L&I provides rule guidance to Division of Occupational Safety & Health (DOSH) staff through enforcement policies called "DOSH Directives" (DD).

These documents do not:

  • Substitute for the rule or requirement referenced.
  • Create additional obligations for employers.

All Enforcement Policies

DD 23.25 Issued: 12/28/2000

Asbestos Project Notification

How specific must notification information be to comply with WAC 296-65-020(1)

This policy references the following WACs:

DD 23.30 Issued: 12/28/2000

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.

DD 8.80 Issued: 08/15/2012

Auditing Accredited Crane Certifiers

This Directive establishes auditing procedures and enforcement policies related to auditing of Accredited Crane Certifiers within the state of Washington.

This policy references the following WACs:

DD 5.98 Issued: 11/20/2019

Bathroom and Toilet Facility Access

This Directive provides DOSH enforcement guidance, and clarifies that employers are required to make toilet facilities available to employees when needed.

This policy references the following WACs:

DD 21.55 Issued: 09/20/2019

Boatbuilding of Vessels 65 Feet or Less

This directive provides guidance to enforcement and consultation staff regarding the applicability of chapter 296-304 WAC to construction of vessels of 65 feet or less.

This policy references the following WACs:

DD 5.09 Issued: 11/28/2017

Body Armor as Personal Protective Equipment

This directive provides guidance to DOSH staff when involved in enforcement activities related to body armor used as Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).

This policy references the following WACs:

DD 6.55 Issued: 07/10/2019

Channelizing Device Placement Operations

This DOSH Directive provides guidance to DOSH compliance and consultation staff when they encounter channelizing device placement and/or retrieval operations from motor vehicles on publicly traveled roadways, highways or construction projects.

This policy references the following WAC:

DD 21.90 Issued: 02/15/2019

Charter Boat Inspections

This Directive provides guidance to enforcement and consultation staff regarding Charter Boat inspections under Chapter 88.04 RCW, the Charter Boat Safety Act.

This policy references the following WAC:

DD 24.40 Issued: 05/04/2018

Chemical Facility Process Safety Management NEP

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.

This policy references the following WAC:

DD 33.27 Issued: 01/12/2011

Cholinesterase Monitoring

Establishes procedures for responding to action level cholinesterase depressions under Chapter 296-307-148 WAC, Cholinesterase Monitoring.

This policy references the following WACs:

DD 12.80 Issued: 05/18/2011

Chromium VI

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).

This policy references the following WACs:

DD 8.40 Issued: 08/11/2006

Citing Point of Operation in Machine Safety

Clarification for point-of-operation citations issued to address violations not covered under specific rules.

This policy references the following WACs:

DD 22.85 Issued: 09/15/2017

Commercial Diving Operations

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.

This policy references the following WACs:

DD 18.60 Issued: 01/16/2015

Communication Towers

This Directive provides enforcement guidance and requires staff to follow OSHA Directive CPL 02-01-056 when conducting inspections related to work activities on communication towers that involve the use of a personnel hoist.

This policy references the following WAC:

DD 12.45 Issued: 10/10/2019

Confined Spaces in Shipyards

This Directive applies to all DOSH enforcement and consultation activities involving confined or enclosed spaces in shipyard employment, subject to the scope of Chapter 296-304 WAC, Shipbuilding, Ship Repairing and Shipbreaking.

This policy references the following WACs:

DD 8.60 Issued: 03/25/2013

Construction Crane Certification and Crane Operator Qualifications and Certification Under WAC 296-155-529 through 53300.

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.

DD 8.70 Issued: 10/20/2010

Crane Safety Inter-program Coordination

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.

This policy references the following WACs:

DD 23.35 Issued: 01/31/2001

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.

This policy references the following WACs:

DD 32.15 Issued: 09/20/2019

Diving Operations Involving Search and Rescue

This directive establishes inspection procedures and enforcement policies related to diving operations involving “search and rescue” (SAR) activities conducted or coordinated by local governments.

This policy references the following WACs:

DD 1.15 Issued: 02/15/2019

Dual Employers & DOSH Enforcement

This Directive establishes inspection and enforcement policies for assessing situations where two or more employers may share liability for safety or health violations that expose employees to workplace hazards.

DD 18.40 Issued: 09/18/2006

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.

This policy references the following WAC:

DD 12.70 Issued: 03/22/2019

Emergency Response Technical Specialist

This Directive establishes procedures related to best practices when DOSH staff are assigned to perform in the roles of Technical Specialists in support of emergency response activities.

DD 12.75 Issued: 02/01/2010

Emergency Response to Hazardous Substance Releases

Provides clarification to ensure uniform inspection procedures for emergency response operations or substantial threats of releases of hazardous substances.

