WSR 20-21-093
PREPROPOSAL STATEMENT OF INQUIRY
DEPARTMENT OF
LABOR AND INDUSTRIES
[Filed October 20, 2020, 11:58 a.m.]
Subject of Possible Rule Making: Wildfire smoke, chapter 296-62 WAC, General occupational health standards.
Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: The agency recognizes the hazard of wildfire smoke exposure is increasing every year and is now potentially presenting important health risks to all outdoor workers including those in construction and agriculture. Labor and industries has received a petition for rule making on this topic as well. California has adopted rules for workplace safety and health rules regarding wildfire smoke.
Wildfire smoke and cleanup presents hazards that employers and workers in affected regions must understand. Smoke from wildfires contains chemicals, gases and fine particles that can harm health. Health hazards continue even after fires have been extinguished and cleanup work begins. Proper protective equipment and training are essential for worker safety in wildfire regions.
Some of the issues that may be addressed are:
| |
| • | Identification of harmful exposures; |
| • | Communication; |
| • | Training and instruction; and |
| • | Control of harmful exposures. |
Other Federal and State Agencies that Regulate this Subject and the Process Coordinating the Rule with These Agencies: None.
Process for Developing New Rule: Parties interested in the formulation of these rules for proposal may contact the individual 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 Cynthia Ireland, Administrative Regulations Analyst, Department of Labor and Industries, Division of Occupational Safety and Health, P.O. Box 44620, Olympia, WA 98504-4620, phone 360-902-5522, fax 360-902-5619, email Cynthia.Ireland@Lni.wa.gov, website https://lni.wa.gov/rulemaking-activity/.
October 20, 2020
Joel Sacks
Director