WASHINGTON STATE REGISTER

WSR 04-01-104

PERMANENT RULES

BUILDING CODE COUNCIL

[ Filed December 17, 2003, 10:14 a.m. , effective July 1, 2004 ]

Date Adopted: November 21, 2003.

Purpose: To repeal chapter 51-42 WAC and adopt chapter 51-52 WAC. Chapter 51-52 WAC adopts and amends the International Mechanical Code, 2003 Edition, published by the International Code Council.

Citation of Existing Rules Affected by this Order: Repealing chapter 51-42 WAC.

Statutory Authority for Adoption: RCW 19.27.031 and 19.27.074.

Adopted under notice filed as WSR 03-18-078 on August 29, 2003.

Changes Other than Editing from Proposed to Adopted Version: Section 504.6.3 is not adopted. Section 1002.2 is not amended; the model code language for that section is adopted. WAC 51-52-21404, Section 404.4, and WAC 51-52-22006, Section 6.1.5, are not amended; the model code language for those sections is adopted.

Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Comply with Federal Statute: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; Federal Rules or Standards: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Recently Enacted State Statutes: New 15, Amended 0, Repealed 50.

Number of Sections Adopted at Request of a Nongovernmental Entity: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.

Number of Sections Adopted on the Agency's Own Initiative: New 15, Amended 0, Repealed 0.

Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Clarify, Streamline, or Reform Agency Procedures: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.

Number of Sections Adopted Using Negotiated Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; Pilot Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Other Alternative Rule Making: New 15, Amended 0, Repealed 50.

Effective Date of Rule: July 1, 2004.

November 21, 2003

Tim Nogler

for Stan Price

Council Chair

OTS-6590.3

Chapter 51-52 WAC

STATE BUILDING CODE ADOPTION AND AMENDMENT OF THE 2003 EDITION OF THE INTERNATIONAL MECHANICAL CODE

NEW SECTION
WAC 51-52-001 Authority. These rules are adopted under the authority of chapter 19.27 RCW.

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NEW SECTION
WAC 51-52-002 Purpose. The purpose of these rules is to implement the provisions of chapter 19.27 RCW, which provides that the state building code council shall maintain the State Building Code in a status which is consistent with the purpose as set forth in RCW 19.27.020. In maintaining the codes the council shall regularly review updated versions of the codes adopted under the act, and other pertinent information, and shall amend the codes as deemed appropriate by the council.

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NEW SECTION
WAC 51-52-003 International Mechanical Code. The 2003 edition of the International Mechanical Code published by the International Code Conference is hereby adopted by reference with the exceptions noted in this chapter of the Washington Administrative Code (WAC).

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NEW SECTION
WAC 51-52-004 Conflict between International Mechanical Code and State Energy Code chapter 51-11 WAC. In the case of conflict between the duct sealing or insulation requirements of Section 603 or Section 604 of this code and the duct sealing or insulation requirements of chapter 51-11 WAC, the Washington State Energy Code, or where applicable, a local jurisdiction's energy code, the provisions of such energy codes shall govern.

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NEW SECTION
WAC 51-52-005 Conflict between International Mechanical Code and State Ventilation and Indoor Air Quality Code chapter 51-13 WAC. In the case of conflict between the Group R ventilation requirements of this code and the Group R ventilation requirements of chapter 51-13 WAC, the Washington State Ventilation and Indoor Air Quality Code, the provisions of the Ventilation and Indoor Air Quality Code shall govern.

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NEW SECTION
WAC 51-52-007 Exceptions. The exceptions and amendments to the International Mechanical Code contained in the provisions of chapter 19.27 RCW shall apply in case of conflict with any of the provisions of these rules.

The provisions of this code do not apply to temporary growing structures used solely for the commercial production of horticultural plants including ornamental plants, flowers, vegetables, and fruits. "Temporary growing structure" means a structure that has the sides and roof covered with polyethylene, polyvinyl, or similar flexible synthetic material and is used to provide plants with either frost protection or increased heat retention. A temporary growing structure is not considered a building for purposes of this code.

Codes referenced which are not adopted through RCW 19.27.031 or chapter 19.27A RCW shall not apply unless specifically adopted by the authority having jurisdiction.

