HOUSE BILL REPORT

SSB 5340

This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent.

Brief Summary of Substitute Bill

Allows the Department of Labor and Industries to issue a new class B elevator work permit that allows certain work to be subject to random, rather than mandatory, inspections.

Background:

The Department of Labor and Industries (Department) administers and enforces state laws regarding the installation, operation, inspection, and maintenance of conveyances, including elevators, chair lifts, and other lifting devices. In general, these laws require elevator contractors to obtain permits from the Department before conveyances are installed, moved, or altered. Before the work is complete, the contractor notifies the Department and an inspector must inspect the conveyance and witness an acceptance test. For minor alterations, under certain circumstances the conveyance may be placed back into service before the conveyance passes inspection. Otherwise, the conveyance must pass inspection before it is placed back into service. Conveyance work must generally be performed by a licensed elevator mechanic working for a licensed elevator contractor. The Department uses national codes as the basis for conveyance standards.

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Summary of Bill:

Authority for the Department to issue a new class B elevator work permit is created. The permit allows the equipment that is the subject of the permit to be placed into operation without a witness inspection. The Department must instead inspect the work on a random basis, as specified in rule. Class B elevator work is: (1) minor alterations; or (2) installations of private residential stairway chair lifts. A minor alteration is any alteration that is not a major alteration. A major alteration is any alteration where national standards mandate witness inspection and test requirements. Replacements of specific components that require inspections and tests by national standards are alterations. Class B work must be performed and tested, if required, by a licensed elevator contractor using a licensed elevator mechanic. A licensed elevator contractor may purchase class B permits when the class B authorization becomes effective. To maintain eligibility to purchase class B permits, a contractor must demonstrate competency in consistently performing code compliant work for all alterations, as specified by rule. The Department may establish fees for class B permits. By July 1, 2018, the Department must rescind any rules, policies, or other applicable authorities that are inconsistent with the definition of class B elevator work.

Staff Summary of Public Testimony:

(In support) The bill streamlines inspections and will lead to a wise use of resources. Elevators for disabled persons will be useable more quickly. Safety for the public, elevator mechanics, and employees is maintained. The bill helps accomplish the conclusions in the elevator study and meet the goal of annual inspections. The definitions make the law more consistent with the national code. Work on the bill with many stakeholders is ongoing and the three elements still in dispute are not substantive. Interested parties have been invited to meet and continue to work on the bill. Input is welcome.

(Opposed) More inspectors are needed. It is important to see what direction the program will go with the new Elevator Chief. Just throwing ideas out does not work.

(Other) As much time as possible is needed to try to reach agreement.

Persons Testifying: (In support) Senator Keiser, prime sponsor; Tammy Fellin, Department of Labor and Industries; Tom McBride, National Elevator Industry Incorporated; and Rob McNeill, Kone Incorporated.

(Opposed) Patrick Strafer, International Union of Elevator Constructors.

(Other) Neil Hartman, Washington State Building and Construction Trades Council.