Washington Begins Enforcing Certification Rules for Fireproof Applicators
State regulators are now actively checking contractor compliance for fire-resistant material applicators across qualified construction projects.
- By Jesse Jacobs
- Aug 27, 2026
Contractors working on major construction projects in Washington must now ensure all workers applying specialized fire-retardant coatings hold valid state credentials as active enforcement begins.
The Washington State Department of Labor & Industries announced it is officially enforcing the fire-resistant materials applicator certification requirements established under state regulations. The rules mandate that construction companies hiring for jobs involving specialized fireproofing must exclusively deploy certified personnel on designated building types.
Alongside enforcement, state safety officials are actively recruiting qualified organizations to become approved course sponsors. Becoming an authorized training provider requires no fee, though programs must meet specific course guidelines and utilize instructors meeting state competency definitions. Approved training designations remain valid for three years.
Individuals or contracting firms seeking to verify applicator certification requirements or apply for course sponsorship status can submit inquiries directly to state program administrators.
About the Author
Jesse Jacobs is assistant editor of OHSOnline.com.