The Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) updated its rules website
Rules filed April 20, 2021 and April 21, 2021
Division: Division of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH)
Topic: Adoption (CR-103) - Demolition Standards
Brief Description: The purpose of this rulemaking is to update the requirements in chapter 296-155 WAC, Safety standards for construction work, Part S, Demolition. This rulemaking removed confusing and unnecessary language, added clarification where necessary throughout the rule to improve the safety of employees working in the demolition industry, as well as improve public safety. Other updates and housekeeping changes were made throughout this chapter where needed. Following an investigation of demolition violations related to the Highway 410 overpass collapse and a subsequent review of the citation history for the demolition requirements under chapter 296-155 WAC, Part S, L&I determined that rule changes were needed to ensure that demolition plans were developed and implemented.
L&I determined that rule changes were needed to ensure demolition plans were developed based upon the engineering survey and the demolition plan must incorporate conditions of the framing, floors, and walls, and potential of unplanned collapse and any portion of the structure(s). Hazards such as unplanned collapses and flying or dropping debris, can injure both workers and the public. These hazards can be mitigated with an engineering survey and a demolition plan. The adopted language requires employers to develop and implement a written demolition plan tailored to the operation and to the types of hazards involved, which must be kept on the jobsite.
In addition, this rulemaking aligns with the fall protection standards in chapter 296-880 WAC, Unified safety standards for fall protection.
Effective date: June 1, 2021
CR-103 Adoption
Adoption Language
Final Cost-Benefit Analysis (CBA)
Concise Explanatory Statement (CES)
Division: Field Services and Public Safety (Boiler Program)
Topic: Proposal (CR-102) - Boiler Fee Increase
Brief Description: The purpose of this rulemaking is to propose a fee increase of 5.79% for boiler and pressure vessel inspections and other boiler program public safety activities under WAC 296-104-700, What are the inspection fees – Examination fees – Certificate fees – Expenses. This is the maximum the Office of Financial Management allows for fiscal year 2022.
The Boiler program’s budget and projected revenue were evaluated and a fee increase is needed to support the cost of ongoing services. A fee increase enables the program to continue providing quality and timely services to customers to protect structures, workers and the public from boiler and unfired pressure vessel incidents. According to RCW 70.79.330 and RCW 70.79.350, a fee schedule for inspections is set by the Board of Boiler Rules and the fees are to be used to administer the boiler program.
Written comments due: May 14, 2021
Public hearing date: May 26, 2021 (Audio/visual hearing only)
Intended adoption date: June 1, 2021
CR-102 Proposal
Proposal Language
Division: Fraud Prevention and Labor Standards (Plumber Certification Program)
Topic: Proposal (CR-102) - Plumber Certification Rules – Phase 2
Brief Description: The purpose of this rulemaking is to amend chapter 296-400A WAC, Plumber certification rules, in order to implement the legislative changes made within 2020’s Plumbing Act (Chapter 153, Laws of 2020, Senate Bill 6170).
The amendments will addresses the following:
- Adjusting fees related to journey level and specialty plumber certification;
- Modifying how plumbing contractor’s license, renew, and reinstate their license; and
- Adding and amending definitions.
This rule is the result of the entire industry working together for several years. It addresses issues in the plumbing industry that have not been updated for 35 years. There is a current shortage of service plumbers due to high training hour requirements, workforce aging, and an increasing need for that work. This creates a vacuum where the industry is flooded with untrained and uncertified people working in homes. The definition of plumbing is limited to work within a building and the rule is limited to work that certified plumbers do. The industry is prepared to handle any added costs through options such as fees.
Public hearing date: May 25, 2021 (Audio/visual hearing only)
Written comments due: May 25, 2021
Intended adoption date: May 28, 2021
CR-102 Proposal
Proposal Language
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