tool and
conductive surface can result in serious or even deadly shock.

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 Basic Electrical
WAC 296-800-280

Rule
WAC 296-800-28045
Make sure electrical equipment has overcurrent protection.

You must
• Make sure all electrical circuits that are rated at 600 volts or less have overcurrent
protection.
• Protect conductors and equipment according to their ability to safely conduct
electrical current.
• Make sure overcurrent devices don't interrupt the continuity of grounded
conductors unless all conductors are opened at the same time, except for motor
running overload protection.
– Protect employees from electrical arcing or suddenly moving electrical parts
by locating fuses and circuit breakers in safe places. If this isn't possible,
install shields on fuses and circuit breakers.
• Make sure the following fuses and thermo cutouts have disconnecting mechanisms:
– All cartridge fuses accessible to nonqualified persons
– All fuses on circuits over 150 volts to ground
– All thermal cutouts on circuits over 150 volts to ground
– The disconnecting mechanisms must be installed so you can disconnect the
fuses or thermal cutouts without disrupting service to equipment and circuits
unrelated to those protected by the overcurrent device.
Basic Electrical

-Continued-

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 Basic Electrical
WAC 296-800-280

Rule
WAC 296-800-28045 (Continued)
• Provide easy access to overcurrent devices for each employee or authorized
building management personnel.
• Protect the overcurrent devices by locating them away from easily ignitable
material.
– They must be placed to avoid exposure to physical damage.
• Make sure circuit breakers:
– Clearly indicate when they are open (off) and closed (on)
– That operate vertically are installed so the handle is in the “up” position when
the breaker is closed (on). See WAC 296-24-95603 (2)(c) for more information
– Used as switches in 120-volt, fluorescent lighting circuit must be approved
for that purpose and marked “SWD.” See WAC 296-24-95603 (2)(c) for more
information.
– That have arcing or suddenly moving parts, are shielded or located so
employees won't get burned or injured by the operation of the circuit breaker.
·• Make sure fuses that have arcing or suddenly moving parts, are sheilded or located
so employees won't get burned or injured by the operation of the fuses.

Basic Electrical

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 Notes

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04/09
 Portable Fire Extinguishers WAC 296-800-300

Summary
Important:
The following WISHA rule applies to the placement, use, maintenance, and testing of
portable fire extinguishers provided for the use of employees. Your local fire marshall
also enforces fire codes which address fire safety that are more comprehensive and
may go beyond WISHA rules.

YoUr resPonsibility:
To provide readily accessible, appropriate portable fire
extinguishers for employees in your workplace

Extinguishers
Portable Fire
You must
Provide portable fire extinguishers in your workplace
WAC 296-800-30005......................................................................Page 300-3
Select and distribute portable fire extinguishers in your workplace
WAC 296-800-30010......................................................................Page 300-3
Make sure that portable fire extinguishers are kept fully charged,
in operating condition, and left in their designated places
WAC 296-800-30015......................................................................Page 300-5
Inspect and test all portable fire extinguishers
WAC 296-800-30020......................................................................Page 300-5
Train your employees to use portable fire extinguishers
WAC 296-800-30025......................................................................Page 300-9

-Continued-

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 Portable Fire Extinguishers
WAC 296-800-300

Summary
WAC 296-800-300 (Continued)
Exemptions:
• You are exempt from the requirements of portable fire extinguishers if
you have the following:
– A written fire safety policy that requires the immediate and total
evacuation of employees from the workplace when there is a fire
alarm signal

– An emergency action plan and a fire prevention plan which meet
Extinguishers
Portable Fire

the requirements of WAC 296-24-567

– Portable fire extinguishers in your workplace that aren't accessible
for employee use.
• If another WISHA rule requires portable fire extinguishers, then you
must comply with these requirements.
• Where extinguishers are provided but aren't intended for employee
use and you have an emergency action plan and a fire prevention
plan (which meet the requirements of WAC 296-24-567), then only the
requirements of WAC 296-800-30020 apply.

Note:
The introduction has important information about building, electrical and
fire codes that may apply to you in addition to WISHA rules. See “How
do the WISHA rules relate to building, fire and electrical codes” in the
Introduction Section of this book.

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 Portable Fire Extinguishers WAC 296-800-300

Rule
WAC 296-800-30005
Provide portable fire extinguishers in your workplace

You must
Provide approved portable fire extinguishers for your workplace and distribute them so
they are readily accessible.
• Make sure that your portable fire extinguisher doesn't use extinguishing agents
such as carbon tetrachloride or chlorobromomethane extinguishing agents. In
addition, soda-acid foam, loaded stream, anti-freeze and water extinguishers

Extinguishers
Portable Fire
of the inverting type shall not be recharged or placed into service.
Mount, locate, and identify portable fire extinguishers so employees can easily reach
them, without being subjected to possible injury.

WAC 296-800-30010
Select and distribute portable fire extinguishers in your workplace

Exemption:
• This doesn't apply to the portable fire extinguishers provided for
employees to use outside of workplace buildings or structures.
• You are exempt from the distribution requirements of this rule if you
have an emergency action plan (that meets requirements of
WAC 296-24-567):
– Which designates certain employees to be the only employees
authorized to use the available portable fire extinguishers

– Requires all other employees in the fire area to immediately
evacuate the affected work area upon the sounding of the fire
alarm.

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04/09
 Portable Fire Extinguishers
WAC 296-800-300

Rule
WAC 296-800-30010 (Continued)

You must
• Provide the correct type of portable fire extinguishers and distribute them in your
workplace, depending on the type, size, and severity of fire that could occur.
– The type of portable fire extinguishers you have in your workplace depends on
the types of fire hazards that exist in your workplace.
Extinguishers
Portable Fire

Wood, cloth, paper, No more than 75 feet (22.9 m)

rubber Note: You may use uniformly spaced standpipe systems or
(Class A Fire Hazards) hose stations instead of Class A portable fire extinguishers, if
they meet the requirements of WAC 296-24-602 or 296-24-607
Liquids, grease, gases No more than 50 feet (15.2 m)
(Class B Fire Hazards) Note: You may choose to use a smaller fire extinguisher in lieu
of that required for the 50 foot distance. If you choose to have
the smaller fire extinguisher, the travel distance must not be
greater than 30 feet.
See UFC Standard 10 Chapter 3 for the basic minimum
extinguisher rating allowed.
Live electrical Distribute any Class C portable fire extinguishers
equipment & circuits the same pattern that you have for any Class A or Class B
(Class C Fire Hazards) fire hazards.
Note: If the electrical equipment is de-energized, you
may use a Class A or Class B portable fire extinguisher.
Powder, flakes, & No more than 75 feet (22.9 m)
residue from
combustible metals,
like magnesium &
titanium, that build up
over a 2-week period
(Class D Fire Hazards)

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 Portable Fire Extinguishers WAC 296-800-300

Rule
WAC 296-800-30015
Make sure that portable fire extinguishers are kept fully charged, in
operable condition, and left in their designated places

You must
• Make sure that fire extinguishers found with deficiencies are removed from service
and replaced with a suitable fire extinguisher.

Extinguishers
Portable Fire
WAC 296-800-30020
Inspect and test all portable fire extinguishers

You must
• Perform inspections:
– Make sure that portable fire extinguishers or hose systems (used instead of fire
extinguishers) are visually inspected monthly.
• Perform maintenance checks:
– Make sure that all portable fire extinguishers are subjected to an annual
maintenance check.
– Keep records of all annual maintenance checks and make available to the
department upon request.
• For 1 year after the last maintenance check

• For the life of the shell, whichever is less.
– Make sure that equal protection is provided when portable fire extinguishers
are removed from service for maintenance and recharging.

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 Portable Fire Extinguishers
WAC 296-800-300

Rule
WAC 296-800-30020 (Continued)
Exemption:
Most stored pressure extinguishers don't require an internal examination.
Examples of those that do require an internal examination are those
containing a loaded stream agent.

You must
• Perform hydrostatic testing:
Extinguishers
Portable Fire

Exemption:
• Dry chemical extinguishers that have nonrefillable disposable
containers are exempt from this requirement.
• Manually pressurized pumptanks are exempt from this requirement.

You must
• Make sure that portable extinguishers are hydrostatically tested
– At the intervals listed in Table 1, of this section.
– Whenever they show evidence of corrosion or mechanical injury.
• Not perform hydrostatic testing on fire extinguishers if:
– The unit has been repaired by soldering, welding, brazing, or use of patching
compounds.
– The cylinder or shell threads are damaged.
– Corrosion has caused pitting, including corrosion under removable name plate
assemblies.
– The extinguisher has been burned in a fire.
– Calcium chloride extinguishing agents have been used in a stainless steel
shell.

Note:
Specific rules regarding conducting hydrostatic tests are covered in
WAC 296-24-59212.

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 Portable Fire Extinguishers WAC 296-800-300

Rule
WAC 296-800-30020 (Continued)

You must
• Maintain records showing that hydrostatic testing has been performed. Provide the
following evidence to the department upon request:
– Date of test.
– Test pressure used.
– The serial number, or other identifier of the fire extinguisher that was tested.
– Person or agency performing the test.

Extinguishers
Portable Fire
• Keep records until:
– The extinguisher is retested

– The extinguisher is taken out of service, whichever comes first.

• Empty and maintain stored-pressure dry chemical extinguishers requiring a 12-year
hydrostatic test, every 6 years.
– When recharging or hydrostatic testing is performed, the 6-year requirement
begins from that date.

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 Portable Fire Extinguishers
WAC 296-800-300

Rule
WAC 296-800-30020 (Continued)

Hydrostatic Test Table

Type of Extinguisher Test Interval

(Years)
Stored pressure water and/or antifreeze 5
Wetting agent 5
Foam (stainless steel shell) 5
Aqueous film forming form (AFFF) 5
Extinguishers
Portable Fire

Loaded stream 5
Dry chemical with stainless steel 5
Carbon dioxide 5
Dry chemical, stored pressure, with mild steel brazed brass or 12
aluminum shells
Halon 1211 12
Halon 1301 12
Dry powder, cartridge or cylinder operated, with mild steel shell 12

Note:
Due to a manufacturers recall, stored pressure water extinguishers with a
fiberglass shell (pre-1976) are prohibited from hydrostatic testing.

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04/09
 Portable Fire Extinguishers WAC 296-800-300

Rule
WAC 296-800-30025
Train your employees to use portable fire extinguishers

You must
• Train your employees where you have provided portable fire extinguishers for their
use in:
– The hazards involved with incipient stage fire fighting (the early stage of a fire
when it can be extinguished by a portable fire extinguisher).
– The general principles of fire extinguisher use.

Extinguishers
Portable Fire
• Provide the training when they are first hired and then annually.

Helpful Tool:
Training Documentation Form
This sample Training Documentation Form can help you demonstrate
in writing that each employee who needs training has received and
understood it. You can find a copy of this sample form in the Resource
Section of this book.

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300-9
04/09
 Notes

1•800•4BE SAFE (1•800•423•7233)

04/09
 Exit Routes and Employee Alarm Systems WAC 296-800-310

Summary
YoUr resPonsibility:
To provide and maintain emergency exit routes and to install and
maintain adequate employee alarm systems

IMPORTANT:
An employer who demonstrates compliance with the exit route provisions of
NFPA 101-2000, the Life Safety Code, will be in compliance with the
corresponding requirements of this section.

Exit Routes
You must
Provide an adequate number of exit routes
WAC 296-800-31005......................................................................Page 310-3
Make sure that exit routes are large enough
WAC 296-800-31010......................................................................Page 310-4
Make sure that exit routes meet their specific design and construction
requirements
WAC 296-800-31015......................................................................Page 310-5
Make sure that each exit route leads outside
WAC 296-800-31020......................................................................Page 310-6
Provide unobstructed access to exit routes

Employee Alarm
WAC 296-800-31025......................................................................Page 310-7

Exit Routes &

Systems
Exit doors must be readily opened from the inside
WAC 296-800-31030......................................................................Page 310-7
Use side-hinged doors to connect rooms to exit routes
WAC 296-800-31035......................................................................Page 310-8
Provide outdoor exit routes that meet requirements
WAC 296-800-31040......................................................................Page 310-8
Minimize danger to employees while they are using
emergency exit routes
WAC 296-800-31045......................................................................Page 310-9
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 Exit Routes and Employee Alarm Systems
WAC 296-800-310

Summary
Mark exits adequately
WAC 296-800-31050......................................................................Page 310-9
Provide adequate lighting for exit routes and signs
WAC 296-800-31053....................................................................Page 310-10
Maintain the fire retardant properties of paints or other coatings
WAC 296-800-31055....................................................................Page 310-10
Maintain emergency safeguards
WAC 296-800-31060....................................................................Page 310-11
Maintain exit routes during construction and repair
WAC 296-800-31065....................................................................Page 310-11
Provide doors in freezer or refrigerated rooms that open from the inside
WAC 296-800-31067....................................................................Page 310-12

Employee Alarm Systems

You must
Install and maintain an appropriate employee alarm system
WAC 296-800-31070....................................................................Page 310-12
Establish procedures for sounding emergency alarms
WAC 296-800-31075....................................................................Page 310-14
Employee Alarm
Exit Routes &

Test the employee alarm system

Systems

WAC 296-800-31080....................................................................Page 310-15

Exemption:
This rule doesn't apply to vehicles, vessels, or other mobile structures.

Note:
The introduction has important information about building, electrical and
fire codes that may apply to you in addition to WISHA rules. See “How
do the WISHA rules relate to building, fire, and electrical codes” in the
Introduction Section of this book.
1•800•4BE SAFE (1•800•423•7233)
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 Exit Routes and Employee Alarm Systems WAC 296-800-310

Rule
EXit ROUtes

WAC 296-800-31005
Provide an adequate number of exit routes

You must
• Provide a minimum of 2 exit routes to provide different ways for employees to leave
the workplace safely during an emergency (at least 2 of the exit routes must be
remote from one another so employees can safely exit if one exit route becomes
blocked or unavailable).
• Provide an adequate number (at least 2) of exit routes, considering the kind,
number, location and capacity, appropriate to each building according to the
following conditions:
– Number of employees
– Size of building
– Arrangement of workplace
– Building occupancy

Note:
A single exit route is permitted where the number of employees, the

Employee Alarm
size of the building, its occupancy, or the arrangement of the workplace

Exit Routes &

indicates that a single exit will allow all employees to exit safely during

Systems
an emergency. Other means of escape, such as fire exits or accessible
windows, should be available where only one exit route is provided.

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04/09
 Exit Routes and Employee Alarm Systems
WAC 296-800-310

Rule
WAC 296-800-31010
Make sure that exit routes are large enough

You must
• Make sure each exit route is large enough to accommodate the maximum-permitted
occupant load for each floor served by the route.
• Make sure the capacity of an exit route doesn't decrease at any point.
• Make sure an exit route is at least 6 feet 8 inches high at all points.
– Make sure projections from the ceiling do not reach a point less than 6 feet
8 inches from the floor.
• Make sure exit routes are at least 28 inches wide at all points between any
handrails.
– If necessary, routes must be wider than 28 inches to accommodate the
expected occupant load.
– Make sure objects that stick out into the exit route, such as cabinets on walls,
do not reduce the minimum width of the exit route.
Employee Alarm
Exit Routes &

Systems

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 Exit Routes and Employee Alarm Systems WAC 296-800-310

Rule
WAC 296-800-31015
Make sure that exit routes meet their specific design and
construction requirements

You must
• Make sure each exit is a permanent part of the workplace.
• Make sure an exit route has only those openings necessary to permit access to, or
exit from, occupied areas of the workplace.
• Make sure any opening into an exit through a fire wall is protected by a self-closing
fire door that remains closed.
• Make sure each fire door, its frame, and its hardware is listed or approved by a
nationally recognized testing laboratory.
• Make sure construction materials, used to separate an exit route, have at least:
– One-hour fire resistance rating if the exit connects 3 stories or less.
– 2-hour fire resistance rating if the exit connects 4 stories or more.
• Make sure employees are provided with stairs or a ramp, if the exit route isn't
substantially level.

Employee Alarm
Exit Routes &

Systems

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 Exit Routes and Employee Alarm Systems
WAC 296-800-310

Rule
WAC 296-800-31020
Make sure that each exit route leads outside

You must
• Make sure that building exit routes lead:
– Directly outside or to a street, walkway, refuge area,
or
– To an open space with access to the outside.
– To streets, walkways, or open spaces large enough to accommodate all
building occupants likely to use the exit.
• Make sure the exit routes clearly show the route employees use to leave the
building in an emergency.
• Install a standard safeguard with a warning sign, if a doorway or corner of a
building could allow an employee to walk in front of an engine or trolley.
• Use doors, partitions, or other effective means to show employees the correct
route out of the building, if the stairs in your exit route lead anywhere but out of the
building.

Note:
If the stairs in your exit route lead past the exit to the basement, you
Employee Alarm

might install a gate at the point they lead towards that basement. The
Exit Routes &

gate could help your employees stay on the exit route taking them out of
Systems

the building.

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 Exit Routes and Employee Alarm Systems WAC 296-800-310

Rule
WAC 296-800-31025
Provide unobstructed access to exit routes

You must
(1) Provide exit routes that are always free of obstructions so all employees can safely
exit the building during an emergency.
(2) Make sure employees aren't required to travel to a dead end or through a room that
can be locked, such as a restroom.

WAC 296-800-31030
Exit doors must be readily opened from the inside

Exemption:
An exit door may be locked or blocked from the inside in a mental, penal,
or correctional institution, if supervisory personnel are continuously on
duty and a plan exists to remove employees and inmates during an
emergency.

You must
• Make sure all exit doors readily open from the inside without keys, tools, or special
knowledge. A device that locks only from the outside, such as a panic bar, is

Employee Alarm
Exit Routes &
permitted. An exit door must be free of any device or alarm that could restrict

Systems
emergency use of an exit if the device or alarm fails.

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310-7
04/09
 Exit Routes and Employee Alarm Systems
WAC 296-800-310

Rule
WAC 296-800-31035
Use side-hinged doors to connect rooms to exit routes

You must
• Use a side-hinged exit door to connect any room to an exit route. The door must
swing out when the room:
– Is occupied by more than 50 persons
or
– Contains highly flammable or explosive materials.

WAC 296-800-31040
Provide outdoor exit routes that meet these requirements

You must
• Make sure an outdoor exit route (such as an interior balcony, porch, gallery, or roof)
meets all requirements for an indoor exit route. In addition, an outdoor exit route
must also:
– Have guardrails to protect unenclosed sides.
– Be covered if snow or ice is likely to accumulate without regular removal.
– Be reasonably straight with smooth, solid, substantially level floors.
Employee Alarm
Exit Routes &

– Have no dead ends more than 20 feet long that branch off of the exit route.
Systems

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 Exit Routes and Employee Alarm Systems WAC 296-800-310

Rule
WAC 296-800-31045
Minimize danger to employees while they are using emergency exit
routes

You must
• Maintain each exit route to minimize danger to employees during an emergency.
• Keep each exit route free of explosive or highly flammable furnishings and
decorations.
• Not require employees to travel toward areas where high hazard materials are
stored, unless the route is protected by partitions or physical barriers. High hazard
materials are materials that:
– Burn quickly
– Emit poisonous fumes when burned
– Are explosive

WAC 296-800-31050
Mark exits adequately

You must
• Mark each exit with a clearly visible, distinctive sign reading “eXit.”
• Make sure the letters in the word "EXIT" are at least six inches high an 3/4 inch wide.

Employee Alarm
Exit Routes &
• Mark any doorway or passage that might be mistaken for an exit with “not an

Systems
eXit” or with an indication of its actual use.
• Make sure exit signs are a distinctive color.
• Make sure signs are posted and arranged along exit routes to adequately show
how to get to the nearest exit and clearly indicate the direction of travel.
• Not obstruct or conceal exit signs in any way.
• Keep exit doors free of signs or decorations that obscure their visibility.

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 Exit Routes and Employee Alarm Systems
WAC 296-800-310

Rule
WAC 296-800-31053
Provide adequate lighting for exit routes and signs

You must
• Illuminate each exit route adequately and reliably.
• Have at least 5 foot-candles illumination from a reliable light source.
• Make sure any exit signs illuminated by artificial lights and made of translucent
material (other than internally illuminated types).
– Have screens, discs or lens of at least 25 square inches in size
and
– Show red or other designated color on the approach side of the exit.
• Make sure brightly lit signs, displays, or objects in or near the line of vision don't
distract attention from the exit sign.
• Make sure exit signs that are self-lighting have a minimum luminance surface value
of .06 footlamberts.

WAC 296-800-31055
Maintain the fire retardant properties of paints or other coatings
Employee Alarm

You must
Exit Routes &

Systems

• Maintain any paints or other coatings with fire retardant properties so they retain
their fire retardant properties.

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 Exit Routes and Employee Alarm Systems WAC 296-800-310

Rule
WAC 296-800-31060
Maintain emergency safeguards

You must
• Maintain each safeguard in proper working order to protect employees during an
emergency. Emergency safeguards include items such as:
– Sprinkler systems
– Alarm systems
– Fire doors
– Exit lighting.

