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 4/10/2013
Click
a letter to jump to the topics under that letter:
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
| Policy Name | Policy Number | Description | Date Issued |
|---|---|---|---|
| WRD 7.25 | Combustible Liquids, testing methods, WAC 296-24-33001(15) | 8/11/2006 | |
| WRD 23.50 | Guidelines for auditing providers of Asbestos certification training courses | 12/30/1996 | |
| WRD 23.25 | How specific must notification information be to comply with WAC 296-65-020(1)? | 12/28/2000 | |
| WRD 23.30 | Guidance to WISHA whenever they address issues concerning employee exposure to hazards involving asbestos-containing joint compound in wallboard systems. | 12/28/2000 | |
| WRD 12.15 | Guidance to WISHA staff in applying the requirements of the Hearing Conservation Standard to intermittent noise exposure | 12/30/1996 | |
| WRD 8.80 | This Directive establishes auditing procedures and enforcement policies related to auditing of Accredited Crane Certifiers within the state of Washington. | 8/15/2012 | |
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| Policy Name |
Policy Number | Description | Date Issued |
| WRD 5.98 | Provides DOSH enforcement guidance, and clarifies that employers are required to make toilet facilities available, so that employees can use them when they need to. | 8/25/2010 | |
| WRD 21.55 | Provides guidance to WISHA staff whenever they encounter boatbuilding activities and application of Chapter 296-304. | 5/17/2005 | |
| WRD 5.09 | This directive provides guidance to DOSH staff when involved in enforcement activities related to body armor used as Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). | 12/22/2010 | |
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| Policy Name |
Policy Number | Description | Date Issued |
| WRD 21.90 | Defines who is responsible for charter vessel certifications and conducting related inspections. | 9/18/2006 | |
| WRD 24.40 | This DOSH Directive implements OSHA’s National Emphasis Program (NEP) for Chemical Facility Process Safety Management in the State of Washington. The purpose of the NEP is to reduce or eliminate workplace hazards associated with the catastrophic release of highly hazardous chemicals. | 5/29/2012 | |
| WRD 33.27 | Establishes procedures for responding to action level cholinesterase depressions under Chapter 296-307-148 WAC, Cholinesterase Monitoring. | 1/12/2011 | |
| WRD 12.80 | Provides guidelines and establishes uniform inspection and compliance procedures for Chapter 296-62 WAC, Part I-2, the occupational exposure rule for hexavalent chromium, also known as chromium (VI). | 5/18/2011 | |
| WRD 8.40 | Clarification for point-of-operation citations issued to address violations not covered under specific rules. | 8/11/2006 | |
| WRD 22.85 | This directive applies to all DOSH enforcement and consultation activities involving commercial diving activities, subject to the scope of Chapter 296-37 WAC, Commercial Diving Operations. | 1/10/2012 | |
| WRD 11.55 | Applies whenever WISHA compliance staff are involved in an inspection related to potential hantavirus exposure | 12/30/1996 | |
| WRD 6.55 | This Directive provides guidance to DOSH consultation and compliance staff for when they encounter cone-setting operations on a publicly traveled roadway, highway, or construction project, and how to properly cite the employer if they encounter non-compliance. | 7/20/2012 | |
| WRD 12.45 | This Directive applies to all DOSH enforcement and consultation activities involving confined or enclosed spaces in shipyard employment. | 11/28/2011 | |
| WRD 27.00 | 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 8.70 | Establishes inter-program coordination related to the crane safety program and the protocol regarding how staff within DOSH interact when staff encounter issues related to cranes or rigging. | 10/20/2010 | |
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| Policy Name |
Policy Number | Description | Date Issued |
| WRD 13.20 | This DOSH Directive establishes a delay in enforcing WAC 296-62-500, the Hazardous Drugs rule. | 4/10/2013 | |
| WRD 23.35 | 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 32.15 | This directive establishes inspection procedures and enforcement policies related to diving operations involving “search and rescue” (SAR) activities conducted or coordinated by local governments. | 1/28/2011 | |
| WRD 1.15 | Shared liability for a violation when employee exposure present and 2 or more employers are involved | 7/7/2006 | |
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| Policy Name |
Policy Number | Description | Date Issued |
| WRD 18.55 | Provides guidance to DOSH staff regarding the application of Chapters 296-45 and 296-32 WAC. | 10/15/2010 | |
| WRD 18.40 | Guidance to DOSH staff in the appropriate application of which standard applies for electrical work in confined spaces. | 9/18/2006 | |
| WRD 12.55 | Is an elevator pit a "confined space" under the standard? | 9/2/2002 | |
