PERMANENT RULES
LABOR AND INDUSTRIES
Date of Adoption: August 31, 1999.
Purpose: To adopt a new chapter, chapter 296-150V WAC, Conversion vendor units and medical units, which is less stringent than current rules while maintaining fire protection and other life and safety requirements for the occupants and the consumer.
Statutory Authority for Adoption: Chapter 43.22 RCW.
Adopted under notice filed as WSR 99-13-200 on June 23, 1999.
Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Comply with Federal Statute: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; Federal Rules or Standards: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Recently Enacted State Statutes: New 76, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted at Request of a Nongovernmental Entity: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted on the Agency's Own Initiative: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Clarify, Streamline, or Reform Agency Procedures: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted Using Negotiated Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; Pilot Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Other Alternative Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0. Effective Date of Rule: Thirty-one days after filing.
August 31, 1999
Gary Moore
Director
OTS-3192.1
CONVERSION VENDOR UNITS AND MEDICAL UNITS
(1) This chapter is authorized by RCW 43.22.340 through 43.22.434 covering the construction, alteration, and approval of conversion vendor units and medical units sold, leased, or used in Washington state.
(2) This chapter applies to the approval of conversion vendor unit and medical unit manufacturers, dealers, and to any person who manufactures or alters the plumbing, mechanical, or electrical system of a conversion vendor unit or medical unit.
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"Alteration" is the replacement, addition, modification, or removal of any equipment or installation that affects the construction for concentrated floor loads, fire and life safety, or the plumbing, mechanical, and electrical systems of a conversion vendor unit or medical unit.
The following are not considered alterations:
• Repairs with approved parts;
• Modifications of a fuel-burning appliance according to the listing agency's specifications; or
• Adjustment and maintenance of equipment.
"Approved" is approved by the department of labor and industries.
"Consumer" is a person or organization, excluding a manufacturer or dealer of conversion vendor units or medical units, who buys or leases a conversion vendor unit or medical unit.
"Conversion vendor unit" means a motor vehicle or other structure that has been converted or built for the purpose of being used for commercial sales at temporary locations. The units must be 8 feet 6 inches or less in width (exterior floor measurement) in the set-up position, and the inside working area must be less than 40 feet in length (interior floor measurement). Conversion vendor units:
• Are transported in only one section;
• Are designed for highway use;
• Are temporarily occupied for distribution of items, e.g., food;
• Are built on a permanent chassis; and
• Include at least one of the following systems: Plumbing, mechanical or 120 and/or 240 volt electrical.
"Damaged in transit" means damage that affects the integrity of a concentrated floor load design or any of the systems.
"Dealer" is a person, company, or corporation whose business is leasing, selling, offering for lease or sale, buying, or trading conversion vendor units, or medical units.
"Department" is the department of labor and industries. The department may be referred to as "we" or "us" in this chapter. Note: You may contact us at: Department of Labor and Industries, Specialty Compliance, P.O. Box 44440, Olympia, WA 98504-4440.
"Design plan" is a plan for the construction or alteration of a conversion vendor unit or medical unit or conversion of a vehicle to a conversion vendor unit or medical unit including floor plans, specifications, or test results necessary for a complete evaluation of the design, if applicable.
"Design option" is a design that a manufacturer may use as an option to its conversion vendor unit or medical unit design plan.
"Equipment" is all material, appliances, devices, fixtures, fittings, or accessories used in the manufacture, assembly, conversion to, or alteration of a conversion vendor unit or medical unit.
"Factory assembled structure (FAS) advisory board" is a board authorized to advise the director of the department regarding the issues and adoption of rules relating to conversion vendor units and medical units.
"Insignia" is a label that we attach to a conversion vendor unit or medical unit to verify that the structure meets the requirements of this chapter and the applicable codes.
"Install" is to erect, construct, assemble, or set a conversion vendor unit or medical unit in place.
"Labeled" is to bear the department's insignia.
"Listed" is a piece of equipment or apparatus that has been approved by a testing agency to the appropriate standard.
"Local enforcement agency" is an agency of city or county government with power to enforce local regulations governing the installation of a conversion vendor unit or medical unit.
"Medical unit" is a type of self-propelled unit used to provide medical examinations, treatments, and medical and dental services or procedures, not including emergency response vehicles, and which:
• Is transportable;
• Is temporarily placed and used;
• Is built on a permanent chassis;
• Includes at least one system;
• Is for temporary use only.
"One-year design plan" is a design plan that expires one year after approval or when a new state building code has been adopted.
