SENATE BILL REPORT
SHB 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 of February 20, 2014
Title: An act relating to miniature hobby boilers.
Brief Description: Regarding miniature hobby boilers.
Sponsors: House Committee on Labor & Workforce Development (originally sponsored by Representatives Haigh and MacEwen).
Brief History: Passed House: 2/12/14, 97-0.
Committee Activity: Commerce & Labor: 2/19/14.
SENATE COMMITTEE ON COMMERCE & LABOR |
Staff: Jessica Stevenson (786-7465)
Background: The Washington State Board of Boiler Rules (Board) must formulate definitions and rules for the safe and proper construction, installation, repair, use, and operation of boilers. Generally, a boiler is a closed vessel in which water or other liquid is heated, steam or vapor is generated, steam is superheated, or any combination of these, under pressure or vacuum for an external object. The definitions and rules must be based upon and follow the nationally or internationally accepted engineering standards, formulae, and practices for boilers. The Board adopted the boiler and pressure vessel code of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers. An inspection certificate is granted for boilers that comply with the rules and regulations adopted by the Board, except for certain exceptions.
An inspection certificate may be granted for miniature hobby boilers that:
do not comply with the code requirements of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers adopted under the Boilers and Unfired Pressure Vessels chapter;
are operated exclusively for uses other than commercial or industrial use;
are not determined to be unsafe for the exclusive purposes by the Department of Labor and Industries as the result of an inspection; and
do not exceed any of the following limits:
16 inches in diameter in the inside of the shell;
20 square feet of total heating surface;
five cubic feet of gross volume of vessel; and
150 p.s.i.g. maximum allowable working pressure.
Summary of Bill: The Boilers and Unfired Pressure Vessels chapter does not apply to miniature hobby boilers that have:
been certified by an inspector before the effective date of this law; or
not been certified by an inspector before this law takes effect, but that receive certification from the chief inspector prior to being placed in service.
The miniature hobby boilers that do not need to comply with the chapter are defined as those that:
do not comply with the code requirements of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers adopted under the Boilers and Unfired Pressure Vessels chapter; and
do not exceed the following limits:
16 inches in diameter in the inside of the shell;
20 square feet of total heating surface;
five cubic feet of gross volume of vessel; and
150 p.s.i.g. maximum allowable working pressure.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.
Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: Safety is important, but annual inspections for miniature hobby boilers should not be required. Miniature hobby boilers must be inspected when they are first put into service, and the owners will maintain the miniature hobby boilers after the initial inspection.
Persons Testifying: PRO: Representative Haigh, prime sponsor.