This policy references the following WACs:

DD 13.00 Issued: 07/15/2011

Emergency Washing Facilities

This directive establishes DOSH enforcement policy related to the emergency washing requirements contained in WAC 296-800-150, First Aid.

This policy references the following WACs:

DD 5.45 Issued: 06/15/2011

Employee Entry Into Worksites Suffering Structural Damage

This directive establishes inspection procedures and enforcement policies related to employee entry into worksites suffering structural damage.

This policy references the following WACs:

DD 21.95 Issued: 04/01/2019

Enforcement Activity Related to Piers and Docks

This directive establishes inspection procedures and enforcement policies related to piers and docks, involving the application of WAC 296-56-600117.

This policy references the following WAC:

DD 12.85 Issued: 12/30/2008

Enforcement and Consultation Guidance for Combustible Dust Hazards

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.

This policy references the following WACs:

DD 2.70 Issued: 04/01/2019

Enforcement Emphasis on Amputations

This DOSH Directive establishes inspection procedures and enforcement policies for implementing an NEP to identify and reduce workplace machinery and equipment hazards which are causing, or likely to cause, amputations.

This policy references the following WACs:

DD 22.95 Issued: 02/01/2017

Enforcement guidance for the Longshoring Industry

This DOSH Directive establishes enforcement guidance to reduce or eliminate workplace hazards related to the Longshoring Industry.

This policy references the following WACs:

DD 22.90 Issued: 04/01/2019

Enforcement of Load Limit Signage on Ferry Terminals

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.

This policy references the following WAC:

DD 27.30 Issued: 11/27/2018

Excavation Operations

This Directive establishes guidelines for DOSH Compliance and Consultation Safety and Health Officers (CSHOs) when assessing employee exposure to hazards associated with excavation operations.

This policy references the following WACs:

DD 19.25 Issued: 02/03/2020

Explosives Inspection Activities and Procedure

Provides guidance to DOSH staff on scheduling and conducting explosives inspections, and establishes guidelines for seizing explosives.

This policy references the following WACs:

DD 19.20 Issued: 11/15/2010

Explosives Magazine Licensing Inspection

Provides guidance to DOSH staff on scheduling and conducting of explosive magazine inspections

This policy references the following WACs:

DD 33.80 Issued: 11/20/2019

Field Sanitation for Agriculture Workers

This directive provides DOSH enforcement guidance on WAC 296-307-095, Field Sanitation. It clarifies application and use of waterless hand washing products.

This policy references the following WAC:

DD 29.65 Issued: 04/21/2005

Fixed Ladders Used in Emergencies

Defines what safety controls are necessary for fixed ladders which are intended for emergency use only.

DD 2.25 Issued: 07/31/2019

Focused Inspections at Construction Worksites

This Directive provides guidance to Compliance Safety & Health Officers (CSHOs) related to conducting focused safety or hygiene inspections at construction worksites.

DD 1.70 Issued: 05/15/2020

General Coronavirus Prevention Under Stay Home - Stay Healthy Order

This Directive provides enforcement policy when evaluating workplace implementation of social distancing, sanitation and sick employee practices as required under the Governor’s Proclamation: Stay Home - Stay Healthy Order.

This policy references the following WACs:

DD 27.00 Issued: 04/12/2019

General or Upper-Tier Contractor (Stute) Responsibility

This Directive establishes guidelines for DOSH compliance and consultation staff when assessing an upper-tier contractor's compliance with WISHA as it applies to a lower-tier contractor or its employees.

DD 18.35 Issued: 08/19/2005

Grounding Requirements for Temporary Substation Fences

Provides enforcement guidance to WISHA and defines what the requirements are for grounding temporary substation fencing?

This policy references the following WAC:

DD 5.96 Issued: 12/03/2010

Hand Protection When Using Knives in Food Preparation

Establishes inspection procedures and enforcement policy related to hand protection when using knives during food processing.

This policy references the following WACs:

DD 1.90 Issued: 09/25/2012

Handling WISHA Complaints by L&I Employees

This directive provides guidance on responding to safety and health complaints filed about L&I’s own operations.

DD 5.92 Issued: 02/03/2020

Head Protection and All-Terrain Vehicles (ATVs)

This Directive provides guidance to DOSH enforcement and consultation staff, applicable to activities involving the requirements related to head protection for employees operating motorcycles and all-terrain vehicles (ATVs).

This policy references the following WACs:

DD 18.55 Issued: 07/10/2013

High Voltage Electrical and Telecommunications Hazards

This Directive provides guidance to compliance and consultation staff, to ensure only qualified CSHOs are permitted to engage in DOSH inspection and consultation activities related to High Voltage Electrical and Telecommunications hazards.