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NEW SECTION
WAC 51-52-008 Implementation. The International Mechanical Code adopted by chapter 51-52 WAC shall become effective in all counties and cities of this state on July 1, 2004.

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NEW SECTION
WAC 51-52-0101 Section 101 -- General.

101.2 Scope. This code shall regulate the design, installation, maintenance, alteration and inspection of mechanical systems that are permanently installed and utilized to provide control of environmental conditions and related processes within buildings. This code shall also regulate those mechanical systems, system components, equipment and appliances specifically addressed herein. The installation of fuel gas distribution piping and equipment, fuel gas-fired appliances and fuel gas-fired appliance venting systems shall be regulated by the International Fuel Gas Code.

EXCEPTIONS: 1. Detached one- and two-family dwellings and multiple single-family dwellings (townhouses) not more than three stories high with separate means of egress and their accessory structures shall comply with the International Residential Code.

2. Mechanical systems in existing buildings undergoing repair, alterations, or additions, and change of occupancy shall be permitted to comply with the International Existing Building Code.

3. The standards for liquefied petroleum gas installations shall be the 2001 Edition of NFPA 58 (Liquefied Petroleum Gas Code) and the 2002 Edition of ANSI Z223.1/NFPA 54 (National Fuel Gas Code).

101.5 Other authorities. In addition to the International Mechanical Code, provisions of chapter 480-93 WAC regarding gas pipeline safety may also apply to single meter installations serving more than one building. The provisions of chapter 480-93 WAC are enforced by the Washington utilities and transportation commission.

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NEW SECTION
WAC 51-52-0202 Section 202 -- General definitions.

UNUSUALLY TIGHT CONSTRUCTION. Construction meeting the following requirements:

1. Walls exposed to the outside atmosphere having a continuous water vapor retarder with a rating of 1 perm (57 ng/s·m²·Pa) or less with openings gasketed or sealed; and

2. Openable windows and doors meeting the air leakage requirements of the International Energy Conservation Code, Section 502.1.4; and

3. Caulking or sealants are applied to areas such as joints around window and door frames, between sole plates and floors, between wall-ceiling joints, between wall panels, at penetrations for plumbing, electrical and gas lines, and at other openings; or

4. Buildings built in compliance with the 1986 or later editions of the Washington State Energy Code, chapter 51-11 WAC, Northwest Energy Code, or Super Good Cents weatherization standards or equivalent.

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NEW SECTION
WAC 51-52-0601 Section 601 -- General.

601.2 Air movement in egress elements. Exit access corridors shall not serve as supply, return, exhaust, relief or ventilation air ducts.

EXCEPTIONS: 1. Use of a corridor as a source of makeup air for exhaust systems in rooms that open directly onto such corridors, including toilet rooms, bathrooms, dressing rooms, smoking lounges and janitor closets, shall be permitted provided that each such corridor is directly supplied with outdoor air at a rate greater than the rate of makeup air taken from the corridor.

2. Where located within a dwelling unit, the use of corridors for conveying return air shall not be prohibited.

3. Where located within tenant spaces of one thousand square feet (93 m²) or less in area, utilization of corridors for conveying return air is permitted.

4. Where such air is part of an engineered smoke control system.

5. Corridors conforming to the International Building Code in Group I occupancies.

6. Corridors serving residential occupancies shall be permitted to be supplied without specific mechanical exhaust subject to the following:

6.1 The supply air is one hundred percent outside air; and

6.2 The units served by the corridor have conforming ventilation independent of the air supplied to the corridor; and

6.3 For other than high-rise buildings, the supply fan will automatically shut off upon activation of corridor smoke detectors which shall be spaced at no more than thirty feet (9,144 mm) on center along the corridor; or

6.4 For high-rise buildings, corridor smoke detector activation will close required smoke/fire dampers at the supply inlet to the corridor at the floor receiving the alarm.

601.3 Contamination prevention. Exhaust ducts under positive pressure, chimneys, and vents shall not extend into or pass through ducts or plenums.

EXCEPTION: Exhaust ducts conveying environmental air shall be permitted to pass through a duct or plenum provided that:

1. The duct is maintained under sufficient negative pressure to prevent leakage of the exhaust air to the surrounding duct or plenum; or

2. If maintained under a positive pressure with respect to the surrounding duct or plenum, the exhaust duct will be sealed to prevent leakage; or

3. The surrounding air stream is an exhaust air stream not intended for recirculation to the building and cross-contamination of the two air streams will not create a hazardous condition.

