| By Number |  | |
WISHA provides rule guidance to staff through two types of policies:
- WISHA Interim Operations and Interpretive Memoranda (WIIM)
- WISHA Regional Directives (WRD)
The WIIMs and WRDs do not:
- Substitute for the rule or requirement referenced
- Create additional obligations for employers
The following is a list of all WISHA policies in effect as of 7/7/2008
Look Up: WRDs | WIIMs | > All Policies Sort By: Policy Name | > Policy Number | Date Issued |
| Policy Number | Policy Name | Description | Date Issued |
 WIIM 97-2-F |
Bullard's Type CE, Abrasive Blasting Respirators & Lead Protection | Provides guidance to WISHA staff on enforcement of the respiratory protection requirements in construction when Bullard Type CE repsirators are used for lead protection. | 2/28/1997 |
| WIIM 97-7-A |
Orders of Immediate Restraint | Provides guidance to WISHA staff on issuing OIR's and protocols when an OIR is appealed. | 7/25/1997 |
| WIIM 97-7-D |
Coding the WISHA-1 Inspection Report Form | Provides guidance and policy to WISHA staff on use of "optional codes" on the WISHA 1. | 7/25/1997 |
| WIIM 97-7-E |
Respirator Selection Specifications for Fire Fighters | Provides guidance to WISHA staff on enforcment of respiratory standarrds within Chapter 305 when airline respirators are used. | 7/25/1997 |
| WIIM 97-7-G |
Mechanical Removal of Asbestos-Containing Floor Tile | Provides guidance to WISHA staff regarding the enforcement of asbestos standards when a stationary flat blade attached to a motorized vehicle is used in the removal of vinyl asbestos floor tile and mastic. | 7/25/1997 |
| WIIM 98-11-A |
Special Emphasis Programs for Lead and Silica | Provides guidance to WISHA Industrial Hygiene Supervisors on the use of silica and lead targeting protocols for staff assignments | 11/30/1998 |
| WIIM 98-1-L |
Preventing Lead Exposure When Welding, etc., in Enclosed or Confined Spaces | provides guidance to WISHA staff on enforcing the requirements of WAC 296-155-176 over those of WAC 296-115-415 and WAC 296-155-420 as they relate to lead. | 1/6/1998 |
| Policy Number |
Policy Name | Description | Date Issued |
| WIIM 98-2-A |
Non-Agricultural Use of Pesticides | Provides guidance to WISHA staff regarding appropriate application of pesticide safety requirements to employers and activities outside the scope of the Agriculture Standard. | 2/26/1998 |
| WIIM 98-5-A |
Enforcement of Chapter 296-45 (High Voltage) | provides guidance on who may conduct high voltage inspections. | 5/4/1998 |
| WIIM 98-5-C |
Training Requirements for Newly Hired WISHA Staff | Provides policy on training requirements for new WISHA staff who perform regulatory duties | 5/4/1998 |
| WIIM 98-5-D |
Technical Training of Current WISHA Staff | Provides policy on minimum training requirements for all WISHA staff. | 5/4/1998 |
| WIIM 99-1-B |
Decertification of Asbestos Abatement Contractors and Supervisors | Provides guidance to WISHA staff with respect to the decertification of asbestos supervisors and asbestos abatement contractors. | 1/19/1999 |
| WIIM 99-1-F |
Grouping of WISHA Violations | provides guidance to WISHA Staff on appropriate grouping of violations | 1/19/1999 |
| WRD 1.00 |
DOSH Policy Process | DOSH Policy Process defines the relationship between WISHA Regional Directives and interim memos. | 7/7/2006 |
| WRD 1.15 |
Dual Employers & DOSH Enforcement | Shared liability for a violation when employee exposure present and 2 or more employers are involved | 7/7/2006 |
| Policy Number |
Policy Name | Description | Date Issued |
| WRD 1.18 |
Employers Exposed to Hazards | When to cite for employer exposure to a hazard that could result in employee exposure | 1/8/2007 |
| WRD 1.19 |
Homeowners as General Contractors/Employers | WISHA jurisdiction over homeowners who are "acting as the general contractor" in building their own homes, | 7/7/2006 |
| WRD 1.35 |
Identification of Public Employers for DOSH Purposes | Which public entity to name on the citation and when repeat / FTA violations are appropriate. | 7/7/2006 |
| WRD 1.40 |
