(1) This chapter applies to the following activities of each gas pipeline company: The construction, operation, maintenance, and safety of gas facilities used in the gathering, storage, distribution, and transmission of gas in this state.

(2) This chapter, with the exception of WAC 480-93-240, does not apply to gas pipeline systems exclusively under federal jurisdiction for compliance with pipeline safety regulations.

(3) While the commission's gas pipeline safety statutes and rules impose obligations on each gas pipeline company, a gas pipeline company may contract with a person to do tasks that are subject to these rules, such as excavation, construction, and maintenance. If the gas pipeline company's contractor (or any of its subcontractors) engages in conduct that violates commission rules applicable to the gas pipeline company, the gas pipeline company is subject to penalties and all other applicable remedies, as if the gas pipeline company itself engaged in that conduct.