HOUSE BILL REPORT

                 SHB 1886

                    As Passed Legislature

Title:  An act relating to authorizing the board of boiler rules to prescribe extended inspection schedules for power boilers.

Brief Description:  Authorizing the board of boiler rules to prescribe extended inspection schedules for power boilers.

Sponsors:  By House Committee on Energy & Utilities (originally sponsored by Representatives Grant, Miller, Kessler, Horn, Kremen and Casada).

Brief History:

  Reported by House Committee on:

Energy & Utilities, February 26, 1993, DPS;

Passed House, March 15, 1993, 97-0;

Amended by Senate;

Passed Legislature, April 20, 1993, 97-0.

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON ENERGY & UTILITIES

Majority Report:  The substitute bill be substituted therefor and the substitute bill do pass.  Signed by 8 members:  Representatives Grant, Chair; Finkbeiner, Vice Chair; Casada, Ranking Minority Member; Johanson; Kessler; Kremen; Long; and Ludwig.

Staff:  Ken Conte (786-7113).

Background:  The Board of Boiler Rules, created in 1951, is a five member board responsible for establishing definitions, rules and regulations for:  (1) the safe and proper construction, installation, repair, use and operation of boilers; and (2) the safe and proper construction, installation and repair of unfired pressure vessels in the state.

Current law requires that power boilers be inspected (1) both internally and externally while not under pressure on an annual basis, and (2) externally while under pressure on an annual basis, if possible.  A two-month grace period is allowed between internal inspections and between external inspections.

Summary of Bill:  The board may provide for longer periods between both internal and external inspections of power boilers while not under pressure if the contents, history, and operation of the power boiler warrants special consideration.

The existing two-month grace period allowed between inspections will apply to whatever period the board establishes.

Fiscal Note:  Not requested.

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

Testimony For:  We now have technology that we didn't have years ago.  Boilers are constantly monitored during operation.  This bill allows effective energy use and cost control measures.  The state Board of Boiler Rules will retain the authority to shut down a boiler any time it is necessary.  Of the other states, 18 have allowed for longer periods between inspections.  This will not impact safety or quality of inspections.

Testimony Against:  None.

Witnesses:  (All pro):  Ron Newbry and Jerry Bridgewater, Pacificorp; Collins Sprague, Washington Water Power; and Joe Brewer, Department of Labor and Industries.