This policy references the following WACs:

DD 18.45 Issued: 09/18/2006

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 .

DD 1.19 Issued: 07/03/2012

Homeowners as General Contractors

This Directive establishes enforcement policies related to DOSH jurisdiction over homeowners who are “acting as the general contractor” in building their own homes.

DD 10.10 Issued: 01/14/2011

Indoor Air Quality

This directive establishes inspection procedures and compliance policies related to workplace Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) hazards.

This policy references the following WACs:

DD 6.10 Issued: 03/01/2008

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.

This policy references the following WACs:

DD 32.00 Issued: 12/08/2017

Law Enforcement

Establishes inspection procedures and enforcement policies related to patrol operations, tactical response, and emergency response when law enforcement officers are involved.

This policy references the following WACs:

DD 2.20 Issued: 04/01/2019

Local Emphasis Programs

This directive provides guidance to DOSH enforcement and consultation staff on the procedures for proposing Local Emphasis Programs (LEPs)

DD 20.55 Issued: 02/15/2019

Log Sorting Yards in Marine Terminals or Sawmills

Evaluation of dry land log yards, regardless of location

This policy references the following WACs:

DD 8.35 Issued: 08/11/2006

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.

DD 97-7-G Issued: 07/25/1997

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.

DD 98-2-A Issued: 02/26/1998

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.

DD 23.10 Issued: 04/30/1997

Occupational Exposure to Asbestos

Applies to WISHA inspections and consultations related to occupational exposure to asbestos and to the Asbestos Certification Program.

DD 10.15 Issued: 05/26/2009

Outdoor Heat Exposure Enforcement Procedures

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.

This policy references the following WACs:

DD 21.25 Issued: 09/20/2019

Personal Flotation Devices

This directive provides guidance regarding the selection, use, and maintenance of Personal Flotation Devices (PFD) to protect workers when drowning hazards exist in the work place.

This policy references the following WACs:

DD 5.15 Issued: 07/20/2011

Personal Protective Equipment

This directive establishes DOSH policy and enforcement direction regarding the provision and use of personal protective equipment (PPE).

This policy references the following WACs:

DD 33.25 Issued: 12/28/2000

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.

This policy references the following WAC:

DD 7.05 Issued: 07/01/2015

Powered Industrial Truck Training in Longshoring & Marine Terminals

This DOSH Directive provides guidance to compliance and consultation staff regarding activities involving Powered Industrial Truck (PIT) operator training in the Longshoring and Marine Terminal Industries.

This policy references the following WACs:

DD 7.07 Issued: 02/15/2019

Powered Industrial Trucks Used to Load and Unload

Provides guidance in applying the requirements of Chapter 296-863 WAC, when loading or unloading highway trucks with Powered Industrial Trucks (PITs).

This policy references the following WAC:

DD 20.85 Issued: 05/28/2019

Pre-Commercial Thinning (PCT)

This Directive provides guidance to DOSH enforcement and consultation staff, and clarifies inspection procedures and enforcement policies related to pre-commercial thinning (PCT) inspections.

This policy references the following WAC:

DD 24.30 Issued: 04/01/2019

Primary Metal Industries NEP

This Directive implements the National Emphasis Program for the Primary Metal Industry for the state of Washington.

DD 2.10 Issued: 04/01/2019

Programmed Inspection and Visit Activities

This directive establishes DOSH policy and enforcement direction regarding programmed inspections and consultations.

This policy references the following WAC:

DD 23.70 Issued: 12/16/2013

Review and Decertification of Asbestos Abatement Contractors, Supervisors, and Workers

This DOSH Directive describes the review process and provides guidance to DOSH staff regarding decertification of asbestos abatement contractors, supervisors, and workers.

This policy references the following WACs:

DD 7.00 Issued: 03/25/2013

Rolling Outriggers on Mobile Cranes

Provides clearer guidance regarding the use of rolling outriggers on mobile cranes

This policy references the following WAC:

DD 33.20 Issued: 04/30/2018

Rollover Protective Structures (ROPS) and Low-Profile Tractors

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.

This policy references the following WAC:

DD 30.20 Issued: 04/05/2011

Scaffold and the Fall Protection Work Plan

This directive establishes inspection procedures and enforcement policies regarding the appropriate application of the fall protection work plan requirements, in relation to scaffolds.

This policy references the following WACs:

DD 2.68 Issued: 11/16/2017

Severe Violator Enforcement Program

This directive establishes enforcement policy for DOSH’s Severe Violator Enforcement Program (SVEP).

This policy references the following WACs:

DD 33.72 Issued: 11/26/2001

Sheepherder Housing

Provides guidance to WISHA whenever they must assess temporary worker housing provided to sheepherders as a condition of employment.

