WSR 03-18-078

PROPOSED RULES

BUILDING CODE COUNCIL


[ Filed August 29, 2003, 2:15 p.m. ]

     Original Notice.

     Preproposal statement of inquiry was filed as WSR 03-08-027.

     Title of Rule: Adoption of chapter 51-52 WAC (adoption and amendment of the 2003 Edition of the International Mechanical Code). Repeal of chapter 51-42 WAC (adoption and amendment of the 1997 Edition of the Uniform Mechanical Code).

     Purpose: To consider whether to adopt, or adopt and amend, the 2003 Edition of the International Mechanical Code.

     Statutory Authority for Adoption: RCW 19.27.031 and 19.27.074.

     Statute Being Implemented: Chapters 19.27 and 34.05 RCW.

     Summary: The proposed rule includes adoption of the 2003 Edition of the International Mechanical Code (IMC) published by the International Code Council (ICC) and repeal of the 1997 Edition of the Uniform Mechanical Code (UMC) published by the International Conference of Building Officials (ICBO). The rule specifies NFPA 58 (Liquefied Petroleum Gas Code) and ANSI Z223.1/NFPA 54 (National Fuel Gas Code) to be the standards for liquefied petroleum gas installations. Existing state amendments are being carried forward into the new code to assure continued provision of safety and flexibility greater than the published version.

     Reasons Supporting Proposal: RCW 19.27.031 and 19.27.074.

     Name of Agency Personnel Responsible for Drafting and Implementation: Al Rhoades, Olympia, Washington 98504-8350, (360) 725-2970; and Enforcement: Local jurisdictions.

     Name of Proponent: Washington State Building Code Council, governmental.

     Agency Comments or Recommendations, if any, as to Statutory Language, Implementation, Enforcement, and Fiscal Matters: The council is seeking comments on the issues proposed in the rules shown below.

     Rule is not necessitated by federal law, federal or state court decision.

     Explanation of Rule, its Purpose, and Anticipated Effects: The proposed rule follows the legislative directive of SHB 1734 which amended RCW 19.27.031 to designate the International Mechanical Code as replacement for the Uniform Mechanical Code. The standards for liquefied petroleum gas installations shall be NFPA 58 (Liquefied Petroleum Gas Code) and ANSI Z223.1/NFPA 54 (National Fuel Gas Code). The proposed rule will adopt by reference the 2003 Edition of the IMC and repeal the 1997 Edition of the UMC, which is no longer being updated. The rule will also carry forward existing state amendments into the new code to assure continued provision of safety and flexibility greater than the published version.

     This adoption will keep the Washington state codes current with industry and national standards. Existing amendments are carried over from the UMC into the IMC to provide for specific application of the new code in Washington state.

     Proposal Changes the Following Existing Rules: The 1997 Edition of the UMC is being updated by adopting the 2003 Edition of the IMC. With the repeal of chapter 51-42 WAC (adopting the UMC), chapter 51-52 WAC has been designated for adoption of the IMC.

     No small business economic impact statement has been prepared under chapter 19.85 RCW. This rule will update the adoption of model codes to stay current with national standards for the benefit of industry and Washington state interests, with no new state amendments being included. No economic impact on small business was identified.

     RCW 34.05.328 does not apply to this rule adoption. The State Building Code Council is not listed in this section as one of the agencies required to comply with this regulation.

     Hearing Location: Spokane City Council Chambers, West 808 Spokane Falls Boulevard, Spokane, WA, on October 10, 2003, at 10:00 a.m.; and at the Holiday Inn Select/Renton, One Grady Way South, Renton, WA, on October 17, 2003, at 10:00 a.m.

     Assistance for Persons with Disabilities: Contact

Sue Mathers by September 26, 2003, TDD (360) 753-7427 or (360) 725-2967.

     Submit Written Comments to: Stan Price, Chairman, State Building Code Council, P.O. Box 48350, Olympia, WA 98504-8350, fax (360) 586-9383, e-mail sbcc@cted.wa.gov, by October 17, 2003.

     Date of Intended Adoption: November 21, 2003.

August 7, 2003

Tim Nogler

for Stan Price

Chairman

OTS-6590.1

Chapter 51-52 WAC

STATE BUILDING CODE ADOPTION AND AMENDMENT OF THE 2003 EDITION OF THE INTERNATIONAL MECHANICAL CODE


NEW SECTION
WAC 51-52-001   Authority.   These rules are adopted under the authority of chapter 19.27 RCW.

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NEW SECTION
WAC 51-52-002   Purpose.   The purpose of these rules is to implement the provisions of chapter 19.27 RCW, which provides that the state building code council shall maintain the State Building Code in a status which is consistent with the purpose as set forth in RCW 19.27.020. In maintaining the codes the council shall regularly review updated versions of the codes adopted under the act, and other pertinent information, and shall amend the codes as deemed appropriate by the council.