WAC 296-800-31065
Maintain exit routes during construction and repair

You must
• Have enough exit routes that comply with these rules before letting your employees
occupy a workplace under new construction.
• Make sure that employees don't occupy an existing workplace unless:
– All exits and existing fire protection are maintained

Employee Alarm
Exit Routes &
or

Systems
– Alternate fire protection is provided that ensures an equivalent level of safety.
• Make sure that flammable or explosive materials used during construction or repair
don't expose employees to additional hazards or prevent emergency escape.

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 Exit Routes and Employee Alarm Systems
WAC 296-800-310

Rule
WAC 296-800-31067
Provide doors in freezer or refrigerated rooms that open from the
inside

You must
• Make sure that walk-in refrigerators or freezer rooms have doors with opening
devices allowing them to be opened from the inside even when they are locked
from the outside.

EmplOYee alarm sYstems

WAC 296-800-31070
Install and maintain an appropriate employee alarm system

Exemptions:
• If you have 10 or fewer employees in a particular workplace, you can
use direct voice communication to sound the alarm, if all employees
can hear it. For this kind of workplace, you don't need a back-up
system.
• In workplaces where employees wouldn't otherwise be able to
recognize audible or visible alarms, you can use tactile devices to alert
them.
Employee Alarm
Exit Routes &

Systems

You must
• Make sure that a working employee alarm system with a distinctive signal to warn
employees of fire or other emergencies is installed and maintained.

Exemptions:
• You do not need an alarm system if employees can promptly see or
smell a fire or other hazard in time to provide adequate warning to
other employees.

-Continued-

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 Exit Routes and Employee Alarm Systems WAC 296-800-310

Rule
WAC 296-800-31070 (Continued)
• Make sure that the following systems meet the requirements of this rule, if you use
them as your employee alarm system:
– Supervisory alarms.
– Discharge alarms.
– Detection systems required on fixed extinguishing systems.
– Detection systems required on fire suppression systems.
• Make sure that your employee alarm systems are:
– Providing enough warning to allow employees to safely escape from the
workplace, the immediate work area, or both.
– Noticeable above surrounding noise or light levels by all employees in the
affected portions of the workplace.
– Distinctive and recognizable as a signal, to evacuate the work area.
– Restored to working order as soon as possible, after each test or alarm.
– Supervised, if installed after July 1, 1982, and if it has that capacity.
– Able to alert assigned personnel whenever a malfunction exists in the system.
– Adequately warning employees of emergencies.
– Serviced, maintained, and tested by a person trained in the alarm system’s
design and functions to keep the system operating reliably and safely.
– In working order, except when undergoing repairs or maintenance.

Employee Alarm
– Warning employees of fire or other emergencies with a distinctive signal, if they

Exit Routes &

aren't able to see or smell a fire or other hazard.

Systems
– Manual actuation devices that, if provided, are unobstructed, easy to find, and
readily accessible.
– Using alarm devices, components, combinations of devices, or systems with
approved construction and installation. This applies to steam whistles, air
horns, strobe lights, or similar lighting devices, as well as tactile devices.
-Continued-

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 Exit Routes and Employee Alarm Systems
WAC 296-800-310

Rule
WAC 296-800-31070 (Continued)
– Supplied with spare alarm devices available to restore the system promptly if a
component breaks, is worn, or destroyed.
– Kept in full operating condition by maintaining and replacing power supplies
as often as necessary.
– Supplied with a back-up means of alarm, such as employee runners or
telephones, when regular systems are out of service.

WAC 296-800-31075
Establish procedures for sounding emergency alarms

You must
• Explain to each employee how to sound the alert for emergencies. Methods of
reporting emergencies can include:
– Manual pull box alarms
– Public address systems
– Radio
– Telephones.
• Post emergency numbers near telephones, employee notice boards, or other
conspicuous locations, if you use telephones to report emergencies.
Employee Alarm
Exit Routes &

• Require that all emergency messages have priority over all nonemergency
Systems

messages if the communication system also serves as an employee alarm system.

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 Exit Routes and Employee Alarm Systems WAC 296-800-310

Rule
WAC 296-800-31080
Test the employee alarm system

You must
• Test the reliability and adequacy of your employee alarm system every 2 months.
– Use a different activation device in each test of a multiactuation device system,
so the entire alarm system gets tested.
• Make sure that supervised (monitored) employee alarm systems are tested at least
once a year for reliability and adequacy.

Employee Alarm
Exit Routes &

Systems

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 Notes

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 Accident Reporting & Investigating

Accident Reporting
& Investigating
WAC 296-800-320

Summary
YoUr resPonsibility:
To report and conduct an investigation of certain types of
accidents

You must
Report the death, probable death of any employee, or the in-patient
hospitalization of any employee within 8 hours
WAC 296-800-32005......................................................................Page 320-2
Make sure that any equipment involved in an accident isn't moved
WAC 296-800-32010......................................................................Page 320-3
Assign people to assist the Department of Labor and Industries
WAC 296-800-32015......................................................................Page 320-4
Conduct a preliminary investigation for all serious injuries
WAC 296-800-32020......................................................................Page 320-5
Document the investigation findings
WAC 296-800-32025......................................................................Page 320-6

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 Accident Reporting & Investigating
Accident Reporting
& Investigating

WAC 296-800-320

Rule
WAC 296-800-32005
Report the death, probable death of any employee, or the in-patient
hospitalization of any employee within 8 hours
(1) You must report to us within eight hours of an incident that:
• Causes a fatal or possibly fatal injury
• Causes injury requiring in-patient hospitalization of any employee
To report, contact your nearest labor and industries office by phone or in person, or
call the OSHA toll-free hotline, 1-800-321-6742.

Exception:
If you do not learn of the reportable incident when it happens, you must
report it within eight hours of learning about the incident.
(2) Your report must include:
• Establishment name
• Location of the incident
• Time of the incident
• Number of fatalities, hospitalized employees, or pesticide exposures
• Contact person
• Phone number
• Brief description of the incident
(3) Fatalities or hospitalizations that occur within thirty days of an incident must also be
reported.

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 Accident Reporting & Investigating

Accident Reporting
& Investigating
WAC 296-800-320

Rule
WAC 296-800-32010
Make sure that any equipment involved in an accident isn't moved

You must
• Not move equipment involved in a work or work related accident or incident if any
of the following results:
– A death
– A probable death
– An employee's hospitalization.
• Not move the equipment until a representative of the Department of Labor and
Industries investigates the incident and releases the equipment unless:
– Moving the equipment is necessary to:
• Remove any victims.
• Prevent further incidents and injuries.

Helpful Tool:
Accident/Incident Table
The Accident/Incident table can help you in the event of an accident or
incident. You can find a copy of this table in the Resource Section of this
book.

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 Accident Reporting & Investigating
Accident Reporting
& Investigating

WAC 296-800-320

Rule
WAC 296-800-32015
Assign people to assist the Department of Labor and Industries

You must
• Assign witnesses and other employees to assist Department of Labor and
Industries personnel who arrive at the scene to investigate the incident involving:
– A death
– Probable death
– An employee's hospitalization.
Include:
– The immediate supervisor
– Employees who were witnesses to the incident
– Other employees the investigator feels are necessary to complete the
investigation.

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 Accident Reporting & Investigating

Accident Reporting
& Investigating
WAC 296-800-320

Rule
WAC 296-800-32020
Conduct a preliminary investigation for all serious injuries

You must
• Make sure your preliminary investigation is conducted to evaluate the facts relating
to the cause of the incident by the following people:
– A person designated by the employer.
– The immediate supervisor of the injured employee.
– Witnesses.
– An employee representative, such as a shop steward or other person chosen
by the employees to represent them.
– Any other person who has the experience and skills.
• If the employee representative is the business agent of the employee bargaining
unit and is unavailable to participate without delaying the investigation group, you
may proceed, by using one of the following:
– The shop steward.
– An employee representative member of your safety committee.
– A person selected by all employees to represent them.

Note:
A preliminary investigation includes noting information such as the
following:
– Where did the accident or incident occur?
– What time did it occur?
– What people were present?
– What was the employee doing at the time of the accident or
incident?
– What happened during the accident or incident?

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 Accident Reporting & Investigating
Accident Reporting
& Investigating

WAC 296-800-320

Rule
WAC 296-800-32025
Document the preliminary investigation findings

You must
• Document the preliminary investigation findings for use at any formal investigation.

Helpful Tool:
Accident Investigation Report
The Accident Investigation Report can help you report and investigate
workplace accidents. You can find a sample copy of the report in the
Resource Section of this book.

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 Releasing Accident Investigation Reports WAC 296-800-330

Rule
The Department must:
• Keep accident investigations and related reports confidential.
• Not freely release results of accident investigations and related reports that are
confidential.
• Make available accident investigation reports, without the need of a court order,
only to the following:
– Injured workers, their legal representatives, or their labor organization
representatives.

Investigation Reports
Releasing Accident
– The legal representative or labor organization representative of a deceased
worker.
– The employer of any injured or deceased worker.
– Any other employer or person whose actions or business operations are the
subject of the report or investigation.
– Any attorney representing a party in any pending legal action in which an
investigative report constitutes material and relevant evidence.
– Employees of governmental agencies in the performance of their official
duties.
– Any beneficiary of a deceased worker actually receiving benefits under the
terms of Title 51 RCW, the Industrial Insurance Act.

Note:
The records officer may provide accident investigation reports to the
closest surviving member of the deceased worker’s immediate family.

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 Notes

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 Protecting the Identity of the
Source of Confidential Information WAC 296-800-340

Rule
The Department must:
• Not reveal the source of information when a promise has been made to keep the
identity of the source confidential.
• Not disclose information that would reveal the source’s identity, whenever a
department file contains an investigative report or information from a source under
a promise of confidentiality.
– The contents of an investigative report may be withheld only to the extent
necessary to conceal the identity of the source.
– When information is withheld, the records officer must give a general
characterization of the information withheld, but must not reveal the identity of
the information’s source.

Confidential Information
Protecting the Identity
of the Source of

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 Notes

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 Using Standards from National
Organizations & Federal Agencies
WAC 296-800-360

Rule
YoUr resPonsibility:
To use the safety and health standards from national organizations
and federal agencies, when directed to by WISHA rules

WAC 296-800-36005
Comply with standards of national organizations or federal
agencies when referenced in WISHA rules

National Organizations &

Using Standards from

Federal Agencies
You must
• Use the following to be in compliance with WISHA rules:
– The edition of the standard specified in the WISHA rule
or
– Any edition published after the edition specified in the WISHA rule.

Note:
The specific standards referenced in the WISHA rules are available:
• For review at your local Department of Labor and Industries office
• See http://www.wa.gov/lni/pa/direct.htm
• Through the local library system
• Through the issuing organization.

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 Notes

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 Definitions
WAC 296-800-370

WAC 296-800-370
Definitions

Abatement Action Plans

Refers to your written plans for correcting a WISHA violation.

Abatement date
The date on the citation when you must comply with specific safety and health standards listed
on the Citation and Notice of assessment or the corrective notice of redetermination.

Acceptable
As used in Electrical, WAC 296-800-280 means an installation or equipment is acceptable to
the Director of Labor and Industries, and approved

• If it is accepted, or certified, or listed, or labeled, or otherwise determined to be safe by a

nationally recognized testing laboratory

or

• With respect to an installation or equipment of a kind which no nationally recognized testing

laboratory accepts, certifies, lists, labels, or determines to be safe, if it is inspected or tested
by another federal agency, or by a state, municipal, or other local authority responsible for
enforcing occupational safety provisions of the National Electrical Code, and found in
compliance with the provisions of the National Electrical Code as applied in this section

or

Definitions
• With respect to custom-made equipment or related installations which are designed,
fabricated for, and intended for use by a particular customer, if it is determined to be safe for
its intended use by its manufacturer on the basis of test data which the employer keeps and
makes available for inspection to the director and his/her authorized representatives. Refer
to federal regulation 29 CFR 1910.7 for definition of nationally recognized testing laboratory.

Accepted
As used in Electrical, WAC 296-800-280 means an installation is accepted if it has been
inspected and found by a nationally recognized testing laboratory to conform to specified
plans or to procedures of applicable codes.

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 Definitions
WAC 296-800-370
Access
As used in Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs) as Exposure Records, WAC 296-800-180
means the right and opportunity to examine and copy exposure records.

Affected employees
As used in WISHA Appeals, Penalties and Other Procedural Rules, WAC 296-800-350 means
employees exposed to hazards identified as violations in a citation.

Analysis using exposure or medical records

• An analysis using exposure records or medical records can be any collection of data or a
statistical study. It can be based on either

– Partial or complete information from individual employee exposure or medical records

or

– Information collected from health insurance claim records.

• The analysis is not final until it has been

– Reported to the employer

or

– Completed by the person responsible for the analysis.

ANSI
This is an acronym for the American National Standards Institute.

Approved means:
Definitions

• Approved by the Director of the Department of Labor and Industries or their authorized rep-
resentative, or by an organization that is specifically named in a rule, such as Underwriters’
Laboratories (UL), Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA), or the National Institute
for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH).

• As used in Electrical, WAC 296-800-280 means acceptable to the authority enforcing this
section. The authority enforcing this section is the Director of Labor and Industries. The
definition of acceptable indicates what is acceptable to the Director and therefore approved.

Assistant director
The assistant director for the WISHA services division at the Department of Labor and
Industries or his/her designated representative.
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 Definitions
WAC 296-800-370

ASTM
This is an acronym for American Society for Testing and Materials.

Attachment plug or plug

As used in the Basic Electrical Rules, WAC 296-800-280, means the attachment at the end of
a flexible cord or cable that is part of a piece of electrical equipment. When it is inserted into
an outlet or receptacle, it connects the conductors supplying electrical power from the outlet to
the flexible cable.

Bare conductor
A conductor that does not have any covering or insulation.

Bathroom
A room maintained within or on the premises of any place of employment, containing toilets
that flush for use by employees.

Biological agents
Organisms or their by-products.

Board
As used in WISHA Appeals, Penalties and Other Procedural Rules, WAC 296-800-350 means
the Board of Industrial Insurance Appeals.

Ceiling
An exposure limit that must not be exceeded during any part of the employee's workday. The
ceiling must be determined over the shortest time period feasible and shouldn't exceed 15

Definitions
minutes.

Certification
As used in WISHA Appeals, Penalties and Other Procedural Rules, WAC 296-800-350 means
refers to an employer’s written statement describing when and how a citation violation was
corrected.

CFR
This is an acronym for Code of Federal Regulations.

Chemical
Any element, chemical compound, or mixture of elements and/or compounds.
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 Definitions
WAC 296-800-370
Chemical agents (airborne or contact)
A chemical agents is any of the following:

• Airborne chemical agent which is any of the following:

– Dust - solid particles suspended in air, that are created by actions such as:
• Handling

• Drilling

• Crushing

• Grinding

• Rapid impact

• Detonation

• Decrepitation of organic or inorganic materials such as rock, ore, metal, coal, wood,
and grain.

– Fume - solid particles suspended in air, that are created by condensation from the gas-
eous state.
– Gas - a normally formless fluid, such as air, which can be changed to the liquid or solid
state by the effect of increased pressure or decreased temperature or both.
– Mist - liquid droplets suspended in air. Mist is created by:
• Condensation from the gaseous to the liquid state;
or
Definitions

• Converting a liquid into a dispersed state with actions such as splashing, foaming,
spraying or atomizing.

– Vapor - the gaseous form of a substance that is normally in the solid or liquid state.
• Contact chemical agent which is any of the following:

– Corrosive - a substance that, upon contact, causes destruction of living tissue by chemical
action, including acids with a pH of 2.5 or below or caustics with a pH of 11.0 or above.
– Irritant - a substance that will induce a local inflammatory reaction upon immediate, pro-
longed, or repeated contact with normal living tissue.
– Toxicant - a substance that has the inherent capacity to produce personal injury or illness
to individuals by absorption through any body surface.
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 Definitions
WAC 296-800-370

Chemical manufacturer
An employer with a workplace where one or more chemicals are produced for use or distribu-
tion.

Chemical name
The scientific designation of a chemical in accordance with one of the following:

• The nomenclature system developed by the International Union of Pure and Applied
Chemistry (IUPAC)

• The Chemical Abstracts Service (CAS) rules of nomenclature

• A name which will clearly identify the chemical for the purpose of conducting a hazard
evaluation.

Circuit breaker
• Is a device used to manually open or close a circuit. This device will also open the circuit
automatically and without damage to the breaker when a predetermined overcurrent is
applied. (600 volts nominal or less)

• Is a switching device capable of making, carrying, and breaking currents under normal
circuit conditions, and also making, carrying for a specified time, and breaking currents
under specified abnormal circuit conditions, such as those of short circuit. (Over 600 volts
nominal.)

Citation
Refers to the Citation and Notice issued to an employer for any violation of WISHA safety and
health rules. A Citation and Notice may be referred to as a Citation and Notice of assessment

Definitions
but is more commonly referred to as a citation.

Combustible liquid
A combustible liquid has a flashpoint of at least 100°F (37.8°C) and below 200°F (93.3°C).
Mixtures with at least 99% of their components having flashpoints of 200°F (93.3°C) or higher
are not considered combustible liquids.

Commercial account
As used in Employers Chemical Hazard Communication, WAC 296-800-170, means an
arrangement in which a retail distributor sells hazardous chemical(s) to an employer, generally
in large quantities over time, and/or at costs that are below the regular retail price.

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 Definitions
WAC 296-800-370

Common name
As used in Employers Chemical Hazard Communication, WAC 296-800-170, means any desig-
nation or identification such as:

• Code name

• Code number

• Trade name

• Brand name

• Generic name used to identify a chemical other than by its chemical name.

Compressed gas
A gas or mixture of gases that, when in a container, has an absolute pressure exceeding

• 40 psi at 70°F (21.1°C)

or

• 104 psi at 130°F (54.4°C) regardless of the pressure at 70°F (21.1°C).

Compressed gas can also mean a liquid with a vapor pressure that exceeds 40 psi at 100°F
(37.8°C)

Conductor
A wire that transfers electric power.
Definitions

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 Definitions
WAC 296-800-370

Container
As used in Employer Chemical Hazard Communications, WAC 296-800-170, means any
container, except for pipes or piping systems, that contains a hazardous chemical. It can be
any of the following:

• Bag

• Barrel

• Bottle

• Box

• Can

• Cylinder

• Drum

• Reaction vessel

• Storage tank.

Correction date
The date by which a violation must be corrected. Final orders or extensions that give
additional time to make corrections establish correction dates. A correction date established
by an order of the board of industrial insurance appeals remains in effect during any court
appeal unless the court suspends the date.

Definitions
Corrective notice
Refers to a notice changing a citation and is issued by the department after a citation has
been appealed.

Corrosive
A substance that, upon contact, causes destruction of living tissue by chemical action, includ-
ing acids with a pH of 2.5 or below or caustics with a pH of 11.0 or above.

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 Definitions
WAC 296-800-370

Covered conductor
A conductor that is covered by something else besides electrical insulation.

Damp location
As used in Basic Electrical Rules, WAC 296-800-280, means partially protected areas that are
exposed to moderate moisture. Outdoor examples include roofed open porches and mar-
quees. Interior examples include basements and barns.

Department
Those portions of the Department of Labor and Industries responsible for enforcing the Wash-
ington Industrial Safety Act (WISHA).

Designated representative
• Any individual or organization to which an employee gives written authorization.

• A recognized or certified collective bargaining agent without regard to written employee

authorization.

• The legal representative of a deceased or legally incapacitated employee.

Director
The Director means the Director of the Department of Labor and Industries or their designee.

Distributor
A business, other than a chemical manufacturer or importer, that supplies hazardous chemi-
cals to other distributors or to employers.
Definitions

Documentation
As used in WISHA Appeals, Penalties and Other Procedural Rules, WAC 296-800-350 means
material that you submit to prove that a correction is completed. Documentation includes, but
is not limited to, photographs, receipts for materials and/or labor.

Dry location
As used in Basic Electrical Requirements, WAC 296-800-280 means areas not normally
subjected to damp or wet conditions. Dry locations may become temporarily damp or wet,
such as when constructing a building.

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 Definitions
WAC 296-800-370

Dust
Solid particles suspended in air that are created by actions such as:

• Handling

• Drilling

• Crushing

• Grinding

• Rapid impact

• Detonation

• Decrepitation of organic or inorganic materials such as rock, ore, metal, coal, wood, and
grain.

Electrical outlets
Places on an electric circuit where power is supplied to equipment through receptacles,
sockets, and outlets for attachment plugs.

Emergency washing faciities

Emergency washing facilities are emergency showers, eyewashes, eye/face washes,
hand-held drench hoses, or other similar units.

Employee
Based on chapter 49.17 RCW, the term employee and other terms of like meaning, unless the

Definitions
context of the provision containing such term indicates otherwise, means an employee of an
employer who is employed in the business of his or her employer whether by way of manual
labor or otherwise and every person in this state who is engaged in the employment of or
who is working under an independent contract the essence of which is personal labor for an
employer under this standard whether by way of manual labor or otherwise.

