The purpose of this chapter is to make the workplace of electrical employees as free from recognized hazards as reasonably possible. Following these rules may sometimes require that employee safety receive a higher priority than speed and work performance. These rules exist to provide employee safety, so employees are expected, in good faith, to follow the provisions of this chapter. This chapter is not intended to be a complete job description nor is it expected that the chapter covers every hazard that an employee may encounter. When a hazard exists that is not covered by this chapter, the leadworker and employees are expected, in good faith, to mutually discuss the hazard and agree how to perform the work with the greatest degree of safety.

The department of labor and industries is the sole and paramount administrative agency responsible for the administration and interpretation of this chapter and the Washington Industrial Safety and Health Act of 1973. If there exists a question as to the meaning of any provision of this chapter, such question must first be directed to the department of labor and industries and its authorized representatives.

Experience has proven that the majority of injuries and deaths are preventable. Most injuries and deaths are not due to defective equipment but are due to failure on the part of the employees and those in authority to observe safety rules and failure to use safety devices. In the last analysis, this chapter is a compilation of experience and common sense. Electrical safety requires that the work be properly planned, executed by the use of good judgment and under the direction of intelligent supervision.