"System" is part of a conversion vendor unit or medical unit designed to serve a particular function. Examples include plumbing, electrical, or mechanical systems.
"Temporary locations" means a maximum of thirty days on a site.
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(1) To enforce this chapter, we or another governmental inspection agency will inspect each conversion vendor unit or medical unit manufactured, sold, leased, or used in Washington state as required by this chapter.
(2) We will inspect all alterations.
(3) We will conduct inspections during normal work hours or at other reasonable times.
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We will only release manufacturing information such as design plans, specifications, and test results according to the requirements of the Public Records Act (see RCW 42.17.310 (1)(h)) unless we are ordered to do so by a court or otherwise required by law.
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(1) We may prohibit the sale or lease of your conversion vendor unit or medical unit because it is unlawful for any person to sell, lease, or offer for sale a conversion vendor unit or medical unit within this state if it violates any of the requirements of this chapter.
(2) If an inspection reveals that a conversion vendor unit or medical unit violates this chapter, we may post a notice prohibiting the sale or lease of a conversion vendor unit or medical unit.
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(1) Consumers may file complaints within one year of the date of manufacture.
(2) The complaint should be in writing and describe the item(s) that may not comply with this chapter.
(3) After we receive the complaint, we will send the manufacturer and the dealer a copy of the complaint.
(4) The manufacturer and/or dealer have thirty days to respond. We will base our actions on the response.
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(1) We will enter into reciprocal agreements with states that have inspection standards equal or greater than our standard.
(2) When we have a reciprocal agreement with another state:
(a) The reciprocal state inspects the conversion vendor units and medical units manufactured in that state before shipment into Washington to ensure compliance with our laws. After inspection, the reciprocal state applies our insignia.
(b) The department inspects conversion vendor units and medical units manufactured in Washington before shipment into the reciprocal state to ensure compliance with their laws. After inspection, we apply the insignia of the reciprocal state.
(3) We have reciprocal agreements on file.
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(1) A local enforcement agency (city or county), under contract with us, can inspect conversion vendor units and medical units. In some cases, another agency's contracts may be limited to specific portions of an inspection at specified manufacturing locations.
(2) After approving a unit, the local enforcement agency will attach the insignia which indicates that the unit has passed inspection.
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(1) If we determine that you are in violation of this chapter, you will receive a notice of noncompliance.
(2) If you disagree with our decision, you can send us a written request for a hearing, stating why you disagree.
(3) After we receive your hearing request, we will:
(a) Schedule a hearing within thirty days after we receive your request;
(b) Notify you of the time, date, and place for the hearing. If you fail to appear, your case will be dismissed;
(c) Hear your case;
(d) Send written notice of our decision to you.
(4) If you disagree with our decision, you may appeal it under the Administrative Procedure Act, chapter 34.05 RCW.
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The factory assembled structures (FAS) board advises us on issues relating to plumbing, mechanical, electrical, inspections, and rule adoption for conversion vendor units and medical units. (See RCW 43.22.420.)
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We offer field technical service to conversion vendor unit and medical unit manufacturers for an hourly fee. (See WAC 296-150V-3000.) Field technical service may include evaluation, consultation, plan examination, interpretation, and clarification of technical data relating to the application of our rules. It does not include inspections.
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An applicant may apply for the use of alternate materials, design, or methods of construction different from the requirements of this chapter by filing a written request with the department.
(1) Responsibilities of the applicant. The applicant must submit in writing the following information:
(a) Name, address, and phone number;
(b) The specific requirement or requirements from which the alternate material, design, or method of construction is requested;
(c) Adequate justification that the requirements of this chapter cannot be met without using alternate materials, design, or method of construction;
(d) How the use of alternate materials, design, or method of construction will achieve the same result as the requirement and any specific alternative measures to be taken to show the alternate provides the same level of protection to life, safety and health as the requirements;
The department has a form that you may use for your request. Please contact us at the address shown in WAC 296-150V-0020, Definitions.
(2) Responsibilities of the department. The department will provide a written response to the applicant within thirty days of receipt of the written request. The written response will state the acceptance or denial of the request, including the reasons for the department's decision. At a minimum the department will base its decision on:
(a) The applicant's request as described in subsection (1) of this section;
(b) Research into the request;
(c) Expert advice.
(3) Applicant's response to denials. The applicant may appeal the department's decision by following the procedure in WAC 296-150V-0100.
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(1) You must obtain an insignia from us for each conversion vendor unit or medical unit manufactured, sold, leased, or used in Washington state.
