WSR 97-16-119

PREPROPOSAL STATEMENT OF INQUIRY

DEPARTMENT OF

LABOR AND INDUSTRIES

[Filed August 6, 1997, 11:48 a.m.]

Subject of Possible Rule Making: High voltage electrical, chapters 296-44 and 296-45 WAC.

Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: RCW 49-17-010, [49.17].040, and [49.17].050.

Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: These rules will be proposed for amendment to be consistent with national codes and standards. Amendments will also be proposed to clarify information and to make the standard easier to use.

Other Federal and State Agencies that Regulate this Subject and the Process Coordinating the Rule with These Agencies: No other state or federal agencies (other than OSHA) are known that regulate this subject.

Process for Developing New Rule: The department has been meeting with the Electrical Utility Safety Advisory Committee to develop proposed rules. Interested parties may contact the individuals listed below. The public may also participate by commenting after amendments are proposed by providing written comments or giving oral testimony during the public hearing process.

Interested parties can participate in the decision to adopt the new rule and formulation of the proposed rule before publication by contacting Ron Dillon, Safety and Health Specialist, phone (360) 902-5562; or Chuck Blocher, Safety and Health Specialist, phone (360) 902-5523, FAX (360) 902-5529; Department of Labor and Industries, Division of Consultation and Compliance Services, P.O. Box 44620, Olympia, WA 98504-4620.

August 6, 1997

Lucille Christenson

for Gary Moore