WSR 05-13-151

PERMANENT RULES

DEPARTMENT OF

LABOR AND INDUSTRIES

[ Filed June 21, 2005, 1:31 p.m. , effective July 22, 2005 ]


     

     Purpose: Public records, chapter 296-06 WAC, the public records rules have been written. Outdated information and language was replaced to enhance public and department usability. An indexing system has been established to assist the public in accessing L&I public records.

     Citation of Existing Rules Affected by this Order: Amending WAC 296-06-010 through 296-06-150 and [new section] 296-06-175.

     Statutory Authority for Adoption: For WAC 296-06-010 is chapter 43.17 RCW, RCW 42.17.250, [42.17].251, 51.04.020, 51.04.030; for WAC 296-06-020 is chapter 43.17 RCW, RCW 42.17.250 (1)(a), 51.04.020, 51.04.030; for WAC 296-06-030 is chapter 43.17 RCW, RCW 42.17.250, 42.17.290, 51.04.020, 51.04.030; for WAC 296-06-040 is chapter 43.17 RCW, RCW 42.17.250 (1)(a) and (c), 42.17.290, 51.04.020, 51.04.030; for WAC 296-06-050 is RCW 42.17.250 (1)(b) and (c), 42.17.290; for WAC 296-06-080 is RCW 51.28.070, 51.16.070; for WAC 296-06-090 is RCW 43.17.060, 51.04.020, 51.04.030; for WAC 296-06-100 is RCW 42.17.270, [42.17].280, [42.17].290; for WAC 296-06-110 is RCW 42.17.260(1), 42.17.320, 42.17.290; for WAC 296-06-120 is RCW 42.17.260 (7) and (8), 42.17.270, 42.17.280, 42.17.290, 42.17.300, 42.17.305; for WAC 296-06-130 is RCW 42.17.260(1), 42.17.320; for WAC 296-06-140 is RCW 42.17.290, 42.17.320, 42.17.325; for WAC 296-06-150 is RCW 42.17.290; and for WAC 296-06-175 is RCW 42.17.260 (5), (6).

     Other Authority: Chapter 483, Laws of 2005 (2SHB 1758).

      Adopted under notice filed as WSR 05-09-058 on April 19, 2005.

     Changes Other than Editing from Proposed to Adopted Version: WAC 269-06-170 renumbered as WAC 296-06-175.

     The note in WAC 296-06-110(1) was revised with respect to oral requests.

     Language compliant with section 1, chapter 483, Laws of 2005, was added to the note in WAC 296-06-110(2).

     Language compliant with section 2, chapter 483, Laws of 2005, was added to the text of WAC 296-06-120.

     Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Comply with Federal Statute: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; Federal Rules or Standards: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Recently Enacted State Statutes: New 0, Amended 2, Repealed 0.

     Number of Sections Adopted at Request of a Nongovernmental Entity: New 1, Amended 3, Repealed 0.

     Number of Sections Adopted on the Agency's Own Initiative: New 0, Amended 13, Repealed 0.

     Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Clarify, Streamline, or Reform Agency Procedures: New 1, Amended 13, Repealed 0.

     Number of Sections Adopted Using Negotiated Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0;      Pilot Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Other Alternative Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.

     Date Adopted: June 21, 2005.

Gary Weeks

Director

OTS-7965.5


AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending WSR 90-07-004, filed 3/9/90, effective 4/9/90)

WAC 296-06-010   Purpose.   The department of labor and industries (L&I) is ((a department)) an agency of state government created by RCW 43.17.010. ((It shall hereafter)) In this chapter it shall be referred to as the "department." Where appropriate, "department" also refers to its staff and employees. The ((department promulgates)) purpose of this chapter is to ensure compliance with the public records provisions of chapter 42.17 RCW((, and in particular with sections of that act dealing with public records)).

[Statutory Authority: RCW 51.04.020(4) and 51.04.030. 90-07-004, § 296-06-010, filed 3/9/90, effective 4/9/90; Order 76-27, § 296-06-010, filed 9/28/76; Order 73-12, § 296-06-010, filed 7/31/73.]


AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending WSR 90-07-004, filed 3/9/90, effective 4/9/90)

WAC 296-06-020   Description of department organization ((of the department)).   (1) Central organization. The chief executive officer of the department is the director of labor and industries, ((hereinafter called)) referred to here as "director." ((He or she)) The director is appointed by the governor with the consent of the senate ((to hold office)) and serves at the pleasure of the governor. The department is organized in six regions across five divisions: ((Industrial insurance, industrial safety and health, industrial relations, apprenticeship, and building and construction safety inspection services.)) Insurance services, WISHA (Washington Industrial Safety and Health Act) services, specialty compliance services, operations, and field services. Each region and division is responsible to a deputy director or assistant director appointed by the director((, although the industrial relations and apprenticeship divisions both report to one assistant director, whose appointment as the head of apprenticeship must be confirmed by the Washington state apprenticeship and training council, the members of which are also appointed by the director. This combined industrial relations and apprenticeship division, which includes a section to administer the Crime Victims Act, chapter 7.68 RCW, is known as the employment standards, apprenticeship and crime victims compensation division)). Major policy decisions, rule-making, and the primary administrative functions of the department are carried out by the department's central organizations in Olympia.

     (2) Field ((organization)) services.

     (((a))) The department maintains service locations, or major field offices, in ((seventeen)) many cities ((other than Olympia)). These service locations are grouped into six regions throughout the state, each ((of which is)) headed by a regional ((field service manager. In addition, certain programs operate field offices in other cities, but these are not complete service locations and are not required to keep complete policy manuals and other records available for public inspection.

     (b) The department's rehabilitation center in Tukwila is headed by a superintendent)) administrator.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 51.04.020(4) and 51.04.030. 90-07-004, § 296-06-020, filed 3/9/90, effective 4/9/90; Order 76-27, § 296-06-020, filed 9/28/76; Order 73-12, § 296-06-020, filed 7/31/73.]


AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending WSR 90-07-004, filed 3/9/90, effective 4/9/90)

WAC 296-06-030   Locations ((of established places)) where information about the department may be obtained and the department(('s)) public records inspected and copied.   (1) ((Olympia)) Tumwater office.

     (((a))) The office of the director, the administrative office of the department, the main offices of the divisions ((of industrial insurance)), and the office of the public records officer are in the ((General Administration Building, Olympia)) Labor and Industries headquarters building, Tumwater, Washington. ((The main offices of the other divisions are located at the following places: Industrial Safety and Health at 805 Plum Street S.E., Olympia, Washington; Apprenticeship, Employment Standards, and Crime Victims Compensation at 925 Plum Street S.E., Olympia, Washington; and Building and Construction Safety Inspection Services at 406 Legion Way S.E., Olympia, Washington.)) General information about the department and its divisions may be obtained at ((these places)) this location, and on the internet at www.lni.wa.gov.

     (2) Field offices.

     (a) General information about the department may also be obtained at its service locations, or ((major)) field offices, at the ((following places:


     Aberdeen, P.O. Box 66,

     2700 Simpson Avenue 98520-0013


     Bellingham, P.O. Box 608,

     2500 Elm Street, Suite F, 98227


     Bremerton, 4841 Auto Center Way,

     Suite 201, 98312-3440


     Ephrata,

     21 "C" Street, Southwest, 98823-1895


     Everett, P.O. Box 67,

     8625 Evergreen Way, Suite 250, 98206


     Kelso,

     711 Vine Street, 98626-2621


     Kennewick, 500 North Morain,

     Suite 1110, 99336


     Mount Vernon,

     1220 Memorial Highway, 98273-3262


     Okanogan, P.O. Box 632,

     1234 2nd Avenue South, 98840


     Port Angeles,

     1026 East First Street, Suite 1, 98362


     Seattle,

     300 West Harrison, 98119


     Spokane,

     TAF-C33, E. 3901 Main, 99220


     Tacoma, Room 305, Public Service Building,

     1305 Tacoma Avenue South, 98402-1988


     Vancouver,

     10401 N.E., 4th Plain, 98662


     Walla Walla,

     1815 Portland Avenue, Suite 2, 99362


     Wenatchee,

     123 Ohme Garden Road, 98801


     Yakima,

     1716 South 16th Avenue, 98902-5713)) addresses listed on the internet at www.lni.wa.gov and/or found on the state government pages of local area telephone directories.


