WSR 97-16-115

PROPOSED RULES

BUILDING CODE COUNCIL

[Filed August 6, 1997, 10:36 a.m.]

Original Notice.

Preproposal statement of inquiry was filed as WSR 97-05-065.

Title of Rule: Repeal of chapter 51-32 WAC, adoption and amendment of the 1994 Edition of the Uniform Mechanical Code and adoption of chapter 51-42 WAC, adoption and amendment of the 1997 Edition of the Uniform Mechanical Code.

Purpose: To consider whether to adopt, or amend and adopt, the 1997 Edition of the Uniform Mechanical Code, published by the International Conference of Building Officials, and to repeal the 1994 edition of the code.

Statutory Authority for Adoption: RCW 19.27.031, 19.27.074.

Statute Being Implemented: Chapters 19.27 and 34.05 RCW.

Summary: The proposed rule includes adoption of the 1997 Edition of the Uniform Mechanical Code with amendments and repeal of the 1994 edition of this code. The adoption includes fuel gas piping.

Reasons Supporting Proposal: RCW 19.27.031, 19.27.074.

Name of Agency Personnel Responsible for Drafting and Implementation: Judith Darst, P.O. Box 48300, Olympia, WA 98504-8300, (360) 586-2251; and Enforcement: Local jurisdictions.

Name of Proponent: Washington State Building Code Council, governmental.

Agency Comments or Recommendations, if any, as to Statutory Language, Implementation, Enforcement, and Fiscal Matters: The council seeks comments on the issues and options proposed in the rules shown below.

Rule is not necessitated by federal law, federal or state court decision.

Explanation of Rule, its Purpose, and Anticipated Effects: The proposed rule will adopt by reference and amend the 1997 Edition of the Uniform Mechanical Code (UMC), published by the International Conference of Building Officials (ICBO). The purpose is to replace the 1994 UMC (chapter 51-32 WAC), which will then be repealed. The 1997 UMC (proposed chapter 51-42 WAC) will be amended to provide greater safety and flexibility than the published version for its application in Washington state.

Regulatory Review: In compliance with Executive Order 97-02, Regulatory improvement, the following criteria for regulatory review will be considered at the time of final adoption of the rule.

1. Need. This rule is necessary to comply with the requirements of RCW 19.27.074. The council must regularly review updated versions of the Uniform Mechanical Code, and amend and adopt as deemed appropriate by the council. An updated, 1997 version of the Uniform Mechanical Code has been published. The purpose and objective of this review, as given in RCW 19.27.020, is to promote the health, safety and welfare of the occupants or users of buildings; to require minimum construction standards for the state of Washington; to permit the use of modern technical methods; to eliminate restrictive, obsolete, conflicting, duplicating and unnecessary regulations; and to provide standards to make buildings accessible to and usable by physically disabled persons. The technical advisory groups appointed by the council have identified rules that are obsolete, duplicative or ambiguous, and have proposed amendments and revisions.

2. Effectiveness and Efficiency. The mission of the council is to adopt building codes for uniform application throughout the state. In the course of the regular rule review, the council examined regulatory alternatives and new technologies. The council has identified where alternatives can be used effectively and efficiently. The council efficiently achieves uniform state building codes by serving as the central administrative agency for state-wide adoption of building codes.

3. Clarity. The council is revising their filing procedure for state amendments to the national uniform codes. To enhance clarity, only those subsections with a state amendment will be filed under the main section number. The balance of the main section will remain as written in the national uniform code, as adopted by reference, unless otherwise noted. This reformatting change reorganizes and shortens the WACs, and necessitates new WAC number assignments.

4. Intent and Statutory Authority. The proposed rule is consistent with the legislative intent of the statute chapter 19.27 RCW. The statute gives the council sufficient authority to maintain the state building code, and to amend and adopt new editions of the Uniform Mechanical Code. The Uniform Mechanical Code is published every three years.

5. Coordination. The council rule-making process has included participation by national, state, and local building, fire, mechanical and plumbing officials, as well as state agency representatives for the Departments of Social and Health Services, Health, Labor and Industries, and the state Fire Marshal. The council actively seeks participation from other state agencies to assure that duplication and inconsistency is eliminated.

6. Cost. The council appointed technical advisory groups and an Economic and Regulatory Assessment Committee to examine the costs and benefits associated with the revisions to the building codes.

7. Fairness. The state amendments to the Uniform Mechanical Code proposed by the council are intended to mitigate disproportionate impact on the regulated community. The council is made up of representatives from the regulated community, as well as public and regulatory officials. In addition, the council enlisted the assistance of technical advisory groups, made up of the individuals, organizations and businesses impacted by the building codes, to review code changes and proposals.

