Subject of Possible Rule Making: Chapter 296-32 WAC, Safety standards for telecommunications.

Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: RCW 49.17.010, [49.17].040, and [49.17].050.

Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: New technology has become more common within the telecommunications industry, which is not reflected in the current standard. OSHA standards have not had significant changes since 1975. With the assistance of an advisory committee, WISHA is reviewing this standard to assure appropriate worker protection throughout the state and to improve the clarity of these rules.

Other Federal and State Agencies that Regulate this Subject and the Process Coordinating the Rule with These Agencies: No other state or federal agencies (other than OSHA) are known that regulate this subject.

Process for Developing New Rule: Parties interested in the formulation of these rules for proposal may contact the individuals listed below. The public may also participate by commenting after amendments are proposed by providing written comments or giving oral testimony during the public hearing process.

Interested parties can participate in the decision to adopt the new rule and formulation of the proposed rule before publication by contacting Jennie Hays, WISHA Standards Project Manager, Department of Labor and Industries, WISHA Services Division, P.O. Box 44620, Olympia, WA 98504-4620, phone (360) 902-5523, fax (360) 902-5529.

July 15, 1999

Gary Moore

Director

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