(2) You do not need an insignia for a conversion vendor unit or medical unit:
(a) When a unit has been used outside of the state for six months before being brought into Washington state (see RCW 43.22.380); or
(b) If a unit was manufactured prior to July 1, 1968. (See RCW 43.22.370.)
(3) You must obtain an insignia when conversion vendor units or medical units are altered in Washington state.
(4) You must obtain an alteration insignia when a conversion vendor unit or medical unit is damaged in transit after leaving the manufacturing location or during an on-site installation and an alteration or repair is necessary. The insignia indicates the conversion vendor unit or medical unit was altered or repaired.
(5) You must have an approved design plan and pass our inspection before we will attach an insignia.
| Note: | All conversion vendor units and medical units must have insignia if they are altered; this includes the exceptions in subsection (2)(a) and (b) of this section. |
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(1) If you are applying for insignia, you must have your design plan approved and your conversion vendor unit or medical unit inspected and approved by us.
(2) If you are a manufacturer, dealer, or owner applying for an alteration insignia, your alteration must be inspected and approved by us. Approval of the design plan may also be required.
(3) We will attach the insignia to your conversion vendor unit or medical unit after:
(a) We receive from you the required forms and fees listed in WAC 296-150V-3000; and
(b) Your conversion vendor unit or medical unit has passed final inspection.
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Upon request, we will provide you with a packet of information that includes the required forms. Our address is noted in the definition of "department" in WAC 296-150V-0020.
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(1) If you are requesting insignia for conversion vendor units or medical units that you intend to manufacture under a new design plan, your completed application must include:
(a) A completed design plan approval request form;
(b) One complete set of design plans, specifications, engineering analysis and test procedures and results (when applicable), plus one additional set for each manufacturing location where the design plan will be used;
(c) At least one set of design plans must have an original wet stamp from a professional engineer or architect licensed in Washington state. We will retain the set with the original wet stamp; and
(d) A one-time initial filing fee, the design plan fee, and the fee for each insignia (see WAC 296-150V-3000).
(2) If you are requesting insignia under an approved design plan, your completed application must include:
(a) A completed insignia application form; and
(b) The fee for each conversion vendor unit or medical unit insignia (see WAC 296-150V-3000).
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If you alter a conversion vendor unit or medical unit, we must inspect the alteration.
(1) Before we perform an alteration inspection and attach an alteration insignia, you must send us:
(a) Description of the proposed alteration;
(b) The plan review fee;
(c) The inspection fee; and
(d) The insignia application and fee.
(2) A design plan review is not required if the alteration can be made without altering any of the existing structure.
| Note: | All fees are listed in WAC 296-150V-3000 at the end of this chapter. |
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(1) If an insignia is lost or damaged after it is placed on a conversion vendor unit or medical unit, you may obtain a replacement insignia by contacting us and providing the following:
(a) Your name, address, and telephone number;
(b) The name of the manufacturer or person converting the conversion vendor unit or medical unit;
(c) The serial number;
(d) The manufacturer number (V#) if available;
(e) The insignia number if available;
(f) The required fee from WAC 296-150V-3000; and
(2) If we can determine that your unit previously had an insignia, we will:
(a) Perform an inspection to ensure that no unauthorized remodeling has occurred; and
(b) Attach an insignia to your unit once we receive your insignia fee listed in WAC 296-150V-3000.
| Note: | If unauthorized remodeling has occurred see WAC 296-150V-0200. |
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Design plans for conversion vendor units and medical units are required for units that are sold, leased, or used in Washington state and must be approved when:
(1) You build a new unit;
(2) You modify an approved design plan through addendums;
(3) You add options to an approved design plan through addendums.
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Your design plan must be approved by the department.
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(1) All requests for design-plan approval must include:
(a) A completed design-plan approval request form;
(b) Two sets of design plans, specifications and test results and procedures necessary for a complete evaluation of the design;
(c) Receipt of the design-plan fee listed in WAC 296-150V-3000;
(d) Receipt of the initial design-plan filing fee and the initial design-plan fee.
(2) If a structural analysis or test is required for a concentrated floor load, at least one set of design plans must have an original wet stamp from a professional engineer or architect licensed in Washington state. All new, renewed, and resubmitted plans, specifications, reports and structural calculations prepared by or prepared under the engineer or architect's direct supervision shall be signed, dated and stamped with his or her seal. Specifications, reports, and structural calculations may be stamped only on the first sheet, provided this first sheet identifies all of the sheets that follow are included and identified in the same manner. Plans that have not been prepared by or under the engineer's or architect's supervision shall be reviewed and he or she must prepare a report concerning the plans. This report must:
(a) Identify which drawings have been reviewed by drawing number and date;
(b) Include a statement that the plans are in compliance with current Washington state regulations; and
(c) Be stamped and signed by the reviewer.
