SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 5405

BYSenators 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

Senate Hearing Date(s):February 4, 1987; March 3, 1987

Majority Report:  That Substitute Senate Bill No. 5405 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass.

      Signed by Senators Kreidler, Chairman; Rinehart, Vice Chairman; Bluechel, Kiskaddon.

Senate Staff:Rick Anderson (786-7717)

                  March 5, 1987

AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON PARKS & ECOLOGY, MARCH 3, 1987

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  The exemption was repealed by the Department in 1985.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 exempted from the provisions of the Worker and Community Right to Know Act.

EFFECT OF PROPOSED SUBSTITUTE:

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

The Department of Labor and Industries will not be constrained by this Act to adopt rules less stringent than federal rules under the Occupation Safety and Health Act.

Fiscal Note:      none requested

Senate Committee - Testified: Gary Smith, IBA; Steve Cant, Department of Labor and Industries; Chuck Bailey, Washington State Labor Council AFL-CIO