Regulations include, but are not limited to: walking-working surfaces, hazardous wastes materials and substances, personal protective equipment, control of hazardous energy, permit required confined spaces, materials handling and storage, machinery and machine guarding, hand and portable powered tools, welding, cutting and brazing, electrical and removal of lead based paint, maintenance and abatement of asbestos containing materials. It is responsible for ensuring the health, safety, and well-being of all North Carolinians, providing human service needs for special populations including individuals who are deaf, blind, developmentally disabled, and mentally ill, and helping poor North Carolinians achieve economic independence.