(3) Any deficiencies shall be corrected on the drawings before submitting to the department or be included in the report and identify as to how they are to be corrected. This report shall be attached to the plan(s) that were reviewed. We will retain the set with the original wet stamp.
(4) All plans required by WAC 296-46-140, plan review for health care facilities, require a separate electrical plan review and electrical plan review fees (see fees in WAC 296-150V-3000).
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An engineering analysis or structural load test may be required when there are concentrated loads of 500 pounds or more in a 16 square feet or less area.
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(1) Test to a design must be witnessed by a professional engineer or architect licensed in Washington or by a department employee.
(2) Test reports must contain the following items:
(a) A description of the methods or standards that applied to the test;
(b) Drawings and a description of the item tested;
(c) A description of the test set-up;
(d) The procedure used to verify the correct load;
(e) The procedure used to measure each condition;
(f) Test data, including applicable graphs and observations of the characteristics and behavior of the item tested; and
(g) Analysis, comments, and conclusion.
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(1) Your design plan will be approved if it meets the requirements of this chapter.
(2) We will send you an approved copy of the design plan with the design-plan approval number.
(3) You must keep copies of the approved design plan available for inspection at each location where the conversion vendor unit or medical unit is built.
(4) If your design plan is not approved, you will be notified in writing of plan deficiencies. You may send a corrected design plan to us along with the resubmittal fee listed in WAC 296-150V-3000.
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(1) You have ninety days to correct and resubmit your original design plan and send us the resubmittal fee after we notify you of plan deficiencies. After ninety days, your initial design plan is returned to you.
(2) If you submit your corrected design plan after ninety days, the initial design-plan fee is required instead of the resubmittal fee. (See WAC 296-150V-3000.)
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Once your design plan is approved, we will inspect each conversion vendor unit and medical unit.
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(1) Your conversion vendor unit or medical unit one-year design plan expires either one year after approval or when there is an electrical code change. You must submit new design plans for approval when there is a state building code cycle change. You may use your design plans to order insignia as long as they comply with the applicable codes.
(2) All National Electrical Code (NEC) amendments may be incorporated by an addendum to your design plan.
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Any addendums to a design plan must be approved by the department.
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(1) Before we issue an insignia, each unit manufactured or converted must be inspected as many times as required to show compliance with this chapter.
(2) Before we issue an insignia, a conversion vendor unit or medical unit must be inspected at the manufacturing location as many times as required. Inspections may include, but are not limited to:
(a) A "cover" inspection during construction of the unit before the electrical, plumbing, mechanical, and structural systems (if required) are covered;
(b) Insulation and vapor barrier inspection, if required; and
(c) A final inspection after the conversion vendor unit or medical unit is complete.
(3) If we discover a violation during inspection, we will issue a notice of noncompliance. You can correct the violation during the inspection. If you cannot correct the violation during inspection, you must leave the item uncovered until we approve your correction.
(4) If a conversion vendor unit or medical unit is damaged in transit to the building site or during on-site installation, it must be inspected. This is considered an alteration inspection. (See WAC 296-150V-0240.)
(5) Approved plans must be available.
(6) Once your unit is inspected and approved we will attach the insignia. Before we issue an insignia, each conversion vendor unit or medical unit is inspected as follows:
(a) Inspection(s) during conversion or alteration of a conversion vendor unit or medical unit; and
(b) A final inspection after the conversion vendor unit or medical unit is complete.
| Note: | Each conversion vendor unit or medical unit must have a serial number so we can track inspections. |
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You must contact us and we will let you know where your request for inspection should be submitted. Our address is noted in the definition of department in WAC 296-150V-0020.
(1) We must receive in-state inspection requests at least seven calendar days prior to the date that you want the inspection.
(2) We must receive out-of-state inspection requests at least fourteen calendar days prior to the date that you want the inspection.
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If your conversion vendor unit or medical unit passes inspection and you have met the other requirements of this chapter, we will attach the insignia.
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If you ask us to inspect a conversion vendor unit or medical unit within Washington state but you are not prepared when we arrive, you must pay the inspection fee and travel. If the inspection is outside of Washington state and you are not prepared, you must pay the inspection fee, travel, and per diem expenses.
