ByHouse Labor & Workplace Standards (originally sponsored by Representatives Bronoske, Berry, Leavitt, Morgan, Taylor, Senn, Bateman, Reed, Lekanoff, and Doglio)

AN ACT Relating to requiring a training and certification program for individuals who apply fire-resistant materials; amending RCW 39.12.055; adding a new chapter to Title 49 RCW; prescribing penalties; and providing an effective date.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 1. The legislature recognizes that fire protection measures are critical design elements meant to control the spread of a fire until active fire protection measures, such as sprinklers, fire extinguishers, or the fire department can take over and control a fire. Among the types of passive fire protection measures are the use of fire-resistant materials that help to protect structural steel, contain the fire, and limit damage to critical infrastructure. It is important that individuals installing these materials be properly trained to perform this work. Therefore, the legislature hereby establishes a training and certification program for fire-resistant material applicators.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 2. The definitions in this section apply throughout sections 3 through 5 of this act unless the context clearly requires otherwise.

(a) Wet or dry mix materials, cementitious materials, and fibrous materials, applied to achieve an hourly fire-resistant rating for buildings classified as construction types I, II, III, IV, and V, as defined by the international building code; and

(b) Sealants, putty, and caulking used for firestop systems, applied to risk category III and IV buildings, as defined by the international building code.

(2) "Certified fire-resistant material applicator" means an individual certified by the department to apply fire-resistant material. Certified fire-resistant material applicator does not include an individual applying fire-resistant material in or to the individual's own residence.

(3) "Contractor" means an employer performing work that includes the application of fire-resistant material, or any person, partnership, or business entity that does not have employees but that performs work that includes the application of fire-resistant material.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 3. (1) Every individual applying fire-resistant material for or as a contractor must be certified by the department. To qualify for certification, the individual must complete initial training and must complete refresher training every five years for recertification.

(2) All training provided under this section must be provided by an apprenticeship program registered with the Washington state apprenticeship and training council, or by fire-resistant material manufacturers or other certified training providers, that have been approved by the department to provide training in the application of fire-resistant materials. Training provided by manufacturers must include training in the application of at least four different types of fire-resistant material products.

(3) An individual who has completed the training required under this section must submit an application to the department to receive certification as a certified fire-resistant material applicator.

(4) The department shall, by rule, develop and administer a certification process for fire-resistant material applicators, including the minimum standards for initial training and refresher training, and the approval process for fire-resistance material manufacturers or other certified training providers. The department's rules and certification process must be in place at least one year prior to January 1, 2026.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 4. (1) Beginning January 1, 2026, contractors must ensure all fire-resistant material is applied by a certified fire-resistant material applicator prior to the individual applying any fire-resistant material. A contractor must verify that the individual is certified by the department by obtaining written documentation of the individual's certification.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 5. (1) Unless specifically provided otherwise by statute, this chapter shall be implemented and enforced, including penalties, violations, citations, and other administrative procedures, pursuant to chapter 49.17 RCW.

(b) The penalties established in this section are a minimum which the department may exceed. After 2032, the department may adjust these penalties for inflation. Repeat, willful, and serious violations may result in increased penalties as determined by the department.

((A))Except as otherwise provided in section 5 of this act, a contractor shall not be allowed to bid on any public works contract for one year from the date of a final determination that the contractor has committed any combination of two of the following violations or infractions within a five-year period:

(3) Determined to be out of compliance by the Washington state apprenticeship and training council for working apprentices out of ratio, without appropriate supervision, or outside their approved work processes as outlined in their standards of apprenticeship under chapter 49.04 RCW.