(1) The rules in this chapter apply to hazardous liquid pipeline companies that are subject to the jurisdiction of the commission under chapter 81.88 RCW. The purpose of these rules is to provide minimum safety standards and reporting requirements for the transportation of hazardous liquids by pipeline, and to set forth a regulatory fee methodology that applies to all pipeline companies subject to inspection by the commission.

(2) While the commission's hazardous liquid pipeline safety statutes and rules impose obligations on pipeline companies, a pipeline company may contract with a person to do tasks that are subject to these rules, such as excavation, construction, and maintenance. If the pipeline company's contractor (or any of its subcontractors) engages in conduct that violates commission rules applicable to the pipeline company, the pipeline company is subject to penalties and all other applicable remedies, as if the pipeline company itself engaged in that conduct, including intentional noncompliance or other intentional violations of these rules by the contractor (or any of its subcontractors). The pipeline company is responsible for maintaining measures designed to detect intentional violations of these rules by a contractor and any of its subcontractors.