HOUSE BILL REPORT

                  HB 1773

                       As Passed House

                        March 8, 1993

Title:  An act relating to exemptions from boiler regulations.

Brief Description:  Adding certain miniature models to boiler regulation exemptions.

Sponsors:  Representatives Pruitt and R. Meyers.

Brief History:

  Reported by House Committee on:

Commerce & Labor, February 26, 1993, DP;

  Passed House, March 8, 1993, 97-0.

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON COMMERCE & LABOR

Majority Report:  Do pass.  Signed by 9 members:  Representatives Heavey, Chair; G. Cole, Vice Chair; Lisk, Ranking Minority Member; Chandler, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Conway; Horn; King; Springer; and Veloria.

Staff:  Marc Greenough (786-5793) and Chris Cordes (786‑7117).

Background:  State law requires that boilers conform to the rules and regulations formulated by the board of boiler rules.  The board has the authority to grant special installation and operating permits for boilers of special design or construction and for antique boilers.  However, the board has no authority to grant special permits for miniature boilers.  "Live steam" hobbyists own and operate 300-500 miniature boilers in the state that cannot be made to comply with existing code requirements because of their reduced size.  These miniature boilers are used in model locomotives and launches and for other noncommercial purposes.

Summary of Bill:  The board of boiler rules of the Department of Labor and Industries is given the authority to grant special installation and operating permits for miniature boilers manufactured before January 1, 1995, that do not comply with code requirements.  A miniature boiler may not exceed any of four enumerated limits and may not be operated for commercial use.  On inspection, the department must find that operation of the boiler is not unsafe.

Fiscal Note:  Requested February 23, 1993.

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

Testimony For:  The lack of a state approved inspection program for miniature boilers prevents hobbyists from operating locomotives and other steam-powered models.  Currently, the operation of model locomotives in Washington is by invitation only.  Bringing the hobby into public view would create jobs and tourist revenue.  There is no record of an accident in the hobby in over 60 years.  Most miniature boilers exceed safety standards by a factor of four.  An amendment limiting the capacity of miniature boilers would negatively impact hobbyists.

Testimony Against:  None.

Witnesses:  (In favor without amendment): Douglas F. Wilkinson; Dennis Weaver, Bernard M. Sweson, and John L. May, Kitsap Live Steamers.

(Neutral): Joe Brewer and Dick Barkdoll, Department of Labor and Industries.