(1) This chapter has been compiled with the purpose of consolidating safety and health construction safety standards into one chapter of the Washington Administrative Code, by the promulgation of the standards contained herein. It is also the intent that the safety standards of the Washington state department of labor and industries, will be at least as effective as those adopted by the U.S. Department of Labor and administered by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration as published in the Code of Federal Regulations. The department of labor and industries is incorporating many of the preexisting construction safety standards and adding new standards under this chapter.

(2) Attention is called to the fact that certain Washington state standards contain standards and/or regulations applicable to all industries. These include, but are not limited to: The code for boilers and pressure vessels; the code for pressure piping; the general industrial safety and health standards; the general occupational health standards; regulations of the department of social and health services.