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 Definitions
WAC 296-800-370

Employee exposure record

As used in Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs) as Exposure Records, WAC 296-800-180
means a record containing any of the following kinds of information:

• Environmental (workplace) monitoring or measuring of a toxic substance or harmful

physical agent, including personal, area, grab, wipe, or other form of sampling, as well as
related collection and analytical methodologies, calculations, and other background data
relevant to interpretation of the results obtained

• Biological monitoring results which directly assess the absorption of a toxic substance or
harmful physical agent by body systems (e.g., the level of a chemical in the blood, urine,
breath, hair, fingernails, etc.) but not including results which assess the biological effect of a
substance or agent or which assess an employee’s use of alcohol or drugs

• Material Safety Data Sheets indicating that the material may pose a hazard to human health

or

• In the absence of the above, a chemical inventory or any other record which reveals where
and when used and the identity (e.g., chemical, common or trade name) of a toxic sub-
stance or harmful physical agent.

Employer
Based on chapter 49.17 RCW, an employer is any person, firm, corporation, partnership,
business trust, legal representative, or other business entity which engages in any business,
industry, profession, or activity in this state and employs one or more employees or who
contracts with one or more persons, the essence of which is the personal labor of such person
or persons and includes the state, counties, cities, and all municipal corporations, public
corporations, political subdivisions of the state, and charitable organizations: Provided, that
any persons, partnership, or business entity not having employees, and who is covered by the
Definitions

Industrial Insurance Act must be considered both an employer and an employee.

Exit
Provides a way of travel out of the workplace.

Exit route
A continuous and unobstructed path of exit travel from any point within a workplace to safety
outside.

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Explosive
A chemical that causes a sudden, almost instant release of pressure, gas, and heat when
exposed to a sudden shock, pressure, or high temperature.

Exposed live parts

Electrical parts that are:

• Not suitably guarded, isolated, or insulated

and

• Capable of being accidentally touched or approached closer than a safe distance.

Exposed wiring methods

Involve working with electrical wires that are attached to surfaces or behind panels designed
to allow access to the wires.

Exposure or exposed
As used in Employer Chemical Hazard Communication, WAC 296-800-170, and Material
Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs) as Exposure Records, WAC 296-800-180. An employee has
been, or may have possibly been, subjected to a hazardous chemical, toxic substance or
harmful physical agent while working. An employee could have been exposed to hazardous
chemicals, toxic substances, or harmful physical agents in any of the following ways:

• Inhalation

• Ingestion

Definitions
• Skin contact

• Absorption

• Related means.

-Continued-

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WAC 296-800-370 (Continued)

The terms exposure and exposed only cover workplace exposure involving a toxic substance
or harmful physical agent in the workplace different from typical nonoccupational situations in
the way it is

• Used

• Handled

• Stored

• Generated

• Present.

Exposure record
See definition for employee exposure record.

Extension ladder
A portable ladder with 2 or more sections and is not self-supporting. The 2 or more sections
travel in guides or brackets that let you change the length. The size of a portable ladder is
determined by adding together the length of each section.

Failure-to-abate
Any violation(s) resulting from not complying with an abatement date.

Final order
Any of the following (unless an employer or other party files a timely appeal):
Definitions

• Citation and Notice

• Corrective Notice

• Decision and Order from the Board of Industrial Insurance Appeals

• Denial of Petition for review from the Board of Industrial Insurance Appeals

or

• Decision from a Washington State Superior Court, Court of Appeals, or the State Supreme
Court.

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Final order date

The date a final order is issued.

First aid
The extent of treatment you would expect from a person trained in basic first aid, using sup-
plies from a first-aid kit.

Tests, such as X-rays, must not be confused with treatment.

Flammable
A chemical covered by one of the following categories:

• Aerosol flammable means an aerosol that, when tested by the method described in 16 CFR
1500.45 yields either a flame projection more than 18 inches at full valve opening or a
flashback (a flame extending back to the valve) at any degree of valve opening.

• Gas, flammable means:

– A gas that, at temperature and pressure of the surrounding area, forms a flammable
mixture with air at a concentration of 13% by volume or less.
or

– A gas that, at temperature and pressure of the surrounding area, forms a range of
flammable mixtures with air wider than 12% by volume, regardless of the lower limit.

• Liquid, flammable means any liquid having a flashpoint below 100°F (37.8°C), except any
mixture having components with flashpoints of 100°F (37.8°C) or higher, the total of which
make up 99% or more of the total volume of the mixture.

Definitions
• Solid, flammable means a solid, other than a blasting agent or explosive as defined in 29
CFR 1910.109(a), that is likely to cause fire through friction, moisture absorption,
spontaneous chemical change, or retained heat from manufacturing or processing, or which
can be ignited readily. Solid, inflammable also means that when the substance is ignited,
it burns so powerfully and persistently that it creates a serious hazard. A chemical must
be considered to be a flammable solid if, when tested by the method described in 16 CFR
1500.44, it ignites and burns with a self-sustained flame at a rate greater than one-tenth of
an inch per second along its major axis.

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Flashpoint
• The minimum temperature at which a liquid gives off a vapor in sufficient concentration to
ignite when tested by any of the following measurement methods:

– Tagliabue closed tester: (See American National Standard Method of Test for Flashpoint
by Tag Closed Tester, Z11.24-1979 (ASTM D 56-79)) for liquids with a viscosity of less than
45 Saybolt Universal Seconds (SUS) at 100°F (37.8°C), that do not contain suspended
solids and do not have a tendency to form a surface film under test.
or

– Pensky-Martens closed tester: (See American National Standard Method of Test for
Flashpoint by Pensky-Martens Closed Tester, Z11.7-1979 (ASTM D 93-79)) for liquids with
a viscosity equal to or greater than 45 SUS at 100°F (37.8°C), or that contain suspended
solids, or that have a tendency to form a surface film under test; or

– Setaflash closed tester. (See American National Standard Method of Test for Flashpoint by
Setaflash Closed Tester (ASTM D 3278-78)).

Note:
Organic peroxides, which undergo auto accelerating thermal
decomposition, are excluded from any of the flashpoint measurement
methods specified above.

Flexible cords and cables

Typically used to connect electrical equipment to an outlet or receptacle. These cords can
have an attachment plug to connect to a power source or can be permanently wired into the
power source. Flexible cords, extension cords, cables and electrical cords are all examples of
Definitions

flexible cord.

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Floor hole
An opening in any floor, platform, pavement, or yard that measures at least one inch but
less than 12 inches at its smallest dimension and through which materials and tools (but not
people) can fall.

Examples of floor holes are:

• Belt holes

• Pipe openings

• Slot openings.

Floor opening
An opening in any floor, platform, pavement, or yard that measures at least 12 inches in its
smallest dimension and through which a person can fall.

Examples of floor openings are:

• Hatchways

• Stair or ladder openings

• Pits

• Large manholes

The following are NOT considered floor openings:

• Openings occupied by elevators

Definitions
• Dumbwaiters

• Conveyors

• Machinery

• Containers.

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Foreseeable emergency
As used in Employer Chemical Hazard Communications, WAC 296-800-170 means any poten-
tial event that could result in an uncontrolled release of a hazardous chemical into the work-
place. Examples of foreseeable emergencies include equipment failure, rupture of containers,
or failure of control equipment.

Fume
Solid particles suspended in air that are created by condensation from the gaseous state.

Gas
A normally formless fluid, such as air, which can be changed to the liquid or solid state by the
effect of increased pressure or decreased temperature or both.

Ground
As used in Electrical, WAC 296-800-280, a connection between an electrical circuit or equip-
ment and the earth or other conducting body besides the earth. This connection can be
intentional or accidental.

Grounded
A connection has been made between an electrical circuit or equipment and the earth or
another conducting body besides the earth.

Grounded conductor
A system or circuit conductor that is intentionally grounded.

Ground-fault circuit-interrupter
Definitions

A device whose function is to interrupt the electric circuit to the load when a fault current to
ground exceeds some predetermined value that is less than that required to operate the over-
current protective device of the supply circuit.

Grounding conductor
Is used to connect equipment or the grounded circuit of a wiring system to a grounding elec-
trode or electrodes.

Grounding conductor, equipment

A conductor used to connect noncurrent-carrying metal parts of equipment, raceways, and
other enclosures to the system grounded conductor and/or the grounding electrode conductor
at the service equipment or at the source of a separately derived system.
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Guarded
Covered, shielded, fenced, enclosed, or otherwise protected by means of suitable covers,
casings, barriers, rails, screens, mats, or platforms to remove the likelihood of being
accidentally touched or approached closer than a safe distance.

Hand-held drench hoses

Hand-held drench hoses are single-headed emergency washing devices connected to a
flexible hose that can be used to irrigate and flush the face or other body parts.

Handrail
A single bar or pipe supported on brackets from a wall or partition to provide a continuous
handhold for persons using a stair.

Harmful physical agent

Any physical stress such as, noise, vibration, repetitive motion, heat, cold, ionizing and nonion-
izing radiation, and hypo- or hyperbaric pressure, etc.) which:

• Is listed in the latest edition of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
(NIOSH) Registry of Toxic Effects of Chemical Substances (RTECS);

or

• Has shown positive evidence of an acute or chronic health hazard in testing conducted by,
or known to, the employer;

or

• Is the subject of a material safety data sheet kept by or known to the employer showing that

Definitions
the material may pose a hazard to human health.

Hazard
Any condition, potential or inherent, which can cause injury, death, or occupational disease.

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Hazard warning
As used in Employer Chemical Hazard Communications, WAC 296-800-170 means can be a
combination of words, pictures, symbols, or combination appearing on a label or other appro-
priate form of warning which shows the specific physical and health hazard(s), including target
organ effects, of the chemical(s) in the container(s).

Note:
See definition for physical hazard and health hazard to determine which
hazards must be covered.

Hazardous chemical
Any chemical that is a physical or health hazard.

Health hazard
A chemical, mixture, biological agent, or physical agent that may cause health effects in short-
or long-term exposed employees. Based on statistically significant evidence from at least one
study conducted using established scientific principles. Health hazards include:

• Carcinogens

• Toxic or highly toxic agents

• Reproductive toxins

• Irritants

• Corrosives
Definitions

• Sensitizers

• Hepatotoxins (liver toxins)

• Nephrotoxins (kidney toxins)

• Neurotoxins (nervous system toxins)

-Continued-

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WAC 296-800-370 (Continued)

• Substances that act on the hematopoietic system (blood or blood-forming system)

• Substances that can damage the lungs, skin, eyes, or mucous membranes

• Hot or cold conditions.

Hospitalization
To be admitted to a hospital or an equivalent medical facility on an emergent in-patient basis
requiring an overnight stay.

Identity
As used in Employer Chemical Hazard Communications, WAC 296-800-170 any chemical
or common name listed on the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) for the specific chemical.
Each identity used must allow cross-references among the:

• Required list of hazardous chemicals

• Chemical label

• MSDSs.

Imminent danger violation

Any violation(s) resulting from conditions or practices in any place of employment, which are
such that a danger exists which could reasonably be expected to cause death or serious
physical harm, immediately or before such danger can be eliminated through the enforcement
procedures otherwise provided by the Washington Industrial Safety and Health Act.

Definitions
Importer
The first business within the Customs Territory of the USA that:

• Receives hazardous chemicals produced in other countries

and

• Supplies them to distributors or employers within the USA.

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Insulated
A conductor has been completely covered by a material that is recognized as electrical insula-
tion and is thick enough based on

• The amount of voltage involved

and

• The type of covering material.

Interim waiver
An order granted by the department allowing an employer to vary from WISHA requirements
until the Department decides to grant a permanent or temporary waiver.

Irritant
A substance that will induce a local inflammatory reaction upon immediate, prolonged, or
repeated contact with normal living tissue.

Ladder
Consists of 2 side rails joined at regular intervals by crosspieces called steps, rungs, or cleats.
These steps are used to climb up or down.

Listed
Equipment is listed if it:

• Is listed in a publication by a nationally recognized laboratory (such as UL, underwriters

laboratory) that inspects the production of that type of equipment.
Definitions

and

• States the equipment meets nationally recognized standards or has been tested and found
safe to use in a specific manner.

Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS)

Written, printed, or electronic information (on paper, microfiche, or on-screen) that informs
manufacturers, distributors, employers or employees about a hazardous chemical, its hazards,
and protective measures as required by Material Safety Data Sheet and Label Preparation,
chapter 296-839 WAC.

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Medical treatment
Treatment provided by a physician or by registered professional personnel under the standing
orders of a physician. Medical treatment does not include first-aid treatment even if provided
by a physician or registered professional personnel.

Mist
Liquid droplets suspended in air. Mist is created by:

• Condensation from the gaseous to the liquid state;

or

• Converting a liquid into a dispersed state with actions such as splashing, foaming, spraying
or atomizing.

Mixture
As used in Employer Chemical Hazard Communication, WAC 296-800-170, any combination of
2 or more chemicals (if that combination did not result from a chemical reaction).

Movable equipment
As used in WAC 296-800-35052, a hand-held or nonhand-held machine or device

• That is powered or nonpowered

and

• Can be moved within or between worksites.

Must

Definitions
Must means mandatory.

NEMA
These initials stand for National Electrical Manufacturing Association.

NFPA
This is an acronym for National Fire Protection Association.

Nose
The portion of the stair tread that projects over the face of the riser below it.

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Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)

Created in 1970 when the U.S. Congress passed the Occupational Safety and Health Act, the
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) provides safety on the job for workers.
OSHA oversees state plans (such as WISHA in Washington) that have elected to administer
the safety and health program for their state. OSHA requires WISHA rules to be at least as
effective as OSHA rules.

Office work environment

An indoor or enclosed occupied space where clerical work, administration, or business is car-
ried out.

In addition, it includes:

• Other workplace spaces controlled by the employer and used by office workers, such as
cafeterias, meeting rooms, and washrooms.

• Office areas of manufacturing and production facilities, not including process areas.

• Office areas of businesses such as food and beverage establishments, agricultural opera-
tions, construction, commercial trade, services, etc.

Open riser
A stair step with an air space between treads has an open riser.

Organic peroxide
This is an organic compound containing the bivalent-0-0-structure. It may be considered
a structural derivative of hydrogen peroxide if one or both of the hydrogen atoms has been
replaced by an organic radical.
Definitions

Outlet
See definition for electrical outlets.

Oxidizer
A chemical other than a blasting agent or explosive as defined in WAC 296-52-60130 or
CFR 1910.109(a), that starts or promotes combustion in other materials, causing fire either of
itself or through the release of oxygen or other gases.

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Permissible exposure limits (PELs)

Permissible exposure limits (PELs) are employee exposures to toxic substances or harmful
physical agents that must not be exceeded. PELs are specified in applicable WISHA rules.

Person
Based on chapter 49.17 RCW, one or more individuals, partnerships, associations,
corporations, business trusts, legal representatives, or any organized group of persons.

Personal eyewash units

Personal eyewash units are portable, supplementary units that support plumbed units or
self-contained units, or both, by delivering immediate flushing for less than 15 minutes.

Personal service room

Used for activities not directly connected with a business’ production or service function such
as:

• First-aid

• Medical services

• Dressing

• Showering

• Bathrooms

• Washing

• Eating.

Definitions
Personnel
See the definition for employees.

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Physical hazard
As used in Employer Chemical Hazard Communication, WAC 296-800-170 means a chemical
that has scientifically valid evidence to show it is one of the following:

• Combustible liquid

• Compressed gas

• Explosive

• Flammable

• Organic peroxide

• Oxidizer

• Pyrophoric

• Unstable (reactive)

• Water reactive.

Platform
Platform means an extended step or landing that breaks a continuous run of stairs.

Plug
See definition for attachment plug.

Potable water
Definitions

Water that you can safely drink. It meets specific safety standards prescribed by the United
States Environmental Protection Agency’s National Interim Primary Drinking Water Regulations,
published in 40 CFR Part 141, and 40 CFR 147.2400.

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Predictable and regular basis

Employee functions such as, but not limited to, inspection, service, repair and maintenance
which are performed:

• At least once every 2 weeks

or

• 4 man-hours or more during any sequential 4-week period. (To calculate man-hours multiply
the number of employees by the number of hours during a 4-week period.)

Produce
As used in Employer Chemical Hazard Communication, WAC 296-800-170, any one of the
following:

• Manufacture

• Process

• Formulate

• Blend

• Extract

• Generate

• Emit

• Repackage.

Definitions
Purchaser
As used in Employer Chemical Hazard Communication, WAC 296-800-170, an employer who
buys one or more hazardous chemicals to use in their workplace.

Pyrophoric
A chemical is pyrophoric if it will ignite spontaneously in the air when the temperature is 130°F
(54.4°C) or below.

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Qualified person
A person who has sucessfully demostrated the ability to solve problems relating to the subject
matter, work, or project, either by:

• Possession of a recognized degree, certificate, or professional standing;

or

• Extensive knowledge, training and experience.

Railing or standard railing

A vertical barrier erected along exposed edges of a floor opening, wall opening, ramp,
platform, or runway to prevent falls of persons.

Reassume jurisdiction
The department has decided to take back its control over a citation and notice being
appealed.

Receptacle or receptacle outlet

As used in Basic Electrical Rules, WAC 296-800-280 means outlets that accept a plug to
supply electric power to equipment through a cord or cable.

Record
A record is any item, collection, or grouping of information. Examples include:

• Paper document

• Microfiche
Definitions

• Microfilm

• X-ray film

• Computer record.

Repeat violation
A violation is a repeat violation if the employer has been cited one or more times previously for
a substantially similar hazard.

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Refuge area
• A protected space along an exit route that is separated from other spaces inside the build-
ing by a barrier with at least one-hour fire resistance rating;

or

• A floor in a building with an automatic sprinkler system that has at least two spaces that are
separated by smoke-resistant partitions. See WAC 296-24-607 for requirements for auto-
matic sprinkler systems.

Responsible party
As used in Employer Chemical Hazard Communication, WAC 296-800-170. Someone who
can provide appropriate information about the hazardous chemical and emergency
procedures.

Rise
The vertical distance from the top of a tread to the top of the next higher tread.

Riser
The vertical part of the step at the back of a tread that rises to the front of the tread above.

Rungs
Rungs are the cross pieces on ladders that are used to climb up and down the ladder.

Runway
An elevated walkway above the surrounding floor or ground level. Examples of runways are
footwalks along shafting or walkways between buildings.

Definitions
Safety factor
The term safety factor means the ratio of when something will break versus the actual working
stress or safe load when it is used.

Serious violation
Serious violation must be deemed to exist in a workplace if there is a substantial probability
that death or serious physical harm could result from a condition which exists, or from one or
more practices, means, methods, operations, or processes which have been adopted or are in
use in such workplace, unless the employer did not, and could not with the exercise of
reasonable diligence, know of the presence of the violation.

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Self-lighting or self-luminous
A light source that:

• Is illuminated by a self-contained power source other that batteries

AND

• Operates independently from external power sources.

Short-term exposure limit (STEL)

An exposure limit, averaged over a short time period (usually measured for 15 minutes) that
must not be exceeded during any part of an employee's workday.

Should
Should means recommended.

Single ladder
A type of portable ladder with one section.

It is distinguished by all of the following:

• It has one section

• It cannot support itself

• Its length cannot be adjusted.

Smoking
Definitions

A person is smoking if they are:

• Lighting up

• Inhaling

• Exhaling

• Carrying a pipe, cigar or cigarette of any kind that is burning.

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Specific chemical identity

This term applies to chemical substances. It can mean the:

• Chemical name

• Chemical Abstracts Service (CAS) registry number

• Any other information that reveals the precise chemical designation of the substance.

Stair railing
A vertical barrier attached to a stairway with an open side to prevent falls. The top surface of
the stair railing is used as a handrail

Stairs or stairway
A series of steps and landings:

• Leading from one level or floor to another.

• Leading to platforms, pits, boiler rooms, crossovers, or around machinery, tanks, and other
equipment.

• Used more or less continuously or routinely by employees, or only occasionally by specific

individuals.

• With three or more risers.

Standard safeguard
Safety devices that prevent hazards by their attachment to:

Definitions
• Machinery

• Appliances

• Tools

• Buildings

• Equipment.

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These safeguards must be constructed of:

• Metal

• Wood

• Other suitable materials.

The Department makes the final determination about whether a safeguard is sufficient for its
use.

Step ladder
A portable ladder with:

• Flat steps

• A hinge at the top allowing the ladder to fold out and support itself

• Its length that cannot be adjusted.

Time weighted average (TWA8)

An exposure limit, averaged over 8 hours, that must not be exceeded during an employee's
work shift.

Toeboard
A barrier at floor level along exposed edges of a floor opening, wall opening, platform, runway,
or ramp, to prevent falls of materials.
Definitions

Toxic chemical
As used in first aid, WAC 296-800-150, is a chemical that produces serious injury or illness
when absorbed through any body surface.

Toxic substance
Any chemical substance or biological agent, such as bacteria, virus, and fungus, which is any
of the following:

• Listed in the latest edition of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
(NIOSH) Registry of Toxic Effects of Chemical Substances (RTECS)

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• Shows positive evidence of an acute or chronic health hazard in testing conducted by, or
known to, the employer

• The subject of a material safety data sheet kept by or known to the employer showing the
material may pose a hazard to human health.

Toxicant
A substance that has the inherent capacity to produce personal injury or illness to individuals
by absorption through any body surface.

Trade secret
Any confidential

• Formula

• Pattern

• Process

• Device

• Information

• Collection of information.

The trade secret is used in an employer’s business and gives an opportunity to gain an
advantage over competitors who do not know or use it.