WISHA Jurisdiction Over DOC & Jail Inmates | Provides guidance on when an inmate can be considered an "employee" and protocols for evaluating S&H complaints | 7/7/2006 |
| WRD 1.45 |
Voluntary Rescue Activities by Employees | Determining whether an employee's efforts to rescue another person constitute a "recognized" hazard, | 7/7/2006 |
| WRD 1.90 |
Handling WISHA Complaints by L&I Employees | Provides a specific complaint handling process to address the unique situation presented by safety and/or health complaints about L&I's own operations | 7/7/2006 |
| WRD 1.95 |
Workplace Safety & Health Complaints | Provides clarification and guidance to all DOSH staff regarding classification and response to employee complaints and reports of workplace hazards. | 6/27/2007 |
| WRD 2.05 |
Initiating Inspections | Provides protocol guidance to DOSH enforcement staff on initiating inspections for any reason | 5/9/2006 |
| Policy Number |
Policy Name | Description | Date Issued |
| WRD 2.08 |
Identities of Witnesses and Interviewed Employees | Provides guidance to DOSH staff on protecting the identity of employees during interview | 9/18/2006 |
| WRD 2.10 |
Targeting WISHA Activities (General) | Guidance to WISHA staff conducting programmed inspections and targeted consultations in general industries | 5/2/2001 |
| WRD 2.11 |
Significant Inspections | Provides guidance to all staff involved in WISHA enforcement activities involving significant events or high-profile cases. | 8/18/2004 |
| WRD 2.12 |
Coordinating DOSH Enforcement & Consultation | Guidance to DOSH staff regarding the coordination of programmed inspections and targeted consultations | 7/7/2006 |
| WRD 2.15 |
Targeting WISHA Activities (Construction) | Guidance to WISHA enforcement and consultation staff conducting programmed activities within construction | 8/14/2001 |
| WRD 2.16 |
Targeting WISHA Activities (Logging) | Guidance to WISHA enforcement and consultation staff conducting programmed activities within the logging industry | 5/2/2001 |
| WRD 2.17 |
Targeting WISHA Activities (Agriculture) | Guidance to WISHA enforcement and consultation staff conducting programmed activities within construction | 7/30/2003 |
| WRD 2.18 |
Targeting WISHA Activities (Maritime Industries) | Guidance to WISHA enforcement and consultation staff conducting programmed activities within the maritime industry | 5/2/2001 |
| Policy Number |
Policy Name | Description | Date Issued |
| WRD 2.19 |
Targeting WISHA Activities (Electrical Utilities and Communication) | Guidance to WISHA enforcement and consultation staff conducting programmed activities within Eletrical Utilities and telecommunication Industries | 5/2/2001 |
| WRD 2.20 |
Targeting WISHA Activities (Local Emphasis Programs) | Protocols for development and approval of local emphasis WISHA inspections/consultations | 5/2/2001 |
| WRD 2.21 |
Consultation Initiative for the Logging Industry | Provides guidance for the coordination of enforcement and consultation activities in the logging industry | 1/8/2007 |
| WRD 2.25 |
Focused Inspections in Construction | Provides guidance to DOSH Compliance staff related to focused inspections in the construction industry. | 7/27/2007 |
| WRD 2.35 |
Good Faith Reliance on L&I Advice by Employers | Applies to all apparent WISHA violations where the employer indicates that he or she was relying upon guidance provided by the department. | 7/27/2007 |
| WRD 2.40 |
Abatement of Hazards Found During Supervisory Spot Checks | Identification and correction of serious violations encountered outside normal enforcement and consultation activities. | 7/14/2006 |
| WRD 2.45 |
References to Policy Memos as part of inspection documentation | This WRD provides guidance to DOSH compliance and consultation staff in the appropriate use of such policies. | 8/10/2006 |
| WRD 2.50 |
Delivery of Citations | This WRD provides guidance to DOSH staff in the field and in central office regarding their respective responsibilities. | 8/10/2006 |
| Policy Number |
Policy Name | Description | Date Issued |
| WRD 2.60 |
Asbestos Project Inspection Targeting | Guidance to IH compliance supervisors for assigning Asbestos inspections based on project notifications | 12/28/2000 |
