HOUSE BILL REPORT
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. |
As Reported by House Committee On:
Labor & Workforce Development
Title: An act relating to miniature hobby boilers.
Brief Description: Regarding miniature hobby boilers.
Sponsors: Representatives Haigh and MacEwen.
Brief History:
Committee Activity:
Labor & Workforce Development: 1/31/14 [DPS].
Brief Summary of Substitute Bill |
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HOUSE COMMITTEE ON LABOR & WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT |
Majority Report: The substitute bill be substituted therefor and the substitute bill do pass. Signed by 9 members: Representatives Sells, Chair; Reykdal, Vice Chair; Manweller, Ranking Minority Member; Condotta, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Christian, Green, G. Hunt, Moeller and Ormsby.
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. 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 pounds per square inch maximum allowable working pressure.
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.
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Summary of Substitute Bill:
Miniature hobby boilers that are currently certified are exempt from the boilers and unfired pressure vessels regulation, including inspection requirements. A miniature hobby boiler that has not been certified as of the effective date of the bill is exempt once the boiler receives certification prior to being placed in service.
Substitute Bill Compared to Original Bill:
The original bill exempted all miniature hobby boilers, regardless of whether the boiler had been previously certified.
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Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Effective Date of Substitute Bill: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony:
(In support) The proposed substitute would allow the Department to inspect new boilers when they are first put into service. These small boilers can be dangerous, so there should be an initial inspection. There has been a long history of compliance with these groups of people.
(Opposed) None.
Persons Testifying: Representative Haigh, prime sponsor; and Tammy Fellin, Department of Labor and Industries.
Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: None.