Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research | BILL ANALYSIS |
Labor & Workplace Standards Committee |
SSB 5471
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: Extending the validity of temporary elevator licenses, expanding membership of the elevator safety advisory committee, and allowing homeowners to remove certain conveyances from their residences.
Sponsors: Senate Committee on Labor & Commerce (originally sponsored by Senators King and Keiser; by request of Department of Labor & Industries).
Brief Summary of Substitute Bill |
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Hearing Date: 3/18/19
Staff: Joan Elgee (786-7106).
Background:
The Department of Labor and Industries (Department) regulates elevators, escalators, moving walks, and other specified devices, known as conveyances. An entity engaged in the business of performing installations, alterations, maintenance, and other conveyance work must obtain an elevator contractor license from the Department and also be registered as a general or specialty contractor. Performing work without a required license is a misdemeanor.
With some exceptions, persons performing conveyance work must have an elevator mechanic license. A license applicant must have an acceptable combination of experience and education, to include at least three years' experience performing conveyance work, and pass an examination. The Department specifies the required number of education hours for the type of work the applicant will perform.
Temporary elevator mechanic licenses are issued to those certified as qualified and competent by elevator contractors. The Department also requires that a temporary mechanic have at least 75 percent of the education and training hours to obtain a mechanic license. A temporary license is valid for 30 days and may be renewed. To renew a license, a person must complete at least eight hours of continuing education within one year of the renewal.
The Elevator Safety Advisory Committee (Committee) advises the Department on adoption of rules, enforcement and administration of the elevator laws, and matters of concern to stakeholders. The Committee consists of one representative each of elevator contractors, elevator mechanics, owner-employed mechanics exempt from licensing, building owners or managers, architects or professional engineers, and general commercial contractors.
Summary of Bill:
The elevator mechanic licensing requirements do not apply to a homeowner, or a person employed by a homeowner, for permanent removal of a stairway chair lift or a platform lift in a private residence.
The 30-day period for a temporary elevator mechanic license is changed to one year.
The Department may increase the membership of the Committee to two representatives each of elevator contractors, elevator mechanics, owner-employed mechanics exempt from licensing, building owners or managers, and general commercial contractors, but the membership may not exceed nine persons.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.