S-1702               _______________________________________________

                                                   SENATE BILL NO. 4208

                        _______________________________________________

State of Washington                              49th Legislature                              1985 Regular Session

By Senators Warnke, Bottiger, McManus, Bender, Rasmussen and Owen

Read first time 2/8/85 and referred to Committee on Commerce and Labor.

AN ACT Relating to mine safety and rescue; and adding new sections to chapter 38.52 RCW.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

NEW SECTION. Sec. 1.     The department of emergency management shall consult with federal officials, local law enforcement officials, local elected officials, labor representatives, mine operators, mine rescue instructors, and the department of natural resources in developing a comprehensive state mine rescue plan.  The plan shall include the establishment of at least two mine rescue stations in the state.  The mine rescue teams shall be trained and equipped to respond to emergencies in coal as well as other mines.  The plan shall determine the best means of rapidly transporting rescue teams, equipment, and support personnel to the site of an emergency.  The plan shall include the development of a recruitment program that will result in a continuing supply of trained mine rescue team volunteers.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 2.     The department of emergency management shall work with federal officials to insure the prompt sealing of open holes and mine shafts.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 3.     The owner of each mine shall make a map of the surface of the property and a map of the underground workings.  All maps shall be filed with the department of emergency management.  The department shall establish by rule the scale and contents required for the maps.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 4.     No person engaged in mine rescue or recovery work who, in good faith, renders emergency care, rescue, assistance, or recovery services at the scene of any emergency at or in a mine in this state or who employs, sponsors, or represents any person rendering emergency care, rescue, assistance, or recovery services shall be liable for any civil damages as a result of any act or omission by any person in rendering emergency care, rescue, assistance, or recovery service.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 5.     Sections 1 through 4 of this act are each added to chapter 38.52 RCW.