SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 6606

BYSenators Warnke, Bender and Wojahn

Changing requirements for the removal of asbestos.

Senate Committee on Economic Development & Labor

Senate Hearing Date(s):February 4, 1988; February 5, 1988

Majority Report:  That Substitute Senate Bill No. 6606 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass.

      Signed by Senators Conner, McMullen, Saling, Smitherman, Warnke, Williams.

Senate Staff:Steve Boruchowitz (786-7429)

                  February 15, 1988

AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT & LABOR, FEBRUARY 5, 1988

BACKGROUND:

The 1986 federal Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act and related 1987 EPA rules require states to provide worker certification plans.  These plans must conform to a given model.  Additionally, there is some interest on the part of affected parties to further refine the certification process enacted by the state in 1985.

SUMMARY:

A "certified asbestos supervisor" category is added.  A supervisor is required to oversee each project and maintain a certain level of training.  Prenotification to the Department of Labor and Industries of asbestos removal projects is required.  Fines and other penalties are provided for failing to meet reporting requirements and for starting a project without conducting inspections or safety conferences.

EFFECT OF PROPOSED SUBSTITUTE:

In lieu of an inspection an owner or agent may state that it is reasonably certain asbestos is absent.  An appropriation is made from the accident fund to the department in the amount of $500,000 for the current biennium, which will be repaid from the asbestos fund.  Fee changes and the appropriation take effect immediately.  Use of the term "certified" is made consistent throughout.

Appropriation:    $500,000 from the accident fund

Revenue:    Fees for certification and training review

Fiscal Note:      available

Effective Date:Sections 10 and 13 of the bill contains an emergency clause and take effect immediately.  The remainder takes effect January 1, 1989.

Senate Committee - Testified: Chuck Bailey, Washington State Labor Council; Duke Schaub, AGC; Brent Knott, Association of Western Pulp and Paper Workers; Robert Dilger, Washington State Building and Trades Council; Steve Cant, Department of Labor and Industries