Washington Administrative Code
2022 Archive

Chapter 296-32 WAC
Last Update: 10/6/20

SAFETY STANDARDS FOR TELECOMMUNICATIONS
PDF of Chapter Digest
WAC Sections
296-32-195Foreword.
296-32-200Scope and application.
296-32-210Definitions.
PART A—GENERAL REQUIREMENTS
Note:
This part is intended to convey the areas of responsibility for employers when working on telecommunications facilities or locations of any type.
296-32-22505Incorporation of standards of national organizations.
296-32-22510Safe place standard.
296-32-22511Host employer/contractor responsibilities.
296-32-22512Accident prevention program and safety meetings.
296-32-22515First aid.
296-32-22520Remote communication sites.
296-32-22525Training.
296-32-22530Employee protection in public work areas.
296-32-22535Facilities requirements.
296-32-22540Tools and personal protective equipment—General.
296-32-22545Capstan and cathead hoists.
296-32-22550Rubber insulating equipment.
296-32-22555General fall protection.
296-32-22560Ladders.
296-32-22565Vehicle-mounted material handling devices and other mechanical equipment.
296-32-22570Communication, roof tops, water towers and other elevated locations.
296-32-22572Microwave transmission/radio frequency radiation (RFR) and laser communication—General requirements.
296-32-22574Hazardous areas.
296-32-22576Optical communications systems (laser).
296-32-22578Control of hazardous energy.
PART B—REQUIREMENTS THAT APPLY TO WIRELINE
Note:
Wireline – This part is intended to convey to the employer the responsibilities for the training and protection of their employees working with or in telecommunications wireline facilities and field installations.
296-32-23505Pole climbing equipment.
296-32-23510Materials handling and storage.
296-32-23512Cable fault locating and testing.
296-32-23514Grounding for employee protection—Pole lines.
296-32-23516Overhead lines.
296-32-23518Wood or other types of poles.
296-32-23520Telecommunications line tree trimming and emergency work.
296-32-23522Line patrol and work on aerial plants.
296-32-23523Storm work and emergency conditions.
296-32-23524Underground lines and cable vaults.
296-32-23526Directional boring machines.
296-32-23528Manholes, street openings and vaults.
296-32-23530Joint power and telecommunication manholes and vaults.
296-32-23532Ladders for underground access.
296-32-23534Tent heater, torches and open flames.
296-32-23536Lead work.
PART C—REQUIREMENTS THAT APPLY TO WIRELESS
Note:
Wireless – This part is intended to convey to the employer the responsibilities for the training and protection of their employees working with or upon telecommunications wireless facilities and field installations.
296-32-24005Wireless communications—General requirements.
296-32-24010Antenna work-radio transmitting stations 3-30 MHZ.
296-32-24012Fall protection.
296-32-24014Work during hours of darkness.
296-32-24018Emergency response/rescue requirements.
296-32-24020Rigging plan.
296-32-24022Gin poles—Installation.
296-32-24024Gin poles—Use.
296-32-24026Gin poles—Inspections.
296-32-24028Base mounted hoists used for overhead material lifting and personnel lifting.
296-32-24032Personnel lifting—General requirements.
296-32-24034Helicopters used for lifting loads.
DISPOSITION OF SECTIONS FORMERLY CODIFIED IN THIS TITLE
296-32-001Foreword—Effective date. [Foreword, effective 4/1/66.] Repealed by Order 77-12, filed 7/11/77.
296-32-010Statements of fact—Construction of rules. [Rules (part), effective 4/1/66; Regulations 1.3, 1.4, 1.7, 1.8, 1.9, filed 3/23/60.] Repealed by Order 77-12, filed 7/11/77.
296-32-011Procedure for settling controversy. [Rules (part), effective 4/1/66; Regulation 1.6, filed 3/23/60.] Repealed by Order 77-12, filed 7/11/77.
296-32-020Causes of accident. [Rules (part), effective 4/1/66; Regulation 1.10, filed 3/23/60.] Repealed by Order 77-12, filed 7/11/77.
296-32-030Causes of accident—Safety. [Rules (part), effective 4/1/66; Regulation 1.11, filed 3/23/60.] Repealed by Order 77-12, filed 7/11/77.