| WRD 12.75 | Provides clarification to ensure uniform inspection procedures for emergency response operations or substantial threats of releases of hazardous substances. | 2/1/2010 | |
| WRD 13.00 | This directive establishes DOSH enforcement policy related to the emergency washing requirements contained in WAC 296-800-150, First Aid. | 7/15/2011 | |
| WRD 5.45 | This directive establishes inspection procedures and enforcement policies related to employee entry into worksites suffering structural damage. | 6/15/2011 | |
| WRD 1.18 | When to cite for employer exposure to a hazard that could result in employee exposure | 1/8/2007 | |
| WRD 21.95 | Provides guidance to DOSH staff on enforcement of the rule requiring load limits for piers/docks | 9/18/2006 | |
| WRD 12.85 | Establishes statewide DOSH enforcement and consultation policy for workplaces that generate or handle combustible dusts having the potential to cause dust deflagrations, other fires, or explosions. | 12/30/2008 | |
| WRD 22.95 | This DOSH Directive establishes enforcement guidance to reduce or eliminate workplace hazards related to the Longshoring Industry. | 1/31/2013 | |
| WRD 22.90 | This directive establishes inspection policies and procedures related to the enforcement of the requirement for load limit signage on ferry structures that are part of the National Bridge Inventory. | 1/4/2013 | |
| WRD 8.60 | This policy provides direction to all DOSH staff regarding compliance with construction crane certification and construction crane operator qualifications and certification requirements under WAC 296-155-532 through 53300. | 3/25/2013 | |
| WRD 19.25 | Provides guidance to DOSH staff on scheduling and conducting explosives inspections, and establishes guidelines for seizing explosives. | 11/5/2010 | |
| WRD 19.20 | Provides guidance to DOSH staff on scheduling and conducting of explosive magazine inspections | 11/15/2010 | |
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| Policy Name |
Policy Number | Description | Date Issued |
| WRD 29.59 | Guidelines for determing if the WSDA should be cited for failure to provide fall protection in marine terminals? | 9/25/1997 | |
| WRD 30.25 | Provides guidance to WISHA staff regarding the appropriate application of the fall protection requirements in relation to excavation and trenching. | 6/29/2005 | |
| WRD 30.21 | 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 1.20 | This directive provides guidance to Compliance Supervisors and Managers to ensure that all fatality memos are appropriately completed, edited, reviewed and approved prior to dissemination. | 8/25/2011 | |
| WRD 33.80 | This directive provides DOSH enforcement guidance on WAC 296-307-095, Field Sanitation. It clarifies application and use of waterless hand washing products. | 4/5/2011 | |
| WRD 32.35 | 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 32.30 | Provides guidance to WISHA staff regarding the appropriate enforcement of firefighter training requirements | 9/25/1997 | |
| WRD 29.65 | Defines what safety controls are necessary for fixed ladders which are intended for emergency use only. | 4/21/2005 | |
| WRD 2.25 | Provides guidance to DOSH Compliance staff related to focused inspections in the construction industry. | 7/27/2007 | |
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| Policy Name |
Policy Number | Description | Date Issued |
| Grain Handling Facilities—Inspection Guidance and Standards Clarification | WRD 89-3B | guidelines for inspections conducted in grain handling facilities and clarification of Chapter 296-99 WAC | 9/1/1994 |
| WRD 18.35 | Provides enforcement guidance to WISHA and defines what the requirements are for grounding temporary substation fencing? | 8/19/2005 | |
| WRD 29.55 | Applies whenever WISHA staff encounter vehicle service pits that may require guarding. | 8/9/1996 | |
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| Policy Name |
Policy Number | Description | Date Issued |
| WRD 5.96 | Establishes inspection procedures and enforcement policy related to hand protection when using knives during food processing. | 12/3/2010 | |
| WRD 1.90 | This directive provides guidance on responding to safety and health complaints filed about L&I’s own operations. | 9/25/2012 | |
| WRD 5.92 | What head protection requirements apply when employees operate motorcycles or ATVs as part of their job duties? | 7/14/2006 | |
| WRD 12.90 | Requires staff to follow OSHA Directive 02-02-076 when conducting inspections while also applying the instructions described in this directive. While DOSH Directive 12.80 must be followed, the instructions in this Directive will take precedence specifically for those inspections that are conducted as part of this NEP. | 8/23/2010 | |
| WRD 18.45 | 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 1.19 | This Directive establishes enforcement policies related to DOSH jurisdiction over homeowners who are “acting as the general contractor” in building their own homes. | 7/3/2012 | |
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| Policy Name |