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The local enforcement agency (city or county) must approve the installation. Alterations to conversion vendor units or medical units must be inspected and approved by us.
| Note: | The local enforcement agency may not open the concealed construction of a conversion vendor unit or medical unit to inspect it if our insignia is attached. |
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No. Conversion vendor units or medical units must be completed at the manufacturing location before an insignia is attached.
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(1) If your conversion vendor unit or medical unit alteration does not pass our inspection, you will receive a notice of noncompliance. The notice of noncompliance explains what items must be corrected.
(2) You have twenty days after receiving the notice of noncompliance to send us a written response to explain how you will correct the violations.
(3) You are not allowed to sell, lease, offer for sale or use the altered conversion vendor unit or medical unit until you correct the violations. We must inspect and approve the corrections, and you must pay any required inspection and insignia fees listed in WAC 296-150V-3000.
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All used conversion vendor units or medical units that are to be installed on a building site or used in Washington state must have an insignia of approval from us, with the exception of those in WAC 296-150V-0200(2).
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We consider used conversion vendor units and medical units as new units for purposes of insignia approval. To obtain insignia, you must:
(1) Have the design plan approved (see WAC 296-150V-0300 and 296-150V-0320);
(2) Purchase insignia (see WAC 296-150V-0200 through 296-150V-0230); and
(3) Pass a unit inspection (see WAC 296-150V-0500 through 296-150V-0560).
| Note: | You will be required to open up as much of the construction of the unit as is necessary for inspection to show compliance with your approved design plan. |
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(1) If you are manufacturing conversion vendor units and medical units at more than one location, approved design plans must be available at each manufacturing location.
(2) You must send us the following information for each manufacturing location:
(a) Company name;
(b) Mailing and physical address; and
(c) Phone and FAX number, if available.
(3) You must update this information as it changes.
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If you are moving you must notify us in writing prior to a change of business name or address and include the change of name and address.
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(1) When a manufacturer changes ownership, the new owner must notify us in writing immediately.
(2) A new owner may continue to manufacture the units according to a prior approved design plan if the prior owner provides written releases of the design plan.
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(1) A conversion vendor unit or medical unit must comply with the following codes where applicable:
(a) The Uniform Mechanical Code, with the amendments made by the Washington State Building Code Council, chapter 51-42 WAC;
(b) The National Electrical Code as referenced in chapter 19.28 RCW and chapter 296-46 WAC, installing electric wires and equipment;
(c) The Uniform Plumbing Code 1997 edition with the amendments under chapter 19.27 RCW;
(d) The Washington State Building Code Council, chapter 51-40 WAC, Uniform Building Code, Chapter 11, Accessibility as applies to the exterior of the unit relating to customer service facilities in section 1105.4.7; and
(e) The Washington State Energy Code, chapter 51-11 WAC, and the Washington State Ventilation and Indoor Air Quality Code, chapter 51-13 WAC, when heating and/or air conditioning is installed.
(2) Provide minimum health and safety to the occupants of conversion vendor units and medical units and the public, and demonstrate journeyman quality of work of the various trades.
(3) Requirements for any size, weight, or quality of material modified by the terms "minimum," "not less than," "at least," and similar expressions are minimum standards. The conversion vendor unit or medical unit may exceed these rules provided the deviation does not result in inferior installation or defeat the purpose and intent of this chapter.
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(1) A structural analysis is required when a unit has a concentrated floor load of 500 pounds or more in a 16 square feet or less area.
(2) The structural load test can be used as an alternative.
(a) A structural assembly tested for qualification must sustain the design dead load plus the superimposed design live loads for vendor units and medical units assembly.
(b) An assembly failure is defined as a rupture, fracture, or residual deflection which is greater than the limits.
| Note: | We will provide test procedure forms upon request. |
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(1) The roof covering must be securely fastened in an approved manner to the supporting roof construction and must provide weather protection for the vendor unit and the occupants.
(2) Exterior covering materials, including metal coverings, must be moisture and weather resistant and contain corrosion resistant fasteners to prevent wind and rain deterioration.
| Note: | Electro-plated, electro-deposited zinc, and electro-galvanized staples are not considered corrosion-resistant materials. |
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Wood floors must be made moisture resistant by an overlay of nonabsorbent material applied with water-resistant adhesive.
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(1) Floor closure material around piping, ducts, plenums, or vents must prevent damage to the underside of the vendor unit due to air, water, insects, dust, and be rodent resistant.
(2) The floor closure material must meet ASTM D-781 standard or equal and be installed as follows:
(a) Fibrous material (with or without patches) must meet or exceed the level of 48 inch-pounds of puncture resistance as tested.