See WAC 296-62-053 for requirements dealing with trade secrets.

Definitions
Tread
As used in Stairs and Stair Railings, WAC 296-800-250 means the horizontal part of the stair
step.

Tread run
As used in Stairs and Stair Railings, WAC 296-800-250 means the distance from the front of
one stair tread to the front of an adjacent tread.

Tread width
The distance from front to rear of the same tread including the nose, if used.

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UL (Underwriters’ Laboratories, Inc.)

You will find these initials on electrical cords and equipment. The initials mean the cord or
equipment meets the standards set by the Underwriters’ Laboratories, Inc.

Unstable (reactive)
As used in Employer Chemical Hazard Communication, WAC 296-800-170. An unstable or
reactive chemical is one that in its pure state, or as produced or transported, will vigorously
polymerize, decompose, condense, or will become self-reactive under conditions of shocks,
pressure or temperature.

Use
As used in Employer Chemical Hazard Communication, WAC 296-800-170, means to:

• Package
• Handle
• React
• Emit
• Extract
• Generate as a by-product
• Transfer.

Vapor
The gaseous form of a substance that is normally in the solid or liquid state.

Voltage of a circuit
The greatest effective potential difference between any two conductors or between a
conductor and ground.
Definitions

Voltage to ground
The voltage between a conductor and the point or conductor of the grounded circuit. For
undergrounded circuits, it is the greatest voltage between the conductor and any other
conductor of the circuit.

Voltage, nominal
Nominal voltage is a value assigned to a circuit or system to designate its voltage class
(120/240, 480Y/277, 600, etc.). The actual circuit voltage can vary from the value if it is within
a range that permits the equipment to continue operating in a satisfactory manner.

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WAC
This is an acronym for Washington Administrative Code, which are rules developed to address
state law.

Water-reactive
As used in Employer Chemical Hazard Communication, WAC 296-800-170, a
water-reactive chemical reacts with water to release a gas that is either flammable or presents
a health hazard.

Watertight
Constructed so that moisture will not enter the enclosure or container.

Weatherproof
Constructed or protected so that exposure to the weather will not interfere with successful
operation. Rainproof, raintight, or watertight equipment can fulfill the requirements for
weatherproof where varying weather conditions other than wetness, such as snow, ice, dust,
or temperature extremes, are not a factor.

Wet location
As used in Basic Electrical Rules, WAC 296-800-280 means:

• Underground installations or in concrete slabs or masonry that are in direct contact with the
earth

• Locations that can be saturated by water or other liquids.

• Unprotected locations exposed to the weather (like vehicle washing areas).

Definitions
WISHA
This is an acronym for the Washington Industrial Safety and Health Act.

Work area
As used in employer chemical hazard communication, WAC 296-800-170, a room or defined
space in a workplace where hazardous chemicals are produced or used, and where employ-
ees are present.

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Working days
Means a calendar day, except Saturdays, Sundays, and legal holidays. Legal holidays
include:

• New Year’s Day - January 1

• Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
• Presidents’ Day
• Memorial Day
• Independence Day - July 4
• Labor Day
• Veterans’ Day - November 11
• Thanksgiving Day
• The day after Thanksgiving Day; and
• Christmas Day - December 25

The number of working days must be calculated by not counting the first working day and
counting the last working day.

Worker
See the definition for employee.

Workplace
The term workplace means:

• Any plant, yard, premises, room, or other place where an employee or employees are
employed for the performance of labor or service over which the employer has the right of
access or control, and includes, but is not limited to, all workplaces covered by industrial
insurance under Title 51 RCW, as now or hereafter amended.
Definitions

• As used in Employer Chemical Hazard Communication, WAC 296-800-170, means an

establishment, job site, or project, at one geographical location containing one or more work
areas.

You
See definition of employer.

Your representative
Your representative is the person selected to act in your behalf.

1•800•4BE SAFE (1•800•423•7233)

04/09
 Resources

Resources
Helpful Tools
Accident Investigation Report................................................................R-3
Accident/Incident Table.........................................................................R-5
Additional Program Requirements Table................................................R-7
Employee Rights Under WISHA.............................................................R-9
Hazard Assessment Checklist.............................................................R-11
Report of a Workplace Hazard.............................................................R-15
Safety Meeting Minutes........................................................................R-17
Sample Hazardous Chemical Communication Program......................R-19
Sample Labels for Hazardous Chemical Containers...........................R-25
Sample Letter for Requesting a Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS)..R-27
Training Documentation Form..............................................................R-29

Other Resources
Complete List of Safety & Health Rules...............................................R-31
Links to Other Information....................................................................R-39
OSHA/WISHA Rules Comparison........................................................R-43
Service Locations for Labor & Industries.............................................R-45
Requesting Information........................................................................R-49

http://www.lni.wa.gov/
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 1•800•4BE SAFE (1•800•423•7233)

04/09
 Accident Investigation Report
Use with 296-800-320 Accidents and Incidents, Investigating and Reporting

This sample report form can help document the findings of a preliminary investigation
into an accident or incident in your workplace. You can copy and use this form or
make your own. Fill out an investigation report as soon as possible after an accident
or incident.

Employee(s) name(s):

Time & date of accident/incident:

Job title(s) and department(s):

Supervisor/lead person:
Witnesses:

Brief description of the accident or incident:

Indicate body part affected:

Did the injured employee(s) see a doctor? ( ) Yes ( ) No

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 Accident Investigation Report
Use with 296-800-320 Accidents and Incidents, Investigating and Reporting

If yes, did you file an employer’s portion of a worker’s

compensation form? ( ) Yes ( ) No
Did the injured employee(s) go home during their work shift? ( ) Yes ( ) No
If yes, list the date and time injured employee(s) left job(s):

Supervisor’s Comments:

What could have been done to prevent this accident/incident?

Have the unsafe conditions been corrected? ( ) Yes ( ) No

If yes, what has been done?


If no, what needs to be done?


Employer or Supervisor’s signature:
Date:
Additional comments/notes:

1•800•4BE SAFE (1•800•423•7233)

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 Accident/Incident Table
Use with 296-800-320 Accidents and Investigations

What’s the purpose of this table?

To help you determine if you need to contact L&I or do an investigation in your
workplace after an accident or incident.
When do we use this table?
Use this tool when an accident or incident happens or as soon as possible afterwards.

Accident/Incident Table:
Action you In case of death Accident involving In case of serious Near miss
must take: or probable death inpatient injury or illness (accident almost
hospitalization of happened) or
any employee non-serious injury
or illness
Report the
accident to L&I
Required Required Not Required Not Required
and include your
phone number.
Complete and
document an Required Required Required Not Required
investigation.

Questions?
You can call L&I’s toll-free number for more information: 1-800-4BE SAFE

http://www.lni.wa.gov/
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04/09
 Additional Program Requirements Table

This table will help you determine additional programs, plans, and other related
requirements that might be needed beyond your accident prevention program (your
total safety and health plan). If you are required to have additional written programs or
procedures, they can be included in your accident prevention program or covered in
supplemental documents.

To use this table:

1. Determine if any of the activities, hazards or situations listed in the first column
apply to your workplace.
2. The second column lists what you may have to do or additional written programs
you may be required to have.
3. Look-up the standard or rule that is in column three. This will allow you to
determine if the actual situation at your workplace makes it necessary for you to do
anything and will identify what you must do.

Note:
• There are record keeping requirements in chapter 296-27 WAC
and elsewhere that you need to be aware of.
• Certain job-specific activities need written, site or activity-
specific work plans (for example, the fall protection work plan
and lead exposure in construction work).
• There are vertical standards that apply to specific industries,
which may have additional program requirements. Be sure to
check to find out if these standards apply to you.

1•800•4BE SAFE (1•800•423•7233)

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 Additional Program Requirements Table
1. If individuals in your 2. Then you may need to: 3. See:
workplace:
Are exposed to hazards Determine personal protective equipment (PPE) required WAC 296-800-160
based on a mandatory job hazard assessment. Written
certification is also mandatory.
Work around hazardous chemicals Establish a written chemical hazard WAC 296-800-170
communication program
Service, adjust, or maintain Establish a written energy control (lockout/tagout) Chapter 296-24 WAC, Part A-4
equipment in your workplace program (After November 1, 2004 see
where people could be injured by the Chapter 296-803 WAC)
unexpected start-up of the machine or
the release of stored energy
Work around loud noise Establish a hearing conservation program, including Chapter 296-817 WAC
hearing tests and training
Weld, cut, or do brazing Make sure rules and instructions to operate and maintain Chapter 296-24 WAC , Part I
oxygen or fuel-gas supply equipment are readily
available
Are required to use respirators or Establish a written respirator program Chapter 296-842 WAC
voluntarily use respirators to
protect against airborne hazards
May be exposed to blood or other Establish a written exposure control plan Chapter 296-823 WAC
potentially infectious material
(bloodborne pathogens)
May encounter confined spaces in Conduct a survey to identify confined spaces. If employ- Chapter 296-809 WAC
your workplace ees are to enter confined spaces, special procedures and
a written program may be required
Work in late night retail (a retail Provide crime prevention training as part of your accident Chapter 296-832 WAC
establishment open between 11:00 prevention program
p.m. and 6:00 a.m.
May be injured by an activated fire Establish a written emergency action plan Chapter 296-24 WAC, Part G-1
suppression system
Are required to perform specific Establish a written emergency response plan or, if Chapter 296-824 WAC and
actions during emergency situations appropriate, a written emergency action plan Chapter 296-24 WAC, Part G-1
involving the release of hazardous
substances
Are agricultural workers Follow accident prevention program requirements Chapter 296-307 WAC
in WAC 296-307-030. Agricultural employees aren't
covered by chapter 296-24 WAC
Are electrical workers working on or Include additional elements in your accident prevention Chapter 296-45 WAC
near high voltage program
Are fire fighters Develop a risk management policy with incident Chapter 296-305 WAC
strategies that can be incorporated into the incident
command system

http://www.lni.wa.gov/
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 Additional Program Requirements Table

1. If individuals in your 2. Then you may need to: 3. See:

workplace:
Are exposed to substances such as Establish and implement a written program to reduce Chapter 296-62 WAC, Part I-1
asbestos, tremolite, anthopylite, employee exposure to or below the permissible limit
or atinolite
Are involved in hazardous waste Develop and implement a written safety and health Chapter 296-843 WAC
operations program for these operations
Are involved with diving operations Develop and maintain a written safe practices manual Chapter 296-37 WAC
Are invovled with ski area facilities Develop a specific written safety program Chapter 296-59 WAC
and operations
Are involved with telecommunica- Include additional elements in your accident prevention Chapter 296-32 WAC
tions program that specifically cover this work
May be exposed to specific air Establish and implement a written compliance program Chapter 296-62 WAC, Part I
contaminants (listed in Chapter
296-62 WAC)
Use powered platforms installed Provide written work procedures for the operation, safe Chapter 296-24 WAC, Part J-3
as part of a building to do building use, and inspection of the equipment
maintenance
Work in laboratory using hazardous Develop and carry out the provisions of a written Chapter 296-62 WAC, Part Q
chemicals chemical hygiene plan
Work in grain handling facilities Develop and implement a written housekeeping program Chapter 296-99 WAC
May be exposed to certain Implement a written program to reduce exposure to or Chapter 296-62 WAC , Part G
carcinogens (cancer causing below permissible limits
agents)
Work with toxic, reactive, flammable, Develop a written plan for preventing or minimizing the Chapter 296-67 WAC
or explosive chemicals (process consequences of catastrophic releases
safety management of highly
hazardous chemicals)
Are blasting from an aircraft This requires a written program approved by the Federal Chapter 296-59 WAC
Aviation Administration and the director of the
department of lobor and industries
Are exposed to operating coke ovens Implement a written program to reduce employee Chapter 296-62 WAC, Part O
exposure

1•800•4BE SAFE (1•800•423•7233)

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 Employee Rights Under WISHA
Use with WAC 296-800-120 Employee Responsibilties & Chapter 296-360 WAC Discrimination

If you, as an employee, complain about or report information about safety or health

issues, you have specific rights protected under WISHA. See the table below to find
out more.

If: Then:
You believe you’re being asked to do something Report it to your employer and ask them to
potentially unsafe... correct it, ask for other work, remain on the
job until ordered to leave by the employer, or
inform the employer that you will refuse to
work if the hazard is not corrected.
You file a Safety or Health complaint for violations of L&I will review your complaint to see if it warrants
Washington Administrative Code (WAC)... investigation.
You quit or leave the worksite because your WISHA may not be able to protect your
employer asks you to do something potentially rights or investigate your complaint.
unsafe on the job... However, you are not required to do
potentially unsafe work.
You give a witness statement to a compliance You may ask to have your identity withheld
inspector during an accident investigation or safety at the time you give your statement. The
and health inspection... compliance inspector should have you date,
sign, and check the applicable blocks on a
witness statement form.
Your employer retaliates against you for filing You have 30 days to file a discrimination complaint
a complaint or giving a compliance inspector a against your employer. To file a complaint contact
statement about an accident or safety and health your local Labor & Industries office and ask for the
inspection... WISHA Discrimination Section.

Note:
Other protections exist for employees under Title 51.

Questions?
You can either call 1-800 4BESAFE or visit the WISHA website at
http://www.lni.wa.gov/wisha for more information.

http://www.lni.wa.gov/
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 1•800•4BE SAFE (1•800•423•7233)

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 Hazard Assessment Checklist
Use with WAC 296-800-160 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

This checklist can help you do a hazard assessment to see if employees need to use
personal protective equipment (PPE). You can make copies or develop a form that is
appropriate to your workplace.
Some work activities are more hazardous than others. This list can help identify those
activities that may create hazards for your employees. Read through the list, putting a
check next to any word that describes an activity in your workplace. We’ve grouped
the activities according to what part of the body might need PPE.

Eyes
Work activities:
( ) sawing ( ) cutting ( ) drilling
( ) sanding ( ) grinding ( ) punch press operations
( ) chopping ( ) hammering ( ) abrasive blasting
( ) intense light/welding ( ) other_________________
Work related exposure to:
( ) airborne dust ( ) flying particles ( ) blood splashes
( ) hazardous liquid chemicals ( ) other_ _________

Face
Work activities:
( ) pouring ( ) mixing ( ) painting
( ) cleaning ( ) siphoning ( ) dip tank operations
( ) welding ( ) pouring molten metal ( ) foundry work
( ) cooking ( ) other_________________
Work related exposure to:
( ) extreme heat ( ) cold ( ) potential irritants
( ) hazardous liquid chemicals ( ) other_ _________

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 Head
Work activities:
( ) construction ( ) utility work ( ) use of catwalks
( ) building maintenance ( ) use of crane loads ( ) electrical wiring
( ) use of conveyor belts ( ) confined space operations ( ) other__________
Work related exposure to:
( ) falling objects ( ) beams ( ) machine parts
( ) pipes ( ) exposed electrical wiring or components
( ) other_________________

Feet
Work activities:
( ) construction ( ) plumbing ( ) foundry work
( ) building maintenance ( ) trenching ( ) demolition
( ) use of highly flammable materials ( ) welding
( ) logging ( ) food processing ( ) other_ ___________
Work related exposure to:
( ) tools ( ) heavy equipment ( ) exposed electrical
( ) slippery surfaces ( ) explosives wiring or components
( ) explosive atmospheres ( ) other_________________

Hands
Work activities such as:
( ) grinding ( ) sawing ( ) use of computers
( ) hammering ( ) working with glass ( ) use of knives
( ) material handling ( ) welding ( ) baking
( ) cooking ( ) dental and health care services
( ) sanding ( ) other
Work related exposure to:
( ) tools or materials that could scrape, bruise, or cut
( ) irritating chemicals ( ) blood ( ) other _________

Inhalation
Work activities such as:
( ) pouring ( ) mixing ( ) painting
( ) cleaning ( ) sawing ( ) fiberglass installation
( ) compressed air or gas operations ( ) other__________
Work related exposure to:
( ) irritating dust ( ) extreme heat/cold ( ) other__________
1•800•4BE SAFE (1•800•423•7233)
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 Hazard Assessment Checklist
Use with WAC 296-800-160 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Hearing
Work activities such as:
( ) machining ( ) grinding ( ) sawing
( ) sanding ( ) use of conveyors ( ) motors
( ) pneumatic equipment ( ) generators ( ) ventilation fans
( ) routers ( ) punch or brake presses
or
( ) other_ _______________
Work related exposure to:
( ) noisy machines/tools ( ) loud work environment ( ) punch or brake
presses
( ) loud noises ( ) other_________________

General Hazards
Work activities such as:
( ) utility work ( ) logging ( ) building maintenance
( ) construction ( ) other_________________
Work related exposure to:
( ) working from heights of 10 feet or more ( ) working near water
( ) other_ _______________

Skin
Work activities such as:
( ) battery charging ( ) sawing ( ) fiberglass installation
( ) dip tank operations ( ) irritating chemicals ( ) baking or frying
Work related exposure to:
( ) sharp or rough edges ( ) chemical splashes ( ) extreme heat/cold

Your name:_________________________________________________________________
Name of your workplace:__________________________________________________
Workplace address:________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
Dates of Hazard Assessment for PPE:_____________________________________

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 1•800•4BE SAFE (1•800•423•7233)

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 Report of a Workplace Hazard
Use with WAC 296-800-120 Employee Responsibilities and WAC 296-800-140 Accident Prevention Program

This is an optional form, that either, an employee or employer can use to report a
hazard.
If you complete this as an employee, give a completed copy to your employer. If you
don’t want to include your name on the form, make sure to give enough details about
the hazard so your employer can recognize and correct it.
Your name:___________________________________ Today’s Date:_____________

(Optional)

Briefly describe the workplace hazard:

(Please give more details if you are filling this out anonymously. Use the back if you need more room)

Where is the hazard located?

Has the hazard been reported to your employer?___________________________

If so, who was it reported to?____________________________________________

Briefly describe what’s been done to correct the hazard

Who took action to correct the hazard?

http://www.lni.wa.gov/
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 1•800•4BE SAFE (1•800•423•7233)

04/09
 Safety Meeting Minutes
Use with WAC 296-800-130 Safety Committees and Safety Meetings

This form can help you document the minutes of safety meetings in your workplace.
This particular form isn’t required, but shows the kind of information you need for your
records. You can either copy this form or make your own.
Remember, you must:
• Keep meeting minutes for one year.
• Cover specific topics in your meetings.

Agenda:
Review of minutes of last safety meeting: Approved? Yes No
Corrections:__________________________________________________________
1. Unfinished business from last meeting:

2. Any hazards reported during this time period?

3. Describe any accident investigations conducted since last meeting. Did you
identify and correct the cause of the unsafe situation(s)?

4. Is your accident and illness prevention program working? Yes No

If no, describe any recommendations to improve it.

5. What other safety-related topics did you cover in this meeting?

http://www.lni.wa.gov/
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 Safety Meeting Minutes
Use with WAC 296-800-130 Safety Committees and Safety Meetings

Employer: Worksite location:

___________________________________________________________________________

Date:____________ Meeting Start Time:_________ Meeting End Time:_______

Who attended this meeting?

__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
Minutes written by: Meeting Leader:
__________________________________________________________________________
Next meeting will be on (date): Next meeting location:
__________________________________________________________________________
How likely is an injury or illness to occur in your workplace? (check the box that
best applies)
( ) very likely ( ) somewhat likely
( ) likely ( ) unlikely, we haven’t had an on-the-job accident in years
How complex is your worksite? (check all boxes that apply)
( ) Large or spread out worksite (for example, a logging area)
( ) poorly planned building
( ) medium sized worksite
( ) small worksite
( ) 1 story building with plenty of exits and parking

1•800•4BE SAFE (1•800•423•7233)

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 Sample Hazardous Chemical
Communication Program
A. Company Policy
is committed to the prevention of exposures that result in injury
(Name of employer)
and/or illness; and to comply with all applicable state health and safety rules. To make
sure that all affected employees know about information concerning the dangers
of all hazardous chemicals used by (Name of employer)
, the following hazardous
information program has been established.
All work units of (Name of employer)
will participate in the hazard communication
program. This written program will be available in (Specify the location) for review by any
interested employee.
B. Container Labeling
(Name of person and position)
is responsible for container labeling procedures, reviewing, and
updating. The labeling system used at (Name of employer)
is as follows:
(Describe the labeling system, including the labels or other forms of warning used, and written alternatives to labeling, if any.)
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
The procedures for proper labeling of all containers, and reviewing and updating label
warnings are as follows:
(Also include a description of the procedures for labeling of secondary containers used, including making sure that they have the appropriate
identification and hazard warning, etc.; description of procedures for reviewing and updating label warnings, how often the review is conducted,
and the name of the person and position who is responsible for reviewing and updating label warnings.)
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
It is the policy of (Name of employer)
that no container will be released for use until
the above procedures are followed.

http://www.lni.wa.gov/
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 Sample Hazardous Chemical
Communication Program
C. Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS)
(Name of person and position)
is responsible to establish and monitor the employer’s MSDS
program. This person will make sure procedures are developed to obtain the
necessary MSDSs and will review incoming MSDSs for new or significant health and
safety information. This person will see that any new information is passed on to
affected employees.
The procedures to obtain MSDSs and review incoming MSDSs for new or significant
health and safety information are as follows:
(Include procedures on how to make sure copies are current and updated, how any new information is passed on to affected employees, and the
procedures for employee access in work areas.)
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
Copies of MSDSs for all hazardous chemicals in use will be kept in (Specify the location)
MSDSs will be available to all employees during each work shift. If an MSDS is not
available or a new chemical in use does not have an MSDS, immediately contact
(The person and position)
.