Proposal Changes the Following Existing Rules: Summary of Changes Proposed in Amendments to the 1997 UMC:

1. Sections 001, 002, 004, 005, 007, 223, 504.3.1, 601.1, 605.2, and Chapter 11, these state amendments are maintained from chapter 51-32 WAC.

2. Sections 003, 008, 601.1.1, these changes correct Uniform Code and WAC references.

3. Section 303.1.1 (exception 1), a cross reference to Section 909 is added for clarity in distinguishing between unvented or direct fired fuel burning equipment and direct gas-fired makeup air heaters.

4. Sections 303.1.1 (exception 2), 901.4 and 601.3 (were 1994 Sections 327.6 and 601.2), these state amendments are maintained from the 1994 edition. The section numbers change to reflect the 1994 to 1997 Uniform Code changes.

5. Section 1002.2, this new amendment prohibits using water heaters for space heating only.

6. Section 1004, UMC Section 1004 - Safety Devices, is not adopted. For safety devices and installation of water heaters, see the Plumbing Code.

7. Sections 1005 through 1029, Tables 10A through 10-C, UMC Chapter 10, Part II - Steam and Hot-water Boilers, is not adopted. Boilers and Unfired Pressure Vessels are regulated by chapter 70.79 RCW and chapter 296-104 WAC.

8. Sections 1311.1, 1311.3, 1312.1, 1312.17 and 1312.18, new amendments to these sections allow copper piping and tubing.

9. Section 1312.3, this new amendment requires existing foundation or basement walls to be core drilled and sealed with an approved mechanical seal when underground piping is installed through an existing wall.

10. Sections 1312.6 and 1312.7, these new amendments requires cathodic protection, in accordance with NACE RP-01-69, for metallic gas piping systems in exterior underground installations.

A small business economic impact statement has been prepared under chapter 19.85 RCW.

Purpose: The purpose of this analysis is to comply with the requirements of chapter 19.85 RCW, to examine whether these proposed rules will have a disproportionate impact on small businesses.

Introduction: The state Building Code Council (council) is proposing to adopt the 1997 Edition of the Uniform Mechanical Code published by the International Conference of Building Officials (chapter 51-42 WAC). WAC 51-42-1312.6 (Corrosion and Covering Protection) and WAC 51-42-1312.7 (Corrosion Isolation) have been identified by the council's Economic and Regulatory Assessment Committee (ERAC) as having a potential disproportionate cost impact to small business.

The council appointed Technical Advisory Groups (TAGs) to do a comprehensive review and comparison of the 1994 Uniform Mechanical Code and the 1997 Uniform Mechanical Code. The TAGs held meetings over a three year period. All national and state-wide code changes were examined. The TAG findings were reviewed by ERAC. Based on this review, the council found that all changes proposed other than the measures specified in this report are editorial in nature and clarifications of nationally recognized standards, which have minimal economic impact beyond codes currently in effect.

The council members and TAG participants are a representative sample of individuals involved in the building construction industry. The makeup of the participants were: Architects, home builders, building officials, contractors, fire officials, energy professionals, manufacturers, engineers, plumbers, state and local officials, inspectors, industry associations and organizations, companies and business, electricians, and the general public.

Summary of Proposed Rule: WAC 51-42-1312.6 (Corrosion and Covering Protection) and 51-42-1312.7 (Corrosion Isolation); WAC 51-42-1312.6 and 51-42-1312.7.

These proposed code changes would require all underground metallic gas piping not provided by utility districts to be cathodically protected. State and federal regulations found in WAC 480-93-110 and 49 CFR, Part 192, require utility districts to cathodically protect underground metallic piping at all locations, for corrosion control. Gas leakage near occupied buildings could be a potential safety hazard. The goal of this proposal is to slow down this rate of corrosion of underground metallic gas pipes, therefore extending the life and usage of these pipes.

Industry Analysis: The four-digit Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) codes for the industries potentially impacted for the two identified code change proposals are listed below:

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Within each four-digit SIC, data from December 31, 1996, (the most recent) were analyzed to determine the number of small and large businesses, and the number of employees per business. Industry data at the four-digit level, provided by the Employment Security Department, were broad in scope and anonymous. Due to confidentiality laws in the state, the council was not able to analyze businesses on a "per business" or "per employee" basis as established in chapter 19.85 RCW, Regulatory Fairness Act. Therefore, an analysis was prepared based solely on the number of employees per employers within each four-digit SIC.

