FINAL BILL REPORT

                  SSB 6725

                           C 72 L 96

                      Synopsis as Enacted

Brief Description:  Exempting electrical switchgear and control apparatus from chapter 70.79 RCW.

Senate Committee on Energy, Telecommunications & Utilities

House Committee on Energy & Utilities

Background:  The State Board of Boiler Rules is charged with overseeing the safe and proper construction, installation, repair, use and operation of boilers and similar unfired pressure vessels in the state.  Several categories of this type of equipment are exempt from this regulation.  These types of equipment include, among others, those used by railroads subject to the Interstate Commerce Act, lower-pressure vessels not located in public places, domestic water heating tanks, and small electric boilers with a working pressure under 80 pounds per square inch.

Several electric utilities in the state use a type of high-voltage circuit breakers that utilize sulfur hexafluoride gas under pressure.  The gas is contained within pressured tanks at approximately 75 pounds per square inch.  These tanks are generally located in restricted areas such as electric substations.

A 1993 ruling by the State Board of Boiler Rules requires increased inspection and certification requirements for these pressurized vessels utilizing sulfur hexafluoride gas.

Summary:  The list of types of boilers and pressurized vessels exempt from regulation by the State Board of Boiler Rules is expanded to include electrical switchgear and control apparatus that have no external source of energy to maintain pressure and that are located in restricted access areas under the control of an electric utility.

Votes on Final Passage:

Senate    49 0

House     92 0

Effective:  June 6, 1996