(a) The parties shall be notified forthwith by the director of conciliation of the name of the designated arbitrator.

(b) The arbitrator, upon notification of designation by the director of conciliation, shall immediately communicate directly with the parties to make arrangements for preliminary matters such as the date, time and place of the arbitration hearing. If the arbitrator cannot schedule a hearing and determine the issues promptly, the arbitrator shall notify the director of conciliation forthwith. The director of conciliation shall take such action, consistent with this Part, as the director of conciliation deems appropriate.