Example: SIC 1521 (Single-family housing construction) has a total of 5,410 employers and 15,490 employees. Of those 5,410 employers, 5,398 of them were small businesses as defined in chapter 19.85 RCW (fifty employees or less) and twelve were large businesses (fifty-one or more employees). A survey was prepared that described these proposed changes and asked businesses to estimate what they believed the cost impact of these changes would be on their business and how they arrived at that figure. The survey also asked businesses how many workers they employed. The council sent surveys to ten percent of businesses within these identified industries to assess the economic impact of the proposals.

The council is able to provide the following detailed information regarding the potentially impacted businesses.

Number of businesses potentially impacted 10,529

Number of employees potentially impacted 63,258

Average number of employees/business 6

Source: Employment Security Dec. 31, 1996 data.

Cost of Compliance: To determine the costs of reporting and compliance requirements for the identified code change proposals, the council used the results of the surveys along with the committee's economical evaluation as an informational resource. However, of the 1171 surveys sent out only four percent were returned. The returned surveys break down as follows:

Number of small businesses responding

(50 or less employees) 25 (57%)

Average number of employees 7

Estimated average cost of compliance

per employee $196.00

Number of large businesses responding

(51 or more employees) 2 (5%)

Average number of employees 69

Estimated average cost of compliance

per employee $435.00 *

Number of returned surveys with no

responses 17 (39%)

* Average cost of compliance for large businesses is high due to inadequate sample size. Large businesses costs are also hire [higher] due to the volume of jobs performed annually. The committee estimates that the cost of compliance falls between $100 - $2000.

Compliance Cost I: Reporting and compliance requirements: There are no reporting and/or compliance requirement costs involved with this proposal.

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Compliance Cost II: Associated costs:

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Note: These costs are derived from the council's committees estimation.

Compliance Cost III: Lost sales or revenue: This proposal does not have an effect on businesses sales or revenues. Typically, all building and structures that use gas have metallic pipe underground provided and maintained by the utility companies. This rule is to address those applications not maintained by the utility districts. That usually applies to a very small percentage of businesses and residences. Traditionally it is the purchaser of this service that carries the final costs. However, as stated before, the utility provider covers the costs of a majority of underground metallic gas pipe installations.

Compliance Cost IV: Possible disproportionate affect on small businesses: The Regulatory Fairness Act requires, when possible, a comparison of the compliance costs for small and large businesses required to comply with the proposed rule.

While the results of the survey were limited, they offered some insight in whether the proposed rules will have a disproportionate economic impact on small businesses. Thus, compliance costs based on the survey results were analyzed. The results of this comparison concluded that small businesses would pay approximately forty-five percent of the average cost to large businesses. This was calculated on a "per employee" basis for all industries surveyed.

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* Average cost of compliance for large businesses is high due to inadequate sample size. Large businesses costs are also higher due to the volume of jobs performed annually. The committee estimates that the cost of compliance falls between $100 - $2000.

Average Cost/Employee Ratio (Small vs. Large): $196/$435 = .45 (45%)

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Involvement of Small Businesses: The council has included small businesses in the drafting of this language and the preparation of the small business economic impact study (SBEIS). Small businesses were represented on the technical advisory groups and council committees. Ten percent of each of the identified SIC industries were solicited for information regarding the potential economic impact of the proposed rules.

Mitigation: Through a formal and established method of negotiated rule making, the council and the affected industries have considered and mitigated costs associated with the proposed rules. The council solicited feedback from industry. Industry representation has been involved at all public meetings.

The council and its committees are of the opinion that many of the potentially impacted businesses will experience minimal or no extra cost of compliance. Language was drafted so that industry would have adequate time to comply with those sections of the rule that may impose an economic impact on business. Sections or wording of the proposed rules were omitted in an effort to minimize the costs. Again, business representation was an integral part of the review and development of this negotiated rule-making process.

Since the proposed rules have been negotiated into their current form with input from the council and industry, the council is of the opinion that adequate mitigation efforts have been put forth.

Conclusion: Based on the results of the survey and the council's economic evaluation, the council recognized that the proposed rules may impose minimal economic impact on businesses in the building construction industry. However, the council also realizes its obligation to ensure the health, safety and welfare of the occupants or users of buildings and structures and the general public through the provisions of the building codes throughout the state, as stated in the council's legislative mandate.

The fact that the proposed rule was industry-initiated and drafted by the committees is indicative of an industry that is also concerned with the health, safety and welfare of the citizens in this state. The council has negotiated the proposed rules into their current form in an effort to achieve a minimum safety standard that meets the needs of the building construction industry and the citizens of this state.