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NEW SECTION
WAC 51-52-003   International Mechanical Code.   The 2003 edition of the International Mechanical Code published by the International Code Conference is hereby adopted by reference with the exceptions noted in this chapter of the Washington Administrative Code (WAC).

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NEW SECTION
WAC 51-52-004   Conflict between International Mechanical Code and State Energy Code chapter 51-11 WAC.   In the case of conflict between the duct sealing or insulation requirements of Section 601 or Section 604 of this code and the duct sealing or insulation requirements of chapter 51-11 WAC, the Washington State Energy Code, or where applicable, a local jurisdiction's energy code, the provisions of such energy codes shall govern.

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NEW SECTION
WAC 51-52-005   Conflict between International Mechanical Code and State Ventilation and Indoor Air Quality Code chapter 51-13 WAC.   In the case of conflict between the Group R ventilation requirements of this code and the Group R ventilation requirements of chapter 51-13 WAC, the Washington State Ventilation and Indoor Air Quality Code, the provisions of the Ventilation and Indoor Air Quality Code shall govern.

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NEW SECTION
WAC 51-52-007   Exceptions.   The exceptions and amendments to the International Mechanical Code contained in the provisions of chapter 19.27 RCW shall apply in case of conflict with any of the provisions of these rules.

     The provisions of this code do not apply to temporary growing structures used solely for the commercial production of horticultural plants including ornamental plants, flowers, vegetables, and fruits. "Temporary growing structure" means a structure that has the sides and roof covered with polyethylene, polyvinyl, or similar flexible synthetic material and is used to provide plants with either frost protection or increased heat retention. A temporary growing structure is not considered a building for purposes of this code.

     The following referenced codes published by the International Code Council are not adopted as part of the State Building Code: ICC Electrical Code, International Plumbing Code, International Energy Conservation Code, International Private Sewage Disposal Code, International Property Maintenance Code, International Existing Building Code, and International Urban-Wildland Interface Code. When referenced, as appropriate, these references shall mean the National Electric Code (as adopted and amended by the state of Washington), the Uniform Plumbing Code (as adopted and amended by the state of Washington), the Washington State Energy Code, or other locally adopted code if applicable.

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NEW SECTION
WAC 51-52-008   Implementation.   The International Mechanical Code adopted by chapter 51-52 WAC shall become effective in all counties and cities of this state on July 1, 2004.

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NEW SECTION
WAC 51-52-0101   Section 101 -- General.  


101.2 Scope. This code shall regulate the design, installation, maintenance, alteration and inspection of mechanical systems that are permanently installed and utilized to provide control of environmental conditions and related processes within buildings. This code shall also regulate those mechanical systems, system components, equipment and appliances specifically addressed herein. The installation of fuel gas distribution piping and equipment, fuel gas-fired appliances and fuel gas-fired appliance venting systems shall be regulated by the International Fuel Gas Code.


EXCEPTIONS: 1. Detached one- and two-family dwellings and multiple single-family dwellings (townhouses) not more than three stories high with separate means of egress and their accessory structures shall comply with the International Residential Code.
2. Mechanical systems in existing buildings undergoing repair, alterations, or additions, and change of occupancy shall be permitted to comply with the International Existing Building Code.
3. The standards for liquefied petroleum gas installations shall be the 2001 Edition of NFPA 58 (Liquefied Petroleum Gas Code) and the 2002 Edition of ANSI Z223.1/NFPA 54 (National Fuel Gas Code).

101.5 Other authorities. In addition to the International Mechanical Code, provisions of chapter 480-93 WAC regarding gas pipeline safety may also apply to single meter installations serving more than one building. The provisions of chapter 480-93 WAC are enforced by the Washington utilities and transportation commission.

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NEW SECTION
WAC 51-52-0202   Section 202 -- General definitions.  


UNUSUALLY TIGHT CONSTRUCTION. Construction meeting the following requirements:

     1. Walls exposed to the outside atmosphere having a continuous water vapor retarder with a rating of 1 perm (57 ng/s·m2·Pa) or less with openings gasketed or sealed; and

     2. Openable windows and doors meeting the air leakage requirements of the International Energy Conservation Code, Section 502.1.4; and

     3. Caulking or sealants are applied to areas such as joints around window and door frames, between sole plates and floors, between wall-ceiling joints, between wall panels, at penetrations for plumbing, electrical and gas lines, and at other openings; or

     4. Buildings built in compliance with the 1986 or later editions of the Washington State Energy Code, chapter 51-11 WAC, Northwest Energy Code, or Super Good Cents weatherization standards or equivalent.

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NEW SECTION
WAC 51-52-0504   Section 504 -- Clothes dryer exhaust.  


