(1) The director may establish in accordance with the provisions of this chapter, by regulation, standards for the special packaging of any household substance if he or she finds that:
(a) The degree or nature of the hazard to children in the availability of such substance, by reason of its packaging is such that special packaging is required to protect children from serious personal injury or serious illness resulting from handling, using, or ingesting such substance; and
(b) The special packaging to be required by such standard is technically feasible, practicable, and appropriate for such substance.
(2) In establishing a standard under this section, the director shall consider:
(a) The reasonableness of such standard;
(b) Available scientific, medical, and engineering data concerning special packaging and concerning childhood accidental ingestions, illness, and injury caused by household substances;
(c) The manufacturing practices of industries affected by this chapter; and
(d) The nature and use of the household substance.
(3) In carrying out the provisions of this chapter, the director shall publish his or her findings, his or her reasons therefor, and citation of the sections of statutes which authorize his or her action.
(4) Nothing in this chapter authorizes the director to prescribe specific packaging designs, product content, package quantity, or, with the exception of authority granted in RCW 70A.425.110(1)(b), labeling. In the case of a household substance for which special packaging is required pursuant to a regulation under this section, the director may in such regulation prohibit the packaging of such substance in packages which he or she determines are unnecessarily attractive to children.
(5) The director shall cause the regulations promulgated under this chapter to conform with the requirements or exemptions of the federal hazardous substances act and with the regulations or interpretations promulgated pursuant thereto.
[ 2020 c 20 § 1324; 2012 c 117 § 419; 1974 ex.s. c 49 § 10. Formerly RCW 70.106.100.]