Again, the council appointed Technical Advisory Groups (TAGs) to do a comprehensive review and comparison of the 1994 Uniform Mechanical Code and the 1997 Uniform Mechanical Code. The TAGs held meetings over a three year period. All national and state-wide code changes were examined. The TAG findings were reviewed by ERAC. Based on this review, the council found that all changes proposed other than the measures specified in this report are editorial in nature and clarifications on nationally recognized standards which have minimal to no economic impact.

In accordance with the Regulatory Fairness Act, the above analysis demonstrates that the proposed rule would not place a disproportionate economic impact on small business when compared to large business. Based on the data received from the survey and the council's economic evaluation of potentially-impacted businesses, this analysis has determined that the "per-employee" cost of compliance for small business is approximately forty-five percent of the cost of compliance for large businesses.

A copy of the statement may be obtained by writing to Tim Nogler, Managing Director, State Building Code Council, P.O. Box 48300, Olympia, WA 98504-8300, phone (360) 586-0486, or FAX (360) 586-5880.

Section 201, chapter 403, Laws of 1995, does not apply to this rule adoption. The state Building Code Council is not listed in this section as one of the agencies required to comply with this regulation.

Hearing Location: On Friday, September 12, 1997, at 9:00 a.m., at the Radisson Hotel, Flight Lounge, 17001 Pacific Highway South, SeaTac, WA; and on Friday, October 10, 1997, at 9:00 a.m., at the Spokane City Hall, City Council Chambers, West 808 Spokane Falls Boulevard, Spokane, WA.

Assistance for Persons with Disabilities: Contact Krista Braaksma by September 1, 1997, TDD (360) 753-2200, or (360) 753-5927.

Submit Written Comments to: Mike McEnaney, Chair, State Building Code Council, P.O. Box 48300, Olympia, WA 98504-8300, FAX (360) 586-5880, by October 8, 1997.

Date of Intended Adoption: November 14, 1997.

August 8, 1997

Mike McEnaney

Chair

STATE BUILDING CODE ADOPTION AND AMENDMENT

OF THE 1997 EDITION OF THE UNIFORM MECHANICAL CODE

NEW SECTION

WAC 51-42-001 Authority. These rules are adopted under the authority of chapter 19.27 RCW.

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NEW SECTION

WAC 51-42-002 Purpose. The purpose of these rules is to implement the provisions of chapter 19.27 RCW, which provides that the State Building Code council shall maintain the State Building Code in a status which is consistent with the purpose as set forth in RCW 19.27.020. In maintaining the codes the council shall regularly review updated versions of the codes adopted under the act, and other pertinent information, and shall amend the codes as deemed appropriate by the council.

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NEW SECTION

WAC 51-42-003 Uniform Mechanical Code. The 1997 edition of the Uniform Mechanical Code published by the International Conference of Building Officials is hereby adopted by reference with the exceptions noted in this chapter of the Washington Administrative Code.

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NEW SECTION

WAC 51-42-004 Conflict between uniform mechanical code and state energy code chapter 51-11 WAC. In the case of conflict between the duct sealing or insulation requirements of Section 601 or Section 604 of this code and the duct sealing or insulation requirements of chapter 51-11 WAC, the Washington State Energy Code, or where applicable, a local jurisdiction's energy code, the provisions of such energy codes shall govern.

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NEW SECTION

WAC 51-42-005 Conflict between uniform mechanical code and state ventilation and indoor air quality code chapter 51-13 WAC. In the case of conflict between the Group R ventilation requirements of this code and the Group R ventilation requirements of chapter 51-13 WAC, the Washington State Ventilation and Indoor Air Quality Code, the provisions of the Ventilation and Indoor Air Quality Code shall govern.

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NEW SECTION

WAC 51-42-007 Exceptions. The exceptions and amendments to the Uniform Mechanical Code contained in the provisions of chapter 19.27 RCW shall apply in case of conflict with any of the provisions of these rules.

The provisions of this code do not apply to temporary growing structures used solely for the commercial production of horticultural plants including ornamental plants, flowers, vegetables, and fruits. "Temporary growing structure" means a structure that has the sides and roof covered with polyethylene, polyvinyl, or similar flexible synthetic material and is used to provide plants with either frost protection or increased heat retention. A temporary growing structure is not considered a building for purposes of this code.

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NEW SECTION

WAC 51-42-008 Implementation. The Uniform Mechanical Code adopted by chapter 51-42 WAC shall become effective in all counties and cities of this state on July 1, 1998.

