WAC 296-17A-1007   Classification 1007.  


1007-08 Geophysical exploration, N.O.C.

     Applies to contractors engaged in geophysical exploration, with no core drilling, and without seismatic detection, who are not covered by another classification (N.O.C.). The more common methods of geophysical exploration are gravitational, electric and magnetic. In the gravitational method, delicate pendulums and torsion balances capable of detecting differences in the gravitational pull of the earth at various places enable the geologist to tell where oil is likely to be found. There are two electrical methods, resistivity and inductive. In the resistivity method, measurements are taken on an ohmmeter, which indicate the resistivity of the subsurface. The inductive method is somewhat comparable, but instead of determining the resistivity of the subsurface formations, the conductivity is measured enabling the geologist to determine the character of the subsurface being studied. The magnetic method is accomplished by means of a highly developed form of magnetic dipping needle with a telescope magnifier. The magnetic attraction exerted by magnetic rocks and formations causes the needle to deflect from its horizontal plane, thereby enabling a geologist to develop contour maps with lines of equal magnetic attraction. This classification includes prospectors who may specialize in particular instrumentation such as electrical, gravity, magnetic or seismic. The prospector studies structure of subsurface rock formations to locate petroleum deposits; conducts research using geophysical instruments such as seismograph, gravimeter, torsion balance, and magnetometer, pendulum devices, and electrical resistivity apparatus to measure characteristics of the earth; computes variations in physical forces existing at different locations and interprets data to reveal subsurface structures likely to contain petroleum deposits; and determines desirable locations for drilling operations. This classification includes prospecting for mineral ores and the testing of soil for percolation when performed by employees of an employer subject to this classification.

     This classification excludes core drilling and seismic geophysical exploration which are to be reported separately in classification 0103, and geophysical crews employed by oil companies who are to be reported in the classification applicable to the business.

     Special note: When assigning classifications 1007-08, 4901-16 - Geologists, and 0103-10 - Seismic geophysical exploration, care must be taken to look beyond the word "geologist" to determine the actual nature of the activities being performed.


1007-09 Testing and inspecting of pipelines or utility lines using radiographic, video, infrared thermography or X-ray analysis process by contractor at industrial plants or construction sites

     Applies to establishments engaged in the testing or inspecting of pipelines, utility lines or conduits for others, provided the testing or inspecting is not performed in conjunction with the construction of the pipeline. This classification includes testing or inspecting involving radiographic, video, infrared thermography or X-ray analysis processes such as the X raying of containers, inspecting of utility lines, and the drawing of oil samples on-site when performed by employees of an employer subject to this classification. Classification 1007-09 is assigned primarily to field activities.

     This classification excludes testing or inspecting done in conjunction with construction which is to be reported separately in the appropriate construction classification.


1007-15 Inspection and grading bureaus, N.O.C.; log scaling and grading bureaus; lumber inspection services; weigh scale attendants, N.O.C.; weather stations; rainmaking - no aircraft; air flow/heat balancing and testing

     Applies to establishments operating as inspection and grading bureaus, not covered by another classification (N.O.C.), including, but not limited to, those involved in inspecting and grading commodities such as logs, lumber, shingles, shakes, poles, and railroad ties. The commodity is examined and stamped with a grademark which indicates the grade, species, producer's name or number and other pertinent data. A certificate of inspection may be issued in lieu of a grademark. The purpose of the inspection is to grade, tally, and stamp only those products which meet certain required specifications and to cull those products which do not meet the established standards. Log scaling and grading bureaus measure the logs, and by applying log rule formulas, determine the net yield, usually expressed in board feet. A scale ticket containing descriptive data is attached to the end of the log. This classification also applies to weigh scale attendants not covered by another classification (N.O.C.), when the service is available to the general public, otherwise the weigh scale attendants are to be included in the basic classification of the business. This classification includes establishments engaged exclusively in such services as auto emission control testing, air flow balancing and testing, the balancing and testing of heating, ventilating and air conditioning systems, hydrostatic testing of such objects as boilers, tanks, pipes and fittings using compressed air or water pressure to detect leaks, the strength testing of building material such as, but not limited to, asphalt, concrete and steel; and the testing or inspecting of steel weldments. This classification also includes weather stations which observe and record weather conditions for use in forecasting, and which read weather instruments, including thermometers, barometers, and hygrometers to ascertain elements such as temperature, barometric pressure, humidity, wind velocity, and precipitation. Weather data is transmitted and received also from other stations. A fully automated (computerized) weather station can be reported under classification 4904. This classification also covers rainmaking without the use of aircraft.


1007-16 Foresters (to be assigned only by reforestation underwriter)

     Applies to foresters engaged in forest management. Foresters may plan and direct forestation or reforestation projects, map forest areas, estimate standing timber and future growth, or manage timber sales. Foresters also may plan cutting programs to assure continuous production of timber, and determine methods of cutting and removing timber with a minimum of waste and environmental damage. They may plan and design forest fire suppression and fire-prevention programs, plan and design construction of fire towers, trails, roads and fire breaks and may also plan and design projects for control of floods, soil erosion, tree diseases, and insect pests in forests. Foresters may specialize in one aspect of forest management.

