Washington State

House of Representatives

Office of Program Research

BILL

ANALYSIS

Labor & Workforce Development Committee

HB 2145

This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent.

Brief Description: Concerning dumbwaiters.

Sponsors: Representative Condotta.

Brief Summary of Bill

  • Exempts dumbwaiters from the regulation of conveyances by the Department of Labor and Industries.

Hearing Date: 1/31/14

Staff: Joan Elgee (786-7106).

Background:

The Department of Labor and Industries (Department) administers and enforces state laws regarding the installation, operation, inspection, and repair of conveyances. In general, these laws require owners to obtain permits from the Department before conveyances are built, installed, moved, or altered. These activities must be performed by licensed elevator contractors employing a licensed elevator mechanic. In addition, conveyances must have operating permits and are subject to annual safety inspections by the Department.

Conveyances include elevators, escalators, dumbwaiters, and other elevating devices. A "dumbwaiter" is a hoisting and lowering mechanism equipped with a car that moves in a substantially vertical direction that is used exclusively for carrying materials and that meets certain size and capacity criteria. To be a "dumbwaiter," the floor area must not exceed nine square feet, the inside height must not exceed four feet, and the capacity must not exceed 500 pounds.

Some conveyances are exempt from the conveyance laws. These include a conveyance that is permanently removed from service or made effectively inoperative and certain temporary construction hoists.

Summary of Bill:

Dumbwaiters are exempted from the regulation of conveyances by the Department of Labor and Industries.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Available.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.