     (b) ((Information about the extended care services offered injured workers, including physical therapy, special instruction, or vocational counseling, may be obtained from the department's Rehabilitation Center at 12806 Gateway Drive, Tukwila, Washington 98168.)) Requests for public records containing confidential information will be processed only through the Tumwater office, unless the requestor is authorized to access them.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 51.04.020(4) and 51.04.030. 90-07-004, § 296-06-030, filed 3/9/90, effective 4/9/90; Order 76-27, § 296-06-030, filed 9/28/76; Order 73-12, § 296-06-030, filed 7/31/73.]


AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending WSR 90-07-004, filed 3/9/90, effective 4/9/90)

WAC 296-06-040   Operations and procedures.   The general ((course and method of channeling and determining the)) operations ((of the five divisions)) and procedures of the department's ((and the nature of requirements of all formal and informal procedures connected therewith)) five divisions are summarized ((in the following subsections:)) below. For more information, go to: www.lni.wa.gov.

     (1) ((Industrial insurance. This division administers medical care and payment of disability compensation for workers (or their dependents or survivors) sustaining job injuries or occupational diseases. Virtually all employers in the state must provide this industrial insurance coverage. The medical program of the state fund is funded through payments by employers and employees. The disability payments by the state fund are funded by premiums collected from employers. Descriptions of procedures to be followed by employers and employees are outlined in department publications entitled Employers' Guide to Industrial Insurance and Workers' Guide to Industrial Insurance Benefits.

     In order to ensure that premium costs are equitably distributed, the division sets rates, determines classifications, rates individual firms based on claims experience, and periodically audits businesses to ensure accurate reporting and premium payment. Information about the records required during an industrial insurance audit can be found in the department publication Preparing for Your Audit.

     The division also provides guidance to individual employers and groups of employers in controlling industrial insurance premiums through better claims management, return-to-work efforts, and effective safety programs, as well as through a financial incentive program known as retrospective rating. Further information is available in Guide to Loss Control and Retrospective Rating.

     The department also certifies certain employers to become "self-insured," which means that they are permitted to pay the legally defined industrial insurance benefits from their own funds. After the department certifies an employer as a self-insurer, it monitors all claims for injury benefits to make certain employees receive all rightful benefits. Descriptions of procedures to be followed by self-insured employers and their employees are outlined in Employers' Guide to Self-insurance and Employees of Self-insured Businesses: Guide to Industrial Insurance Benefits.

     (2) Industrial safety and health. This division endeavors to prevent job injuries and illnesses by adopting and enforcing safety and health standards and by training employers and employees in safe working procedures. It administers the Washington Industrial Safety and Health Act (WISHA), operating under a state plan agreement with the federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). Employer and employee procedures and responsibilities are outlined in the department's publications, A Guide to WISHA and Workplace Safety and Health Standards. Information about voluntary consultations to improve workplace safety can be found in Free. No Fault. No Hassle., and reporting workplace accidents to OSHA is outlined in Injury and Illness Recordkeeping Requirements.

     (3) Employment standards, apprenticeship and crime victims compensation. The industrial relations, or employment standards, portion of this division administers the laws regulating wages, hours, and working conditions. It also enforces the minimum wage and family care laws and may assist in the collection of claims for unpaid wages. The industrial statistician determines the "prevailing rate of wage" on public works contracts and gathers information on wages and conditions of labor in the state, the consumer price index, standard family budgets, and manpower data on the labor force, employment, unemployment, and earnings. The section headed by the supervisor of employment standards administers the state employment standard designed to protect the health, safety, and welfare of the vast majority of employees. This section also issues minor work permits designed to protect young workers from exploitation and hazardous environments. More information on this subject can be found in Youth in the Job Force: A Guide for Employers and Minor Workers. Industrial relations agents investigate complaints of violations of employment standards, the minimum wage law and other wage laws; hold conferences between employees and employers; inspect records; make investigations to determine whether or not there have been violations of statutes, rules, or regulations; and suggest remedial actions.

     The apprenticeship portion of this division, with the Washington state apprenticeship and training council, administers the apprenticeship training law for those persons desiring to become skilled in any one of various trades, crafts, and services. Local joint apprenticeship committees and program sponsors throughout the state are responsible for the actual training. This division acts as a liaison between theses committees and the council to make certain that the policies of the council are followed uniformly. The division also administers on-the-job training programs for those persons training in occupations other than occupations in which apprenticeship is an option.