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WAC 51-42-0200 Chapter 2--Definitions.

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WAC 51-42-0223 Section 223--U. UNUSUALLY TIGHT CONSTRUCTION is construction where:

1. Walls and ceilings exposed to the outside atmosphere have a continuous water vapor retarder with a rating of one perm or less with any openings gasketed or sealed, and

2. Weatherstripping on openable windows and doors, and

3. Caulking or sealants are applied to areas such as joints around window and door frames, between sole plates and floors, between wall-ceiling joints, between wall panels and at penetrations for plumbing, electrical, and gas lines and at other openings, or

4. Buildings built in compliance with the 1986 or later editions of the Washington State Energy Code WAC 51-11, Northwest Energy Code, or Super Good Cents weatherization standards or equivalent.

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NEW SECTION

WAC 51-42-0303 Section 303--Installation.

303.1.1 Prohibited installations. No unvented or direct fired fuel-burning equipment shall be installed or used to provide comfort heating within any occupancy group other than Group F, S or U.

EXCEPTIONS: 1. Direct gas-fired makeup air heaters may be installed in accordance with Section 909.

2. Approved, unvented portable oil-fueled heaters may be used as a supplemental heat source in any Group B, F-2, M, R, or U Occupancy provided that such heaters shall not be located in any sleeping room or bathroom, and shall comply with RCW 19.27A.080, 19.27A.090, 19.27A.100, 19.27A.110, and 19.27A.120.

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NEW SECTION

WAC 51-42-0504 Environmental air ducts.

504.3.1 Moisture exhaust ducts. Moisture exhaust ducts for domestic clothes dryers shall terminate on the outside of the building and shall be equipped with a back-draft damper. Screens shall not be installed at the duct termination. Ducts for exhausting clothes dryers shall not be connected or installed with sheet metal screws or other fasteners which will obstruct the flow. Clothes dryer moisture exhaust ducts shall not be connected to a gas vent connector, gas vent or chimney. Clothes dryer moisture exhaust ducts shall not extend into or through ducts or plenums. Clothes dryer exhaust ducts shall be protected by a steel plate or clip not less than 1/16 inch (1.59 mm) in thickness and of sufficient width to fully protect the duct. Plates or clips shall be placed on the finish face of all framing members which the clothes dryer exhaust duct passes through when there is less than one-and-one-quarter inch (1") (32 mm) of framing material between the duct and the finish face. Plates or clips shall also be placed where nails or screws from finish or other work are likely to penetrate the clothes dryer exhaust duct.

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NEW SECTION

WAC 51-42-0600 Chapter 6--Duct systems.

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NEW SECTION

WAC 51-42-0601 Scope.

601.1 Material. Supply air, return air, and outside air for heating, cooling, or evaporative cooling systems shall be conducted through duct systems constructed of metal as set forth in Tables 6-A, 6-B and 6-C; metal ducts complying with the U.M.C. Standard 6-2 with prior approval; or factory-made air ducts complying with U.M.C. Standard 6-1. Ducts, plenums, and fittings may be constructed of concrete, clay, ceramics, or other approved nonmetallic materials when installed in the ground or in a concrete slab, provided the joints are tightly sealed.

601.1.1 Use of corridor as plenum. Corridors shall not be used to convey air to or from rooms if the corridor is required to be of fire-resistive construction by Section 1005 of the Building Code.

EXCEPTIONS: 1. Where such air is part of an engineered smoke control system.

2. Corridors conforming to Section 1007.5 of the Uniform Building Code in Group I occupancies.

3. Corridors serving residential occupancies may be supplied without specific mechanical exhaust subject to the following:

3.1 The supply air is 100% outside air, and

3.2 The units served by the corridor have conforming ventilation independent of the air supplied to the corridor, and

3.3 For other than high-rise buildings, the supply fan will automatically shut off upon activation of corridor smoke detectors which shall be spaced at no more than 30 feet (9144 mm) on center along the corridor, or

3.4 For high-rise buildings, corridor smoke detector activation will close required smoke/fire dampers at the supply inlet to the corridor at the floor receiving the alarm.

601.3 Contamination Prevention. Exhaust ducts under positive pressure and venting systems shall not extend into or pass through ducts or plenums. For appliance vents and chimneys, see Chapter 8.