(b) Patching material must be installed according to installation instructions furnished by the supplier of the material.
(c) The material must be suitable for patches and the patch life must be equivalent to the material life.
| Note: | ASTM D-781 is a puncture test for bottom board materials. |
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(1) The manufacturer's equipment and installation specifications must be followed. Other approved standards are acceptable when:
(a) Installed according to the manufacturer's installation instructions; and
(b) Approved by a listing or testing agency.
(2) No solid fuel (e.g., charcoal) appliances may be installed in a conversion vendor unit or medical unit.
| Note: | Gas furnaces, gas water heaters, and gas refrigerators must be sealed combustion or completely separated from the interior of the conversion vendor unit or medical unit. |
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The flame-spread requirements are that all walls and ceilings must be of 200 flame-spread or less.
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(1) The exposed wall adjacent to the cooking range must be 50 flame-spread or less, such as 5/16 inch gypsum board or material having equivalent fire protective properties.
(2) All openings for pipes and vents in furnace and water heater spaces shall be tight-fitted or fire-stopped.
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The bottom and sides of combustible cabinets over cooking appliances or tops including a space of 6 inches from the edge of the burners must be protected with at least 5/16 inch sheetrock with a 25 flame-spread. This material must be behind deep-fat fryers, grills, ranges, and other cooking appliances. It must extend 6 inches beyond the edge of the appliance and range hood.
(1) Range hoods for commercial equipment must meet the requirements of the mechanical code such as fire suppression, etc.
(2) Range hoods for noncommercial equipment may be of a residential type.
(3) The hood must be centered over and at least as wide as the top of the cooking appliance.
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Each bathroom must be provided with artificial light and with a window having at least 1/2 square feet of glazed area that can be fully opened, except where a mechanical ventilation system is installed. Any mechanical ventilation system must exhaust directly to the outside of the conversion vendor unit or medical unit.
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At least one conversion vending unit or medical unit exit must meet the following requirements:
(1) Exterior doors must be constructed for exterior use.
(2) The exterior door must be at least a 28 inch wide clear opening by 72 inches high.
(3) Locks must be operable from the interior of the unit without use of a key.
(4) Exit doors may either be hinged or sliding. Roll-up doors may not be used to meet the requirements of this section.
(5) Existing units with doors less than 28 inches in width must have a second means of exit. The second means of exit for converted units shall be 24 inches by 17 inches, and for newly built units exits must be a minimum of 5 square feet of openable area.
| Exception: | When there are employees, a minimum of 28 inches clear opening must be provided. |
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Exit door(s) on self-propelled medical units must meet the following requirements:
(1) Exterior doors must be constructed for exterior use.
(2) The exterior door must be at least a 28 inches wide clear opening by 72 inches high.
(3) Locks must be operable from the interior of the unit without use of a key.
(4) Exit doors may either be hinged or sliding. Roll-up doors may not be used to meet the requirements of this section.
(5) Units over 24 feet in length must have a minimum of 2 exit doors.
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If a conversion vendor unit or medical unit has an interior door, such as a bathroom door, which has a privacy lock, the lock must contain an emergency release. The emergency release must be on the outside to permit entry when the door is locked from the inside.
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The electrical system in any conversion vendor unit or medical unit must comply with the National Electrical Code as referenced in chapter 19.28 RCW, Article 550 and the applicable portions of other Articles as required by this section.
(1) Appliances must be installed per Articles 422 - Appliances.
(2) Generators must be installed per Article 445 - Generators.
(3) On a 120 volt system a 3-wire system can be used. On a 240 volt system a 4-wire system must be used.
| Exception: | Sign circuits required by Article 600 will not be required. |
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Storage batteries subject to the provisions of this standard must be securely attached to the conversion vendor unit or medical unit. They must be installed in an area which is vapor-tight to the interior and ventilated directly to the exterior of the unit. When batteries are installed in a compartment, the compartment must be ventilated with openings of not less than 2 square inches at the top and 2 square inches at the bottom. Batteries must not be installed in a compartment containing spark or flame producing equipment, except in an engine generator compartment if the only charging source is the generator itself.
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When mechanical and ventilation equipment is installed in or on a conversion vendor unit or medical unit, it must be installed according to the requirements of the Uniform Mechanical Code, and to the conditions of the equipment approval or listing.
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(1) LPG containers must not be installed, nor stored temporarily, inside any unit. Exception: This prohibition does not apply to completely self-contained hand torches, lanterns, or similar equipment with containers having a maximum water capacity of two and one-half pounds (approximately one pound LPG capacity).