     The crime victims compensation section of this division pays medical and disability benefits to innocent victims (or to their dependents or survivors) who sustain injuries as a result of criminal acts. Benefit payments and procedures are outlined in the department's publication Help for Crime Victims. This section also certifies local prosecutor-based victim-witness units.

     (4) Building and construction safety inspection services. This division administers programs designed to protect the life, health, and property of the general public. The various sections of this division issue licenses; promulgate rules and regulations; certify standards; and ensure compliance. The division conducts electrical inspections; registers electrical contractors; inspects and regulates the use of boilers and pressure vessels; inspects elevators; ensures compliance with the standards for the manufacture, lease, and sale of mobile homes and recreational vehicles; enforces the statutes, rules, and regulations governing factory-built structures; reviews electrical plans for health care facilities, plans for elevators and other conveyances, and plans for factory-assembled structures; tests and licenses plumbers and electricians; and registers general and specialty contractors.)) Insurance services.

     This division administers Washington's workers' compensation program -- medical care and disability benefits for workers who are injured on the job. Every business with employees must provide this coverage. L&I administers the "state fund," which covers the majority of the state's workers. Through its self-insurance program, it also monitors coverage offered by large companies that choose to self-insure and manage their own claims.

     This division includes all of the workers' compensation programs that:

     • Manage injured worker claims;

     • Bill employers for their required quarterly premiums;

     • Pay health care (and other) providers for their services.

     The division also:

     • Sets workers' compensation rates;

     • Helps employers control their premiums through a variety of financial incentive, claims management, return-to-work and safety programs;

     • Administers the department's crime victims compensation program, which covers those who are injured as a result of criminal acts.

     More information is available at www.LNI.wa.gov/ClaimsIns.

     (2) WISHA services.

     This division administers the Washington Industrial Safety and Health Act (WISHA), under a state plan agreement with the federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). It aids in the prevention of job injuries and illnesses by adopting and enforcing safety and health standards and by training employers and employees in safe working procedures.

     Through the RCW, the legislature has directed L&I to administer and enforce three additional programs. These programs are also handled by WISHA:

     • Asbestos, including certifications and notifications of asbestos projects;

     • Explosives, regulating the possession, handling, and use of explosives or explosive devices;

     • Worker and community right to know, which provides a way of communicating information regarding hazardous substances in the workplace and the community.

     Employer and employee procedures and responsibilities, and information about voluntary consultations to improve workplace safety can be found on the internet at www.lni.wa.gov/FormPublications. Information about reporting workplace accidents to OSHA can be found on the internet at http://www.osha.gov/pls/publications/pubindex.list.

     (3) Specialty compliance services.

     This division encompasses several diverse programs related to the construction trades, workplace rights, and apprenticeship. Its programs' duties include:

     • Registering contractors to ensure they are bonded and insured.

     • Licensing electrical contractors and elevator mechanics.

     • Certifying plumbers and electricians.

     • Regulating and inspecting:

     – Electrical installations.

     – Boilers and pressure vessels.

     – Factory assembled structures.

     – Elevators and other conveyances.

     Employment standards program:

     Develops and enforces rules regulating wages (including prevailing wages for public works projects) and hours, and working conditions, including those for teenagers.

     Apprenticeship program:

     Administers the state's apprenticeship training laws and policies.

     (4) Operations.

     This area includes several internal support divisions including administrative services, information services, the office of human resources, and fraud prevention and compliance.

     Fraud prevention and compliance:

     This division encompasses several diverse programs related to the prevention of abuse in the workers' compensation system. Its programs include:

     • Audit.

     • Collections.

     • Detection and tracking.

     • Firm appeals.

     • Investigations.

     • Significant employer cases.

     (5) Field services.

     This division provides the agency with local department program service throughout its service locations in six geographic regions of Washington.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 51.04.020(4) and 51.04.030. 90-07-004, § 296-06-040, filed 3/9/90, effective 4/9/90; Order 76-27, § 296-06-040, filed 9/28/76; Order 73-12, § 296-06-040, filed 7/31/73.]


AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending Order 76-27, filed 9/28/76)

WAC 296-06-050   ((Rules of procedure, substantive rules, general policy statements, and interpretations of general applicability.)) Department rules.   The department's rules ((of procedures, substantive rules of general applicability, and statements of general policy and interpretations of general applicability)), adopted as authorized by law, are ((contained)) in Title 296 WAC.

