To adequately protect the department's public records, a requestor shall comply with the following guidelines while inspecting public records:

1. (1) A requestor may not remove any public record from the department's premises.
2. (2) A requestor shall have a designated department employee present while inspecting a public record.
3. (3) A requestor may not mark or deface a public record in any manner during inspection.
4. (4) A requestor may not dismantle public records that are maintained in a file or jacket, or in chronological or other filing order, or those records which, if lost or destroyed, would constitute excessive interference with the department's essential functions.
5. (5) Access to file cabinets, shelves, vaults, or other storage areas is restricted to department personnel, unless other arrangements are made with the public records officer or designee.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 43.70.040, 42.56.040, 42.56.070, 42.56.100, and 42.56.120. WSR 25-07-081, s 246-02-100, filed 3/17/25, effective 4/17/25.]