S-2413               _______________________________________________

                                         SUBSTITUTE SENATE BILL NO. 4208

                        _______________________________________________

State of Washington                              49th Legislature                              1985 Regular Session

By Senate Committee on Commerce and Labor (originally sponsored by Senators Warnke, Bottiger, McManus, Bender, Rasmussen and Owen)

Read first time 3/8/85.

AN ACT Relating to mine safety and rescue; adding new sections to chapter 38.52 RCW; and adding new sections to chapter 43.12 RCW.

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

NEW SECTION. Sec. 1.  A new section is added to chapter 38.52 RCW to read as follows:

          The department of emergency management shall consult with appropriate local, state, federal, and private sector officials in developing a comprehensive state mine rescue plan.  The plan shall identify mine rescue resources, set forth a framework for a coordinated response to mine rescue emergencies, identify shortfalls, and recommend solutions.

          The draft of the comprehensive state mine rescue plan and a schedule for submittal of the final plan shall be submitted to the legislature on January 13, 1986.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 2.  A new section is added to chapter 43.12 RCW to read as follows:

          The department of natural resources shall work with federal officials to insure the prompt sealing of open holes and mine shafts that constitute a threat to safety.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 3.  A new section is added to chapter 43.12 RCW to read as follows:

          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 natural resources.  The department shall establish by rule the scale and contents required for the maps.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 4.  A new section is added to chapter 38.52 RCW to read as follows:

          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.