296-32-040Definitions. [Definitions, effective 4/1/66; Regulations 1.12—1.25, filed 3/23/60.] Repealed by Order 77-12, filed 7/11/77.
296-32-050Employer's responsibility. [Rules (part), effective 4/1/66; Regulations 2.1—2.11, filed 3/23/60.] Repealed by Order 77-12, filed 7/11/77.
296-32-060Foreman's responsibility. [Rules (part), effective 4/1/66; Regulations 2.12—2.23, filed 3/23/60.] Repealed by Order 77-12, filed 7/11/77.
296-32-070Employee's responsibility. [Rules (part), effective 4/1/66; Regulations 2.24—2.31, filed 3/23/60.] Repealed by Order 77-12, filed 7/11/77.
296-32-080First-aid. [Rules (part), effective 4/1/66; Regulations 3.1—3.4, filed 3/23/60.] Repealed by Order 77-12, filed 7/11/77.
296-32-090Industrial hygiene. [Rules (part), effective 4/1/66; Regulations 3.5—3.7, filed 3/23/60.] Repealed by Order 77-12, filed 7/11/77.
296-32-094Overhead work. [Rules (part), effective 4/1/66.] Repealed by Order 77-12, filed 7/11/77.
296-32-098Molten solder handling. [Rules (part), effective 4/1/66.] Repealed by Order 77-12, filed 7/11/77.
296-32-100Aerial plant. [§ VI, Rules 6.010—6.100, effective 4/1/66; Regulations 4.1—4.15, filed 3/23/60.] Repealed by Order 77-12, filed 7/11/77.
296-32-110Underground plant. [§ VII, Rules 7.010—7.120, effective 4/1/66; Regulations 5.1—5.12, filed 3/23/60.] Repealed by Order 77-12, filed 7/11/77.
296-32-120Central office plant. [§ IV, Rules 4.010—4.060, effective 4/1/66; Regulations 6.1—6.7, filed 3/23/60.] Repealed by Order 77-12, filed 7/11/77.
296-32-130Tools and protective devices. [§ II, Rules 2.010—2.460, effective 4/1/66; Regulations 7.1—7.50, filed 3/23/60.] Repealed by Order 77-12, filed 7/11/77.
296-32-140Motor vehicles, work equipment and transportation. [§ III, Rules 3.010—3.160, effective 4/1/66; Regulations 8.1—8.14, filed 3/23/60.] Repealed by Order 77-12, filed 7/11/77.
296-32-150Power exposures. [§ VIII, Rules 8.010—8.200, effective 4/1/66; Regulations 9.1—9.20, filed 3/23/60.] Repealed by Order 77-12, filed 7/11/77.
296-32-160General safety requirements. [§ I, Rules 1.010—1.120, effective 4/1/66; Rules 10.2—10.7, 10.10, 10.11, 10.14, 10.15, 10.16, 10.17, filed 3/23/60.] Repealed by Order 77-12, filed 7/11/77.
296-32-170Manlift equipment. [§ V, Rules 5.010—5.090, effective 4/1/66.] Repealed by Order 77-12, filed 7/11/77.
296-32-180Electronic communication equipment. [§ IX, Rules 9.010—9.120, effective 4/1/66.] Repealed by Order 77-12, filed 7/11/77.
296-32-215Safe place standard. [Order 76-38, § 296-32-215, filed 12/30/76.] Repealed by WSR 17-20-069, filed 10/2/17, effective 1/1/18. Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, 49.17.040, 49.17.050, 49.17.060, and chapter 49.17 RCW.
296-32-220General. [Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, 49.17.040, 49.17.050, 49.17.060. WSR 07-03-163, § 296-32-220, filed 1/24/07, effective 4/1/07. Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, [49.17].040, and [49.17].050. WSR 01-11-038, § 296-32-220, filed 5/9/01, effective 9/1/01. Statutory Authority: Chapter 49.17 RCW. WSR 94-15-096 (Order 94-07), § 296-32-220, filed 7/20/94, effective 9/20/94; Order 76-38, § 296-32-220, filed 12/30/76; Order 75-41, § 296-32-220, filed 12/19/75.] Repealed by WSR 17-20-069, filed 10/2/17, effective 1/1/18. Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, 49.17.040, 49.17.050, 49.17.060, and chapter 49.17 RCW.
