Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research | BILL ANALYSIS |
Labor & Workforce Development Committee |
HB 2541
This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent. |
Brief Description: Regarding miniature hobby boilers.
Sponsors: Representatives Haigh and MacEwen.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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Hearing Date: 1/31/14
Staff: Trudes Tango (786-7384).
Background:
Certain boilers and unfired pressure vessels are subject to regulation by the Board of Boiler Rules (Board) and inspection by the Department of Labor and Industries (Department). The Board develops rules based on nationally or internationally accepted engineering standards. The Board also adopts standards such as the American Society of Mechanical Engineers' (ASME) code.
The Director of the Department approves rules, appoints the Chief Inspector, and assesses penalties against persons who violate safety standards for boilers and unfired pressure vessels.
The Chief Inspector issues "inspection certificates" for boilers and unfired pressure vessels that comply with the Board's rules. Generally, inspections occur annually or biennially, depending on the type of boiler or unfired pressure vessel.
Certain boilers and unfired pressure vessels are exempt from regulation. These include some water tanks that operate at 130 degrees or less, and small unfired pressure vessels and hot water heaters. Other boilers and unfired pressure vessels are exempt from inspection requirements, but subject to regulations governing construction, installation, and repair.
An inspection certificate may be granted for a miniature hobby boiler that does not comply with the ASME code if the miniature hobby boiler is: (1) not operated for commercial use; (2) upon inspection, the operation of the boiler is not unsafe; and (3) the boiler does not exceed any of the following limits:
16 inches inside diameter of the shell;
20 square feet of total hearing surface;
5 cubic feet of gross volume of vessel; and
150 P.S.I.G. maximum allowable working pressure.
Summary of Bill:
Miniature hobby boilers are exempt from the provisions governing boilers and unfired pressure vessels, which include inspection requirements.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.