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NEW SECTION
WAC 51-52-1000 Chapter 10 -- Boilers, water heaters and pressure vessels.

SECTIONS 1003 THROUGH 1011, are not adopted.

Boilers and Unfired Pressure Vessels are regulated by chapter 70.79 RCW and chapter 296-104 WAC.

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NEW SECTION
WAC 51-52-21000 International Fuel Gas Code.

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NEW SECTION
WAC 51-52-21404 Section 404 -- Piping system installation.

404.8 Protection against corrosion. Metallic pipe or tubing exposed to corrosive action, such as soil condition or moisture, shall be protected in an approved manner, and cathodically protected in accordance with NACE RP-01-69. Zinc coatings (galvanizing) shall not be deemed adequate protection for gas piping underground. Ferrous metal exposed in exterior locations shall be protected from corrosion in a manner satisfactory to the code official. Where dissimilar metals are joined underground, an insulation coupling or fitting shall be used. Piping shall not be laid in contact with cinders.

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NEW SECTION
WAC 51-52-22000 National Fuel Gas Code.

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NEW SECTION
WAC 51-52-22006 Chapter 6 -- Gas piping installation.

6.1.3 Protection Against Corrosion. Metallic gas piping in contact with earth or other material that could corrode the piping shall be protected against corrosion in an approved manner, and cathodically protected in accordance with NACE RP-01-69. When dissimilar metals are joined underground, an insulating coupling or fitting shall be used. Piping shall not be laid in contact with cinders. Uncoated threaded or socket welded joints shall not be used in piping in contact with soil or where internal or external crevice corrosion is known to occur.

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EXCEPTIONS:	1. Detached one- and two-family dwellings and multiple single-family dwellings (townhouses) not more than three stories high with separate means of egress and their accessory structures shall comply with the International Residential Code.
	2. Mechanical systems in existing buildings undergoing repair, alterations, or additions, and change of occupancy shall be permitted to comply with the International Existing Building Code.
	3. The standards for liquefied petroleum gas installations shall be the 2001 Edition of NFPA 58 (Liquefied Petroleum Gas Code) and the 2002 Edition of ANSI Z223.1/NFPA 54 (National Fuel Gas Code).

EXCEPTIONS:	1. Use of a corridor as a source of makeup air for exhaust systems in rooms that open directly onto such corridors, including toilet rooms, bathrooms, dressing rooms, smoking lounges and janitor closets, shall be permitted provided that each such corridor is directly supplied with outdoor air at a rate greater than the rate of makeup air taken from the corridor.
	2. Where located within a dwelling unit, the use of corridors for conveying return air shall not be prohibited.
	3. Where located within tenant spaces of one thousand square feet (93 m²) or less in area, utilization of corridors for conveying return air is permitted.
	4. Where such air is part of an engineered smoke control system.
	5. Corridors conforming to the International Building Code in Group I occupancies.
	6. Corridors serving residential occupancies shall be permitted to be supplied without specific mechanical exhaust subject to the following:
	6.1 The supply air is one hundred percent outside air; and
	6.2 The units served by the corridor have conforming ventilation independent of the air supplied to the corridor; and
	6.3 For other than high-rise buildings, the supply fan will automatically shut off upon activation of corridor smoke detectors which shall be spaced at no more than thirty feet (9,144 mm) on center along the corridor; or
	6.4 For high-rise buildings, corridor smoke detector activation will close required smoke/fire dampers at the supply inlet to the corridor at the floor receiving the alarm.

EXCEPTION:	Exhaust ducts conveying environmental air shall be permitted to pass through a duct or plenum provided that:
	1. The duct is maintained under sufficient negative pressure to prevent leakage of the exhaust air to the surrounding duct or plenum; or
	2. If maintained under a positive pressure with respect to the surrounding duct or plenum, the exhaust duct will be sealed to prevent leakage; or
	3. The surrounding air stream is an exhaust air stream not intended for recirculation to the building and cross-contamination of the two air streams will not create a hazardous condition.