Note:
If an alternative to printed Material Safety Data Sheets is used (such as
computer data), provide a description of the format.

D. Employee Information and Training

(Name of person and position)
is responsible for the employer/employee training program.
The procedures for how employees will be informed and trained are as follows:
(Include the methods used for general and site-specific training, and how employees will be informed when non-routine tasks arise. If your
employees work at other employers’ job sites, then specify where and how these employees will have access to MSDSs and labels, and how they
will be informed of precautionary measures to take during normal or emergency operations, if any.)
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
will make sure that before starting work, each new
(Name of person and position)
employee of (Name of employer) will attend a health and safety orientation that
includes information and training on the following:

1•800•4BE SAFE (1•800•423•7233)

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 Sample Hazardous Chemical
Communication Program
• An overview of the requirements contained in the Hazard Communication
Standard.
• Hazardous chemicals present at his or her work places.
• Physical and health risks of the hazardous chemical.
• The symptoms of overexposure.
• How to determine the presence or release of hazardous chemicals in his or her
work area.
• How to reduce or prevent exposure to hazardous chemicals through use of
control procedures, work practices, and personal protective equipment.
• Steps the employer has taken to reduce or prevent exposure to hazardous
chemicals.
• Procedures to follow if employees are overexposed to hazardous chemicals.
• How to read labels and review MSDSs to obtain hazard information.
• Location of the MSDS file and written hazard communication program.
Before introducing a new chemical hazard into any section of this employer, each
employee in that section will be given information and training as outlined above for
the new chemical.
E. Hazardous non-routine tasks
Periodically, employees are required to perform hazardous non-routine tasks. (Some
examples of non-routine tasks are confined space entry, tank cleaning, and painting
reactor vessels.) Non-routine tasks that are performed at (Name of employer)
include
1.____________________________________________________________________________
2.____________________________________________________________________________
3.____________________________________________________________________________
Prior to starting work on such projects, each affected employee will be given
information by (Name of person and position)
about the hazardous chemicals he or
she may encounter during these activities:
(For each activity, list the specific chemical hazards, protective and safety measures the employee can use, and the steps the employer has taken to
reduce the hazards, including ventilation, respirators, presence of another employee, and emergency procedures.)
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
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 Sample Hazardous Chemical
Communication Program
F. Multi employer work places
It is the responsibility of (Name of person and position) to provide employers of any other
employees at the work site with the following information:
• Copies of MSDSs (or make them available at a central location) for any
hazardous chemicals that the other employer(s)’ employee may be exposed to
while working.
• Inform other employers of any precautionary measures that need to be
taken to protect employees during normal operating conditions or in
foreseeable emergencies.
• Provide other employers with an explanation of the labeling system that is used
at the work site.
It is also the responsibility of (Name of person and position) to identify and obtain MSDSs for
the chemicals the contractor is bringing into the work place.
G. List of hazardous chemicals
The following is a list of all known hazardous chemicals used by our employees.
Further information on each chemical may be obtained by reviewing MSDSs located at
(Specify the location)
.
MSDS identity:
(Here is where you put the chemical list developed during the inventory. Arrange this
list so that you are able to cross-reference it with your MSDS file and the labels on your
containers.)
The criteria (e.g., label warnings, MSDS information, etc.) used to evaluate the
chemicals are:
(Include a description of a plan for how you will update the list.)

Chemical Name Manufacturer Location Used

_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________

1•800•4BE SAFE (1•800•423•7233)

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 Sample Hazardous Chemical
Communication Program
The sample labels on the following page show the type of information you must list on
containers of hazardous chemicals. You can copy and use these labels or you can
make your own.
Be sure your labels contain the following information:
• Name of Chemical
• Physical Hazards
• Health Hazards, Target Organs or Systems
• Optional information, such as Personal Protective Equipment or Safe Handling
After you’ve finished typing or writing in your information, print the labels. Then, cut out
the individual labels and apply them to your hazardous chemical containers.

http://www.lni.wa.gov/
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 1•800•4BE SAFE (1•800•423•7233)

04/09
 Sample Labels for
Hazardous Chemical Containers
Use with WAC 296-800-170 Employer Chemical Hazard Communication

______________________________________ _______________________________________
Name of Chemical or Common Name Name of Chemical or Common Name

__________________________________ ___________________________________
Physical Hazards Physical Hazards

__________________________________ ___________________________________
Health Hazards, Target Organs or Systems Health Hazards, Target Organs or Systems

__________________________________ ___________________________________
Optional Information, such as Personal Optional Information, such as Personal
Protective Equipment or Safe Handling Protective Equipment or Safe Handling

__________________________________ ___________________________________
Name of Chemical or Common Name Name of Chemical or Common Name

__________________________________ ___________________________________
Physical Hazards Physical Hazards

__________________________________ ___________________________________
Health Hazards, Target Organs or Systems Health Hazards, Target Organs or Systems

__________________________________ ___________________________________
Optional Information, such as Personal Optional Information, such as Personal
Protective Equipment or Safe Handling Protective Equipment or Safe Handling

__________________________________ ___________________________________
Name of Chemical or Common Name Name of Chemical or Common Name

__________________________________ ___________________________________
Physical Hazards Physical Hazards

__________________________________ ___________________________________
Health Hazards, Target Organs or Systems Health Hazards, Target Organs or Systems

__________________________________ ___________________________________
Optional Information, such as Personal Optional Information, such as Personal
Protective Equipment or Safe Handling Protective Equipment or Safe Handling

http://www.lni.wa.gov/
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 1•800•4BE SAFE (1•800•423•7233)

04/09
 Sample Letter for Requesting a
Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS)
Use with WAC 296-800-170

This sample form letter shows what information you need to include when requesting
Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs) from a manufacturer or distributor. You can use
this sample as a guide to develop your own form letter.

Sample Form Letter

Date of your request
Name of manufacturer/distributor you need the MSDS from
Their address
City, state, zip code
Their fax number if you make this request by fax
Subject: Material Safety Data Sheet Request (MSDS)
Please send us the (MSDSs) for the following product(s):
(1)
(2)
(3)
Our business needs the MSDS(s) listed above to comply with the Chemical Hazard
Communication Standard, WAC 296-800-170. Please make sure that the MSDS(s) you
send us meet the requirements of the Content and distribution of Material safety data
sheets (MSDSs) and label information, Chapter 296-839 WAC (equivalent to 29 CFR
1910.1200, OSHA Hazard Communication Standard).
Thank you for your immediate response.
Sincerely,
Your name
Your company’s name
Business address

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 1•800•4BE SAFE (1•800•423•7233)

04/09
 Training Documentation Form
WAC 296-800-140 Accident Prevention Program (recommended)
WAC 296-800-150 First Aid (recommended)
WAC 296-800-160 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) (required)
WAC 296-800-170 Chemical Hazard Communication (recommended)
WAC 296-800-300 Portable Fire Extinguishers (recommended)
This sample form can help you verify in writing that each employee who needs training
has received and understood it. You can copy this sample form or create your own.

( ) Accident Prevention Program, safety orientation

( ) Personal Protective Equipment Type:_________________________________
( ) Chemical Hazard Communication
( ) First Aid
( ) Portable Fire Extinguishers

Date(s) of training:___________________________________________________________

List of employees who completed this training:

_______________________________________ _ _____________________________
_______________________________________ _ _____________________________
_______________________________________ _ _____________________________
_______________________________________ _ _____________________________
_______________________________________ _ _____________________________
_______________________________________ _ _____________________________
_______________________________________ _ _____________________________
Trainer/Employer:_ ____________________________________________________

http://www.lni.wa.gov/
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 1•800•4BE SAFE (1•800•423•7233)

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 Resources

Resources
General Safety and Health Rules

Access to Records
Chapter 296-802 WAC
Air Contaminants (Specific)
Chapter296-62 WAC, Part I
Asbestos, Tremolite, Anthophyllite, and Actinolyte
Chapter 296-62, WAC Part I-1
Atmospheres, Ventilation
Chapter 296-62 WAC, Part L
Carcinogens
Chapter 296-62 WAC, Part F
Carcinogens (Specific)
Chapter 296-62 WAC, Part G
Coke Ovens
Chapter 296-62 WAC, Part O
Compressed Gas and Equipment
Chapter 296-24 WAC, Part K
Confined Spaces
Chapter 296-809 WAC
Content and Distribution of Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs) and Label
Information
Chapter 296-839 WAC
Cotton Dust
Chapter 296-62 WAC, Part N
Dipping and Coating Operations (Dip Tanks)
Chapter 296-835 WAC
Electrical
Chapter 296-24 WAC, Part L
Emergency Response
Chapter 296-824 WAC
—Continued—

http://www.lni.wa.gov/
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 Resources
Resources

General Safety and Health Rules (Continued)

Fire Protection
Chapter 296- 24WAC, Part G.-2
Fire Suppression Equipment
Chapter 296-24 WAC, Part G-3
Hazardous Chemicals in Laboratories
Chapter 296-62 WAC, Part Q
Hazardous Materials, Flammable and Combustible Liquids, Spray Finishing
Chapter 296-24 WAC, Part E
Hazardous Waste Operations
Chapter 296-843 WAC
Hearing Loss Prevention (Noise)
Chapter 296-817 WAC
Helicopters Used as Lifting Machines
Chapter 296-829 WAC
Late Night Retail Worker Crime Prevention
Chapter 296-832 WAC
Machinery and Machine Guarding
Chapter 296-24 WAC, Part C
(After January 1, 2005 see Chapter 296-806 WAC)
Materials Handling and Storage, Including Cranes, Barracks, etc.
Chapter 296-24 WAC, Part D
Means of Egress
Chapter 296-24 WAC, Part G-1
Occupational Exposure to Bloodborne Pathogens
Chapter 296-823 WAC
Portable Power Tools
Chapter 296-807 WAC
Powered Platforms
Chapter 296-24 WAC, Part J-3
—Continued—

1•800•4BE SAFE (1•800•423•7233)

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 Resources

Resources
General Safety and Health Rules (Continued)
Respirators
Chapter 296-24 WAC, Part J-3
Respiratory Hazards
Chapter 296-841 WAC
Safe Practices of Abrasive Blasting Operations, Ventilation
Chapter 296-24 WAC, Part H-2
Safety Color Code for Working Physical Hazards, etc.
Chapter 296-24 WAC, Part B-2
Safety Procedures
Chapter 296-24 WAC, Part A-4
(After November 1, 2004 see Chapter 296-803 WAC)
Safety Standards for Window Cleaning
Chapter 296-878 WAC
Scaffolds
Chapter 296-24 WAC, Part J-2
Storage and Handling of Anhydrous Ammonia
Chapter 296-24 WAC, Part F-2
Storage and Handling of Liquefied Petroleum Gases
Chapter 296-24 WAC, Part F-1
Temporary Housing for Workers
Chapter 296-833 WAC
Trade Secrets
Chapter 296-62 WAC, Part B-1
Welding, Cutting and Brazing
Chapter 296-24 WAC, Part I
Working Services, Guarding Floors and Wall Openings, Ladders
Chapter 296-24 WAC, Part J-1

http://www.lni.wa.gov/
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 Resources
Resources

Chapter 296-155 WAC, Safety Rules for Construction Work

Concrete, Concrete Forms, Shoring, and Masonry Construction, Part O
Chapter 296-155-675 WAC
Cranes, Derricks, Hoists, Elevators, and Conveyors, Part L
Chapter 296-155-525 WAC
Demolition, Part S
Chapter 296-155-775 WAC
Electrical, Part I
Chapter 296-155-426 WAC
Excavation, Trenching, and Shoring, Part N
Chapter 296-155-650 WAC
Fall Restraint and Fall Arrest, Part C-1
Chapter 296-155-245 WAC
Fire Protection and Prevention, Part D
Chapter 296-155-250 WAC
Floor Openings, Wall Openings, and Stairways, Part K
Chapter 296-155-500 WAC
General Safety and Health Provisions, Part A
Chapter 296-155-001 WAC
Hazard Communication, Part B-2
Chapter 296-155-180 WAC
Material Handling, Storage, Use and Disposal, Part F
Chapter 296-155-325 WAC
Miscellaneous Construction Requirements, Part R
Chapter 296-155-755 WAC
Motor Vehicles, Mechanized Equipment, and Marine Operations, Part M
Chapter 296-155-600 WAC
Occupational Health and Environmental Control, Part B-1
Chapter 296-155-100 WAC
—Continued—

1•800•4BE SAFE (1•800•423•7233)

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 Resources

Resources
Chapter 296-155 WAC, Safety Rules for Construction Work (Continued)

Personal Protective and Lifesaving Equipment, Part C
Chapter 296-155-200 WAC
Power Distribution and Transmission Lines, Part U
See Chapter 296-45 WAC, Safety Standards for Electrical Workers
Rollover Protective Structures and Overhead Protection, Part V
Chapter 296-155-950 WAC
Scaffolds, Part J-1
Chapter 296-155-481 WAC
Signs, Signals, and Barricades, Part E
Chapter 296-155-300 WAC
Stairways and Ladders, Part J
Chapter 296-155-475 WAC
Steel Erection, Part P
Chapter 296-155-701 WAC
Tools, Hand and Power, Part G
Chapter 296-155-350 WAC
Underground Construction, Part Q
Chapter 296-155-725 WAC
Welding and Cutting, Part H
Chapter 296-155-400 WAC

http://www.lni.wa.gov/
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 Resources
Resources

Industry Specific Rules 

Agriculture
Chapter 296-307 WAC
Asbestos Removal and Encapsulation
Chapter 296-65 WAC
Charter Boats
Chapter 296-115 WAC
Clearance Rules - Railroads in Private Yards and Plants
Chapter 296-28 WAC
Commercial Diving Operations
Chapter 296-37 WAC
Compressed Air Work
Chapter 296-36 WAC
Electrical Workers
Chapter 296-45 WAC
Explosives, Possession and Handling
Chapter 296-52 WAC
Fire Fighters
Chapter 296-305 WAC
Grain Handling Facilities
Chapter 296-99 WAC
Laundry Machinery and Operations
Chapter 296-303 WAC
Logging Operations
Chapter 296-54 WAC
Longshore, Stevedore and Related Waterfront Operations
Chapter 296-56 WAC
—Continued—

1•800•4BE SAFE (1•800•423•7233)

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 Resources

Resources
Industry Specific Rules (Continued)
Process Safety Management of Highly Hazardous Chemicals
Chapter 296-67 WAC
Pulp, Paper, and Paperboard Mills and Converters
Chapter 296-79 WAC
Railroad Clearances and Walkways in Private Rail Yards and Plants
Chapter 296-860 WAC
Right to Know Fee Assessment
Chapter 296-63 WAC
Sawmills and Woodworking Operations
Chapter 296-78 WAC
Ship Repairing, Shipbuilding and Shipbreaking
Chapter 296-304 WAC
Ski Area Facilities and Operations
Chapter 296-59 WAC
Telecommunications
Chapter 296-32 WAC
Textile Industry
Chapter 296-301 WAC

http://www.lni.wa.gov/
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 1•800•4BE SAFE (1•800•423•7233)

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 Resources
Links

Resources
ACGIH (American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists)
http://www.acgih.org

1330 Kemper Meadow Dr. Ste 600

Cincinnati OH 45240
Phone: (513) 742-6163
Fax: (513) 742-3355

AIHA (American Industrial Hygiene Association)

http://www.aiha.org

2700 Prosperity Ave Ste. 250

Fairfax, VA 22031
Phone: (703) 849-8888
Fax: (703) 207-3561

ANSI (American National Standards Institute)

http://www.ansi.org

1819 L Street, NW
Washington, DC 20036
Phone: (202) 293-8020
Fax: (202) 293-9287

ASSE (American Society of Safety Engineers)

http://www.asse.org

1800 E. Oakton St.

Des Plains, IL 60018
Phone: (847) 699-2929
Fax: (847) 768-3434

http://www.lni.wa.gov/
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 Resources
Links
Resources

Australia’s National Occupational Health and Safety Commission

http://www.worksafe.gov.au

GPO Box 58
Sydney NSW 2001
Australia
Phone: +61 2 9577 9555
Toll Free: 1-800-252-226
Fax: +61 2 9577 9202

Department of Environmental Health University of Washington

http://depts.washington.edu/envhlth/index.html

University of Washington
Box 357234
Seattle, WA 98195-7234
Phone: (206) 543-3199

Environmental Tobacco Smoke

http://www.lni.wa.gov/wisha/rules/corerules/HTML/296-800-240.htm

For information about environmental tobacco smoke in the
workplace see WISHA

Evergreen Safety Council

http://www.esc.org

401 Pontius Ave.

Seattle WA 98109
Phone: (206) 382-4090
Toll Free: (800) 521-0778
Fax: (206) 382-0878

Guidelines for First Aid Training Curriculums

1-800-4BE SAFE (1-800-423-7233)
http://www.lni.wa.gov/wisha/ollearn/wpref.htm

1•800•4BE SAFE (1•800•423•7233)

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 Resources
Links

Resources
L&I (State of Washington Department of Labor and Industries)
Homepage:
http://www.lni.wa.gov
To find the L&I office nearest you:
http://www.wa.gov/lni/pa/direct.htm
1-800-4BE SAFE (1-800-423-7233)
L&I training opportunities:
WISHA - http://www.lni.wa.gov/Safety
NIOSH (National Institute for Occupational Safety & Health)
http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/homepage.html

4676 Columbia Parkway

Cincinnati, OH 45226-1998
Phone: (800) 356-4674

Northwest Center for Occupational Safety and Health Training

http://depts.washington.edu/envhlth/conted/ce/index.html

4225 Roosevelt Way NE, Ste. 100

Seattle, WA 98105
Phone: (206) 543-1069
Fax: (206) 685-3872

OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration)

http://www.osha.gov

200 Constitution Ave. NW

Washington, DC 20210
Phone: (800) 321-6742

Region 10 Office
111 Third Ave. Suite 715
Seattle, WA 98101-3212

http://www.lni.wa.gov/
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 1•800•4BE SAFE (1•800•423•7233)

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 Resources

Resources
This list compares WISHA and OSHA requirements.
Safety & Health Core Rules Code of Federal Regulations
Introduction None
WAC 296-800-100
Employer Responsibilities: Safe Workplace None
WAC 296-800-110
Employee Responsibilities None
WAC 296-800-120
Safety Committees and Safety Meetings None
WAC 296-800-130
Accident Prevention Program None
WAC 296-800-140
First Aid CFR 1910.151
WAC 296-800-150
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Personal Protective Equipment
WAC 296-800-160 CFR 1910 Subpart I
Employer Chemical Hazard Communication Hazardous Materials
WAC 296-800-170 CFR 1910.1200, 1201 Subpart H
Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs) as Exposure Hazardous Materials
Records CFR 1910.1020 Subpart Z
WAC 296-800-180
Safety Bulletin Board None
WAC 296-800-190
WISHA Poster CFR 1903.2A1
WAC 296-800-200
Lighting None
WAC 296-800-210
Housekeeping, Drainage, & Storage Walking-Working Surfaces
WAC 296-800-220 CFR 1910.22 Subpart D
General Environmental Controls
CFR 1910.141 Subpart J
Materials Handling and Storage
CFR 1910.176 Subpart N
Drinking Water, Bathrooms, Washing Facilities, & General Environmental Controls
Waste Disposal CFR 1910.141 Subpart J
WAC 296-800-230
Environmental Tobacco Smoke in the Office None
WAC 296-800-240

http://www.lni.wa.gov/
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 Resources
Resources

This list compares WISHA and OSHA requirements.