EXCEPTION: Exhaust ducts conveying environmental air may pass through a duct or plenum provided that:

1. The duct is maintained under sufficient negative pressure to prevent leakage of the exhaust air to the surrounding duct or plenum; or

2. If maintained under a positive pressure with respect to the surrounding duct or plenum, the exhaust duct will be sealed to prevent leakage; or

3. The surrounding air stream is an exhaust air stream not intended for recirculation to the building and cross contamination of the two air streams will not create a hazardous condition.

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NEW SECTION

WAC 51-42-0605 Dampers in duct systems.

605.2 Fire Dampers. Fire dampers complying with recognized standards in Chapter 16, Part III, shall be installed in accordance with approved manufacturer's instructions when required by Chapter 7 of the Building Code. Fire dampers shall have been tested for closure under airflow conditions and shall be labeled for both maximum airflow permitted and direction of flow. When more than one damper is installed at a point in a single air path, the entire airflow shall be assumed to be passing through the smallest damper area. Fire dampers shall be labeled by an approved agency. Only fire dampers labeled for use in dynamic systems shall be installed in heating, ventilation and air-conditioning systems which are intended to operate with fans "on" during a fire; see U.B.C. Section 713.12.

EXCEPTION: Fire dampers need not be installed in air ducts passing through the wall, floor, or ceiling separating a Group R, Division 3 Occupancy from a Group U Occupancy, provided such ducts within the Group U Occupancy are constructed of steel having a thickness not less than 0.019 inch (0.48 mm) (No. 26 galvanized sheet gage) and have no openings into the Group U Occupancy.

Ductwork shall be connected to damper sleeves or assemblies in such a way that collapse of the ductwork will not dislodge the damper or impair its proper operation.

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NEW SECTION

WAC 51-42-0901 Vented decorative appliances, decorative gas appliances for installation in solid-fuel-burning fireplaces, gas-fired log lighters, unvented decorative gas logs and decorative fireplaces.

901.4 Unvented decorative gas logs and decorative fireplaces. Approved, unvented decorative gas logs and decorative fireplaces may be installed, used, maintained, and permitted to exist in any Group I or R Occupancy, except bathrooms and bedrooms. An unvented decorative gas log is a listed natural or liquefied petroleum gas burning log with an open flame consisting of a metal frame or base supporting simulated logs which is designed so that its primary function lies in the aesthetic effect of the logs and flame. An unvented decorative fireplace is a listed unvented gas log permanently installed in a freestanding enclosure or zero clearance enclosure designed and approved for installation in walls or other building structures. Unvented decorative gas logs and fireplaces shall:

1. Be equipped with an approved oxygen-depletion sensor;

2. Be listed;

3. Not be installed in any room which does not have an alternative primary source of heat;

4. Have free air volume of at least 50 cubic feet(1.4 m) for each 1,000 Btus (2.2 mm/W) of thermal output;

5. Be permanently installed; and

6. Not be equipped with or connected to any automatic ignition or shut-off device except the oxygen-depletion sensor.

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NEW SECTION

WAC 51-42-1000 Chapter 10--Boiler/water heaters.

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NEW SECTION

WAC 51-42-1002 General.

1002.2 Water Heater Used for Space Heating. The potability of the domestic water system shall be maintained when a water heater is used as a part of a space heating system.

Water heaters used for space heating only are prohibited.

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NEW SECTION

WAC 51-42-1004 Safety devices. This section is not adopted.

For safety devices and installation of water heaters, see the Plumbing Code.

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NEW SECTION

WAC 51-42-1005 Steam and hot-water boilers. Part II--Steam and Hot-water Boilers, Sections 1005 through 1029 and Table 10-A through Table 10-C, are not adopted.

Boilers and Unfired Pressure Vessels are regulated by chapter 70.79 RCW and chapter 296-104 WAC.

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NEW SECTION

WAC 51-42-1100 Chapter 11--Refrigeration.

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NEW SECTION

WAC 51-42-1101 General.

1101.1 Scope. This chapter shall govern the design, installation, construction and repair of refrigeration systems that vaporize and liquefy a fluid during the refrigerating cycle. Refrigerant piping design and installation, including pressure vessels and pressure relief devices, shall conform to this code. Permanently installed refrigerant storage systems and other components shall be considered as part of the refrigeration system to which they are attached.

1101.2 Factory-built equipment. Listed and labeled self-contained, factory-built equipment shall be tested in accordance with UL 207, 303, 412, 465, 471 or 1995.

1101.3 Protection. Any portion of a refrigeration system that is subject to physical damage shall be protected in an approved manner.

1101.4 Water connection. Water supply and discharge connections associated with refrigeration systems shall be made in accordance with this code and the plumbing code.