(2) Containers, control valves and regulating equipment, when installed, must meet one of the following requirements:
(a) Be mounted on the "A" frame and not lower than the bottom of the trailer frame; or
(b) Installed in a compartment that is vapor-tight to the inside of the conversion vendor unit or medical unit and accessible only from the outside; or
(c) Be mounted on the chassis or to the floor and neither the container nor its supports may be lower than the top of the axle height.
(3) The compartment must be ventilated at top and bottom to diffuse vapors. The compartment must be ventilated with two vents having an aggregate area of not less than two percent of the floor area of the compartment and must open without restriction to the outside. The required vents must be equally distributed between the floor and ceiling of the compartment. If the lower vent is located in the access door or wall, the bottom edge of the vent must be flush with the floor level of the compartment. The top vent must be located in the access door or wall with the bottom of the vent not more than 12 inches below the ceiling level of the compartment. All vents must have an unrestricted discharge to the outside atmosphere. Access doors or panels of compartments must not be equipped with locks or require special tools or knowledge to open.
(4) Doors, hoods, domes, or portions of housings and enclosures required to be removed or opened for container replacement must incorporate means for clamping them firmly in place and preventing them from working loose during transit. Provisions must be incorporated in the assembly to hold the containers firmly in position and prevent their movement during transit.
(5) LPG containers must be mounted on a substantial support or a base secured firmly to the conversion vendor unit or medical unit chassis. Neither the container nor its support can extend below the conversion vendor unit or medical unit frame.
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Conversion vendor units or medical units requiring fuel gas for any purpose must be equipped with a gas piping system that is designed for LPG only or combination LPG and natural gas.
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(1) Tubing must not be run inside walls, floors, partitions, or roofs.
(2) If tubing passes through walls, floors, partitions, roofs, or similar installations, the tubing must be protected by the use of weather resistant grommets that snugly fit both the tubing and the hole through which the tubing passes.
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(1) Screw joints must be made tight with pipe-joint compound that is insoluble in liquefied petroleum gas.
(2) Pipe-joint compound must be approved for the type of gas used. The pipe-joint compound must be applied to the male threads only.
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(1) All gas piping must be adequately supported by galvanized or equivalently protected metal straps or hangers at intervals of not more than 4 feet, except where adequate support and protection is provided by structural members.
(2) Gas pipe supply connections must be rigidly anchored to a structural member within 6 inches of the supply connections.
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(1) Gas piping must not be used for an electrical ground.
(2) The gas line must be bonded.
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A label must be permanently attached on the outside of the exterior wall of the conversion vendor unit or medical unit adjacent to the gas supply connection which provides the following information:
(1) The type of system (i.e., liquid petroleum system or natural gas system or combination liquid petroleum and natural gas system);
(2) The appropriate Btuh input rating; and
(3) If excess ("or more") Btuh input is allowed.
(4) An example of a label would be: Natural Gas System, 250,000 Btuh or more.
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All openings in the gas piping system must be closed gas-tight with threaded pipe plugs or pipe caps.
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(1) In addition to any valve on the appliance, a shut-off valve must be installed in the fuel piping outside of each gas appliance but inside the conversion vendor unit or medical unit structure and upstream of the union or connector. The shut-off valve must be located within six feet of a cooking appliance and within three feet of any other appliance. A shut-off valve may serve more than one appliance if located as required above.
(2) Shut-off valves used in connection with gas piping must be of a type designed for use with liquefied petroleum gas. Shut-off valves must be tested and approved to ANSI Z21.15 standard or equal.
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(1) The piping system must stand a pressure of at least 10 psi gauge for a period of not less than 15 minutes without showing any drop in pressure.
(2) Pressure must be measured with a gauge calibrated to be read in increments of not greater than 1/10 pound.
(3) The source of pressure must be isolated before the pressure tests are made. Before a test is begun, the temperature of the ambient air and of the piping must be approximately the same, and constant air temperature must be maintained throughout the test.
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(1) After gas appliances have been connected, the gas-piping system must be subjected to a pressure test with the burner valves closed. The test consists of air at not less than 10 inches nor more than 14 inches pressure of water column (6 to 8 ounces). The system must hold this pressure for a period of not less than 10 minutes with no leakage. Before beginning the test, the temperature of the gas-piping system and the test air must be equalized, and this shall be maintained throughout the test.
