Wash. Admin. Code § 296-831-400 - [Effective 1/2/2025] Training requirements

(1) Adult entertainment establishments must train entertainers on the following, prior to their work as entertainers.

(a) The location and type of panic buttons used in the establishment (audible/discreet at the point of use).

(b) How to use panic button(s).

(c) Proper scenarios for use of panic button(s).

(d) What, if any, are the limitations of the panic button(s) and/or alarm system(s) - Under what circumstances could the panic but-ton(s) and alarm system(s) fail and what are entertainers expected to do in these scenarios.

(e) The location and purpose of both the customer complaint log and blocklist.

(f) What scenarios are appropriate for listing customers in both the complaint log and blocklist.

(g) What steps entertainers must take to have customers added to blocklist and/or customer complaint log. For more information related to customer complaint logs/blocklists, see WAC 296-831-500.

(2) Adult entertainment establishments designate and train res-ponders on the following prior to their work as designated responders:

(a) The location and type of panic buttons used in the establishment;

(b) How to recognize panic button alarms;

(c) The limitations of the panic button(s) and/or alarm system(s), the circumstances under which the panic button(s) and alarm system(s) could fail, and what responders are expected to do in these scenarios;

(d) The duties assigned to designated responders following the use of a panic button;

(e) How designated responders perform assigned duties following the use of a panic button;

(f) The location and purpose of both the customer complaint log and blocklist;

(g) What scenarios are appropriate for listing customers in both the complaint log and blocklist; and

(h) What steps designated responders must take to have customers added to blocklist and/or customer complaint log. For more information related to customer complaint logs/blocklists, see WAC 296-831-500.

(3) An establishment must provide training to its employees other than entertainers to minimize occurrences of unprofessional behavior and enable employees to support entertainers in times of conflict.

(a) An establishment must require all employees other than entertainers to complete the training by the later of: March 1, 2025; or within 30 days of hiring for recorded content or 120 days of hiring for live courses. Employees must complete the training at least every two years thereafter.

(b) The training content must be developed and provided by a third-party qualified professional with experience and expertise in personnel training. A third-party qualified professional is defined as one who, by possession of a recognized degree, certificate, or professional standing, or who by extensive knowledge, training, and experience, has successfully demonstrated their ability to effectively train on the topics outlined in (c) of this subsection, and who does not have an interest, financial or otherwise, direct or indirect, in the establishment for which the training is being provided, or any establishments with common ownership. If possible, the training should be designed for use by adult entertainment establishments. When practicable, the training must be translated if necessary for one or more non-English speaking employees to understand the training.

(c) The training topics must include, but are not limited to:

(i) Preventing sexual harassment, sexual discrimination, and assault in the workplace;

(ii) Information on how to identify and report human trafficking;

(iii) Conflict deescalation between entertainers, other employees, and patrons; and

(iv) Providing first aid.

(d) An establishment must offer entertainers the ability to opt in to trainings offered under this subsection.

(4) Upon the request of the department, an establishment must provide proof of compliance with the requirements under this section for inspection by the department.

Notes

Wash. Admin. Code § 296-831-400

Adopted by WSR 22-10-070, Filed 5/3/2022, effective 7/1/2022 Amended by WSR 24-24-074, Filed 12/2/2024, effective 1/2/2025