Safety & Health Core Rules Code of Federal Regulations
Stairs and Stair Railings Walking-Working Surfaces
WAC 296-800-250 CFR 1910.24 Subpart D
Floor Openings, Floor Holes and Open-sided Floors Walking Working Surfaces
WAC 296-800-260 CFR 1910.23 Subpart D
Workplace Structural Integrity Walking Working Surfaces
WAC 296-800-270 CFR 1910.22 Subpart D
Electrical Electrical
WAC 296-800-280 CFR 1910 Subpart S
Portable Ladders: Metal & Wooden Walking Working Surfaces
WAC 296-800-290 CFR 1910 Subpart D
Portable Fire Extinguishers Fire Protection
WAC 296-800-300 CFR 1910 Subpart L
Exit Routes & Employee Alarm Systems Means of Egress
WAC 296-800-310 CFR 1910 Subpart E
Fire Protection
CFR 1910 Subpart L
Accident Reporting and Investigation Recording and Reporting Occupational Injuries and
WAC 296-800-320 Illness
CFR 1904.8
Releasing Accident Investigation Reports None
WAC 296-800-330
Protecting the Identity of the Source of Confidential None
Information
WAC 296-800-340
WISHA Appeals, Penalties, and Procedural Rules Inspections, Citations, and Proposed Penalties
WAC 296-800-350 CFR 1903
Using Standards from National Organizations and None
Federal Agencies
WAC 296-800-360
Definitions None
WAC 296-800-370

1•800•4BE SAFE (1•800•423•7233)

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 Resources
Service Locations for L&I

Resources
Aberdeen Colville
(360) 533-8200 (509) 684-7417
FAX: (360) 533-8220 Toll-free 1-800-509-9174
TDD: (360) 533-9336 FAX (509) 684-7416

Attention: Safety and Health Attention: Safety and Health

415 West Wishkah, Suite 1B 298 South Main, Suite 203
Aberdeen, WA 98520-4315 Colville, WA 99114-2416

Bellevue Note: There is no WISHA staff at this

service location. If you would like to talk to a WISHA
(425) 990-1400
staff, please call the Spokane service location.
FAX: (425) 990-1445
TDD: (425) 990-1450 East Wenatchee
Attention: Safety and Health (509) 886-6500
616 120th Avenue NE, Suite C201 FAX: (509) 886-6510
Bellevue, WA 98005-3037 TDD: (509) 886-6512
Toll Free: 1-800-292-5920
Bellingham
Attention: Safety and Health
(360) 647-7300
519 Grant Road
FAX: 647-7310
East Wenatchee, WA 98802-5459
TDD: (360) 647-7299
Everett
Attention: Safety and Health
1720 Ellis Street, Suite 200 (425) 290-1300
Bellingham, WA 98225-4677 FAX: (425) 290-1399
TDD: (425) 290-1407
Bremerton
Attention: Safety and Health
(360) 415-4000
729 100th St. S.E.
FAX: (360) 415-4048
Everett WA 98208-3727
TDD: (360) 415-4014

Attention: Safety and Health

500 Pacific Avenue, Suite 400
Bremerton, WA 98337-1943

http://www.lni.wa.gov/
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 Resources
Service Locations for L&I
Resources

Kennewick Okanogan
(509) 735-0100 (509) 826-7345
FAX: (509) 735-0120 FAX: (509) 826-7349
TDD: (509) 735-0146 TDD: (509) 826-7370
Toll Free: 1-800-547-9411 Toll Free: 1-800-942-4387
(Eastern WA only)
Attention: Safety and Health
4310 W 24th Ave. Attention: Safety and Health
Kennewick, WA 99336 1234 2nd Avenue S
Okanogan, WA 98840-9723
Longview
(360) 575-6900
Port Angeles
FAX: (360) 575-6918 (360) 417-2700
TDD: (360) 575-6921 FAX: (360) 417-2733
TDD: (360) 417-2752
Attention: Safety and Health
900 Ocean Beach Hwy Attention: Safety and Health
Longview, WA 98632-4013 1605 East Front Street, Suite C
Port Angeles, WA 98362-4628
Moses Lake
(509) 764-6900
Pullman
FAX: (509) 764-6923 (509)334-5296
TDD: (509) 754-6030 Toll-free 1-800-509-0025
Toll Free: 1-800-574-2285 FAX: (509) 334-3417
(Eastern WA only)
Attention: Safety and Health
Attention: Safety and Health 1250 Bishop Blvd SE, Suite G
3001 W. Broadway Ave. PO Box 847
Moses Lake, WA 98837-2907 Pullman, WA 99163-0847

Mount Vernon Note: There is no WISHA staff at this

service location. If you would like to talk to a WISHA
(360) 416-3000
staff, please call the Spokane service location.
FAX: (360) 416-3030
TDD: (360) 416-3072

Attention: Safety and Health

525 E College Way, Suite H
Mount Vernon, WA 98273-5500

1•800•4BE SAFE (1•800•423•7233)

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 Resources
Service Locations for L&I

Resources
Seattle Tukwila
(206) 515-2800 (206) 835-1000
FAX: (206) 515-2779 FAX: (206) 835-1099
TDD: (206) 515-2803 TDD: (206) 835-1102

Attention: Safety and Health Attention: Safety and Health

315 - 5th Ave S. Ste 200 PO Box 69050 (Mail only)
Seattle, WA 98104-2607 12806 Gateway Drive
(physical address only)
Spokane Seattle, WA 98168-1050
(509) 324-2687
Tumwater
Toll-free: 1-800-509-8847
FAX: (509) 324-2636 (360) 902-5799
TDD: (509) 324-2653 FAX: (360) 902-5792
TDD: (360) 902-4637
Attention: Safety and Health
901 N Monroe Street, Suite 100 Attention: Safety and Health
Spokane, WA 99201-2149 Mailing address: PO Box 44851
Olympia, WA 98504-4851
Tacoma
Physical address:
(253) 596-3868
1st Floor, Lobby
FAX: (253) 596-3903
7273 Linderson Way SW
TDD: (253) 596-3887
Tumwater, WA 98501-5414
Attention: Safety and Health
950 Broadway Suite 200 Please note: The physical address for
Tacoma, WA 98402-4453 our Tumwater building is not for U.S. Postal
Service mail (unless specifically requested
by USPS). Using this address may
significantly delay delivery.

http://www.lni.wa.gov/
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 Resources
Service Locations for L&I
Resources

Vancouver
(360) 896-2300
FAX: (360) 896-2345
TDD: (360) 896-2304

Attention: Safety and Health

312 SE Stonemill Dr, Suite 120
Vancouver, WA 98684-3508

Walla Walla
(509) 527-4437
FAX: (509) 527-4486
TDD: (509) 527-4172

Attention: Safety and Health

1815 Portland Avenue, Suite 2
Walla Walla, WA 99362-2246

Yakima
(509) 454-3700
Toll-free 1-800-354-5423
FAX: (509) 454-3710
TDD: (509) 454-3741

Attention: Safety and Health

15 W. Yakima Avenue, Suite 100
Yakima, WA 98902-3480

1•800•4BE SAFE (1•800•423•7233)

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 Resources

Resources
Requesting Information
IF YOUR REQUESTING: THEN:
An appeal of a WISHA Citation and Notice Mail requests to:
Department of Labor & Industries
PO Box 44604
Olympia, Washington 98504-4604
Fax requests to: (360) 902-5581
Copies of a WISHA Citation and Notice Employee representatives should mail form
F418-023-000 (Request for copy of Citation and
Notice) to:
Department of Labor & Industries
Public Disclosure
PO Box 44600
Olympia, Washington 98504-4600

Individual employees should mail or fax their

request to:
Department of Labor & Industries
Public Disclosure
PO Box 44632
Olympia, Washington 98504-4632
FAX: (360) 902-5529
Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs) Mail requests to:
Department of Labor & Industries
Right-to-Know Program
PO Box 44610
Olympia, Washington 98504-4610
Inspection Reports Mail requests to:
Department of Labor & Industries
PO Box 44632
Olympia, Washington 98504-4632

http://www.lni.wa.gov/
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 1•800•4BE SAFE (1•800•423•7233)

04/09
 Index

A B
Accidents Bathrooms
accident/incident table, R–3 cleanliness, 230–8
confidentiality, 340–1, 330–1 definition, 370–3
documentations, 320–6 number needed, 230–7-8
equipment, not moving, 320–3 providing, 230–7-8
investigation report, R-1, 320–6, Bees (see pests)
330–1
Biological agents, 110–6
investigations, 320–5, 320–6
definition, 370–3
reporting, 320–2
Birds, as pests, 220–4
Accident Prevention Program (APP)
Bulletin board, safety, 190–1
development of, 140–2-3
effectiveness in practice, 140–4-5
elements of, 140–2
C
Change rooms 230-13
hazardous gases and chemicals, 140–2
Chemical agents
injuries, 140–2
control of, 110–6
safety and health program , 140–2-3
definition, 370–4
safety committee, 140–2
Chemical containers, labeling, 170–13-16
safety orientation, 140–2
Chemical hazard communication
training program, 140–4
(see employer chemical hazard communication)
written, 140–2-3
Chemical name, definition, 370–5
Alarm systems
installing, maintaining, 310–12-14 Cleaning

procedures for sounding, 310–14 (see housekeeping, bathrooms)

testing, 310–15 Confidentiality

exemptions, 310–12 (see accidents)

Alcohol, prohibited from workplace, 110–4 Construction work, safety and health rules, R–31

Animals, as pests, 220–4

APP
D
Deaths
(see Accident Prevention Program)
investigating incidents involving, 320–4
reporting, 320–2

Definitions, 370-1

http://www.lni.wa.gov/
IN-1
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 Index
Documentation Accessibility, 150-8

accident investigation, 320–6 definition, 370-9

hazard assessment for PPE, 160–4 eyewashing, 150–5-6, 150–9

hazard description form, R–17 flushing equipment, supplemental, 150–9, 150-12

PPE training, 160–10 inspecting, 150–8

safety meeting minutes, 130–3 maintaining, 150–8

Drainage, 220–5 requirements, 150–5-7, 150-9

Drinking water, potable (see water) shower, 150–5

Drugs, prohibited, 110–4 water, 150-12

Employee

E accident prevention and, 140–2-3

Eating areas 230-9 definition, 370–9

Electrical illness or injuries, reporting, 120–2

approved purposes, 280–5 responsibilities, 120-1

other codes, 100-1 rights and responsibilities, 120–1-2

cords and cables, 280-11 safe practices of , 110-5, 120–1-2

covers and openings, 280–9 workplace safety, 110-15, 120–1-2

disconnecting means, 280–8 (see also communication, employer chemical hazard)

equipment, inspecting, 280–4 Employer, definition, 370–10

exemptions, 280–2 Employer chemical hazard communication
fittings, boxes, cabinets, outlets, 280–9-10 access to records, 170–5-7

grounding, 280–18-20 exemptions, 170–13, 16, 23-26

guarding live parts, 280–16-17 factory-sealed containers, 170–21

marking, 280–7-8 identify and list, 170-8

outlets, 280–9-10 labeling, 170–13-16

overcurrent protections, 280–22-23 laboratories, rules for, 170–20

receptacles, 280–5 multiemployer worksites, 170-6-7

safety inspections, 280–4 MSDS, 170–9,12, 21

voltage, 280–4 request, 170-22

wet locations, 280–6 training, 170–17-19

working space, storage, clearance, 280–9-10 translation to other languages, 170–22

(see also flexible cords and cables) written, 170-5, 22

Emergency telephone numbers, 150–3 (see also Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs))

Emergency washing facilities

1•800•4BE SAFE (1•800•423•7233)

IN-2
04/09
 Index
Environmental tobacco smoke Eye protection, 160–12
exemption, 240–2 Eyewashing, 150–5-7, 8–9
inside, prohibition, 240–2
outside, 240–4 F
smoking rooms, criteria, 240–2-3 Face protection, 160–10
ventilation, 240–3 Facilities, washing, 230-9
Exits and exit routes change room, 230-13
access to, 310–7 lunchroom, 230-11
alarm system, 310-12-15 Fatalities, reporting, 320–2
construction and repair, during, 310–11 Fire extinguishers, portable
construction requirements, 310–5 condition, 300–5
danger, minimizing, 310–9 exemptions, 300–6
dead ends, 310–7 inspection, 300–5-8
doors, 310–7-8 location, 300–5
emergency, 310–9 maintenance, 300–5-8
freezers and refrigerator rooms, 310–12 providing, 300–3
leading outside, 310–6 selecting and distributing, 300–3-4
lighting, 310–10 testing, 300–6-8
locking, 310–7 training, 300–9
marking, 310–9 types, 300–4
number of, 310–3 Uniform Fire Code (UFC), 300–4
openings, 310–7 Fire retardant paints, 310–10
outdoor, 310–8
First aid
signs, 310–9
provider’s roles and responsibilities, 150–1-9
size, 310–4
supplies, 150–4
Exposure records Flexible cords and cables, 280–11-15
definition, 370-10, 370-12
Floors
access, 180–5-6
holes and openings, 260–2-4
informing employees, 180–4
load limits, 270–2-3
MSDS, 180-1-7
open-sided floors or platforms, 260–5
preserving, 180–3
railings, 260–3-5
transferring, 180–7
safety, 270–2
Extension cords, 280–11-12 support of moving equipment, 270–3
Extinguishers temporary openings, 260–3
(see fire extinguishers, portable)

http://www.lni.wa.gov/
IN-3
04/09
 Index
Flotation devices Report of a Workplace Hazard, R–15

(see personal flotation devices) Safety Meeting Minutes, R–17-18

Food service, 230-10 Training Documentation Form, R–29

Foot protection, 160–14 Hospitalization, reporting, 320–2

Foreman crew, 130 Housekeeping

Forms, samples (see Helpful Tools) cleaning, 220–3

drainage, 220-6

G dust, minimizing, 220–3

Garbage containers, 230-10 floors, maintaining, 220–5

Garbage, removal 230-11 obstacles, 220–3

General safety and health rules, R–28-29 pests, 220–4

proper drainage, 220–5-6
Gloves (see hand protection)
sanitary conditions and, 220–3
Goggles, 160–7
storage, 220–6
Grounding, 280–18-20
vegetation, 220-7

H
Hand protection, 160–15
I
Illumination (see lighting)
Hard hats (see Head Protection)
Illustrations
Harmful physical agent, definition, 370–17
clear distances, from live parts, 280–10
Hazard assessment, 160–3
container, labeled, 170–13-16
Hazards, 110-3
disconnecting means, labeled, 280–8
Hazardous chemicals (see employer chemical
electrical distances from live parts, 280–9-10
hazard communication)
electrical outlet configurations, 280–5
Head protection, 160–13
electrical tool grounding, 280–18-20
Helpful tools
electrical tool marking, 280–7
Accident/Incident Table, R–5
flexible cords, 280–12
Accident Investigation Report, R–3-4
guarded stairway opening, 260–3
Additional Program Requirements Table, R–6-8
hole cover, 260–4
Employees Rights under WISHA, R–9
labels, samples, 170–13-16
Hazard Assessment Checklist, R–11-13
live parts guarded by distance, 280–17
Hazardous Chemical Communication Program,
Sample, R–19-23 material storage, examples, 220–7

Labels (sample) for Hazardous Chemical Containers, nonpotable water outlet, labeled, 230–5-6
R–25 opened and guarded floor, 260–5
Letter (sample) for requesting Material Safety Data
Sheets (MSDS), R–27

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polarity, normal and reverse, 280–20-21 Means of egress (see exit routes)
stair components, 250–3 Meetings, safety, 130–1-5
weatherproofed electrical equipment, 280–6 Mice (see pests)
Industry specific rules (list of WACs), R–36-37 Minutes, safety meeting, 130–1-5
Insects (see pests) Mosquitoes (see pests)
Inspections
response to complaints, 350–8-9 N
techniques used during, 350–8 Narcotics, use, prohibited, 110–4
types of, 350–6-7
(see also citations and civil penalties) O
On-the-job orientation, 140–2
L Open-sided floors, 260–5
Labor & Industries (L&I) Occupational Safety and Health Administration
regional offices, R-45-48 (OSHA)
service locations (regional offices), R45-48 definition, 370–22

(see also WISHA) Overcurrent, electrical protection of, 280–22-23

Labeling chemical containers, 170–13-16
Life vests (see personal flotation devices) P
Personal flotation devices (PFD), 160–16
Lighting, 210–1-2
Personal protective equipment (PPE)
Links to other information, R–39-44
ANSI standards, 160–12-15
coast guard approved, 160–17
M
Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs) documentation, hazard assessment, 160–4

accessible, 170–12, 180–5-6 drowning, protection from, 160–16

department, (Labor and Industries) access to, 180–5 employees, providing their own, 160–9

employees, informing of, 180–4 employees, retraining, 160–7

exposure records, as 180–4 exemption, 160–2

factory-sealed chemicals, 170–21 eye and face protection, 160–10-11

maintaining, 170–8-12, 180–3 fire hazards, 160–12

obtaining, 170–9-11 flammable liquids, 160–12

preserving, 180–3, 180–7 flotation devices, 160–14

records, 180–5-6 foot protection, 160–12-13

target organ information, 170–14 hair, 160–11-12

(see also employer chemical hazard communication) hand protection, 160–13

hard hats, 160–6

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hazard assessment, 160–3 Requesting Information, R-49
head protection, 160–11-12 (also see Helpful Tools)
personal flotation devices (PFDs), 160–14-16 Rodents (see pests)
prescription lenses and, 160–6 Roofs, overloading, 270–2
protective helmets, 160–13 Rules, effective in practice, 110–5
providing to employees, 160–6
selection, 160–4-5 S
training, 160–9 Safeguards, 110–3
written certification of, 160–4 Safety bulletin boards, 190–1
Pests, controlling, 220–4 Safety committees, 130–1-5
PFDs (see personal flotation devices) conducting, 130–2-5
Plants (see vegetation) establishing, 130–2-3
Platforms, 260–5 minutes, 130–3

Portable fire extinguishers, 300–1 Safety meetings

Posters, WISHA, 200–1 crew, 130–2-5

Potable (see water) orientation, 140–2-3

Prescription drugs used in the workplace, 110–4 Safety plan, 140-1

Programs Safety training, 140–4

accident prevention, 140-1 Sanitation and Hygiene, 230-1
chemical hazard Communication, 170–5-6 Sealed containers, chemicals in, 170–21
training, 140–4 Service locations, R–45
Shoes (see foot protection)
R Showers, 230-12
Railings, 250–4-5, 260–2-4
Shower, emergency, 150-5-7
Rats (see pests)
Smoking, 240–1, 370–29
Reporting death or hospitalization, 320–2
Squirrels (see pests)
Resource section
Stairs
Complete List of Safety & Health Rules, R-31
covers, 260–2-4
Links to Other Information, R-39
definitions, 370–30
OSHA/WISHA Rules Comparison, R-43
exemptions, 250–1
Service Locations for Labor &Industries, R-45
fixed, 250–2-3

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handrails, 250–4-5 Volunteers, I–3
hazards minimized, 250–4
openings, 260-3 W
PPE, and, 250–3 WACs, other, R-30
provision of fixed, 250–2-3 Washing facilities, 230–9
railings, 250–4-5 Washington Industrial Safety and Health Act
winding, 250–2 (WISHA), 370–35

Standards, national or federal, 360–1 Wasps (see pests)

Storage, for safety, 220–6-7 Water (potable)

Structural integrity, 270–1-3 containers, 230–3

definition, 230–5, 370–19

T drinking (potable), 230–4-5

Temporary floor openings, 260–3 nonpotable, 230–5-6

shared cups and utensils, 230–4
Tobacco smoke, 240–1-4
Toilet facilities, 230–7-8 Work clothes, 230-13

Toxic materials, 140–4 Workplace, safe, 110–3-6

Training
chemical hazard, 170–17-19
first aid, 150–3-6
portable fire extinguishers, 300–2-7
programs, 140-4
PPE, 160–7
safety and health programs, 140–4

U
Urinal (see bathrooms)

V
Varmints (see pests)
Vegetation, controlling, 220–7
Vermin
(see pests)

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 Statutory Authority
WAC
296-800-100 Introduction.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, [49.17].040, and[49.17].050 . 01-23-060 (Order
01-29), § 296-800-100, filed 11/20/01, effective 12/1/01; 01-11-038, § 296-800-100,
filed 5/9/01, effective 9/1/01.]
296-800-110 Employer responsibilities: Safe workplace.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, 49.17.040, 49.17.050, and 49.17.060. 03-18-090
(Order 03-15), § 296-800-110, filed 9/2/03, effective 11/1/03. Statutory Authority: RCW
49.17.010,[49.17].040 , and [49.17].050. 02-16-047 (Order 02-02), § 296-800-110,
filed 8/1/02, effective 10/1/02; 01-23-060 (Order 01-29), § 296-800-110, filed 11/20/01,
effective 12/1/01; 01-11-038(Order 99-36), § 296-800-110, filed 5/9/01, effective 9/1/
01.]
296-800-11005 Provide a workplace free from recognized hazards.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, [49.17].040, and[49.17].050 . 01-23-060 (Order
01-29), § 296-800-11005, filed 11/20/01, effective 12/1/01; 01-11-038 Order 99-36), §
296-800-11005, filed 5/9/01, effective 9/1/01.]
296-800-11010 Provide and use means to make your workplace safe.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, [49.17].040, and[49.17].050 . 01-11-038 (Order
99-36), § 296-800-11010, filed 5/9/01, effective 9/1/01.]
296-800-11015 Prohibit employees from entering, or being in, any workplace
that is not safe.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, [49.17].040, and[49.17].050 . 01-11-038 (Order
99-36), § 296-800-11015, filed 5/9/01, effective 9/1/01.]
296-800-11020 Construct your workplace so it is safe.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, [49.17].040, and[49.17].050 . 01-23-060 Order
01-29), § 296-800-11020, filed 11/20/01, effective 12/1/01; 01-11-038 (Order 99-36), §
296-800-11020, filed 5/9/01, effective 9/1/01.]
296-800-11025 Prohibit alcohol and narcotics from your workplace.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, [49.17].040, and[49.17].050 . 01-11-038 (Order
99-36), § 296-800-11025, filed 5/9/01, effective 9/1/01.]