(2) Appliance shut-off valves ahead of gas cooking appliances may be closed for the performance of this test. When the test is satisfactorily performed, these valves must be opened and, while the system is under pressure, the appliance connectors must be tested with an approved leak detector or approved bubble solution.
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(1) The installation of each appliance must conform to the manufacturer's installation instructions. The manufacturer's instructions must be attached to the appliance.
(2) Combustion air inlets and flue gas outlets must be listed as components of the appliance and must be completely separated. The required separation may be obtained by:
(a) The installation of direct vent system (sealed combustion system) appliances; or
(b) The installation of appliances within enclosures so that the appliance combustion system and venting system are separate from the interior atmosphere of the conversion vendor unit or medical unit. There must not be any door, removable access panel, or other opening into the enclosure from the inside of the conversion vendor unit or medical unit. Any openings for ducts, piping, wiring, etc., must be sealed.
(3) Ranges, cooktops, and ovens must not burn outside combustion air.
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This chapter also applies to the installation of plumbing equipment in any conversion vendor unit or medical unit bearing or required to bear a department insignia. Plumbing fixtures, equipment, and installations in conversion vendor units and medical units must conform to the provisions of the Uniform Plumbing Code and the amendments adopted by the State Building Code Council, except part 1, unless specifically exempted or required by this section. However, the following exceptions apply:
(1) We will allow a 1-1/4 inch drain for handwashing sinks with an antisiphon vent.
(2) An antisiphon vent will be allowed on one and two compartment sinks in units as long as there is one vent to the exterior so the system will function. Sinks with three or more compartments must be installed as required by the Uniform Plumbing Code.
(3) Vent pipes may terminate through the roof or through the sidewall at a point as high as possible and not less than six feet from ground level.
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Definitions contained in the Uniform Plumbing Code apply to this chapter:
"Drain outlet" is the discharge end of the conversion vendor unit or medical unit main drain to which a drain connector may be attached.
"Main drain" is the principal artery of the conversion vendor unit or medical unit drainage system to which drainage branches may be connected.
"Water-supply connection" is the fitting or point of connection of the conversion vendor unit or medical unit water distribution system to a water connector.
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Drain outlets must be equipped with a watertight cap or plug that must be permanently attached to the unit.
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The drain outlet and couplers must have a minimum clearance of 3 inches in any direction from all parts of the structure or appurtenances and with at least 18 inches unrestricted clearance directly in front of the drain outlet.
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Water-supply connections must be equipped with a watertight cap or plug that must be permanently attached to the vehicle.
| Note: | The department of health may have more restrictive requirements. Before modifying your unit to comply with these requirements, be sure to contact that agency. |
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(1) All water heaters must be installed with approved fully automatic valve or valves designed to provide temperature and pressure relief. Temperature and pressure relief valves must be tested and approved to ANSI Z21.22 standard or equal.
(2) Any temperature relief valve or combined pressure and temperature relief valve installed for this purpose must have the temperature sensing element immersed in the hottest water within the upper 6 inches of the tank. It must be set to start relieving at a pressure of 150 psi or the rated working pressure of the tank, whichever is lower, and at or below a water temperature of 210 degrees Fahrenheit.
(3) Relief valves must be provided with full-sized drains. Drains must be directed to the exterior of the unit, exiting at least 6 inches above the ground, and must exhaust downward. Drain lines must be of a material approved for hot water distribution and must drain fully by gravity, must not be trapped, and must not have their outlets threaded.
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Conversion vendor units may use either portable waste holding tanks approved by the department of health or permanently mounted waste holding tanks.
(1) All portable waste holding tanks must be listed for the intended use and used per their listing.
(2) All permanently mounted waste holding tanks must meet the following specifications:
(a) Tanks must be listed for the intended use, installed per their listing, and be securely installed to prevent displacement during transportation;
(b) Tanks must be easily removable for service, repair or replacement without having to remove any permanent construction;
(c) Neither the inlet nor vent fitting may extend downward into the tank more than 1-1/2 inches;
(d) The drain opening must be located at the lowest point of the tank;
(e) Tanks must be vented at the highest point in the top of the tank by one of the following methods:
(i) A 1-1/4 inch diameter vent pipe;
(ii) A continuous vent serving as a drain from one additional fixture provided the drain portion is increased one pipe size larger than the connected trap arm;
(iii) Two or more vented drains when at least one is wet-vented and each drain is separately connected to the top of the tank;
(f) A fullway termination valve must be installed in the tank; and
(g) No drain connection may be made between liquid and body waste holding tanks upstream of fullway termination valves.
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| Place illustration here. |
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