Policy Number | Description | Date Issued |
| WRD 10.10 | This directive establishes inspection procedures and compliance policies related to workplace Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) hazards. | 1/14/2011 | |
| WRD 2.66 | Establishes DOSH enforcement procedures to support CPL 02-09-08, and applies to DOSH operations statewide. | 8/30/2010 | |
| WRD 32.99 | Post-emergency response operations, petroleum crude oil releases on waterways and affected shorelines in Washington State. | 12/30/1996 | |
| WRD 6.10 | Establishes inspection procedures and enforcement policies related to slide-locks being used to control hazardous energy on mechanical and hydraulic machinery. | 3/1/2008 | |
| Inspection Procedures for Enforcing the Excavation Standards | WRD 91-2B | Provides guidelines to ensure uniform enforcement of the excavation standards | 12/8/1992 |
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| Policy Name |
Policy Number | Description | Date Issued |
| WRD 33.75 | Provides guidance to WISHA staff regarding "joint employers" in agriculture. | 9/25/1997 | |
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| Policy Name |
Policy Number | Description | Date Issued |
| WRD 11.05 | Guidance to WISHA consultation and compliance staff in the proper application of WAC 296-62-073 / "laboratory-type hood" . | 9/25/1997 | |
| WRD 32.00 | Establishes inspection procedures and enforcement policies related to patrol operations, tactical response, and emergency response when law enforcement officers are involved. | 6/1/2011 | |
| WRD 22.25 | Provides guidance on safe lifting and offloading practices for intermodal containers at construction sites. | 9/29/2009 | |
| WRD 2.20 | This directive provides guidance to DOSH enforcement and consultation staff on the procedures for proposing Local Emphasis Programs (LEPs) | 1/5/2012 | |
| WRD 20.55 | Evaluation of dry land log yards, regardless of location | 9/18/2006 | |
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| Policy Name |
Policy Number | Description | Date Issued |
| WRD 8.35 | 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 | |
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| Policy Name |
Policy Number | Description | Date Issued |
| WRD 40.0 | Provides guidance and direction to all DOSH staff about initial new hire training of Compliance Safety and Health Officers (CSHOs) and Safety & Health Consultants. In addition, this directive provides guidance and direction on continuing education and technical training for all safety and health staff. | 11/15/2010 | |
| WRD 10.60 | Use of "NIOSH Pocket guide to Chemical Hazards" for WISHA enforcement activities | 9/25/1997 | |
| WRD 13.40 | This DOSH Directive implements OSHA’s National Emphasis Program (NEP) for programmed inspections of nursing and residential care facilities in the state of Washington. | 10/5/2012 | |
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| Policy Name |
Policy Number | Description | Date Issued |
| WRD 23.10 | applies to WISHA inspections and consultations related to occupational exposure to asbestos and to the Asbestos Certfication Program | 4/30/1997 | |
| Occupational Exposure to Lead, Inspection and Compliance Procedures | WRD 84-12B | inspection , compliance and implementation guidelines related to the lead standard. | 8/15/1990 |
| WRD 10.15 | Establishes statewide enforcement policies for WAC 296-62-095 through 296-62-09560, and WAC 296-307-097 through 296-307-09760 pertaining to Outdoor Heat Exposure. | 5/26/2009 | |
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| Policy Name |
Policy Number | Description | Date Issued |
| WRD 12.40 | Guidance to WISHA enforcement and consultation staff in applying the confined space standard to partial body entries | 9/2/2002 | |
| WRD 5.15 | This directive establishes DOSH policy and enforcement direction regarding the provision and use of personal protective equipment (PPE). | 7/20/2011 | |
| WRD 33.25 | 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 2.64 | 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 7.05 | Forklifts and other Powered Industrial Trucks, operator training in the Longshoring and Marine Terminal Industries. | 8/7/2006 | |
| WRD 7.07 | Provides guidance in applying the requirements of Chapter 296-863 WAC, when loading or unloading highway trucks with Powered Industrial Trucks (PITs). | 5/8/2012 | |
| WRD 8.50 | Establishes inspection procedures and enforcement policies related to testing of tower cranes required under WAC 296-155-525(5)(f). | 11/5/2008 | |
| WRD 24.30 | This Directive implements the National Emphasis Program for the Primary Metal Industry for the state of Washington. | 6/25/2012 | |
| WRD 24.10 | Guidance to WISHA staff conducting process safety management inspections. | 9/2/2002 | |
| WRD 2.10 | This directive establishes DOSH policy and enforcement direction regarding programmed inspections and consultations. | 1/5/2012 | |
| WRD 2.62 | Guidance to WISHA enforcement staff related to the targeting, scheduling, and tracking of PSM inspections. | 1/31/2001 | |
