WSR 98-08-104
PREPROPOSAL STATEMENT OF INQUIRY
DEPARTMENT OF
LABOR AND INDUSTRIES
[Filed April 1, 1998, 11:02 a.m.]
Subject of Possible Rule Making: Respiratory protection
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: On January 8, 1998, OSHA adopted comprehensive changes to its respiratory protection rules (29 CFR 1910 and 1926). WISHA will propose changes to its respiratory protection rules to be at least as effective as OSHA, assure appropriate worker protection throughout the state and improve the clarity of these rules. Washington administrative codes that are affected include (but not limited to) chapter 296-24 WAC, General safety and health standards, chapter 296-62 WAC, General occupational health standards, chapter 296-155 WAC, Safety standards for construction work, chapter 296-65 WAC, Asbestos removal and encapsulation, chapter 296-56 WAC, Longshore, stevedore and related waterfront operations, and chapter 296-78 WAC, Sawmills and woodworking operations
Other Federal and State Agencies that Regulate this Subject and the Process Coordinating the Rule with These Agencies: OSHA is the only other agency regulating this subject
Process for Developing New Rule: The department must adopt rules that are at least as effective as OSHA rules as required by the OSHA/WISHA state plan agreement. Amendments will be proposed in response to the Federal Register notice, Volume 63, Number 5, published on January 6, 1998 (Respiratory Protection; Final Rule). The department will request input using a widely distributed mailer and by forming an advisory group
Interested parties can participate in the decision to adopt the new rule and formulation of the proposed rule before publication by contacting Christy Wood, WISHA Standards Project Manager, Department of Labor and Industries, WISHA Services Division, P.O. Box 44620, Olympia, WA 98504-4620, phone (360) 902-5524. An advisory group will be formed including representatives from business, labor and the department and a mailer will be sent to chapter 296-62 WAC manual holders requesting input about specific topics
March 31, 1998
Gary Moore
Director