[Order 76-27, § 296-06-050, filed 9/28/76; Order 73-12, § 296-06-050, filed 7/31/73.]


AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending WSR 90-07-004, filed 3/9/90, effective 4/9/90)

WAC 296-06-080   Authorization ((for)) to release ((of)) information.   ((Any person having a right of privacy in any public records of the department may authorize the inspection and copying of any such records by persons not otherwise so authorized by providing the department with a signed and dated written authorization describing the records covered by the authorization, and naming the person or persons authorized to inspect and copy. In the event that a department file contains information related to a disease or condition usually transmitted through sexual contact, or to testing for the presence of such a disease, the authorization to release information must be specific to sexually transmitted disease. A general authorization to release information is not adequate for the release of information related to sexually transmitted disease. The department shall make a record of all authorizations to release information. The authorizations shall be immediately attached to such files and records and shall become a part thereof. No such authorization shall be valid until submitted to the department.)) Some public records are protected from inspection and/or copying by state and/or federal law. You may access these records by either:

     • Being the person legally authorized to access them; or

     • Getting a notarized written authorization from the person with legal access. This authorization must:

     – Include a description of the records.

     – State the name of the person or persons authorized to inspect and copy the records.

     – Be signed and dated by the person with legal access to the records.

Note: If the records contain information about a disease or a condition usually transmitted through sexual contact, the release authorization must specifically mention sexually transmitted disease.
     Authorizations to release information, once submitted to the department, become a part of the public record and the department's files.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 51.04.020(4) and 51.04.030. 90-07-004, § 296-06-080, filed 3/9/90, effective 4/9/90; Order 76-27, § 296-06-080, filed 9/28/76; Order 73-12, § 296-06-080, filed 7/31/73.]


AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending WSR 90-07-004, filed 3/9/90, effective 4/9/90)

WAC 296-06-090   Public records officer.   ((The department's public records officer shall have charge of its public records. He or she shall have an office in the administrative office of the department at Olympia, Washington. He or she shall be responsible for the enforcement of the department's rules and regulations regarding the release of public records, and shall ensure compliance and cooperation of the department's staff with the public records disclosure requirements of chapter 42.17 RCW. He or she may choose such designees as may be necessary.)) The department will designate a public records officer to be in charge of its public records. This officer will have an office at the department's Tumwater headquarters. They are responsible for the enforcement of the department's rules and regulations regarding the release of public records, and for making sure the department's staff cooperates and complies with the public disclosure requirements of chapter 42.17 RCW. They may appoint delegates to help with the work as necessary.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 51.04.020(4) and 51.04.030. 90-07-004, § 296-06-090, filed 3/9/90, effective 4/9/90; Order 76-27, § 296-06-090, filed 9/28/76; Order 73-12, § 296-06-090, filed 7/31/73.]


AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending WSR 90-07-004, filed 3/9/90, effective 4/9/90)

WAC 296-06-100   Office hours.   ((The customary office hours of the department's Olympia offices and complete service locations, for the purpose of inspection and copying of any of the department's public records as provided by this chapter, shall be from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, excluding legal holidays. The only exceptions to this are the Okanogan and Walla Walla service locations, where the customary office hours shall be from 8:00 a.m. to noon and from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.)) Inspecting and copying the department's public records will be allowed only during regular office hours, which are 8:00 a.m. through 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, not including legal holidays.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 51.04.020(4) and 51.04.030. 90-07-004, § 296-06-100, filed 3/9/90, effective 4/9/90; Order 76-27, § 296-06-100, filed 9/28/76; Order 73-12, § 296-06-100, filed 7/31/73.]


AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending WSR 90-07-004, filed 3/9/90, effective 4/9/90)

WAC 296-06-110   ((Requests for)) Requesting public records.   ((Persons requesting opportunity to copy or inspect the department's public records shall follow these procedures:

     (1) Informal oral requests may be made to any of the department's full service locations or its office in Olympia.

     (2) The department may require a person who has made an informal request to submit a formal written request.

     (3) All formal requests shall be submitted by mail or personally to the deputy director or assistant director who heads the division or the section from which records are being requested. If such a request is misdirected, department staff shall forward it to the proper person.

     (4) Each formal request shall include the following information:

     (a) The name of the person or persons making the request;

     (b) The time of day and calendar date on which the request is made;

     (c) The nature of the request, including description of the requested records by title, subject matter, date, and other means of enabling the staff of the department to identify the requested records and make them available.

