SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 6240

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 31, 2018

Title: An act relating to miniature hobby boilers.

Brief Description: Regarding miniature hobby boilers.

Sponsors: Senators Sheldon, Angel, Rolfes and Van De Wege.

Committee Activity: Labor & Commerce: 1/31/18.

Brief Summary of Bill

Exempts miniature hobby boilers from inspection and other requirements if the miniature hobby boiler is already certified or receives certification before being placed into service.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON LABOR & COMMERCE

Staff: Jarrett Sacks (786-7448)

Background: State law requires the Washington State Board of Boiler Rules (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.

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:

16 inches inside the diameter of the shell;

20 square feet of total heating surface;

5 cubic feet of gross volume of vessel; and

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 cannot be operated for commercial or industrial uses and must have a determination by L&I that the operation of the boiler is safe.

Summary of Bill: Miniature hobby boilers that have already been certified or that are certified prior to being placed into service are exempt from the inspection requirements and other provisions governing boilers and unfired pressure vessels. A miniature hobby boiler is defined using the same size, volume, and psig limits as current law.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Available.

Creates Committee/Commission/Task Force that includes Legislative members: No.

Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.

Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: This bill has passed both the Senate and House before and there are no changes to the bill. Hobbyists want the ability to do inspections themselves. Hobbyists have their own inspection equipment and hold themselves accountable to higher standards than those required by law.

Persons Testifying: PRO: William Karanson, Kitsap Live Steamers; Richard Hoffman, Kitsap Live Steamers; Ken Olsen, Kitsap Live Steamers.

Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: No one.