296-32-230Training. [Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, 49.17.040, 49.17.050, 49.17.060 and 29 C.F.R. 1910 Subpart Z. WSR 14-07-086, § 296-32-230, filed 3/18/14, effective 5/1/14. Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, [49.17].040, and [49.17].050. WSR 01-11-038, § 296-32-230, filed 5/9/01, effective 9/1/01. Statutory Authority: Chapter 49.17 RCW. WSR 94-15-096 (Order 94-07), § 296-32-230, filed 7/20/94, effective 9/20/94; WSR 89-11-035 (Order 89-03), § 296-32-230, filed 5/15/89, effective 6/30/89; Order 76-38, § 296-32-230, filed 12/30/76; Order 75-41, § 296-32-230, filed 12/19/75.] Repealed by WSR 17-20-069, filed 10/2/17, effective 1/1/18. Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, 49.17.040, 49.17.050, 49.17.060, and chapter 49.17 RCW.
296-32-240Employee protection in public work areas. [Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, [49.17].040, and [49.17].050, 2000 c 239, and chapter 34.05 RCW. WSR 01-07-075, § 296-32-240, filed 3/20/01, effective 4/20/01; Order 76-38, § 296-32-240, filed 12/30/76; Order 75-41, § 296-32-240, filed 12/19/75.] Repealed by WSR 17-20-069, filed 10/2/17, effective 1/1/18. Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, 49.17.040, 49.17.050, 49.17.060, and chapter 49.17 RCW.
296-32-250Tools and personal protective equipment—General. [Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, 49.17.040, 49.17.050, 49.17.060. WSR 09-05-071, § 296-32-250, filed 2/17/09, effective 4/1/09. Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, [49.17].040, [49.17].050. WSR 02-12-098, § 296-32-250, filed 6/5/02, effective 8/1/02; WSR 01-23-060, § 296-32-250, filed 11/20/01, effective 12/1/01; WSR 01-11-038, § 296-32-250, filed 5/9/01, effective 9/1/01. Statutory Authority: Chapter 49.17 RCW. WSR 94-20-057 (Order 94-16), § 296-32-250, filed 9/30/94, effective 11/20/94. Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.040 and 49.17.050. WSR 82-13-045 (Order 82-22), § 296-32-250, filed 6/11/82; Order 76-38, § 296-32-250, filed 12/30/76; Order 75-41, § 296-32-250, filed 12/19/75.] Repealed by WSR 17-20-069, filed 10/2/17, effective 1/1/18. Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, 49.17.040, 49.17.050, 49.17.060, and chapter 49.17 RCW.
296-32-260Rubber insulating equipment. [Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, [49.17].040, and [49.17].050. WSR 01-11-038, § 296-32-260, filed 5/9/01, effective 9/1/01; WSR 99-17-094, § 296-32-260, filed 8/17/99, effective 12/1/99; Order 76-38, § 296-32-260, filed 12/30/76; Order 75-41, § 296-32-260, filed 12/19/75.] Repealed by WSR 17-20-069, filed 10/2/17, effective 1/1/18. Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, 49.17.040, 49.17.050, 49.17.060, and chapter 49.17 RCW.
296-32-270Personal climbing equipment. [Statutory Authority: Chapter 49.17 RCW. WSR 94-15-096 (Order 94-07), § 296-32-270, filed 7/20/94, effective 9/20/94; Order 76-38, § 296-32-270, filed 12/30/76; Order 75-41, § 296-32-270, filed 12/19/75.] Repealed by WSR 17-20-069, filed 10/2/17, effective 1/1/18. Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, 49.17.040, 49.17.050, 49.17.060, and chapter 49.17 RCW.