     (d) A signed statement that the material will not be used for commercial purposes, in the event that a list of any type is included in the material being requested.

     (5) The staff of the department shall assist any person making a request, whether formal or informal, in identifying the requested record or records but in the event the records cannot be identified, the department shall so advise the person making the request, and, in the case of formal requests, return the formal request for resubmission with additional description of the requested records.

     (6) When any request is made to inspect and copy material in files and public records where a right of privacy is involved, or when such files and records are exempt by any other provision of law, inspection and copying shall not be permitted until the authorization described in WAC 296-06-080, together with a formal request, is presented to the department.)) (1) You can request an inspection or copy of the department's public records by either:

     • Making a request at any of the department's service locations; or

     • Sending a written request to the L&I public disclosure unit at:

     Department of Labor & Industries

     Public Disclosure Unit

     Post Office Box 44632

     Olympia, WA 98504-4632

Note: If you make an oral request, the department may put your request in writing and give or send a copy of it to you for confirmation or written correction.
     (2) Written requests must include the following:

     • The requestor's name.

     • The date the request is being made.

     • A description of the requested records, including the title, subject matter, date the records were made, and any other identifying information.

     • A signed statement that the material will not be used for commercial purposes, if the requested material includes a list of individuals.

Note: Department staff will assist the requestor in identifying records if needed. If the request is not clear, the department will ask for clarification. If no clarification is received, the department will not respond. The department shall not deny a request for identifiable public records solely on the basis that the request is overbroad.
     (3) Records that are protected by an individual's rights to privacy will not be released until the authorization described in WAC 296-06-080 is submitted, with the written request, to the department.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 51.04.020(4) and 51.04.030. 90-07-004, § 296-06-110, filed 3/9/90, effective 4/9/90; Order 76-27, § 296-06-110, filed 9/28/76; Order 73-12, § 296-06-110, filed 7/31/73.]


AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending WSR 90-07-004, filed 3/9/90, effective 4/9/90)

WAC 296-06-120   Copying ((and)) fees.   ((Where copies of public records are requested, the department may charge a fee, to be set by the public records officer, for reimbursement of its actual costs incident to such a request. The fees the contractor registration section charges for copies of material from a contractor's file are set out in WAC 296-200-900. Whenever copies of public records are mailed to the person making the request, the department may require reimbursement for postage costs. All copies made at the request of persons desiring copies on copy equipment of the department will be made by department staff at times when the making of such copies will not unreasonably disrupt the operations of the department. If the records to be copied contain information that would violate any right of personal privacy, the department staff member shall prevent such information from appearing on any copy. Where the use of such equipment does not harm the public records or impede the normal work of the department, those requesting copies of public records may use their own copying equipment and paper without charge, but in such event the department staff will supervise the copying at all times.)) The department may charge the requestor a fee for reimbursement of actual copying costs and postage costs. The department may require a deposit of up to ten percent of the estimated cost of all copies. If the department delivers a public records request on a partial or installment basis, it may charge for each part of the request as it is provided. If an installment of a records request is not claimed or reviewed within thirty days, subject to a case-by-case consideration, the department is not obligated to complete the balance of the request. Requestors may make their own copies at a department location, under the supervision of a department staff member, if the records will not be harmed and it will not interfere with the normal work of the department.

Note: Copying charges for various media are found on the internet at www.lni.wa.gov. The contractor registration section and electrical program charge separate fees for copies of material from a contractor's or an electrician's files. These fees are in WAC 296-200-900 and 296-46B-910.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 51.04.020(4) and 51.04.030. 90-07-004, § 296-06-120, filed 3/9/90, effective 4/9/90. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.27.040, 42.17.290 and 42.17.300. 82-18-026 (Order 82-26), § 296-06-120, filed 8/25/82; Order 76-27, § 296-06-120, filed 9/28/76; Order 73-12, § 296-06-120, filed 7/31/73.]


AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending WSR 90-07-004, filed 3/9/90, effective 4/9/90)

WAC 296-06-130   Denials of ((requests for public)) records requests.   ((Only the public records officer or his or her designee shall have the power to deny a request for public records. Action on all such requests shall be prompt. In cases of informal requests, any member of the department's staff to whom an informal request is made may require the person making the request to submit a formal request or such staff member may bring the matter to the attention of the assistant director or his designee of the division from which records are being requested.

