FINAL BILL REPORT

                 SHB 1559

                         C 207 L 99

                     Synopsis as Enacted

Brief Description:  Repealing redundant law on transporting explosives.

Sponsors:  By House Committee on Transportation (Originally sponsored by Representatives Fortunato, Murray and McDonald; by request of Washington State Patrol).

House Committee on Transportation

Senate Committee on Transportation

Background:

In 1955, the Legislature established the marking and equipment safety requirements for vehicles transporting explosives.  The vehicle must be marked with the word "Explosives" on each side and the rear, and a red flag with the words "Danger" in white letters must be displayed on the rear of the vehicle.  In addition, the vehicle must be equipped with two fire extinguishers.

In 1975, the state of Washington adopted the Code of Federal Regulations that governs the transportation of hazardous materials.  The federal rules are more stringent than the 1955 statute and apply to the transportation of hazardous materials in intrastate, interstate, and foreign commerce by rail, car, aircraft, motor vehicle, and vessel.  A universally-recognized placarding system has been implemented that is used in the USA, Canada, and Mexico.  The type and number of fire extinguishers to be carried in the vehicle depends on the type of hazardous material being transported.  Emergency flares, lanterns, reflectors, and reflective triangles are also required.

Summary:

The obsolete statute that established the vehicle marking and equipment safety requirements for the transportation of hazardous materials is deleted.

Votes on Final Passage:

House914

Senate450

Effective:July 25, 1999