FINAL BILL REPORT

SSB 5405

                                  C 365 L 87

BYSenate Committee on Parks & Ecology (originally sponsored by Senators Talmadge, Bluechel, Newhouse, Sellar, Benitz, McDonald and Cantu)

Defining "hazardous substance" for purposes of the worker and community right to know act.

Senate Committee on Parks & Ecology

House Committe on Environmental Affairs

SYNOPSIS AS ENACTED

BACKGROUND:

In 1984 the Legislature passed the Worker and Community Right to Know Act establishing a program for disclosure of information regarding hazardous substances in the workplace.

"Consumer products" (products in the workplace commonly used by the public) were exempted in regulations written by the Department of Labor and Industries in 1984.  The exemption was repealed by the Department in 1985.

Many small businesses find compliance difficult because of added time and cost considerations associated with gathering information on consumer products.  Many employers believe that products commonly used by the public should not be regulated in the workplace.

The Department believes current regulations regarding consumer products are consistent with federal regulations.

SUMMARY:

Consumer products are exempt from provisions of the Worker Right-to-Know Act by legislative intent.

The Department of Labor and Industries will adopt rules consistent with the Washington Industrial Safety and Health Act.

VOTES ON FINAL PASSAGE:

      Senate    48     0

      House 90   0 (House amended)

      Senate    47     0 (Senate concurred)

EFFECTIVE:July 26, 1987