Subject of Possible Rule Making: The department of labor and industries (L&I) is considering changes to the elevator rules under chapter 296-96 WAC, Safety regulations and fees for all elevators, dumbwaiters, escalators and other conveyances, excluding the rules with fees due to a separate rule making in progress.

Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: L&I is considering changes to the elevator rules under chapter 296-96 WAC, excluding the rules with fees due to a separate rule making in progress. The elevator program at L&I is reviewing the rules to consider adopting new safety codes from the 2019 edition of the American Society of Mechanic Engineers (ASME) A17.1/CSA B44 - 2019, Safety Code for Elevators and Escalators, and other related codes. The 2019 edition of ASME A17.1 would replace the current 2016 code. The elevator program is also considering updates, clarification, housekeeping, and other changes to the rules.

The elevator rules are reviewed on a regular basis to ensure the rules are consistent with national elevator safety standards and industry practice. The rule review process provides Washington's elevator stakeholders the opportunity to review the new code requirements, submit proposals for changes to the rules, and provide recommendations to L&I regarding adoption of the rules.

Process for Developing New Rule: Interested parties can participate in the decision to adopt the new rules and formulation of the proposed rules before publication by contacting the individual listed below. The public can also participate, after amendments are proposed by providing written comments and/or testimony during the public hearing and comment process. A technical advisory committee (TAC) and the elevator safety advisory committee will review all rule proposals.

L&I is seeking input from interested parties to be used in the formulation of the proposed elevator rules. Interested parties may submit proposals for changes to the rules from November 1, 2021, to December 3, 2021.

L&I is also appointing a general TAC made up of experts and interested group representatives to review and make recommendations on proposals from the elevator industry. Interested parties may submit an application to become a TAC member and participate in the rules development process from November 1, 2021, to December 3, 2021.

For more information about this rule making, including how to submit proposals and participate on [in] the TAC, visit the L&I website at https://lni.wa.gov/licensing-permits/elevators/laws-rules-policies#rule-development.

Interested parties can participate in the decision to adopt the new rule and formulation of the proposed rule before publication by contacting Alicia Curry, L&I, Field Services and Public Safety Division, P.O. Box 44400, Olympia, WA 98504-4400, phone 360-902-6244, fax 360-902-5292, email Alicia.Curry@Lni.wa.gov, website https://lni.wa.gov/licensing-permits/elevators/laws-rules-policies#rule-development.