SENATE BILL REPORT

SSB 6290

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.

As Passed Senate, February 13, 2014

Title: An act relating to miniature hobby boilers.

Brief Description: Regarding miniature hobby boilers.

Sponsors: Senate Committee on Commerce & Labor (originally sponsored by Senators Sheldon, Roach and Hill).

Brief History:

Committee Activity: Commerce & Labor: 1/31/14, 2/05/14 [DPS].

Passed Senate: 2/13/14, 48-0.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON COMMERCE & LABOR

Majority Report: That Substitute Senate Bill No. 6290 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass.

Signed by Senators Holmquist Newbry, Chair; Braun, Vice Chair; Conway, Ranking Member; Hasegawa, Hewitt, King and Kohl-Welles.

Staff: Jessica Stevenson (786-7465)

Background: The Washington State Board of Boiler Rules (WSBBR) must formulate definitions and rules for the safe and proper construction, installation, repair, use, and operation of boilers. Generally, a boiler is a closed vessel in which water or other liquid is heated, steam or vapor is generated, steam is superheated, or any combination of these, under pressure or vacuum for an external object. The definitions and rules must be based upon and follow the nationally or internationally accepted engineering standards, formulae, and practices for boilers. WSBBR adopted the boiler and pressure vessel code of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers. An inspection certificate is granted for boilers that comply with the rules and regulations adopted by WSBBR, except for certain exceptions.

An inspection certificate may be granted for miniature hobby boilers that:

  1. do not comply with the code requirements of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers adopted under the Boilers and Unfired Pressure Vessels chapter;

  2. are operated exclusively for uses other than commercial or industrial use;

  3. are not determined to be unsafe for the exclusive purposes by the Department of Labor and Industries as the result of an inspection; and

  4. do not exceed any of the following limits:

    1. 16 inches in diameter in the inside of the shell;

    2. 20 square feet of total heating surface;

    3. five cubic feet of gross volume of vessel; and

    4. 150 p.s.i.g. maximum allowable working pressure.

Summary of Substitute Bill: The Boilers and Unfired Pressure Vessels chapter does not apply to miniature hobby boilers that have:

The miniature hobby boilers that do not need to comply with the chapter are defined as those that:

  1. do not comply with the code requirements of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers adopted under the Boilers and Unfired Pressure Vessels chapter; and

  2. do not exceed the following limits:

    1. 16 inches in diameter in the inside of the shell;

    2. 20 square feet of total heating surface;

    3. five cubic feet of gross volume of vessel; and

    4. 150 p.s.i.g. maximum allowable working pressure.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Available.

Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.

Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.

Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: The bill will simplify the inspection process for individuals who use miniature hobby boilers while preserving safety. The miniature hobby boilers are used for enjoyment purposes. The boilers will still need to be initially inspected, but will not need to be inspected annually. The individuals who use miniature hobby boilers and the Department of Labor and Industries (L&I) have come to an agreement on the inspection process.

Persons Testifying: PRO: Senator Sheldon, prime sponsor; Dennis Weaver; Tammy Fellin, L&I.