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 Statutory Authority
296-800-11030 Prohibit employees from using tools and equipment that
aren’t safe.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, 49.17.040, 49.17.050, and 49.17.060. 03-18-090
(Order 03-15), § 296-800-11030, filed 9/2/03, effective 11/1/03. Statutory Authority:
RCW 49.17.010,[49.17].040 , and [49.17].050. 01-11-038 (Order 99-36), § 296-800-
11030, filed 5/9/01, effective 9/1/01.]
296-800-11035 Establish, supervise, and enforce rules that lead to a safe
and healthy work environment that are effective in practice.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, [49.17].040, and[49.17].050 . 01-11-038 (Order
99-36), § 296-800-11035, filed 5/9/01, effective 9/1/01.]
296-800-11040 Control chemical agents.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, [49.17].040, and[49.17].050 . 02-16-047 (Order
02-02), § 296-800-11040, filed 8/1/02, effective 10/1/02.]
296-800-11045 Protect employees from biological agents.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, .040, .050, and .060. 04-18-080 (Order 04-
09), § 296-800-11045, filed 08/31/04, effective 11/01/04. Statutory Authority: RCW
49.17.010, [49.17].040, and[49.17].050 . 02-16-047 (Order 02-02), § 296-800-11045,
filed 8/1/02, effective 10/1/02.]
296-800-120 Employee responsibilities.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, [49.17].040, and[49.17].050 . 01-23-060 (Order
01-29), § 296-800-120, filed 11/20/01, effective 12/1/01; 01-11-038 (Order 99-36), §
296-800-120, filed 5/9/01, effective 9/1/01.]
296-800-12005 Employee responsibilities.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, [49.17].040, and[49.17].050 . 01-23-060 (Order
01-29), § 296-800-12005, filed 11/20/01, effective 12/1/01; 01-11-038 (Order 99-36), §
296-800-12005, filed 5/9/01, effective 9/1/01.]
296-800-130 Safety committees and safety meetings.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, [49.17].040, and[49.17].050 . 02-16-047 (Order
02-02), § 296-800-130, filed 8/1/02, effective 10/1/02; 01-11-038 (Order 99-36), § 296-
800-130, filed 5/9/01, effective 9/1/01.]

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296-800-13020 Establish and conduct safety committees.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, [49.17].040, and[49.17].050 . 02-16-047 (Order
02-02), § 296-800-13020, filed 8/1/02, effective 10/1/02.]
296-800-13025 Follow these rules to conduct safety meetings.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, [49.17].040, and[49.17].050 . 02-16-047 (Order
02-02), § 296-800-13025, filed 8/1/02, effective 10/1/02.]
296-800-140 Accident prevention program.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, [49.17].040, and[49.17].050 . 01-11-038 (Order
99.39), § 296-800-140, filed 5/9/01, effective 9/1/01.]
296-800-14005 Develop a formal, written accident prevention program.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, [49.17].040, and[49.17].050 . 01-11-038 (Order
99-36), § 296-800-14005, filed 5/9/01, effective 9/1/01.]
296-800-14020 Develop, supervise, implement, and enforce safety and health
training programs that are effective in practice.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, [49.17].040, and[49.17].050 . 01-11-038 (Order
99-36), § 296-800-14020, filed 5/9/01, effective 9/1/01.]
296-800-14025 Make sure your accident prevention program is effective in
practice.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, [49.17].040, and[49.17].050 . 01-11-038 (Order
99-36), § 296-800-14025, filed 5/9/01, effective 9/1/01.]
296-800-150 First aid.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, .040, .050, and .060. 04-07-160 (Order 03-31),
§ 296-800-150, filed 03/23/04, effective 05/01/04. Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010,
[49.17].040, and[49.17].050 . 02-16-047 (Order 02-02), § 296-800-150, filed 8/1/02,
effective 10/1/02; 01-11-038 (Order 99-36), § 296-800-150, filed 5/9/01, effective 9/1/
01.]

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296-800-15005 Make sure that first-aid trained personnel are available to
provide quick and effective first-aid.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, .040, .050, and .060. 04-07-160 (Order 03-
31), § 296-800-15005, filed 03/23/04, effective 05/01/04. Statutory Authority: RCW
49.17.010, 49.17.040, 49.17.050, and 49.17.060. 03-09-110 (Order 02-29), § 296-800-
15005, filed 4/22/03, effective 8/1/03. Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010,[49.17].040
, and [49.17].050. 01-23-060 (Order 01-29), § 296-800-15005, filed 11/20/01, effective
12/1/01; 01-11-038 (Order 99-36), § 296-800-15005, filed 5/9/01, effective 9/1/01.]
296-800-15020 Make sure appropriate first-aid supplies are readily available.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, [49.17].040, and[49.17].050 . 01-11-038 (Order
99-36), § 296-800-15020, filed 5/9/01, effective 9/1/01.]
296-800-15030 Make sure emergency washing facilities are functional and
readily available.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, [49.17].040, and[49.17].050 . 02-16-047 (Order
02-02), § 296-800-15030, filed 8/1/02, effective 10/1/02.]
296-800-15035 Inspect and activate your emergency washing facilities.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, [49.17].040, and[49.17].050 . 02-16-047 (Order
02-02), § 296-800-15035, filed 8/1/02, effective 10/1/02.]
296-800-15040 Make sure supplemental flushing equipment provides
sufficient water.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, [49.17].040, and[49.17].050 . 02-16-047 (Order
02-02), § 296-800-15040, filed 8/1/02, effective 10/1/02.]
296-800-160 Personal protective equipment (PPE).
[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, [49.17].040, and[49.17].050 . 01-23-060 (Order
01-29), § 296-800-160, filed 11/20/01, effective 12/1/01; 01-11-038, § 296-800-160,
filed 5/9/01, effective 9/1/01. Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, .040, .050, and
.060. 05-03-093 (Order 04-41), § 296-800-160, filed 01/18/05, effective 03/01005.]
296-800-16005 Do a hazard assessment for PPE.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, [49.17].040, and[49.17].050 . 01-11-038 (Order
99-36), § 296-800-16005, filed 5/9/01, effective 9/1/01.]

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296-800-16010 Document your hazard assessment for PPE
[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, [49.17].040, and[49.17].050 . 01-11-038 (Order
99-36), § 296-800-16010, filed 5/9/01, effective 9/1/01.]
296-800-16015 Select appropriate PPE for your employees.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, [49.17].040, and[49.17].050 . 01-23-060 (Order
01-29), § 296-800-16015, filed 11/20/01, effective 12/1/01; 01-11-038 (Order 99-36), §
296-800-16015, filed 5/9/01, effective 9/1/01.]
296-800-16020 Provide PPE to your employees.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, [49.17].040, [49.17].050 and [49.17].060. 09-
05-071 (Order 08-35), § 296-800-16020, filed 02/17/09, effective 04/01/09; Statutory
Authority: RCW 49.17.010, [49.17].040, and[49.17].050 . 01-23-060 (Order 01-29), §
296-800-16020, filed 11/20/01, effective 12/1/01; 01-11-038 (Order 99-36), § 296-800-
16020, filed 5/9/01, effective 9/1/01.]
296-800-16025 Train your employees to use PPE.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, [49.17].040, and[49.17].050 . 01-23-060 (Order
01-29), § 296-800-16025, filed 11/20/01, effective 12/1/01; 01-11-038 (Order 99-36), §
296-800-16025, filed 5/9/01, effective 9/1/01.]
296-800-16030 Retrain employees to use PPE, if necessary.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, [49.17].040, and[49.17].050 . 01-11-038 (Order
99-36), § 296-800-16030, filed 5/9/01, effective 9/1/01.]
296-800-16035 Document PPE training.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, [49.17].040, and[49.17].050 . 01-11-038 (Order
99-36), § 296-800-16035, filed 5/9/01, effective 9/1/01.]
296-800-16040 Require your employees to use necessary PPE on the job.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, [49.17].040, and[49.17].050 . 01-11-038 (Order
99-36), § 296-800-16040, filed 5/9/01, effective 9/1/01.]
296-800-16045 Keep PPE in a safe and good condition.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, [49.17].040, and[49.17].050 . 01-11-038 (Order
99-36), § 296-800-16045, filed 5/9/01, effective 9/1/01.]

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 Statutory Authority
296-800-16050 Make sure your employees use appropriate eye and face
protection.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, [49.17].040, and[49.17].050 . 02-16-047 (Order
02-02), § 296-800-16050, filed 8/1/02, effective 10/1/02; 01-23-060 (Order 01-29), §
296-800-16050, filed 11/20/01, effective 12/1/01; 01-11-038 (Order 99-36), § 296-800-
16050, filed 5/9/01, effective 9/1/01.]
296-800-16055 Make sure your employees use appropriate head protection.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, [49.17].040, and[49.17].050 . 01-11-038 (Order
99-36), § 296-800-16055, filed 5/9/01, effective 9/1/01.]
296-800-16060 Make sure your employees use appropriate foot protection.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, [49.17].040, and[49.17].050 . 01-11-038 (99-36),
§ 296-800-16060, filed 5/9/01, effective 9/1/01.]
296-800-16065 Make sure your employees use appropriate hand protection.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, [49.17].040, and[49.17].050 . 01-11-038 (Order
99-36), § 296-800-16065, filed 5/9/01, effective 9/1/01.]
296-800-16070 Make sure your employees are protected from drowning.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, [49.17].040, and[49.17].050 . 02-16-047 (Order
020-02), § 296-800-16070, filed 8/1/02, effective 10/1/02; 01-11-038 (Order 99-36), §
296-800-16070, filed 5/9/01, effective 9/1/01.]
296-800-170 Employer chemical hazard communication.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, 49.17.040, 49.17.050, and 49.17.060. 09-10-078
(Order 09-01), § 296-800-170, filed 5/5/09, effective 6/15/09 Statutory Authority: RCW
49.17.010, 49.17.040, 49.17.050, and 49.17.060. 03-18-090 (Order 03-15), § 296-800-
170, filed 9/2/03, effective 11/1/03. Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010,[49.17].040
, and [49.17].050. 02-16-047 (Order 02-02), § 296-800-170, filed 8/1/02, effective
10/1/02; 01-23-060 (Order 01-29), § 296-800-170, filed 11/20/01, effective 12/1/01; 01-
11-038 (Order 99-36), § 296-800-170, filed 5/9/01, effective 9/1/01.]

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 Statutory Authority
296-800-17005 Develop, implement, maintain, and make available a written
Chemical Hazard Communication Program.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, .040, .050, and .060. 04-10-026 (Order 03-
04), § 296-800-17005, filed 04/27/04, effective 08/01/04. Statutory Authority: RCW
49.17.010, 49.17.040, 49.17.050, and 49.17.060. 03-18-090 (Order 03-15), § 296-800-
17005, filed 9/2/03, effective 11/1/03. Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010,[49.17].040
, and [49.17].050. 01-23-060 (Order 01-29), § 296-800-17005, filed 11/20/01, effective
12/1/01; 01-11-038 (Order 99-36), § 296-800-17005, filed 5/9/01, effective 9/1/01.]
296-800-17007 Include multiemployer workplaces in your program if
necessary.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, 49.17.040, 49.17.050, and 49.17.060. 03-18-090
(Order 03-15), § 296-800-17007, filed 9/2/03, effective 11/1/03.]
296-800-17010 Identify and list all the hazardous chemicals present in your
workplace.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, [49.17].040, and[49.17].050 . 01-23-060 (Order
01-29), § 296-800-17010, filed 11/20/01, effective 12/1/01; 01-11-038 (Order 99-36), §
296-800-17010, filed 5/9/01, effective 9/1/01.]
296-800-17015 Obtain and maintain material safety data sheets (MSDSs) for
each hazardous chemical used.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, 49.17.040, 49.17.050, and 49.17.060. 03-18-090
(Order 03-15), § 296-800-17015, filed 9/2/03, effective 11/1/03. Statutory Authority:
RCW 49.17.010,[49.17].040 , and [49.17].050. 01-23-060 (Order 01-29), § 296-800-
17015, filed 11/20/01, effective 12/1/01; 01-11-038 (Order 99-36), § 296-800-17015,
filed 5/9/01, effective 9/1/01.]
296-800-17020 Make sure MSDSs are readily accessible to your employees
and NIOSH.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, 49.17.040, 49.17.050, and 49.17.060. 03-18-090
(Order 03-15), § 296-800-17020, filed 9/2/03, effective 11/1/03. Statutory Authority:
RCW 49.17.010,[49.17].040 , and [49.17].050. 02-16-047 (Order 02-02), § 296-800-
17020, filed 8/1/02, effective 10/1/02; 01-23-060 (Order 01-29), § 296-800-17020, filed
11/20/01, effective 12/1/01; 01-11-038 (Order 99-36), § 296-800-17020, filed 5/9/01,
effective 9/1/01.]

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 Statutory Authority
296-800-17025 Label containers holding hazardous chemicals.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, [49.17].040, and[49.17].050 . 02-16-047 (Order
02-02), § 296-800-17025, filed 8/1/02, effective 10/1/02; 01-23-060 (Order 01-29), §
296-800-17025, filed 11/20/01, effective 12/1/01; 01-11-038 (Order 99-36), § 296-800-
17025, filed 5/9/01, effective 9/1/01.]
296-800-17030 Inform and train your employees about hazardous chemicals
in your workplace.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, [49.17].040, and[49.17].050 . 02-16-047(Order
02-02), § 296-800-17030, filed 8/1/02, effective 10/1/02; 01-23-060 (Order 01-29), §
296-800-17030, filed 11/20/01, effective 12/1/01; 01-11-038 (Order 99-36), § 296-800-
17030, filed 5/9/01, effective 9/1/01.]
296-800-17035 Follow these rules for laboratories using hazardous
chemicals.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, .040, .050, and .060. 06-02-060 (Order 05-
19), § 296-800-17035, filed 01/03/06, effective 04/01/06. Statutory Authority: RCW
49.17.010, [49.17].040, and[49.17].050 . 01-23-060 (Order 01-29), § 296-800-17035,
filed 11/20/01, effective 12/1/01; 01-11-038 (Order 99-36), § 296-800-17035, filed 5/9/
01, effective 9/1/01.]
296-800-17040 Follow these rules for handling chemicals in factory-sealed
containers.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, [49.17].040, and[49.17].050 . 01-23-060 (Order
01-29), § 296-800-17040, filed 11/20/01, effective 12/1/01; 01-11-038 (Order 99-36), §
296-800-17040, filed 5/9/01, effective 9/1/01.]
296-800-17045 Translate certain chemical hazard communication documents
upon request.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, [49.17].040, and[49.17].050 . 01-11-038 (Order
99-36), § 296-800-17045, filed 5/9/01, effective 9/1/01.]
296-800-17050 Attempt to obtain a MSDS upon request.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, [49.17].040, and[49.17].050 . 01-11-038 (Order
99-36), § 296-800-17050, filed 5/9/01, effective 9/1/01.]

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296-800-17055 Items or chemicals exempt from the rule, and exemptions
from labeling.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, [49.17].040, and[49.17].050 . 01-11-038 (Order
99-36), § 296-800-17055, filed 5/9/01, effective 9/1/01.]
296-800-180 MSDSs as exposure records.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, .040, .050, and .060. 04-10-026 (Order 03-04),
§ 296-800-180, filed 04/27/04, effective 08/01/04. Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010,
[49.17].040, and[49.17].050 . 01-23-060 (Order 01-29), § 296-800-180, filed 11/20/
01, effective 12/1/01; 01-11-038 (Order 99-36), § 296-800-180, filed 5/9/01, effective
9/1/01.]
296-800-18005 Preserve exposure records for at least 30 years.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, [49.17].040, and[49.17].050 . 01-11-038 (Order
99-36), § 296-800-18005, filed 5/9/01, effective 9/1/01.]
296-800-18010 Inform current employees of exposure records.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, [49.17].040, and[49.17].050 . 02-16-047 (Order
02-02), § 296-800-18010, filed 8/1/02, effective 10/1/02; 01-11-038 (Order 99-36), §
296-800-18010, filed 5/9/01, effective 9/1/01.]
296-800-18015 Provide access to exposure records.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, [49.17].040, and[49.17].050 . 02-16-047 (Order
02-02), § 296-800-18015, filed 8/1/02, effective 10/1/02; 01-23-060 (Order 01-29), §
296-800-18015, filed 11/20/01, effective 12/1/01; 01-11-038 (Order 99-36), § 296-800-
18015, filed 5/9/01, effective 9/1/01.]
296-800-18020 Transfer records when ceasing to do business.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, [49.17].040, and[49.17].050 . 01-23-060 (Order
01-29), § 296-800-18020, filed 11/20/01, effective 12/1/01; 01-11-038 (Order 99-36), §
296-800-18020, filed 5/9/01, effective 9/1/01.]
296-800-190 Safety bulletin board..
[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, [49.17].040, and[49.17].050 . 01-11-038 (Order
99-36), § 296-800-190, filed 5/9/01, effective 9/1/01.]

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296-800-19005 Provide a safety bulletin board in your workplace.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, [49.17].040, and[49.17].050 . 01-11-038 (Order
99-36), § 296-800-19005, filed 5/9/01, effective 9/1/01.]
296-800-200 WISHA poster.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, [49.17].040, and[49.17].050 . 01-11-038 (Order
99-36), § 296-800-200, filed 5/9/01, effective 9/1/01.]
296-800-20005 Post and keep a WISHA poster in your workplace.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, [49.17].040, and[49.17].050 . 02-16-047 (Order
02-02), § 296-800-20005, filed 8/1/02, effective 10/1/02; 01-23-060 (Order 01-29), §
296-800-20005, filed 11/20/01, effective 12/1/01; 01-11-038 (Order 99-36), § 296-800-
20005, filed 5/9/01, effective 9/1/01.]
296-800-210 Lighting.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, [49.17].040, and[49.17].050 . 01-11-038 (Order
99-36), § 296-800-210, filed 5/9/01, effective 9/1/01.]
296-800-21005 Provide and maintain adequate lighting.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, [49.17].040, and[49.17].050 . 01-23-060 (Order
01-29), § 296-800-21005, filed 11/20/01, effective 12/1/01; 01-11-038 (Order 99-36), §
296-800-21005, filed 5/9/01, effective 9/1/01.]
296-880-220 Housekeeping, drainage, and storage.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, [49.17].040, and[49.17].050 . 01-11-038 (Order
99-36), § 296-800-220, filed 5/9/01, effective 9/1/01.]
296-800-22005 Keep your workplace clean.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, [49.17].040, and[49.17].050 . 01-11-038 (Order
99-36), § 296-800-22005, filed 5/9/01, effective 9/1/01.]
296-800-22010 Sweep and clean your workplace to minimize dust.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, [49.17].040, and[49.17].050 . 01-11-038 (Order
99-36), § 296-800-22010, filed 5/9/01, effective 9/1/01.]

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296-800-22015 Keep your workplace free of obstacles that interfere with
cleaning.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, [49.17].040, and[49.17].050 . 01-11-038 (Order
99-36), § 296-800-22015, filed 5/9/01, effective 9/1/01.]
296-800-22020 Control pests in your workplace.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, [49.17].040, and[49.17].050 . 01-23-060 (Order
01-29), § 296-800-22020, filed 11/20/01, effective 12/1/01; 01-11-038 (Order 99-36), §
296-800-22020, filed 5/9/01, effective 9/1/01.]
296-800-22022 Make sure floors are maintained in a safe condition.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, [49.17].040, and[49.17].050 . 01-11-038 (Order
99-36), § 296-800-22022, filed 5/9/01, effective 9/1/01.]
296-800-22025 Keep your workroom floors dry, when practical.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, [49.17].040, and[49.17].050 . 01-11-038 (Order
99-36), § 296-800-22025, filed 5/9/01, effective 9/1/01.]
296-800-22030 Provide proper drainage.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, [49.17].040, and[49.17].050 . 01-11-038 (Order
99-36), § 296-800-22030, filed 5/9/01, effective 9/1/01.]
296-800-22035 Store things safely.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, [49.17].040, and[49.17].050 . 01-11-038 (Order
99-36), § 296-800-22035, filed 5/9/01, effective 9/1/01.]
296-800-22040 Control vegetation in your storage areas.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, [49.17].040, and[49.17].050 . 01-11-038 (Order
99-36), § 296-800-22040, filed 5/9/01, effective 9/1/01.]
296-800-230 Drinking water , bathrooms, washing facilities and waste
disposal.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, 49.17.040, 49.17.050, and 49.17.060. 03-18-090
(Order 03-15), § 296-800-230, filed 9/2/03, effective 11/1/03. Statutory Authority: RCW
49.17.010,[49.17].040 , and [49.17].050. 01-23-060 (Order 01-29), § 296-800-230,
filed 11/20/01, effective 12/1/01; 01-11-038 (Order 99-36), § 296-800-230, filed 5/9/01,
effective 9/1/01.]

