(1) This chapter covers the operation, maintenance, and construction of electric power generation, control, transformation, transmission, and distribution lines and equipment. These provisions apply to:

(a) Power generation, transmission, and distribution installations, including related equipment for the purpose of communication or metering, which are accessible only to qualified electrical employees;

(b) Other installations at an electric power generating station, as follows:

(i) Fuel and ash handling and processing installations, such as coal conveyors;

(ii) Water and steam installations, such as penstocks, pipelines, and tanks, providing a source of energy for electric generators; and

(iii) Chlorine and hydrogen systems.

(c) Test sites where electrical testing involving temporary measurements associated with electric power generation, transmission, and distribution is performed in laboratories, in the field, in substations, and on lines, as opposed to metering, relaying, and routine line work;

(d) Work on or directly associated with the installations covered in subsection (1)(a) through (c) of this section; and

(e) Line-clearance tree-trimming operations, as follows:

(i) This chapter except WAC 296-45-455, applies to line-clearance tree-trimming operations performed by qualified electrical employees (those who are knowledgeable in the construction and operation of electric power generation, transmission, or distribution equipment involved, along with the associated hazards).

(ii) WAC 296-45-065, 296-45-067, 296-45-125, 296-45-135, 296-45-255, 296-45-315, 296-45-375, and 296-45-455 through 296-45-45530 apply to line-clearance tree-trimming operations performed by line-clearance tree trimmers who are not qualified electrical employees.

(2) Notwithstanding subsection (1) of this section, this chapter does not apply to electrical installations, electrical safety-related work practices, or electrical maintenance considerations covered by Part L of chapter 296-24 WAC and WAC 296-800-280.

(3) This section applies in addition to all other applicable safety and health standards administered by the department. Specific references in this section to other standards are provided for emphasis only.

(4) Operation, conditions, work methods and other work related situations or activities not specifically covered by this chapter are subject to the rules and regulations of chapter 296-24 WAC, General safety and health standards; chapter 296-27 WAC, Recordkeeping and reporting; chapter 296-32 WAC, Safety standards for telecommunications; chapter 296-62 WAC, General occupational health standards; chapter 296-155 WAC, Safety standards for construction work; chapter 296-800 WAC, Safety and health core rules; and, insofar as applicable to employee safety and health, chapter 19.29 RCW. Additionally, operations, conditions, work methods and other work related situations or activities may be subject to additional rules and regulations depending upon the nature of the work being performed.

(5) These rules do not apply to the use of existing electrical installations during their lifetime, provided they are maintained in good condition and in accordance with the applicable safety factor requirements and the rules in effect at the time they were installed, and provided that reconstruction conforms to the rules as herein provided.

(6) Any rule, regulation or standard contained within this chapter, if subject to interpretation, must be interpreted to achieve employee safety, which is the ultimate purpose of this chapter.

(7) Should a rule or standard contained within this chapter conflict, in any manner, with a standard or rule contained within any other chapter of Title 296 WAC the standard or rule contained herein applies so long as the work being done is power generation, transmission, and distribution installations, including related equipment for the purpose of communication or metering, which are accessible only to qualified electrical employees. If there are rules within this chapter that conflict, the rule that provides the greatest employee safety will apply.

(8) Neither the promulgation of these rules, nor anything contained in these rules will be construed as affecting the relative status or civil rights or liabilities between employers and their employees and/or the employees of others and/or the public generally; nor will the use herein of the words "duty" and "responsibility" or either, import or imply liability other than provided for in the industrial insurance and safety laws of the state of Washington, to any person for injuries due to negligence predicated upon failure to perform or discharge any such "duty" or "responsibility," but failure on the part of the employees, leadworker, or employer to comply with any compulsory rule may be cause for the department of labor and industries to take action in accordance with the industrial insurance and safety laws.

(9) "Must" as used in this chapter make the provisions mandatory. Should, may, or it is recommended, are used to indicate the provisions are not mandatory but are recommended.

(10) If any section, subsection, phrase, or provisions of this chapter or part thereof should be held invalid by any court for any reason, such invalidity will not in any way affect the validity of the remainder of this chapter, unless such decision renders the remainder of the provision unintelligible, or changes the meaning of such other provision or provisions.

(11) When the language used in this chapter indicates that it is the responsibility, duty, or obligation of the leadworker or other employee, it must also be the employer's responsibility, obligation, and duty.

(12) Whenever this chapter refers to the provisions of another safety and health standard or statute affecting safety and health, such reference refers to the statute or code in effect at the time the work is being performed.