Washington state adopts rule on hazardous drugs

Tumwater, WA – The Washington State Department of Labor and Industries on Jan. 3 adopted a rule to protect health care workers from exposure to hazardous drugs.

The rule (.pdf file) was issued in response to a bill passed last year that required L&I to develop policies in line with recommendations from NIOSH. It will go into effect in phases beginning Jan. 1, 2014.

L&I plans to host a meeting Jan. 25 to discuss the formation of a Hazardous Drugs Advisory Committee and model programs to help employers follow the rule.