| WRD 2.62 |
PSM Inspection Targeting & Tracking | Guidance to WISHA enforcement staff related to the targeting, scheduling, and tracking of PSM inspections. | 1/31/2001 |
| WRD 2.64 |
Petroleum Refinery Process Safety Management | Requires staff to follow the directions in CPL 03-00-004 when conducting inspections of or providing consultation services to petroleum refineries. | 2/8/2008 |
| WRD 4.10 |
Citing & Referencing the Core Rules | Applies to all DOSH enforcement and consultation activities involving Chapter 296-800 WAC. | 8/7/2006 |
| WRD 5.05 |
Violence in the Workplace | Provides guidance to WISHA staff in applying existing standards to issues of workplace violence. | 7/14/2006 |
| WRD 5.07 |
Workplace Violence Prevention in Health Care | Provides guidance to WISHA staff in applying existing standards to issues of workplace violence in Health care. | 7/14/2006 |
| WRD 5.09 |
Body Armor as Personal Protective Equipment | When to cite body armor as personal protective equipment (PPE), | 7/14/2006 |
| WRD 5.45 |
Employee Entry into Worksites Suffering Structural Damage | How should WISHA staff respond to inquiries about employees? entry into buildings that have suffered apparent structural damage? | 7/14/2006 |
| Policy Number |
Policy Name | Description | Date Issued |
| WRD 5.92 |
Head Protection and All-Terrain Vehicles (ATVs) | What head protection requirements apply when employees operate motorcycles or ATVs as part of their job duties? | 7/14/2006 |
| WRD 5.96 |
Hand Protection When Using Knives in Food Preparation | How are WISHA staff expected to evaluate the need for PPE when knives are used in the workplace as part of food preparation? | 7/14/2006 |
| WRD 6.10 |
Inspection of Slide-Locks used on Mechanical and Hydraulic Power Presses | Establishes inspection procedures and enforcement policies related to slide-locks being used to control hazardous energy on mechanical and hydraulic machinery. | 3/1/2008 |
| WRD 6.55 |
WSDOT & Cone-Setting Requirements | Applies whenever WISHA consultation or compliance staff encounter WSDOT cone-setting operations. | 7/14/2006 |
| WRD 7.00 |
Rolling Outriggers on Mobile Cranes | Provides clearer guidance regarding the use of rolling outriggers on mobile cranes | 8/10/2006 |
| WRD 7.05 |
Powered Industrial Truck Training in Longshoring & Marine Terminals | Forklifts and other Powered Industrial Trucks, operator training in the Longshoring and Marine Terminal Industries. | 8/7/2006 |
| WRD 7.06 |
Use of Powered Industrial Truck Load Engaging Means to Reduce Awkward Lifting | How to apply the requirements of the Powered Industrial Truck Operations Standard when the operator is dismounted to transfer loads by hand with the load raised? | 8/7/2006 |
| WRD 7.07 |
Powered Industrial Trucks Used to Load and Unload Trucks and Trailers | Applies to all DOSH enforcement and consultation activities involving WAC 296-863-40050, loading or unloading highway trucks with PITs. | 8/11/2006 |
| Policy Number |
Policy Name | Description | Date Issued |
| WRD 7.25 |
Acceptable Methods of Determining "Flashpoint" of Combustible Liquids | Combustible Liquids, testing methods, WAC 296-24-33001(15) | 8/11/2006 |
| WRD 7.30 |
Storing and Handling Flammable and Combustible Liquids and Spray Finishing | Provides guidance to DOSH staff conducting inspections involving storing and handling flammable liquids and spray-finishing operations | 8/11/2006 |
| WRD 8.35 |
Meat Tenderizing Technology in the Meat Packing Industry | This WRD provides guidelines for inspection of possible electrically hazardous conditions associated with a meat tenderizing technology being introduced into the meat packing industry. | 8/11/2006 |
| WRD 8.40 |
Citing Point of Operation in Machine Safety | Clarification for point-of-operation citations issued to address violations not covered under specific rules. | 8/11/2006 |
| WRD 10.10 |
Indoor Air Quality | General guidelines for evaluating and handling indoor air complaints | 1/21/2000 |
| WRD 10.15 |