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| Policy Name |
Policy Number | Description | Date Issued |
| WRD 22.80 | Identifies which staff are qualified for different waterfront activities | 5/9/2005 | |
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| Policy Name |
Policy Number | Description | Date Issued |
| WRD 22.20 | Defines what cranes will be certified for maritime use and whether rental cranes are allowed to be certified. | 2/24/2005 | |
| WRD 7.10 | This Directive extends the deadline for requiring documentation of written and practical examination for riggers as outlined in Chapter 296-155 WAC, Safety Standards for Construction | 7/6/2012 | |
| WRD 7.00 | Provides clearer guidance regarding the use of rolling outriggers on mobile cranes | 3/25/2013 | |
| WRD 33.20 | This directive establishes inspection procedures and enforcement policies related to Rollover Protective Structures (ROPS) and the exemptions from ROPS on low profile tractors in the agriculture industry. | 6/20/2011 | |
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| Policy Name |
Policy Number | Description | Date Issued |
| WRD 30.20 | This directive establishes inspection procedures and enforcement policies regarding the appropriate application of the fall protection work plan requirements, in relation to scaffolds. | 4/5/2011 | |
| WRD 2.68 | This directive establishes enforcement policy for DOSH’s Severe Violator Enforcement Program (SVEP). | 6/25/2012 | |
| WRD 33.72 | Provides guidance to WISHA whenever they must assess temporary worker housing provided to sheepherders as a condition of employment. | 11/26/2001 | |
| WRD 7.30 | Provides guidance to DOSH staff conducting inspections involving storing and handling flammable liquids and spray-finishing operations | 8/11/2006 | |
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| Policy Name |
Policy Number | Description | Date Issued |
| WRD 29.72 | Guidleines for determining when to cite an employer for not using a tagline on suspended loads | 3/25/2013 | |
| WRD 2.19 | Guidance to WISHA enforcement and consultation staff conducting programmed activities within Eletrical Utilities and telecommunication Industries | 5/2/2001 | |
| WRD 2.18 | Guidance to WISHA enforcement and consultation staff conducting programmed activities within the maritime industry | 5/2/2001 | |
| WRD 27.20 | Provides guidance to WISHA staff when evaluating work zones where traffic control or flaggers are used. | 12/30/2004 | |
| WRD 20.75 | Evaluating possible violations to tree and shrub trimming, pruning, bracing, removal, and surgery when no industry-specific standard applies, | 9/18/2006 | |
| WRD 11.36 | Provides guidance to DOSH staff regarding application of CDC Recommendations in cases involving TB exposure in correctional facilities. | 3/19/2007 | |
| WRD 11.35 | Guidance to DOSH staff regarding application of CDC guidelines in cases involving potential TB exposure | 3/19/2007 | |
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| Policy Name |
Policy Number | Description | Date Issued |
| WRD 27.95 | Defines what the requirements are for prior approval of the operation of mobile diesel- powered equipment underground? | 4/11/2005 | |
| WRD 5.10 | Provides instruction to DOSH staff on the procedures to follow when the issue of unpreventable employee misconduct is brought up by the employer during the course of any DOSH enforcement or consultation activity. | 9/29/2009 | |
| WRD 21.25 | Guidance related to enforcement of PFD's in waterfront/maritime industries | 4/16/2009 | |
| WRD 7.06 | Provides guidance in applying the requirements of Chapter 296-863 WAC, when the operator of the truck has dismounted to transfer loads by hand with the load-engaging means raised. | 5/8/2012 | |
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| Policy Name |
Policy Number | Description | Date Issued |
| WRD 5.05 | Provides guidance to DOSH staff on the appropriate application of WISHA standards in workplaces where there is an increased risk of violent incidents. | 11/5/2010 | |
| WRD 1.45 | Determining whether an employee's efforts to rescue another person constitute a "recognized" hazard, | 7/7/2006 | |
| WRD 1.96 | This Directive provides guidance for compliance and consultation staff in determining DOSH jurisdiction for volunteers and students. | 10/18/2012 | |
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| Policy Name |
Policy Number | Description | Date Issued |
| WRD 29.50 | 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 | |
| Washington Administrative Code 296-155-176, Lead Exposure in Construction—Inspection and Compliance Guidelines | WRD 95-1 | Provides uniform inspection and compliance guidance for Lead Exposure in Construction, | 2/1/1995 |
| WRD 1.40 | Provides guidance on when an inmate can be considered an "employee" and protocols for evaluating S&H complaints | 7/7/2006 | |
| WRD 5.07 | Provides guidance to WISHA staff in applying existing standards to issues of workplace violence in Health care. | 7/14/2006 | |





















