FINAL BILL REPORT

                  ESB 5397

                          C 218 L 95

                      Synopsis as Enacted

Brief Description:  Revising provisions regulating asbestos certification.

Sponsors:  Senators Franklin and Pelz; by request of Department of Labor & Industries.

Senate Committee on Labor, Commerce & Trade

House Committee on Appropriations

House Committee on Commerce & Labor

Background:  Congress has expanded accreditation requirements for all persons who work with asbestos in public and commercial buildings.  While Washington State's asbestos certification program is currently fully accredited by the EPA, modifications making the certification program at least as stringent as new EPA requirements are necessary in order to retain accreditation.

Summary:  In accordance with federal mandate, inspectors conducting "Good Faith Survey" inspections of construction projects are required to have federally-recognized accreditation.  Certified contractors and supervisors are required for all asbestos abatement projects, which are defined as asbestos projects in areas measuring three square feet and three linear feet and greater.  In order to become certified, asbestos workers and supervisors are required to complete four- and five-day training programs, respectively.  The use of noncertified workers is no longer allowed for any asbestos projects conducted within a facility by its own workers.  Department of Labor and Industries rules relating to worker certification standards may only be adopted as specifically required, and only to the extent specifically required, in order to be in compliance with federal requirements governing this work.

It is also clarified that in cases in which an employer conducts an asbestos abatement project in its own facility and by its own employees, supervision can be performed in the regular course of a certified asbestos supervisor's duties.  Asbestos workers must have access to certified asbestos supervisors throughout the duration of the project.

Votes on Final Passage:

Senate    30 19

House     94 0 (House amended)

Senate    46 0 (Senate concurred)

Effective:  July 23, 1995