Outdoor Heat Exposure Enforcement Procedures | Establishes statewide enforcement policies for WAC 296-62-095 through 296-62-09560, Outdoor Heat Exposure | 7/7/2008 |
| WRD 10.60 |
NIOSH Pocket Guide IDLH Values (1994) | Use of "NIOSH Pocket guide to Chemical Hazards" for WISHA enforcement activities | 9/25/1997 |
| WRD 11.05 |
Laboratory Hood Ventilation Specifications in Part F (Carcinogens) | Guidance to WISHA consultation and compliance staff in the proper application of WAC 296-62-073 / "laboratory-type hood" . | 9/25/1997 |
| Policy Number |
Policy Name | Description | Date Issued |
| WRD 11.35 |
Tuberculosis Control in Health Care Settings | Guidance to DOSH staff regarding application of CDC guidelines in cases involving potential TB exposure | 3/19/2007 |
| WRD 11.36 |
Tuberculosis Control in Correctional Facilities | Provides guidance to DOSH staff regarding application of CDC Recommendations in cases involving TB exposure in correctional facilities. | 3/19/2007 |
| WRD 11.55 |
Compliance Policy for Hantavirus Related Cases | Applies whenever WISHA compliance staff are involved in an inspection related to potential hantavirus exposure | 12/30/1996 |
| WRD 12.15 |
Audiometric Testing of Intermittent Noise Exposure | Guidance to WISHA staff in applying the requirements of the Hearing Conservation Standard to intermittent noise exposure | 12/30/1996 |
| WRD 12.40 |
Partial Body Entry Situations and the Confined Spaces Standard | Guidance to WISHA enforcement and consultation staff in applying the confined space standard to partial body entries | 9/25/1997 |
| WRD 12.55 |
Elevator Pits and the Confined Spaces Standard | Is an elevator pit a "confined space" under the standard? | 9/25/1997 |
| WRD 12.75 |
Emergency Response to Hazardous Substance Releases | Employer responsibilities before and during hazardous substance release emergencies. | 9/25/1997 |
| WRD 18.35 |
Grounding Requirements for Temporary Substation Fences | Provides enforcement guidance to WISHA and defines what the requirements are for grounding temporary substation fencing? | 8/19/2005 |
| Policy Number |
Policy Name | Description | Date Issued |
| WRD 18.40 |
Electrical Work and Confined Space Under WAC 296-45 & 62 | Guidance to DOSH staff in the appropriate application of which standard applies for electrical work in confined spaces. | 9/18/2006 |
| WRD 18.45 |
High Voltage Night Patrol Requirements | Provides guidance to DOSH staff regarding the application of WAC 296-45-385(15) -and whether it applies to supervisory/management employees . | 9/18/2006 |
| WRD 19.05 |
Overview of Explosives Inspection Activities | Provides guidance to DOSH staff on scheduling and conducting of explosives inspections | 9/18/2006 |
| WRD 19.15 |
Inspection Procedures Unique to Explosives | Provides guidance on whether explosives should be seized? | 9/18/2006 |
| WRD 19.20 |
Explosives Magazine Licensing Inspection | Provides guidance to DOSH staff on scheduling and conducting of explosive magazine inspections | 9/18/2006 |
| WRD 20.55 |
Log Sorting Yards & Marine Terminals or Sawmills | Evaluation of dry land log yards, regardless of location | 9/18/2006 |
| WRD 20.75 |
Tree & Shrub Trimming, Pruning, Removal, etc. | Evaluating possible violations to tree and shrub trimming, pruning, bracing, removal, and surgery when no industry-specific standard applies, | 9/18/2006 |
| WRD 21.25 |
Use of Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs) | Guidance related to enforcement of PFD's in waterfront/maritime industries | 7/3/2000 |
| Policy Number |
Policy Name | Description | Date Issued |
| WRD 21.55 |
Boatbuilding of Vessels 65 Feet or Less | Provides guidance to WISHA staff whenever they encounter boatbuilding activities and application of Chapter 296-304. | 5/17/2005 |
| WRD 21.90 |
Charter Vessel Inspections | Defines who is responsible for charter vessel certifications and conducting related inspections. | 9/18/2006 |
| WRD 21.95 |
Enforcement Activity Related to Piers and Docks | Provides guidance to DOSH staff on enforcement of the rule requiring load limits for piers/docks | 9/18/2006 |
| WRD 22.20 |