504.6.3 Protection required. Clothes dryer exhaust ducts shall be protected by a steel plate or clip not less than 1/16 inch (1.59 mm) in thickness and of sufficient width to fully protect the duct. Plates or clips shall be placed on the finish face of all framing members which the clothes dryer exhaust duct passes through when there is less than 1 1/4 inch (32 mm) of framing material between the duct and the finish face. Plates or clips shall also be placed where nails or screws from finish or other work are likely to penetrate the clothes dryer exhaust duct.

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NEW SECTION
WAC 51-52-0601   Section 601 -- General.  


601.2 Air movement in egress elements. Exit access corridors shall not serve as supply, return, exhaust, relief or ventilation air ducts.

EXCEPTIONS: 1. Use of a corridor as a source of makeup air for exhaust systems in rooms that open directly onto such corridors, including toilet rooms, bathrooms, dressing rooms, smoking lounges and janitor closets, shall be permitted provided that each such corridor is directly supplied with outdoor air at a rate greater than the rate of makeup air taken from the corridor.
2. Where located within a dwelling unit, the use of corridors for conveying return air shall not be prohibited.
3. Where located within tenant spaces of one thousand square feet (93 m2) or less in area, utilization of corridors for conveying return air is permitted.
4. Where such air is part of an engineered smoke control system.
5. Corridors conforming to the International Building Code in Group I occupancies.
6. Corridors serving residential occupancies shall be permitted to be supplied without specific mechanical exhaust subject to the following:
6.1 The supply air is one hundred percent outside air; and
6.2 The units served by the corridor have conforming ventilation independent of the air supplied to the corridor; and
6.3 For other than high-rise buildings, the supply fan will automatically shut off upon activation of corridor smoke detectors which shall be spaced at no more than thirty feet (9,144 mm) on center along the corridor; or
6.4 For high-rise buildings, corridor smoke detector activation will close required smoke/fire dampers at the supply inlet to the corridor at the floor receiving the alarm.

601.3 Contamination prevention. Exhaust ducts under positive pressure, chimneys, and vents shall not extend into or pass through ducts or plenums.


EXCEPTION: Exhaust ducts conveying environmental air shall be permitted to pass through a duct or plenum provided that:
1. The duct is maintained under sufficient negative pressure to prevent leakage of the exhaust air to the surrounding duct or plenum; or
2. If maintained under a positive pressure with respect to the surrounding duct or plenum, the exhaust duct will be sealed to prevent leakage; or
3. The surrounding air stream is an exhaust air stream not intended for recirculation to the building and cross-contamination of the two air streams will not create a hazardous condition.

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NEW SECTION
WAC 51-52-1000   Chapter 10 -- Boilers, water heaters and pressure vessels.  


1002.2 Water heaters utilized for space heating. Water heaters utilized both to supply potable hot water and provide hot water for space-heating applications shall be listed and labeled for such applications by the manufacturer and shall be installed in accordance with the manufacturer's installation instructions and the plumbing code.


     Water heaters used for space heating only are prohibited.


SECTIONS 1003 THROUGH 1011, are not adopted.


     Boilers and Unfired Pressure Vessels are regulated by chapter 70.79 RCW and chapter 296-104 WAC.

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NEW SECTION
WAC 51-52-21000   International Fuel Gas Code.  

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NEW SECTION
WAC 51-52-21404   Section 404 -- Piping system installation.  


404.4 Piping through foundation wall. Underground piping, where installed below grade through the outer foundation or basement wall of a building, shall be encased in a protective pipe sleeve. The annular space between the gas piping and the sleeve shall be sealed.

     Existing walls shall be core drilled and sealed with an approved mechanical seal.


     404.8 Protection against corrosion. Metallic pipe or tubing exposed to corrosive action, such as soil condition or moisture, shall be protected in an approved manner, and cathodically protected in accordance with NACE RP-01-69. Zinc coatings (galvanizing) shall not be deemed adequate protection for gas piping underground. Ferrous metal exposed in exterior locations shall be protected from corrosion in a manner satisfactory to the code official. Where dissimilar metals are joined underground, an insulation coupling or fitting shall be used. Piping shall not be laid in contact with cinders.

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NEW SECTION
WAC 51-52-22000   National Fuel Gas Code.  

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NEW SECTION
WAC 51-52-22006   Chapter 6 -- Gas piping installation.  


6.1.3 Protection Against Corrosion. Metallic gas piping in contact with earth or other material that could corrode the piping shall be protected against corrosion in an approved manner, and cathodically protected in accordance with NACE RP-01-69. When dissimilar metals are joined underground, an insulating coupling or fitting shall be used. Piping shall not be laid in contact with cinders. Uncoated threaded or socket welded joints shall not be used in piping in contact with soil or where internal or external crevice corrosion is known to occur.


6.1.5 Piping Through Foundation Wall. Underground piping, where installed through the outer foundation or basement wall of a building, shall be encased in a protective pipe. The space between the gas piping and the building shall be sealed to prevent the entry of gas or water.


     Existing walls shall be core drilled and sealed with an approved mechanical seal.

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