     This classification excludes manual labor or direct supervision of manual labor.


1007-18 Foresters and timber cruisers - scientific tree, forestry, and watershed studies (to be assigned only by reforestation underwriter)

     Applies to establishments engaged in scientific tree studies for others. Scientific tree studies are research oriented; random sample plots are measured and data such as the size of trees, species, disease and insect or animal damage, and seedling mortality, are recorded. Plots are maintained where each tree is tagged, its genealogy recorded, and growth statistics entered. A scion (a detached living shoot or twig) may be grafted onto a root stock and detailed records maintained of its genealogy and growth. Other data, such as fertilizers used, also may be maintained. These test plots are sometimes referred to as progeny plots or progeny studies. This classification includes scientific studies of watersheds or watershed restoration which involves the evaluation of slopes, road systems, streams and the entire ecosystem (an ecological community with its physical environment, regarded as a unit). This classification also includes precommercial thinning layouts or pruning inspections to determine if an area is ready for thinning or pruning.

     This classification excludes manual labor or direct supervision of manual labor.


1007-19 Timber cruisers (to be assigned only by reforestation underwriter)

     Applies to timber cruisers engaged in cruising timber land to estimate the volume and quality of a timber stand through an on-site visual inspection. A timber cruiser collects data concerning forest conditions for appraisal, sales, administration, logging, land use, and forest management planning. A forest area is traversed on foot in an established pattern and sampling techniques applied. The height and diameter of each tree in a test site is recorded as are defects such as rot and bends, to estimate the useable wood in each tree. From the data collected a summary report is prepared giving the timber types, sizes, condition and outstanding features of an area, such as existing roads, streams, and communication facilities. Trees may be marked with spray paint to denote trail, boundary, or for cutting.

     This classification excludes manual labor or direct supervision of manual labor.


1007-20 Foresters and timber cruisers - tree auditing (to be assigned only by reforestation underwriter)

     Applies to establishments engaged in tree auditing for others. This service is generally associated with new plantations and is the process of evaluating the quality and the rate of planting of new trees, as well as surveying newly planted sites on a periodic schedule to determine the survival rate.

     This classification excludes tree auditing services when planting is in process, which is to be reported separately in classification 5004.

     This classification excludes manual labor or direct supervision of manual labor.


1007-21 Environmental and ecological surveyor services, N.O.C.

     Applies to establishments engaged in providing environmental and ecological surveying services not covered by another classification (N.O.C.) for others. Environmental or ecological surveying firms typically serve as consultants to industrial or commercial enterprises, governmental agencies or private citizens. Environmental engineer is a term applied to engineering personnel who apply knowledge of chemical, civil, mechanical, or other engineering disciplines to preserve the quality of life by correcting and improving various areas of environmental concern, such as air, soil, or water pollution. Services include identifying and projecting potential environmental impact resulting from proposed projects, assessing the source, severity and extent of environmental damage resulting from human or natural causes, and recommending solutions to protect or regain the natural balance between organisms and their environment. Activities of environmental surveying/consulting establishments include, but are not limited to, locating archaeological sites for preservation, researching and collecting field data on birds and insects, preparing impact statement for landowners and developers, stream and fish monitoring, botanical surveys, wetland surveys, soil and groundwater testing for contamination, air monitoring including industrial hygiene services, monitoring and testing at hazardous waste sites, providing advice on pollution control at its source, and developing a plan for cleaning up already recognized problems such as waste disposal sites, radon or asbestos contamination. Other services provided may include helping clients develop a system for complying with various governmental regulations. This classification includes employees of the environmental surveying service who conduct field work as well as those who are assigned to act as project managers or project superintendents to oversee the work of remediation contractors.

     This classification excludes all types of remediation work which is to be reported separately in the classification applicable to the type of remediation work being performed, and surveyors employed by construction companies or other types of businesses who are to be reported separately in the applicable classifications.

     Special note: When assigning classifications 1007 or 4901, care must be taken to look beyond the words "consulting" or "engineering" to determine the actual nature of the activities being performed.



[Statutory Authority: RCW 51.16.035, 51.16.100, 51.04.020(1). 10-18-024, § 296-17A-1007, filed 8/24/10, effective 10/1/10. 07-01-014, recodified as § 296-17A-1007, filed 12/8/06, effective 12/8/06. Statutory Authority: RCW 51.16.035, 51.16.100. 05-23-161, § 296-17-53504, filed 11/22/05, effective 1/1/06. Statutory Authority: RCW 51.16.035. 98-18-042, § 296-17-53504, filed 8/28/98, effective 10/1/98. Statutory Authority: RCW 51.04.020(1) and 51.16.035. 94-12-063, § 296-17-53504, filed 5/30/94, effective 6/30/94; 93-12-093, § 296-17-53504, filed 5/31/93, effective 7/1/93. Statutory Authority: RCW 51.16.035. 85-24-032 (Order 85-33), § 296-17-53504, filed 11/27/85, effective 1/1/86; 83-24-017 (Order 83-36), § 296-17-53504, filed 11/30/83, effective 1/1/84; 82-24-047 (Order 82-38), § 296-17-53504, filed 11/29/82, effective 1/1/83.]