This policy references the following WAC:

DD 24.70 Issued: 12/20/2019

Skilled and Trained Workforce in High Hazard Facilities

This Directive establishes inspection procedures and enforcement policies related to skilled and trained workforce in high hazard facilities, subject to the scope of RCW 49.80, High Hazard Facilities – Workforce.

This policy references the following WAC:

DD 7.30 Issued: 08/11/2006

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

This policy references the following WACs:

DD 29.72 Issued: 03/25/2013

Tag Line Use

Guidelines for determining when to cite an employer for not using a tagline on suspended loads

This policy references the following WACs:

DD 1.60 Issued: 03/23/2020

Temporary Enforcement Guidance - Expiring Training and Certifications During the COVID-19 Outbreak - DOSH Directive 1.60

This Directive provides temporary enforcement guidance to Compliance Safety and Health Officers for enforcing training and certifications requirements during the COVID-19 outbreak.

DD 11.80 Issued: 05/22/2020

Temporary Enforcement Guidance: Annual Fit-Testing, Respiratory Protection and Face Coverings during COVID-19 Pandemic

This Directive provides temporary enforcement guidance to Compliance Safety and Health Officers for enforcing Chapter 296-842 WAC, Respirators, with regard to supply shortages of N95 filtering facepiece respirators due to the COVID-19 outbreak.

This policy references the following WACs:

DD 8.55 Issued: 11/04/2019

Tower Crane Erection and Dismantling Violations

Establishes a willful penalty classification for specific tower crane erection/dismantling violations for DOSH Compliance.

This policy references the following WAC:

DD 27.20 Issued: 12/30/2004

Traffic Control and Flagging Operations

Provides guidance to WISHA staff when evaluating work zones where traffic control or flaggers are used.

This policy references the following WAC:

DD 40.0 Issued: 01/20/2015

Training Program for DOSH Safety and Health Staff

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.

DD 20.75 Issued: 02/15/2019

Tree and Shrub Trimming, Pruning and Removal

This Directive establishes inspection procedures and enforcement policies related to arborist activities involving tree and shrub trimming, pruning, bracing, removal and surgery.

This policy references the following WACs:

DD 11.36 Issued: 04/01/2019

Tuberculosis Control in Correctional Facilities

This DOSH Directive establishes procedures and enforcement policies related to Tuberculosis (TB) in correctional facilities.

This policy references the following WACs:

DD 11.35 Issued: 04/01/2019

Tuberculosis Control in Health-Care Facilities

This DOSH Directive establishes procedures and enforcement policies related to Tuberculosis (TB) in health-care settings.

This policy references the following WACs:

DD 27.95 Issued: 04/11/2005

Underground Diesel-Powered Equipment

Defines what the requirements are for prior approval of the operation of mobile diesel- powered equipment underground?

This policy references the following WAC:

DD 5.10 Issued: 09/29/2009

Unpreventable Employee Misconduct

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.

DD 7.06 Issued: 05/08/2012

Use of Powered Industrial Truck Load Engaging Means to Reduce Awkward Lifting

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.

This policy references the following WACs:

DD 5.05 Issued: 11/05/2010

Violence in the Workplace

Provides guidance to DOSH staff on the appropriate application of WISHA standards in workplaces where there is an increased risk of violent incidents.

This policy references the following WAC:

DD 1.96 Issued: 10/18/2012

Volunteers, Students, and DOSH Jurisdiction

Provides guidance for compliance and consultation staff in determining DOSH jurisdiction for volunteers and students.

DD 95-1 Issued: 02/01/1995

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,

DD 33.95 Issued: 12/20/2019

WISHA 10 Training for Agriculture

This DOSH Directive establishes inspection procedures and enforcement policies regarding agriculture employers whose employees have successfully completed the WISHA 10 for Agriculture Workers training, in the employee’s preferred language.

This policy references the following WAC:

DD 1.40 Issued: 07/07/2006

WISHA Jurisdiction Over DOC & Jail Inmates

Provides guidance on when an inmate can be considered an "employee" and protocols for evaluating S&H complaints

DD 18.70 Issued: 03/26/2018

Working Around Overhead Energized Transit System Power Supply (OETSPS) Lines Below 800 Volts DC

This Directive establishes guidance, inspection procedures and enforcement policies for compliance and consultation staff, related to employees performing construction work in proximity to overhead energized transit system power supply (OETSPS) lines below 800 volts DC.

This policy references the following WACs:

DD 5.07 Issued: 01/24/2020

Workplace Violence Prevention in Health Care

Provides enforcement policy regarding workplace violence protections in health care settings.

This policy references the following WACs: