Conditions may exist under which certain state standards will not have practical application. In these cases, the director of the department of labor and industries has made provisions for the issuance of variances. The director or his/her authorized representative may, pursuant to this section, RCW 49.17.080 and 49.17.090, and chapter 296-900 WAC, upon receipt of application and after investigation by the department, permit a variation from the requirements of this chapter. Any variance is limited to the particular case and application. It shall remain posted during the time which it is in effect. Variance application forms may be obtained from the department.