In-person:
Dept. of Labor & Industries
12806 Gateway Drive S
Tukwila WA 98168

A pre-hearing overview will begin at 10:00 a.m. The hearing will start at 10:30 a.m. and will continue until all oral comments are received.

L&I encourages the submittal of written comments, due by 5:00 p.m. on May 17, 2024.

The purpose of this rulemaking is to update chapters 296-155, 296-307 and 296-800 WAC, to allow the voluntary use of personal protective equipment (PPE) when workers feel the need to protect themselves from noise, dust, or possible infectious or contagious diseases. The voluntary use of PPE must not introduce hazards to the work environment and any PPE, including facial coverings, must not interfere with an employer’s security requirements. The adopted sections in rule model RCW 49.17.485, Personal protective devices and equipment – Public health emergency, but is not limited to declared public health emergencies. In the event a public health emergency is declared, the adopted sections in rule would already be effective and no material change would be needed to comply with RCW 49.17.485.