1101.5 Gas connection. Gas fuel devices and equipment used with refrigeration systems shall be installed in accordance with this code.

1101.6 General. Refrigeration systems shall comply with the requirements of this code and, except as modified by this code, ASHRAE 15-1994. Ammonia-refrigerating systems shall comply with this code and, except as modified by this code, ASHRAE 15-1994 and IIAR 2-1992.

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NEW SECTION

WAC 51-42-1102 System requirements.

1102.1 General. The system classification, allowable refrigerants, the maximum quantity, enclosure requirements, location limitations and field pressure test requirements, shall be determined as follows:

1. Determine the refrigeration system's classification in accordance with Section 1103.

2. Determine the refrigerant classification in accordance with Table 1104.1.

3. Determine the maximum allowable quantity of refrigerant in accordance with Table 1104.2(1), based on type of refrigerant, system classification and occupancy.

4. Determine the system enclosure requirements in accordance with Table 1104.2(1).

5. Refrigeration equipment location and installation shall be subject to the limitations of Chapter 3.

6. Nonfactory-tested, field-erected equipment shall be pressure tested in accordance with Section 1108.

1102.2 Refrigerants. Refrigerants not identified in Table 1104.1 shall be appr ved before use. Refrigerants (including refrigerant blends) with different designations in ASHRAE 34-1992, with addenda through 1995, shall not be mixed in a system.

1102.2.1 New refrigerants. Refrigerants used in new equipment shall be of a type and purity level specified or approved by the equipment manufacturer.

1102.2.2 Recovered refrigerants. Refrigerants that are recovered from refrigeration and air-conditioning systems shall not be reused in other than the system from which they were recovered and in other systems of the same owner. Recovered refrigerants shall be filtered and dried before reuse. Recovered refrigerants that show clear signs of contamination shall not be reused unless reclaimed in accordance with Section 1102.2.3.

1102.2.3 Reclaimed refrigerants. Used refrigerants shall not be reused in a different owner's equipment unless reclaimed and found to meet the purity requirements of ARI 700-1993. Contaminated refrigerants shall not be used in the same owner's equipment or in a different owner's equipment unless reclaimed and found to meet the purity requirements of ARI 700-1993.

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NEW SECTION

WAC 51-42-1103 Refrigeration system classification.

1103.1 General. For the purposes of applying Tables 1104.1, 1104.2(1), and 1104.2(2), refrigeration systems shall be classified as high-probability or low-probability system based on the potential hazard resulting from a leakage of refrigerant into an occupancy-classified area other than the machinery room.

1103.2 High-probability systems. Direct systems and indirect open-spray systems shall be classified as high-probability systems.

EXCEPTION: An indirect open-spray system shall not be required to be classified as a high-probability system if the pressure of the secondary coolant is at all times (operating and standby) greater than the pressure of the refrigerant.

1103.3 Low-probability systems. Double-indirect open-spray systems, indirect closed systems and indirect-vented closed systems shall be classified as low-probability systems, provided that all refrigerant-containing piping and fittings are isolated when the quantities in Table 1104.1 are exceeded.

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NEW SECTION

WAC 51-42-1104 Refrigerant classification and system requirements.

1104.1 Refrigerant classification. Refrigerants shall be classified in accordance with ASHRAE 34-1992, with addenda through 1995, as listed in Table 1104.1.

1104.2 System requirements. The maximum allowable refrigerant quantities shall be in accordance with Table 1104.2(1). To use Table 1104.2(1), determine the occupancy class, refrigerant group in accordance with Table 1104.1 and type of system in accordance with Section 1103, and then locate the notes that apply.

1104.2.1 Occupancy classification. Locations of refrigerating systems are described by occupancy classifications that consider the ability of people to respond to potential exposure to refrigerant. Where equipment, other than piping, is located outside a building and within 20 feet (6096 mm) of any building opening, such equipment shall be governed by the occupancy classification of the building. Occupancy classifications shall be defined as follows:

1. Institutional occupancy is that portion of premises from which, because they are disabled, debilitated or confined, occupants cannot readily leave without the assistance of others. Institutional occupancies include, among others, hospitals, nursing homes, asylums and spaces containing locked cells.

2. Public assembly occupancy is that portion of premises where large numbers of people congregate and from which occupants cannot quickly vacate the space. Public assembly occupancies include, among others, auditoriums, ballrooms, classrooms, passenger depots, restaurants and theaters.

3. Residential occupancy is that portion of premises that provides the occupants with complete independent living facilities, including permanent provisions for living, sleeping, eating, cooking and sanitation. Residential occupancies include, among others, dormitories, hotels, multi-unit apartments and private residences.