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296-800-23005 Provide safe drinking (potable) water in your workplace.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, 49.17.040, 49.17.050, and 49.17.060. 03-18-090
(Order 03-15), § 296-800-23005, filed 9/2/03, effective 11/1/03. Statutory Authority:
RCW 49.17.010,[49.17].040 , and [49.17].050. 01-23-060 (Order 01-29), § 296-800-
23005, filed 11/20/01, effective 12/1/01; 01-11-038 (Order 99-36), § 296-800-23005,
filed 5/9/01, effective 9/1/01.]
296-800-23010 Clearly mark the water outlets that are not fit for drinking
(nonpotable).
[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, 49.17.040, 49.17.050, and 49.17.060. 03-18-090
(Order 03-15), § 296-800-23010, filed 9/2/03, effective 11/1/03. Statutory Authority:
RCW 49.17.010,[49.17].040 , and [49.17].050. 02-16-047 (Order 02-02), § 296-800-
23010, filed 8/1/02, effective 10/1/02; 01-23-060 (Order 01-29), § 296-800-23010, filed
11/20/01, effective 12/1/01; 01-11-038 (Order 99-36), § 296-800-23010, filed 5/9/01,
effective 9/1/01.]
296-800-23015 Make sure that systems delivering not-fit-for-drinking
(nonpotable) water prevents backflow into drinking water
systems.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, [49.17].040, and[49.17].050 . 01-11-038 (Order
99-36), § 296-800-23015, filed 5/9/01, effective 9/1/01.]
296-800-23020 Provide bathrooms for your employees.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, 49.17.040, 49.17.050, and 49.17.060. 03-18-090
(Order 03-15), § 296-800-23020, filed 9/2/03, effective 11/1/03. Statutory Authority:
RCW 49.17.010,[49.17].040 , and [49.17].050. 02-16-047 (Order 02-02), § 296-800-
23020, filed 8/1/02, effective 10/1/02; 01-11-038 (Order 99-36), § 296-800-23020, filed
5/9/01, effective 9/1/01.]
296-800-23025 Provide convenient, clean washing facilities.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, 49.17.040, 49.17.050, and 49.17.060. 03-18-090
(Order 03-15), § 296-800-23025, filed 9/2/03, effective 11/1/03. Statutory Authority:
RCW 49.17.010,[49.17].040 , and [49.17].050. 01-23-060 (Order 01-29), § 296-800-
23025, filed 11/20/01, effective 12/1/01; 01-11-038 (Order 99-36), § 296-800-23025,
filed 5/9/01, effective 9/1/01.]

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296-800-23040 Make sure eating areas are safe and healthy.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, 49.17.040, 49.17.050, and 49.17.060. 03-18-090
(Order 03-15), § 296-800-23040, filed 9/2/03, effective 11/1/03.]
296-800-23045 Follow these requirements if you provide food service to your
employees.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, 49.17.040, 49.17.050, and 49.17.060. 03-18-090
(Order 03-15), § 296-800-23045, filed 9/2/03, effective 11/1/03.]
296-800-23050 Dispose of garbage and waste safely.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, 49.17.040, 49.17.050, and 49.17.060. 03-18-090
(Order 03-15), § 296-800-23050, filed 9/2/03, effective 11/1/03.]
296-800-23055 Remove garbage and waste in a way that does not create a
health hazard.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, 49.17.040, 49.17.050, and 49.17.060. 03-18-090
(Order 03-15), § 296-800-23055, filed 9/2/03, effective 11/1/03.]
296-800-23060 Provide a separate lunchroom if employees are exposed to
toxic substances if they are allowed to eat and drink on the
job site.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, 49.17.040, 49.17.050, and 49.17.060. 03-18-090
(Order 03-15), § 296-800-23060, filed 9/2/03, effective 11/1/03.]
296-800-23065 Provide showers when required for employees working with
chemicals.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, 49.17.040, 49.17.050, and 49.17.060. 03-18-090
(Order 03-15), § 296-800-23065, filed 9/2/03, effective 11/1/03.]
296-800-23070 Provide change rooms when required.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, 49.17.040, 49.17.050, and 49.17.060. 03-18-090
(Order 03-15), § 296-800-23070, filed 9/2/03, effective 11/1/03.]
296-800-23075 Make sure any work clothes you provide are dry.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, 49.17.040, 49.17.050, and 49.17.060. 03-18-090
(Order 03-15), § 296-800-23075, filed 9/2/03, effective 11/1/03.]

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296-800-240 Environmental tobacco smoke in the office.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, .040, .050, and .060. 06-22-023 (Order 06-26),
§ 296-800-240, filed 10/24/06, effective 12/01/06. Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010,
[49.17].040, and[49.17].050 . 01-11-038 (Order 99-36), § 296-800-240, filed 5/9/01,
effective 9/1/01.]
296-800-24005 Prohibit tobacco smoke in your office work environment.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, .040, .050, and .060. 06-22-023 (Order 06-
26), § 296-800-24005, filed 10/24/06, effective 12/01/06. Statutory Authority: RCW
49.17.010, [49.17].040, and[49.17].050 . 01-11-038 (Order 99-36), § 296-800-24005,
filed 5/9/01, effective 9/1/01.]
296-800-250 Stairs and stair railings.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, [49.17].040, and[49.17].050 . 01-23-060 (Order
01-29), § 296-800-250, filed 11/20/01, effective 12/1/01; 01-11-038 (Order 99-36), §
296-800-250, filed 5/9/01, effective 9/1/01.]
296-800-25005 Provide fixed stairs where required.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, [49.17].040, and[49.17].050 . 01-23-060 (Order
01-29), § 296-800-25005, filed 11/20/01, effective 12/1/01; 01-11-038 (Order 99-36), §
296-800-25005, filed 5/9/01, effective 9/1/01.]
296-800-25010 Provide stairs that minimize hazards.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, [49.17].040, and[49.17].050 . 01-11-038 (Order
99-36), § 296-800-25010, filed 5/9/01, effective 9/1/01.]
296-800-25015 Provide handrails and stair railings.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, [49.17].040, and[49.17].050 . 02-16-047 (Order
02-02), § 296-800-25015, filed 8/1/02, effective 10/1/02; 01-23-060 (Order 01-29), §
296-800-25015, filed 11/20/01, effective 12/1/01; 01-11-038 (Order 99-36), § 296-800-
25015, filed 5/9/01, effective 9/1/01.]
296-800-260 Floor openings, floor holes, and open-side floors.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, [49.17].040, and[49.17].050 . 01-11-038 (Order
99-36), § 296-800-260, filed 5/9/01, effective 9/1/01.]

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296-800-26005 Guard or cover floor openings and floor holes.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, [49.17].040, and[49.17].050 . 01-11-038 (Order
99-36), § 296-800-26005, filed 5/9/01, effective 9/1/01.]
296-800-26010 Protect open-sided floors and platforms.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, [49.17].040, and[49.17].050 . 01-23-060 (Order
01-29), § 296-800-26010, filed 11/20/01, effective 12/1/01; 01-11-038 (Order 99-36), §
296-800-26010, filed 5/9/01, effective 9/1/01.]
296-800-270 Workplace structural integrity.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, [49.17].040, and[49.17].050 . 01-11-038 (Order
99-36), § 296-800-270, filed 5/9/01, effective 9/1/01.]
296-800-27005 Not overload floors or roofs.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, [49.17].040, and[49.17].050 . 01-11-038 (Order
99-36), § 296-800-27005, filed 5/9/01, effective 9/1/01.]
296-800-27010 Make sure that floors are safe.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, [49.17].040, and[49.17].050 . 01-11-038 (Order
99-36), § 296-800-27010, filed 5/9/01, effective 9/1/01.]
296-800-27015 Make sure floors can support equipment that moves or has
motion.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, [49.17].040, and[49.17].050 . 01-11-038 (Order
99-36), § 296-800-27015, filed 5/9/01, effective 9/1/01.]
296-800-27020 Post approved load limits (weight limits) for floors.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, [49.17].040, and[49.17].050 . 01-23-060 (Order
01-29), § 296-800-27020, filed 11/20/01, effective 12/1/01; 01-11-038 (Order 99-36), §
296-800-27020, filed 5/9/01, effective 9/1/01.]
296-800-280 Basic electric rules.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, [49.17].040, and[49.17].050 . 01-23-060 (Order
01-29), § 296-800-280, filed 11/20/01, effective 12/1/01; 01-11-038 (Order 99-36), §
296-800-280, filed 5/9/01, effective 9/1/01.]

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296-800-28005 Inspect all electrical equipment your employees use to make
sure the equipment is safe.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, [49.17].040, and[49.17].050 . 01-23-060 (Order
01-29), § 296-800-28005, filed 11/20/01, effective 12/1/01; 01-11-038 (Order 99-36), §
296-800-28005, filed 5/9/01, effective 9/1/01.]
296-800-28010 Make sure all electrical equipment is used for its approved or
listed purpose.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, [49.17].040, and[49.17].050 . 01-23-060 (Order
01-29), § 296-800-28010, filed 11/20/01, effective 12/1/01; 01-11-038 (Order 99-36), §
296-800-28010, filed 5/9/01, effective 9/1/01.]
296-800-28015 Make sure electrical equipment used or located in wet or
damp locations is designed for such use.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, [49.17].040, and[49.17].050 . 01-11-038 (Order
99-36), § 296-800-28015, filed 5/9/01, effective 9/1/01.]
296-800-28020 Make sure electrical equipment that is not marked by the
manufacturer can’t be used.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, [49.17].040, and[49.17].050 . 01-23-060 (Order
01-29), § 296-800-28020, filed 11/20/01, effective 12/1/01; 01-11-038 (Order 99-36), §
296-800-28020, filed 5/9/01, effective 9/1/01.]
296-800-28022 Identify disconnecting means.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, [49.17].040, and[49.17].050 . 01-11-038 (Order
99-36), § 296-800-28022, filed 5/9/01, effective 9/1/01.]
296-800-28025 Maintain electrical fittings, boxes, cabinets, and outlets in
good condition.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, [49.17].040, and[49.17].050 . 01-23-060 (Order
01-29), § 296-800-28025, filed 11/20/01, effective 12/1/01; 01-11-038 (Order 99-36), §
296-800-28025, filed 5/9/01, effective 9/1/01.]

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296-800-28030 Maintain all flexible cords and cables in good condition and
use safely.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, [49.17].040, and[49.17].050 . 01-23-060 (Order
01-29), § 296-800-28030, filed 11/20/01, effective 12/1/01; 01-11-038 (Order 99-36), §
296-800-28030, filed 5/9/01, effective 9/1/01.]
296-800-28035 Guard electrical equipment to prevent your employees from
electrical hazards.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, [49.17].040, and[49.17].050 . 01-11-038 (Order
99-36), § 296-800-28035, filed 5/9/01, effective 9/1/01.]
296-800-28040 Make sure electrical equipment is effectively grounded.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, [49.17].040, and[49.17].050 . 02-16-047 (Order
02-02), § 296-800-28040, filed 8/1/02, effective 10/1/02; 01-23-060 (Order 01-29), §
296-800-28040, filed 11/20/01, effective 12/1/01; 01-11-038 (Order 99-36), § 296-800-
28040, filed 5/9/01, effective 9/1/01.]
296-800-28045 Make sure electrical equipment has overcurrent protection.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, [49.17].040, and[49.17].050 . 02-16-047 (Order
02-02), § 296-800-28045, filed 8/1/02, effective 10/1/02; 01-11-038 (Order 99-36), §
296-800-28045, filed 5/9/01, effective 9/1/01.]
296-800-300 Portable fire extinguishers.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, [49.17].040, and[49.17].050 . 01-23-060 (Order
01-29), § 296-800-300, filed 11/20/01, effective 12/1/01; 01-11-038 (Order 99-36), §
296-800-300, filed 5/9/01, effective 9/1/01.]
296-800-30005 Provide portable fire extinguishers in your workplace.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, [49.17].040, and[49.17].050 . 01-11-038 (Order
99-36), § 296-800-30005, filed 5/9/01, effective 9/1/01.]
296-800-30010 Select and distribute portable fire extinguishers in your
workplace.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, [49.17].040, and[49.17].050 . 01-23-060 (Order
01-29), § 296-800-30010, filed 11/20/01, effective 12/1/01; 01-11-038 (Order 99-36), §
296-800-30010, filed 5/9/01, effective 9/1/01.]

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296-800-30015 Make sure that portable fire extinguishers are kept fully
charged, in operable condition, and left in their designated
places.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, [49.17].040, and[49.17].050 . 01-11-038 (Order
99-36), § 296-800-30015, filed 5/9/01, effective 9/1/01.]
296-800-30020 Inspect and test all portable fire extinguishers.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, [49.17].040, and[49.17].050 . 01-23-060 (Order
01-29), § 296-800-30020, filed 11/20/01, effective 12/1/01; 01-11-038, § 296-800-
30020, filed 5/9/01, effective 9/1/01.]
296-800-30025 Train your employees to use portable fire extinguishers.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, [49.17].040, and[49.17].050 . 01-11-038 (Order
99-36), § 296-800-30025, filed 5/9/01, effective 9/1/01.]
296-800-310 Exit routes amd employee alarm systems.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, .020, .050, and .060. 08-18-056 (Order 08-17), §
296-800-310, filed 09/02/08, effective 11/02/08. Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010,
[49.17].040, and[49.17].050 . 01-23-060 (Order 01-29), § 296-800-310, filed 11/20/01,
effective 12/1/01; 01-11-038, § 296-800-310, filed 5/9/01, effective 9/1/01.]
296-800-31005 Provide an adequate number of exit routes.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, [49.17].040, and[49.17].050 . 01-11-038 (Order
99-36), § 296-800-31005, filed 5/9/01, effective 9/1/01.]
296-800-31010 Make sure the exit routes are large enough.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, .020, .050, and .060. 08-18-056 (Order 08-17), §
296-800-31010, filed 09/02/08, effective 11/02/08. Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010,
[49.17].040, and[49.17].050 . 01-23-060 (Order 01-29), § 296-800-31010, filed
11/20/01, effective 12/1/01; 01-11-038 (Order 99-36), § 296-800-31010, filed 5/9/01,
effective 9/1/01.]
296-800-31015 Make sure that exit routes meet their specific design and
construction requirements.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, [49.17].040, and[49.17].050 . 01-11-038 (Order
99-36), § 296-800-31015, filed 5/9/01, effective 9/1/01.]

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296-800-31020 Make sure that each exit route leads outside.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, .020, .050, and .060. 08-18-056 (Order 08-17), §
296-800-31020, filed 09/02/08, effective 11/02/08. Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010,
[49.17].040, and[49.17].050 . 01-11-038 (Order 99-36), § 296-800-31020, filed 5/9/01,
effective 9/1/01.]
296-800-31025 Provide unobstructed access to exit routes.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, [49.17].040, and[49.17].050 . 01-11-038 (Order
99-36), § 296-800-31025, filed 5/9/01, effective 9/1/01.]
296-800-31030 Exit doors must be readily opened from the inside.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, [49.17].040, and[49.17].050 . 01-11-038 (Order
99-36), § 296-800-31030, filed 5/9/01, effective 9/1/01.]
296-800-31035 Use side-hinged doors to connect rooms to exit routes.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, [49.17].040, and[49.17].050 . 01-23-060 (Order
01-29), § 296-800-31035, filed 11/20/01, effective 12/1/01; 01-11-038 (Order 99-36), §
296-800-31035, filed 5/9/01, effective 9/1/01.]
296-800-31040 Provide outdoor exit routes that meet these requirements.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, [49.17].040, and[49.17].050 . 01-11-038 (Order
99-36), § 296-800-31040, filed 5/9/01, effective 9/1/01.]
296-800-31045 Minimize danger to employees while they are using
emergency exit routes.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, [49.17].040, and[49.17].050 . 01-11-038 (Order
99-36), § 296-800-31045, filed 5/9/01, effective 9/1/01.]
296-800-31050 Marks exits adequately.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, 49.17.040, 49.17.050, and 49.17.060. 03-18-090
(Order 03-15), § 296-800-31050, filed 9/2/03, effective 11/1/03. Statutory Authority:
RCW 49.17.010,[49.17].040 , and [49.17].050. 01-11-038 (Order 99-36), § 296-800-
31050, filed 5/9/01, effective 9/1/01.]
296-800-31053 Provide adequate lighting for exit routes and signs.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, [49.17].040, and[49.17].050 . 01-11-038 (Order
99-36), § 296-800-31053, filed 5/9/01, effective 9/1/01.]

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296-800-31055 Maintain the fire retardant properties of paints or other
coatings.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, [49.17].040, and[49.17].050 . 01-11-038 (Order
99-36), § 296-800-31055, filed 5/9/01, effective 9/1/01.]
296-800-31060 Maintain emergency safeguards.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, [49.17].040, and[49.17].050 . 01-11-038 (Order
99-36), § 296-800-31060, filed 5/9/01, effective 9/1/01.]
296-800-31065 Maintain exit routes during construction and repair.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, [49.17].040, and[49.17].050 . 01-11-038 (Order
99-36), § 296-800-31065, filed 5/9/01, effective 9/1/01.]
296-800-31067 Provide doors in freezer or refrigerated rooms that open from
the inside.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, [49.17].040, and[49.17].050 . 01-11-038 (Order
99-36), § 296-800-31067, filed 5/9/01, effective 9/1/01.]
296-800-31070 Install and maintain an appropriate employee alarm system.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, .020, .050, and .060. 08-18-056 (Order 08-17), §
296-800-31070, filed 09/02/08, effective 11/02/08. Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010,
[49.17].040, and[49.17].050 . 01-11-038 (Order 99-36), § 296-800-31070, filed 5/9/01,
effective 9/1/01.]
296-800-31075 Establish procedures for sounding emergency alarms.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, [49.17].040, and[49.17].050 . 01-11-038 (Order
99-36), § 296-800-31075, filed 5/9/01, effective 9/1/01.]
296-800-31080 Test the employee alarm system.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, [49.17].040, and[49.17].050 . 01-11-038 (Order
99-36), § 296-800-31080, filed 5/9/01, effective 9/1/01.]

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296-800-320 Accident reporting and investigating.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010,].040, .050, and .060. 08-16-111 (order 08-
27),§ 296-800-320. filed 12/23/08, effective 03/01/09. [Statutory Authority: RCW
49.17.010,].040, .050, and .060. 08-05-012 (order 07-44),§ 296-800-320. filed
02/08/08, effective 04/01/08. Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, [49.17].040, and
[49.17].050. 01-23-060 (Order 01-29), § 296-800-320, filed 11/20/01, effective
12/1/01; 01-11-038 (Order 99-36), § 296-800-320, filed 5/9/01, effective 9/1/01.]
296-800-32005 Report the death, probable death of any employee, or the
in-patient hospitalization of any employee within 8
hours.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, .050, and .060. 08-05-012 (order 07-44), § 296-
800-32005, filed 02/08/08, effective 04/01/08. Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010,
[49.17].040, and[49.17].050. 01-23-060 (Order 01-29), § 296-800-32005, filed 11/20/
01, effective 12/1/01; 01-11-038 (Order 99-36), § 296-800-32005, filed 5/9/01, effective
9/1/01.]
296-800-32010 Make sure that any equipment involved in an accident is not
moved.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010.040, .050, and .060. 08-05-012 (Order 07-44), §
296-800-32010, filed 02/08/08, effective 04/01/08.Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010,
[49.17].040, and[49.17].050 . 01-11-038 (Order 99-36), § 296-800-32010, filed 5/9/01,
effective 9/1/01.]
296-800-32015 Assign people to assist the department of labor and
industries.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010.040, .050, and .060. 08-05-012 (Order 07-44), §
296-800-32015, filed 02/08/08, effective 04/01/08. Statutory authority: RCW 49.17.010,
[49.17].040, and[49.17].050 . 01-11-038 (Order 99-36), § 296-800-32015, filed 5/9/01,
effective 9/1/01.]
296-800-32020 Conduct a preliminary investigation for all serious injuries.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, [49.17].040, and[49.17].050 . 01-11-038 (Order
99-36), § 296-800-32020, filed 5/9/01, effective 9/1/01.]

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296-800-32025 Document the investigation findings.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, [49.17].040, and[49.17].050 . 02-16-047 (Order
02-02), § 296-800-32025, filed 8/1/02, effective 10/1/02; 01-11-038 (Order 99-36), §
296-800-32025, filed 5/9/01, effective 9/1/01.]
296-800-330 Releasing accident investigation reports.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, [49.17].040, and[49.17].050 . 01-11-038 (Order
99-36), § 296-800-330, filed 5/9/01, effective 9/1/01.]
296-800-340 Protecting the identity of the source of confidential
information.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, [49.17].040, and[49.17].050 . 01-11-038 (Order
99-36), § 296-800-340, filed 5/9/01, effective 9/1/01.]
296-800-360 Using standards from national organizations and federal
agencies.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, [49.17].040, and[49.17].050 . 01-11-038 (Order
99-36), § 296-800-360, filed 5/9/01, effective 9/1/01.]
296-800-36005 Comply with standards national organizations or federal
agencies when referenced in WISHA rules.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, [49.17].040, and[49.17].050 . 01-11-038 (Order
99-36), § 296-800-36005, filed 5/9/01, effective 9/1/01.]
296-800-370 Definitions.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010,].040, .050, and .060. 08-16-111 (order 08-27),§
296-800-370. filed 12/23/08, effective 03/01/09. [Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010,
49.17.040, 49.17.050, and 49.17.060. 03-18-090 (Order 03-15), § 296-800-370,
filed 9/2/03, effective 11/1/03. Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010,[49.17].040 , and
[49.17].050. 02-16-047 (Order 02-02), § 296-800-370, filed 8/1/02, effective 10/1/02;
01-23-060 (Order 01-29), § 296-800-370, filed 11/20/01, effective 12/1/01; 01-11-038
(Order 99-36), § 296-800-370, filed 5/9/01, effective 9/1/01.]

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