Brief Description: Providing the department of labor and industries with the rule-making authority to address recommendations of the elevator safety advisory committee relating to the licensing of private residence conveyance work.

Sponsors: Senators Keiser and Hewitt; by request of Department of Labor & Industries.

Hearing Date: 2/19/04

Staff: Jill Reinmuth (786-7134).

Background:

With the advice of the Elevator Safety Advisory Committee (Committee), the Department of Labor and Industries (Department) administers and enforces state laws relating to conveyances such as elevators and escalators. The Department performs safety inspections and issues operating permits. In 2004, the Department will begin licensing elevator contractors and mechanics.

Legislation enacted in 2003 amended state laws relating to licensing requirements for elevator contractors and mechanics. Parts of this legislation dealt with how these requirements apply to work on private residence conveyances. Work on private residence conveyances was made exempt from licensing requirements until July 1, 2004, but only if: (1) the work is performed at the direction of the owner; and (2) the owner resides in the residence. The Committee was required to review state laws pertaining to private residence conveyances, and to report its findings and recommendations to the Legislature by January 1, 2004.

The Committee made the following recommendations.

•    Licensing requirements should be established for private residence conveyances, and the Department should be authorized to establish these requirements in rule.

•    Maintenance work performed by an owner or at the direction of the owner should be exempt from licensing if the owner resides in the residence and the conveyance is not accessible to the general public.

•    The Legislature should consider providing the Department with additional resources to effectively ensure private residence conveyance owners know their legal responsibilities.

The Committee also noted that, if changes are not made to state law relating to private residence conveyances, individuals working on such conveyances would be required to be licensed as an elevator mechanic and employed by a licensed elevator contractor as of July 1, 2004.

Summary of Bill:

The Department of Labor and Industries must adopt rules establishing licensing requirements for work on private residence conveyances. Maintenance work performed by an owner or at the direction of the owner if the owner resides in the residence and the conveyance is not accessible to the general public must be exempt from licensing requirements. Maintenance work on private residence conveyances in licensed caregiving facilities must comply with licensing requirements. The rules take effect July 1, 2004.

Rules Authority: The bill requires the Department of Labor and Industries to adopt rules establishing licensing requirements for work on private residence conveyances.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Available.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.