WISHA Interim Operations Memorandum #97-2-H

Washington Department of Labor and Industries
#97-2-H
Occupational Exposure to Formaldehyde

Approved:
Michael Wood, Senior Program Manager
Policy & Technical Services

Date Issued:
February 28, 1997

Background:

During 1996, the Consultation and Compliance Services Division (C&C) embarked on a major project to review, revise, and if necessary reissue policies related to Title 49.17 RCW, the Washington Industrial Safety and Health Act (WISHA). In addition, C&C has adopted a more user-friendly numbering system for WRDs and has been engaged in a review of all WRDs issued prior to 1996 to ensure that they are both accurate and necessary. Assistant Director Frank Leuck has canceled "all WRDs issued prior to January 1, 1996, except those specifically left in place as the result of one or more WISHA Interim Memoranda."
WIM #96-12-B retained several such WRDs, but WRD 91-4 was omitted from the list.

A copy of WRD 91-4, which addresses inspection and citation guidelines for occupational exposure to formaldehyde, has been distributed to all WISHA Hygiene Supervisors for reference.

Policy:

With the exception of those portions of Sections 8 and 9 that reference the previously canceled WRD 90-2, WRD 91-4 is retained on an interim basis, pending further review and clarification.