HOUSE BILL REPORT

                 SSB 5274

             As Reported By House Committee On:

                      Commerce & Labor

Title:  An act relating to exemptions from boiler regulations.

Brief Description:  Adding certain boilers to boiler regulation exemptions.

Sponsors:  Senate Committee on Labor & Commerce (originally sponsored by Senator Oke).

Brief History:

  Reported by House Committee on:

Commerce & Labor, March 30, 1993, DPA.

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON COMMERCE & LABOR

Majority Report:  Do pass as amended.  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:  Jim Kelley (786-7166).

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 to 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 Amended 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.

Amended Bill Compared to Substitute Bill:  The amended bill deletes an exemption from the substitute Senate bill for antique fire engines.

Fiscal Note:  Available.

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

Testimony For:  (Substitute Senate bill):  The department can administer the special permit program for miniature boilers without risk to the public.

Testimony Against:  (Substitute Senate bill):  The exemption for antique fire engines would create an unacceptable risk.

Witnesses:  Joe Brewer, Department of Labor & Industries (opposed to Substitute Senate bill).