SENATE BILL REPORT

                  SHB 2255

              As Reported By Senate Committee On:

          Labor, Commerce & Trade, February 22, 1996

Title:  An act relating to inspection requirements for private residence conveyances.

Brief Description:  Establishing inspection requirements for private residence conveyances.

Sponsors:  House Committee on Commerce & Labor (originally sponsored by Representatives Van Luven, Thompson, Cody, Romero and Dickerson).

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Labor, Commerce & Trade:  2/15/96, 2/22/96 [DPA].

SENATE COMMITTEE ON LABOR, COMMERCE & TRADE

Majority Report:  Do pass as amended.

  Signed by Senators Pelz, Chair; Heavey, Vice Chair; A. Anderson, Deccio, Franklin, Fraser, Newhouse and Wojahn.

Staff:  Erika Lim (786-7488)

Background:  The Department of Labor and Industries inspects and tests mechanical conveyances such as elevators and escalators.  All mechanical conveyances except those located within and owned by cities having an elevator code, permanently removed from service, or temporarily erected for construction work are covered by this program. 

An installation permit must be obtained before a mechanical conveyance is installed, erected, relocated, or altered.  However, an installation permit is not required for repairs and replacement needed for maintenance if parts of equivalent materials, strength, and design are used. 

The department must inspect and test mechanical conveyances annually.

Summary of Amended Bill:  Private residence conveyances operated exclusively for single family use are required to be inspected and tested at least once every three years.  The department may also perform inspections of a private residence conveyance at the request of the owner, with fees to be charged under the schedule of fees for operating permits. 

Amended Bill Compared to Substitute Bill:   Private residence conveyances must be inspected and tested every three years instead of being exempt from inspection and testing.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Not requested.

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

Testimony For:  The Department of Labor and Industries does not have the resources to conduct the annual inspections required by current law.  Homeowners may request an inspection if they feel the conveyance is unsafe.

Testimony Against:  None.

Testified:  Representative Van Luven, prime sponsor.