296-32-280Ladders. [Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, [49.17].040, [49.17].050. WSR 02-12-098, § 296-32-280, filed 6/5/02, effective 8/1/02. Statutory Authority: Chapter 49.17 RCW. WSR 94-15-096 (Order 94-07), § 296-32-280, filed 7/20/94, effective 9/20/94; Order 76-38, § 296-32-280, filed 12/30/76; Order 75-41, § 296-32-280, filed 12/19/75.] Repealed by WSR 17-20-069, filed 10/2/17, effective 1/1/18. Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, 49.17.040, 49.17.050, 49.17.060, and chapter 49.17 RCW.
296-32-290Vehicle-mounted material handling devices and other mechanical equipment. [Statutory Authority: Chapter 49.17 RCW. WSR 94-15-096 (Order 94-07), § 296-32-290, filed 7/20/94, effective 9/20/94; Order 76-38, § 296-32-290, filed 12/30/76; Order 75-41, § 296-32-290, filed 12/19/75.] Repealed by WSR 17-20-069, filed 10/2/17, effective 1/1/18. Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, 49.17.040, 49.17.050, 49.17.060, and chapter 49.17 RCW.
296-32-300Materials handling and storage. [Statutory Authority: Chapter 49.17 RCW. WSR 94-15-096 (Order 94-07), § 296-32-300, filed 7/20/94, effective 9/20/94; Order 76-38, § 296-32-300, filed 12/30/76; Order 75-41, § 296-32-300, filed 12/19/75.] Repealed by WSR 17-20-069, filed 10/2/17, effective 1/1/18. Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, 49.17.040, 49.17.050, 49.17.060, and chapter 49.17 RCW.
296-32-310Cable fault locating and testing. [Order 76-38, § 296-32-310, filed 12/30/76; Order 75-41, § 296-32-310, filed 12/19/75.] Repealed by WSR 17-20-069, filed 10/2/17, effective 1/1/18. Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, 49.17.040, 49.17.050, 49.17.060, and chapter 49.17 RCW.
296-32-320Grounding for employee protection—Pole lines. [Statutory Authority: Chapter 49.17 RCW. WSR 94-15-096 (Order 94-07), § 296-32-320, filed 7/20/94, effective 9/20/94; Order 76-38, § 296-32-320, filed 12/30/76; Order 75-41, § 296-32-320, filed 12/19/75.] Repealed by WSR 17-20-069, filed 10/2/17, effective 1/1/18. Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, 49.17.040, 49.17.050, 49.17.060, and chapter 49.17 RCW.
296-32-330Overhead lines. [Order 76-38, § 296-32-330, filed 12/30/76; Order 75-41, § 296-32-330, filed 12/19/75.] Repealed by WSR 17-20-069, filed 10/2/17, effective 1/1/18. Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, 49.17.040, 49.17.050, 49.17.060, and chapter 49.17 RCW.
296-32-340Underground lines and cable vaults. [Order 76-38, § 296-32-340, filed 12/30/76; Order 75-41, § 296-32-340, filed 12/19/75.] Repealed by WSR 17-20-069, filed 10/2/17, effective 1/1/18. Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, 49.17.040, 49.17.050, 49.17.060, and chapter 49.17 RCW.
296-32-350Microwave transmission. [Order 76-38, § 296-32-350, filed 12/30/76; Order 75-41, § 296-32-350, filed 12/19/75.] Repealed by WSR 17-20-069, filed 10/2/17, effective 1/1/18. Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, 49.17.040, 49.17.050, 49.17.060, and chapter 49.17 RCW.
296-32-360Tree trimming—Electrical hazards. [Statutory Authority: Chapter 49.17 RCW. WSR 94-15-096 (Order 94-07), § 296-32-360, filed 7/20/94, effective 9/20/94; Order 76-38, § 296-32-360, filed 12/30/76; Order 75-41, § 296-32-360, filed 12/19/75.] Repealed by WSR 17-20-069, filed 10/2/17, effective 1/1/18. Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, 49.17.040, 49.17.050, 49.17.060, and chapter 49.17 RCW.
296-32-370Buried facilities—Communications lines and power lines in the same trench. [Order 75-41, § 296-32-370, filed 12/19/75.] Repealed by WSR 17-20-069, filed 10/2/17, effective 1/1/18. Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, 49.17.040, 49.17.050, 49.17.060, and chapter 49.17 RCW.