This Part contains rules of practice for administrative proceedings to grant variances and other relief under section 27-a(8)(a)-(c) of the Labor Law, the Public Employee Safety and Health Act, effective December 29, 1980. It does not apply to the granting of variances under section 27-a(8)(b) when the commissioner determines that such variance is necessary to permit an employer to participate in an experiment approved by him designed to demonstrate or validate new and improved techniques to safeguard the health or safety of workers. Whenever appropriate, the procedure for granting such a variance shall be published in the State Register.