Rental Cranes and Maritime Crane Certification | Defines what cranes will be certified for maritime use and whether rental cranes are allowed to be certified. | 2/24/2005 |
| WRD 22.80 |
Qualifications of Maritime Inspectors | Identifies which staff are qualified for different waterfront activities | 5/9/2005 |
| WRD 23.10 |
Occupational Exposure to Asbestos | applies to WISHA inspections and consultations related to occupational exposure to asbestos and to the Asbestos Certfication Program | 4/30/1997 |
| WRD 23.25 |
Asbestos Project Notification | How specific must notification information be to comply with WAC 296-65-020(1)? | 12/28/2000 |
| WRD 23.30 |
Asbestos-Containing Joint Compound in Wallboard Systems | Guidance to WISHA whenever they address issues concerning employee exposure to hazards involving asbestos-containing joint compound in wallboard systems. | 12/28/2000 |
| Policy Number |
Policy Name | Description | Date Issued |
| WRD 23.35 |
Demolition of Buildings with Asbestos Containing Materials | Guidance to WISHA enforcement and consultation staff whenever they must address demolition activities and the need to identify and remove asbestos-containing materials. | 1/31/2001 |
| WRD 23.50 |
Asbestos Course Provider Audit Policy | Guidelines for auditing providers of Asbestos certification training courses | 12/30/1996 |
| WRD 24.10 |
Process Safety Management | Guidance to WISHA staff conducting process safety management inspections. | 9/2/2002 |
| WRD 27.00 |
Contractor Responsibility for Safety and Health Under Stute v. PBMC | Guidelines for WISHA enforcement and consultation staff when assessing a prime or general contractor’s compliance with WISHA as it applies to a subcontractor or its employees | 8/1/2001 |
| WRD 27.20 |
Traffic Control and Flagging Operations | Provides guidance to WISHA staff when evaluating work zones where traffic control or flaggers are used. | 12/30/2004 |
| WRD 27.25 |
Operating Dump Trucks in Reverse | Dump trucks operation on construction sites, initiating inspections on | 2/23/2005 |
| WRD 27.95 |
Underground Diesel-Powered Equipment | Defines what the requirements are for prior approval of the operation of mobile diesel- powered equipment underground? | 4/11/2005 |
| WRD 29.50 |
Warning Lines Used for Fall Protection in Construction | Provides guidance to WISHA staff regarding the use of a warning line system for fall protection in construction, i.e. what laines are acceptable. | 5/24/2005 |
| Policy Number |
Policy Name | Description | Date Issued |
| WRD 29.55 |
Guarding of Vehicle Service Pits | Applies whenever WISHA staff encounter vehicle service pits that may require guarding. | 8/9/1996 |
| WRD 29.59 |
Fall Protection and Grain Inspectors | Guidelines for determing if the WSDA should be cited for failure to provide fall protection in marine terminals? | 9/25/1997 |
| WRD 29.60 |
Fixed Ladder Grab Bars | When should employers be cited for failure to provide grab bars? | 5/2/2001 |
| WRD 29.65 |
Fixed Ladders Used in Emergencies | Defines what safety controls are necessary for fixed ladders which are intended for emergency use only. | 4/21/2005 |
| WRD 29.72 |
Tag Line Use | Guidleines for determining when to cite an employer for not using a tagline on suspended loads | 7/3/2000 |
| WRD 30.20 |
Scaffold and the Fall Protection Work Plan | Provides guidance to WISHA staff regarding the appropriate application of the fall protection work plan requirements in relation to scaffolds. | 4/4/2005 |
| WRD 30.21 |
Fall Protection Work Plan When Standard Guardrails Are Used | Policy regarding applicability of fall protection work plan requirement when the trigger height of 10 feet is reached for walking/working surfaces that require standard guardrails or the equivalent for fall protection. | 10/31/2005 |
| WRD 30.25 |
Fall Protection During Excavation and Trenching Operations | Provides guidance to WISHA staff regarding the appropriate application of the fall protection requirements in relation to excavation and trenching. | 6/29/2005 |
| Policy Number |
Policy Name | Description | Date Issued |
| WRD 32.00 |