4. Commercial occupancy is that portion of premises where people transact business, receive personal service or purchase food and other goods. Commercial occupancies include, among others, office and professional buildings, markets (but not large mercantile occupancies) and work or storage areas that do not qualify as industrial occupancies.

5. Large mercantile occupancy is that portion of premises where more than 100 persons congregate on levels above or below street level to purchase personal merchandise.

6. Industrial occupancy is that portion of premises that is not open to the public, where access by authorized persons is controlled, and that is used to manufacture, process or store goods such as chemicals, food, ice, meat or petroleum.

7. Mixed occupancy occurs when two or more occupancies are located within the same building. When each occupancy is isolated from the rest of the building by tight walls, floors and ceilings and by self-closing doors, the requirements for each occupancy shall apply to its portion of the building. When the various occupancies are not so isolated, the occupancy having the most stringent requirements shall be the governing occupancy.

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1105.3 Doors. Each machinery room shall have self-closing, weather-stripped doors opening in the direction of egress travel. Doors and door openings shall comply with the requirements of the Building Code.

1105.4 Openings. Openings to other parts of the building that permit passage of escaping refrigerant to other parts of the building are prohibited. Ducts and air handlers in the machinery room that operate at a lower pressure than the room shall be sealed to prevent any refrigerant leakage from entering the airstream.

EXCEPTIONS: 1. Egress doors serving the machinery room.

2. Access doors and panels in air ducts and air-handling units, provided that such openings are gasketed and tight fitting.

1105.5 Refrigerant vapor detector. Machinery rooms shall contain a refrigerant vapor detector with an audible and visual alarm. The detector, or a sampling tube that draws air to the detector, shall be located in an area where refrigerant vapor from a leak will concentrate. The alarm shall be actuated at a value not greater than the corresponding TLV-TWA values shown in Table 1104.1. Detectors and alarms shall be placed in approved locations. Detection and alarm systems shall be powered and supervised, monitored and annunciated, and installed and maintained as required by Section 6313 of the Fire Code.

EXCEPTION: Detectors are not required for ammonia systems complying with Section 1106.8.

1105.6 Tests. Periodic tests of the detector, alarm and mechanical ventilating system shall be performed in accordance with manufacturer's specifications and as required by the code official.

1105.7 Fuel-burning equipment. Open flames that use combustion air from the machinery room shall not be installed in a machinery room.

EXCEPTIONS: 1. Matches, lighters, halide leak detectors and similar devices.

2. Where the refrigerant is carbon dioxide or water.

3. Fuel-burning equipment shall not be prohibited in the same machinery room with refrigerant-containing equipment where combustion air is ducted from outside the machinery room and sealed in such a manner as to prevent any refrigerant leakage from entering the combustion chamber, or where a refrigerant vapor detector is employed to automatically shut off the combustion process in the event of refrigerant leakage.

1105.8 Sign. A sign shall be posted on the machinery room door prohibiting access of unauthorized personnel.

1105.9 Ventilation. Machinery rooms shall be mechanically ventilated to the outdoors. Mechanical ventilation shall be capable of exhausting the minimum quantity of air both at the normal operating and emergency conditions. Multiple fans or multispeed fans shall be allowed in order to produce the emergency ventilation rate and to obtain a reduced airflow for normal ventilation. Fans providing refrigeration machinery room temperature control or automatic response to refrigerant vapor are allowed to be automatically controlled to provide intermittent ventilation as conditions require.

EXCEPTION: Where a refrigerating system is located outdoors more than 20 feet (6096 mm) from any building opening and is enclosed by a penthouse, lean-to or other open structure, natural or mechanical ventilation shall be provided. Location of the openings shall be based on the relative density of the refrigerant to air. The free-aperture cross section for the ventilation of the machinery room shall be not less than:

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1312.17 Directional changes. Changes in direction of gas piping shall be made by use of appropriate fittings, except copper tubing, which may change direction by bending, and polyethylene gas piping and tubing, which may be bent to a radius not less than 20 times the nominal diameter of the pipe or tube.

1312.18 Marking and labeling. Copper tubing carrying natural gas shall be identified by yellow labels marked in black letters, "Natural Gas", or "2 PSIG Natural Gas" for medium pressure gas piping systems carrying natural gas at 2 PSIG pressure. Labels shall be affixed to the tubing on both sides of a wall, floor, or partition at a maximum of six-foot (1829 mm) intervals throughout the length of the tubing runs.