Washington § 70.136.070 - Verbal emergency assistance agreements — Good Samaritan law — Notification — Form.

Full text of Washington Revised Code of Washington § 70.136.070 — Verbal emergency assistance agreements — Good Samaritan law — Notification — Form., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 70.136.070. Verbal emergency assistance agreements — Good Samaritan law — Notification — Form.

(1) Verbal hazardous materials emergency assistance agreements may be entered into at the scene of an incident where execution of a written agreement prior to the incident is not possible. A notification of the terms of this section shall be presented at the scene by the incident command agency or its representative to the person or public agency whose assistance is requested. The incident command agency and the person or public agency whose assistance is requested shall both sign the notification which appears in subsection (2) of this section, indicating the date and time of signature. If a requesting incident command agency deliberately misrepresents individual or agency status, that agency shall assume full liability for any damages resulting from the actions of the person or public agency whose assistance is requested, other than those damages resulting from gross negligence or wilful or wanton misconduct.

(2) The notification required by subsection (1) of this section shall be in substantially the following form:

NOTIFICATION OF "GOOD SAMARITAN" LAW

You have been requested to provide emergency assistance by a representative of a hazardous materials incident command agency. To encourage your assistance, the Washington state legislature has passed "Good Samaritan" legislation (RCW 70.136.050) to protect you from potential liability. The law reads, in part:

"Any person or public agency whose assistance has been requested by an incident command agency, who has entered into a written hazardous materials assistance agreement . . . at the scene of the incident pursuant to . . . RCW 70.136.070, and who, in good faith, renders emergency care, assistance, or advice with respect to a hazardous materials incident, is not liable for civil damages resulting from any act or omission in the rendering of such care, assistance, or advice, other than acts or omissions constituting gross negligence or wilful or wanton misconduct."

The law requires that you be advised of certain conditions to ensure your protection:

1.	You are not obligated to assist and you may withdraw your assistance at any time.
2.	You cannot profit from assisting.
3.	You must agree to act under the direction of the incident command agency.
4.	You are not covered by this law if you caused the initial accident.
		I have read and understand the above.
		(Name) . . . .
			Date . . . . . . Time . . . .
		I am a representative of a designated hazardous materials incident command agency and I am authorized to make this request for assistance.
		(Name) . . . .
		(Agency) . . . .
			Date . . . . . . Time . . . .

[ 1987 c 238 s 6; 1982 c 172 s 7.]

Source: official Washington text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About Washington § 70.136.070

What does Revised Code of Washington § 70.136.070 cover?

Section 70.136.070 ("Verbal emergency assistance agreements — Good Samaritan law — Notification — Form.") is part of the Revised Code of Washington, the codified statutory law of Washington. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite Washington § 70.136.070?

A common citation format is "Revised Code of Washington § 70.136.070" (Washington). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of Washington law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Washington official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Washington attorney.

How does Washington § 70.136.070 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Washington can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Official text of § 70.136.070 at the Washington source

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Washington.