Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research | BILL ANALYSIS |
Labor & Workplace Standards Committee |
HB 1408
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: Concerning class B elevator work permits.
Sponsors: Representatives Manweller and Gregerson; by request of Department of Labor & Industries.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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Hearing Date: 2/6/17
Staff: Joan Elgee (786-7106).
Background:
The Department of Labor and Industries (Department) administers and enforces state laws regarding the installation, operation, inspection, and maintenance of conveyances, including elevators, chair lifts, and other lifting devices. In general, these laws require elevator contractors to obtain permits from the Department before conveyances are installed, moved, or altered. Before the work is complete, the contractor notifies the Department and an inspector must inspect the conveyance and witness an acceptance test. For minor alterations, under certain circumstances the conveyance may be put back into service before the conveyance passes inspection. Otherwise, the conveyance must pass this inspection before it is placed back into service.
With some exceptions, conveyance work must be performed by a licensed elevator mechanic working for a licensed elevator contractor. The Department uses national codes as the basis for conveyance standards.
Summary of Bill:
Authority for a new class B elevator work permit is created. The permit allows the equipment that is the subject of the permit to be placed into operation without a witness inspection. The Department must instead inspect the work on a random basis.
Class B elevator work is: (1) minor alterations to conveyances that do not change the design or diminish the performance of the listed component or equipment; or (2) installations of private residential stairway chair lifts, as defined by rule. Class B work must be performed by a licensed elevator contractor using a licensed elevator mechanic. To be eligible to purchase class B permits, a contractor must demonstrate competency in consistently performing code compliant work, as specified by rule.
The Department may establish fees for class B permits.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.