Certain boilers and unfired pressure vessels are subject to regulation by the Board of Boiler Rules (Board) and inspection by the Department of Labor and Industries (L&I). The director of L&I appoints the chief boiler and pressure vessel inspector, who issues inspection certificates for boilers and unfired pressure vessels. State law requires a permit before installing, reinstalling, or moving any boiler or unfired pressure vessel.
A boiler operator's license is not required to operate boilers in the state. However, certain cities, including Seattle, Tacoma, and Spokane, require boiler operator licenses and have their own certification programs.
Boiler Operator Certification. A State Boiler Operator Certification Program is created. The Board must adopt rules necessary to implement a certification program for boiler operators who operate and maintain boilers. Initial rules must take effect January 1, 2028. The chief boiler and pressure vessel inspector is authorized to issue, suspend, or revoke for cause Boiler Operator Certifications. It is unlawful to operate a boiler covered by state law without a valid Boiler Operator Certification. The boiler operator certification requirements do not apply to individuals employed by an owner or operator of a refinery engaged in petroleum refining, petrochemical manufacturing, or other basic organic chemical manufacturing.
L&I may revoke or suspend a Boiler Operator Certification if:
L&I may assess a penalty of up to $500 for each violation of the laws related to boilers and pressure vessels. Procedures for notice to violators, the suspension and revocation of certifications, and appeals procedures are specified.
Examinations and Qualifications. L&I, with the consent of the Board, must prepare examinations for Boiler Operator Certification. The examination must determine whether the applicant:
possesses varied knowledge of the technical information and practical procedures that are identified with the level boiler operation; and
L&I may enter a contract with a nationally recognized testing agency to develop, administer, and score any examinations. All applicants must, before taking an examination, pay the required examination fee. The fee must cover, but not exceed, the costs of preparing and administering the examination and the materials necessary to conduct the practical elements of the examination. L&I must approve training courses for examinations.
The Board must establish the acceptable experience levels and requirements necessary for an applicant to be eligible to take the boiler operator certification examinations, subject to requirements specified in the bill. For a grade I certification, an applicant must have:
For a grade II certification, the applicant must have:
For a grade III certification, the applicant must have:
For a grade IV certification, the applicant must have:
For a grade V certification, the applicant must provide evidence of qualification as required by L&I. The Board must require not less than eight hours of continuing education for the renewal of Boiler Operator Certifications.
No examination may be required of any applicant for a certificate of competency who, on December 31, 2027, is engaged in a bona fide business or trade of boiler operation and maintenance and hold a valid certificate or license issued by a political subdivision of the state. To qualify for state certification without passing the state examination, applicants must apply by October 1, 2028.
City Boiler Operator Certification. A city performing certification of boiler operators within its jurisdiction may continue the administration of its Boiler Operator Certification Program if it:
The Board must adopt rules for the removal of city Boiler Operator Certification Programs that do not adhere to the requirements of the bill and rules adopted by the Board.
After the adoption of rules by the Board relating to Boiler Operator Certification, and until January 1, 2029, a Boiler Operator Certification obtained from a city with its own Boiler Operator Certification Program has the same force and effect as the state Boiler Operator Certification and allows the holder of the Boiler Operator Certification to perform boiler operator work in the state. However, this does not prohibit a city from requiring its own Boiler Operator Certificate within its jurisdiction.
Out-of-State Experience. L&I may grant temporary Boiler Operator Permits when a boiler operator coming from another state requests a temporary permit to engage in the trade of boiler operation as a certified boiler operator during the period of time between filing an application for a Boiler Operator Certificate and taking the examination. No temporary permit may be issued to:
Miscellaneous Provisions. A provision that the Board's rules have the force and effect of law and only become mandatory after 12 months is repealed. Changes are made to the underlying boiler statutes to conform with the creation of the Boiler Operator Certification. Definitions for the Board and L&I are added.
The committee recommended a different version of the bill than what was heard. PRO: The bill creates a statewide program in addition to the cities that currently have their own. The bill is important for the safety of workers and the public because boilers are everywhere, including homes, schools, and hospitals. Outside of three cities, certification is not required. A boiler failure can lead to catastrophic consequences. The bill is limited to testing, registration, and exams and has a prolonged implementation schedule to provide time to comply.
CON: The bill should exclude refineries, who already have rigorous safety standards on multiple levels.