SENATE BILL REPORT

                  SHB 1224

              As Reported By Senate Committee On:

         Labor & Workforce Development, April 1, 1999

Title:  An act relating to requiring a permanent anchor for worker fall protection.

Brief Description:  Requiring a permanent anchor for worker fall protection.

Sponsors:  House Committee on Commerce & Labor (originally sponsored by Representatives Hurst, Conway, Campbell, Cairnes, Kessler, Clements, McIntire and Ogden).

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Labor & Workforce Development:  4/1/99 [DP].

SENATE COMMITTEE ON LABOR & WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT

Majority Report:  Do pass.

  Signed by Senators Fairley, Chair; Franklin, Vice Chair; Hochstatter, Kline, Oke and Wojahn.

Staff:  Joanne Conrad (786-7472)

Background:  The Washington State Building Code Council is responsible for establishing minimum building code requirements, which do not currently require permanent roof anchors.  Instead, worker fall protection depends upon fall prevention systems that are rigged to temporary anchors or property fixtures.  Concern exists that permanent anchors may increase safety for construction workers and property owners.

Summary of Bill:  The Washington Building Code Council reports to the Legislature by October 1, 1999, regarding its recommendations for design and placement of permanent anchors, and the safety benefits that may be available with the use of the anchors in new commercial and residential construction and roof replacement.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Not requested.

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

Testimony For:  Workers die and are injured in falls from roofs which are easily preventable by inexpensive permanent anchors.

Testimony Against:  The Building Codes Council has insufficient resources to do the required report in addition to its other duties.

Testified:  PRO:  Representative Hurst, prime sponsor; Robert Dilger, Washington State Building and Trades Council; Richard King, IBEW; CON:  Rick Slunaker, AGC and Construction Industry Council.