     A decision on a formal request may be deferred for a reasonable time but immediate written notice of such deferral shall be given. All denials of requests for public records shall be in written form. All denials shall include a statement specifying the reason for the denial, a statement of any exemption authorizing withholding the record and a brief explanation of how the exemption applies to the record withheld, and the signature of the public records officer or his or her designee.)) The public records officer and his or her designees have the power to deny a request for public records. Denials must include:

     • The reason for the denial.

     • A statement of any exemption that authorizes the denial of the record.

     • A brief explanation of how the exemption applies to the withheld record.

     • The signature of the public records officer or their designee.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 51.04.020(4) and 51.04.030. 90-07-004, § 296-06-130, filed 3/9/90, effective 4/9/90; Order 76-27, § 296-06-130, filed 9/28/76; Order 73-12, § 296-06-130, filed 7/31/73.]


AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending WSR 90-07-004, filed 3/9/90, effective 4/9/90)

WAC 296-06-140   ((Review)) Appeal of denial((s)) of requests ((for inspection or copying of public records)).   ((After any request for inspection or copying is denied, any person may petition the department to review its denial. Any such petition for review must be made in writing to the public records officer prior to the end of the second business day following the denial. Such petition shall specifically refer to the denial and shall contain a brief statement or any reasons for reconsideration of the denial. Any such petition shall be immediately referred to the director or such persons as he or she may designate to review such petitions. The person reviewing such petitions shall review and reconsider the matter and either affirm or reverse the denial and communicate the decision to the person submitting the petition prior to the end of the second business day following the petition for review.)) After a request for inspection or copying of public records is denied, the requestor may ask the department to review the denial. The request for review must:

     • Be made in writing.

     • Be sent to the public records officer or his/her designee after receiving the denial.

     • Specifically refer to the denial.

     • Contain a brief statement that gives reasons for reconsideration of the denial.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 51.04.020(4) and 51.04.030. 90-07-004, § 296-06-140, filed 3/9/90, effective 4/9/90; Order 76-27, § 296-06-140, filed 9/28/76; Order 73-12, § 296-06-140, filed 7/31/73.]


AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending WSR 90-07-004, filed 3/9/90, effective 4/9/90)

WAC 296-06-150   Protection of public records.   ((The department shall protect public records from damage or disorganization and prevent excessive interference with other essential functions of the department. All inspections of public records shall be supervised by a department staff member. Any staff member supervising public records inspection may decline to act upon the requests of person who are intoxicated, violent, abusive, threatening, or disruptive, and may terminate the inspection or copying of public records by such persons. Any staff member supervising public records inspection will at all times ensure that those inspecting the department's public records do not tear, mutilate, mark, or otherwise harm such records and shall terminate the inspection or copying of public records by any person who has harmed such records. The staff member may limit inspection and copying to any extent necessary to prevent such activity from unreasonably disrupting the department's operations. Any staff member supervising public records inspection shall at all times provide full, prompt, courteous assistance to persons requesting the inspection and copying of the department's public records.)) The department will protect its public records from damage or disorganization. Public records requests will not be allowed to interfere with essential functions of the department.

     All inspections of public records will be supervised by a department staff member. Staff members will not allow records to be inspected or copied by anyone who is intoxicated, violent, abusive, threatening, or otherwise disruptive. Anyone who displays these characteristics during a records inspection may have the inspection terminated by department staff.

     Staff members who are supervising the inspection or copying of public records will make sure of the following:

     • Records are not torn, mutilated, marked, or otherwise harmed by the requestor.

     • Inspection and copying activities do not disrupt the department's operations.

     • Full, prompt, and courteous assistance is provided to the requestor.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 51.04.020(4) and 51.04.030. 90-07-004, § 296-06-150, filed 3/9/90, effective 4/9/90; Order 76-27, § 296-06-150, filed 9/28/76; Order 73-12, § 296-06-150, filed 7/31/73.]


NEW SECTION
WAC 296-06-175   Records index.   The department of labor and industries will maintain a current index as required by RCW 42.17.260. The index will consist of record types and/or descriptions, their locations, and availabilities. These records will be made available according to public disclosure law. The agency records index is accessible online at www.lni.wa.gov. The index will be updated as needed. Copies of the index will be provided upon request by the public disclosure unit.

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