SENATE BILL REPORT
SB 5234
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 January 27, 2015
Title: An act relating to miniature hobby boilers.
Brief Description: Regarding miniature hobby boilers.
Sponsors: Senators Sheldon, Dansel, Dammeier, Becker, Schoesler, Honeyford and Conway.
Brief History:
Committee Activity: Commerce & Labor: 1/26/15.
SENATE COMMITTEE ON COMMERCE & LABOR |
Staff: Susan Jones (786-7404)
Background: The Boilers and Unfired Pressure Vessels chapter requires the Washington State Board of Boiler (board) to make the definitions and rules for the safe and proper construction, installation, repair, use, and operation of boilers and of unfired pressure vessels. The definitions and rules must be based on and follow the nationally or internationally accepted engineering standards, formulae, and practices. The board adopted the boiler and pressure vessel code of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME).
Installation or reinstallation permits are required before any new or existing boiler or unfired pressure vessel is installed, reinstalled, or moved in the state of Washington. The Department of Labor and Industries (L&I) performs inspections and investigations and issues permits and operating certificates.
Miniature locomotives, boats, tractors, and stationary engines are sometimes built and maintained as hobbies. They may use miniature boilers in their operation. Miniature hobby boilers are also subject to state boiler laws. Because of their size, miniature hobby boilers may not comply with the adopted code requirements.
An inspection certificate may be granted for certain miniature hobby boilers that do not comply with the adopted code requirements. To be granted the certificate, a miniature hobby boiler may not exceed (1) 16 inches inside the diameter of the shell; (2) 20 square feet of total heating surface; (3) 5 cubic feet of gross volume of vessel; and (4) 150 pounds per square inch gauge (psig) maximum allowable working pressure. In addition to the limits, to be granted the certificate, a miniature hobby boiler operated exclusively for uses other than commercial or industrial must have a determination by L&I that the operation of the boiler is safe.
Summary of Bill: The Boilers and Unfired Pressure Vessels chapter does not apply to miniature hobby boilers that do not comply with adopted code requirements and do not exceed any of the following limits:
16 inches inside diameter of the shell;
20 square feet of total heating surface;
5 cubic feet of gross volume of vessel; and
150 psig maximum allowable working pressure.
The boiler must be operated exclusively for uses other than commercial or industrial.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Not requested.
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: This bill avoids having the miniature hobby boiler owners from having to show their inspection certificate each year to L&I. This is the same bill as last year but L&I would like the substitute bill that passed out of committee requiring at least one inspection.
Persons Testifying: PRO: Senator Sheldon, prime sponsor; Tammy Fellin, L&I.