Law Enforcement | Guidelines for the inspection and citation of alleged violations found in law enforcement field operations and equipment. | 5/20/1997 |
| WRD 32.15 |
Diving Search & Rescue | The application of WISHA standards to diving activities conducted/coordinated by local governments, including law enforcement, firefighting, and public safety agencies | 4/16/2004 |
| WRD 32.30 |
Firefighter Training Under Chapter 296-305 WAC | Provides guidance to WISHA staff regarding the appropriate enforcement of firefighter training requirements | 9/25/1997 |
| WRD 32.35 |
Firefighter Station Work Uniforms and Other Clothing | Provides guidance to WISHA staff regarding the appropriate application of the requirements related to uniforms and garments in the fire service industry | 4/27/2005 |
| WRD 32.99 |
Inspection Guidelines for Post-Emergency Oil Spill Response Operations under WAC 296-62-300 | Post-emergency response operations, petroleum crude oil releases on waterways and affected shorelines in Washington State. | 12/30/1996 |
| WRD 33.05 |
Field Sanitation and Transportation | Provides guidance to WISHA staff whenever they must determine whether any or all of the field sanitation requirements apply to an agricultural operation. | 3/20/2002 |
| WRD 33.10 |
Waterless Handwashing During Cold Weather | Provides guidance to WISHA staff whenever they must assess a situation where waterless systems are used in lieu of handwashing facilities | 5/2/2001 |
| WRD 33.20 |
Rollover Protective Structures (ROPS) and Low-Profile Tractors | Provides guidance to DOSH enforcement and consultation staff regarding the requirements for ROPS on low-profile tractors in the agriculture industry | 10/10/2006 |
| Policy Number |
Policy Name | Description | Date Issued |
| WRD 33.25 |
Pesticides in Agriculture | Provides guidance to WISHA staff regarding the enforcement of the worker protection standard in agriculture , particularly as it relates to allegations of actual pesticide exposure. | 12/28/2000 |
| WRD 33.27 |
Cholinesterase Depression | Provides guidance to WISHA research, consultation and enforcement staff regarding data collection for a reported cholinesterase depression | 1/10/2008 |
| WRD 33.72 |
Sheepherder Housing | Provides guidance to WISHA whenever they must assess temporary worker housing provided to sheepherders as a condition of employment. | 11/26/2001 |
| WRD 33.75 |
Joint Employers in Agriculture | Provides guidance to WISHA staff regarding "joint employers" in agriculture. | 9/25/1997 |
| WRD 84-12B | Occupational Exposure to Lead, Inspection and Compliance Procedures | inspection , compliance and implementation guidelines related to the lead standard. | 8/15/1990 |
| WRD 89-3B | Grain Handling Facilities—Inspection Guidance and Standards Clarification | guidelines for inspections conducted in grain handling facilities and clarification of Chapter 296-99 WAC | 9/1/1994 |
| WRD 89-8 | Permissible Exposure Limits (PELs) Special Instructions and Stays | Provides supplemental instruction and guidelines to WISHA staff for enforcement of the Air Contaminant Standard regarding exceptions and stays to PELs. | 1/1/1990 |
| WRD 91-14 | Electrical Safety-Related Work Practices—Inspection Procedures and Interpretive Guidelines | Establishes inspection procedures and provides guidelines to ensure uniform enforcement of the Electrical Safety-Related Work Practices standard | 12/24/1991 |
| Policy Number |
Policy Name | Description | Date Issued |
| WRD 91-2B | Inspection Procedures for Enforcing the Excavation Standards | Provides guidelines to ensure uniform enforcement of the excavation standards | 12/8/1992 |
| WRD 91-4 | Inspection and Citation Guidelines for Occupational Exposure to Formaldehyde | Provides uniform inspection procedures and guidelines to be followed when conducting inspections and issuing citations for workers potentially exposed to formaldehyde. | 3/29/1991 |
| WRD 95-1 | Washington Administrative Code 296-155-176, Lead Exposure in Construction—Inspection and Compliance Guidelines | Provides uniform inspection and compliance guidance for Lead Exposure in Construction, | 2/1/1995 |
