SENATE BILL REPORT

                            SB 5412

                    AS OF JANUARY 31, 1994

Brief Description:  Training and educating workers who handle paint and other coatings.

SPONSORS: Senators Prentice, Fraser, Sutherland and Moore

SENATE COMMITTEE ON LABOR & COMMERCE

Staff:  Patrick Woods (786-7430)

Hearing Dates: February 9, 1993; March 3, 1993; February 1, 1994

BACKGROUND:

 Currently, individuals who apply or remove paint or other coatings are not required to be certified or to complete a training program.

It is been asserted that many paints or coatings contain hazardous materials which, if not properly handled, may pose a danger to public health and the environment.

SUMMARY:

The original bill was not considered.

EFFECT OF PROPOSED SUBSTITUTE:

A paint and coating applicator's education, testing, and certification program is established within the Department of Labor and Industries.  Legislative intent is stated on excluding homeowners and landlords who subcontract for paint or coating application services.

A paint and coating applicator committee is established.  The committee is comprised of three members from associations whose primary purpose is to represent employers of the paint or coating applicators, three members from organizations that represent paint or coating applicators, two members of the paint or coating industry at large, and one member from the public.  The committee is authorized to report to the Director of Labor and Industries on a recommended program to educate and train paint and coating applicators.  The report shall include the following:  (1) a curriculum that meets existing federal and state mandated training standards; (2) specifications for hours, techniques and frequency of training; (3) an identification of industry hazards; (4) notification procedures to ensure that applicators are promptly notified of regulatory requirements; (5) recommendations for education and training of paint and coating applicators; (6) proposed rules for department revocation of painter training certifications in cases of noncompliance; and (7) advise the department on application and modification of rules.

The department is required to certify training programs that meet the standards as established under the program.  Certified training programs are required to issue a certificate to all individuals successfully completing the course of study.

 After June 30, 1995 employers are required to ensure that all paint and coating applicators are state certified.  The director is authorized to adopt rules to ensure that employers have a reasonable period in which to certify new employees and have access to temporary or seasonal labor.  The director is authorized to adopt rules and regulations to implement the program and the department may receive gifts, grants and endowments for the purposes of implementing the program.

Appropriation:  none

Revenue:  yes

Fiscal Note:  available