Wash. Admin. Code § 296-104-010 - [Effective 7/1/2025] Administration-What are the definitions of terms used in this chapter?

"Accident" shall mean a failure of the boiler or unfired pressure vessel resulting in personal injury or property loss or an event which renders a boiler or unfired pressure vessel unsafe to return to operation.

"Agriculture purposes" shall mean any act performed on a farm in production of crops or livestock, and shall include the storage of such crops and livestock in their natural state, but shall not be construed to include the processing or sale of crops or livestock.

"Attendant" shall mean the person in charge of the operation of a boiler or unfired pressure vessel.

"Automatic operation of a boiler" shall mean automatic unattended control of feed water and fuel in order to maintain the pressure and temperature within the limits set. Controls must be such that the operation follows the demand without interruption. Manual restart may be required when the burner is off because of low water, flame failure, power failure, high temperatures or pressures.

"Board of boiler rules" or "board" shall mean the board created by law and empowered under RCW 70.79.010.

"Boiler and unfired pressure vessel installation/reinstallation permit," shall mean a permit approved by the chief inspector before starting installation or reinstallation of any boiler and unfired pressure vessel within the jurisdiction of Washington.

"Boilers and/or unfired pressure vessels" - Below are definitions for types of boilers and unfired pressure vessels used in these regulations:

(a) "Boiler/unfired pressure vessel status" shall mean:

(i) Active - Boilers or pressure vessels that are currently in service.

(ii) Inactive - Boilers or pressure vessels still located at the facility but are physically disconnected from the energy input and system.

(iii) Out-of-service - Boilers or pressure vessels that are no longer at the facility.

(iv) Scrapped - Boilers or pressure vessels that have been condemned as defined below.

(b) "Condemned boiler or unfired pressure vessel" shall mean a boiler or unfired pressure vessel that has been inspected and declared unsafe or disqualified for further use by legal requirements. The following procedure shall be utilized:

(i) The inspector will issue and follow the department's "red tag" procedure.

(ii) The object will be immediately removed from service.

(iii) The existing national board and state number shall be obliterated by the inspector.

(iv) The ASME nameplate and/or stamping shall be physically removed by the owner/user and verified by the inspector.

(v) If required by the inspector, a portion of the pressure vessel shall be physically removed by the owner/user. This action will render the object incapable of holding pressure.

(vi) The inspector shall document this procedure on the boiler/ pressure vessel inspection report and change the object status to "scrapped."

(c) "Corrosion" shall mean the destruction or deterioration of a material, that results from a reaction with its environment.

(d) "Expansion tank" shall mean a tank used to absorb excess water pressure. Expansion tanks installed in closed water heating systems and hot water supply systems shall meet the requirements of ASME Section IV, HG-709.

(e) "Historical boilers and unfired pressure vessel" shall mean nonstandard boilers and pressure vessels including steam tractors, traction engines, hobby steam boilers, portable steam boilers, and other such boilers or pressure vessels that are preserved, restored, and maintained only for demonstration, viewing, or educational purposes. They do not include miniature hobby boilers as described in RCW 70.79.080.

(f) "Hot water heater" shall mean a closed vessel designed to supply hot water for external use to the system.

(i) All vessels must be listed by a nationally recognized testing agency.

(ii) Shall be protected with an approved temperature and pressure safety relief valve with the appropriate pressure and relieving capacity ratings.

(iii) The hot water heater shall not exceed any of the following limits:

(A) Pressure of 160 psi (1100 kpa);

(B) Temperature of 210 degrees F (99°C);

(C) 120 gallons in capacity;

(D) 200,000 Btu/hr (58.6 kW).

(iv) Additional requirements:

(A) Hot water heaters exceeding 120 gallons (454 liters) must be ASME code stamped;

(B) Hot water heaters exceeding 200,000 Btu/hr (58.6 kW) input must be ASME code stamped.

(g) "Indirect water heater" shall mean a closed vessel appliance used to heat water for use external to itself, which includes a heat exchanger used to transfer heat to water from an external source. The requirements and limits described above shall apply.

(h) "Installer" shall mean any entity or individual who physically or mechanically installs a boiler, pressure vessel or water heater that meets the in-service inspection requirements of this chapter. The installer is defined as a registered contractor, owner, user or desig-nee.

(i) "Low pressure boiler" shall mean a steam boiler operating at a pressure not exceeding 15 psig or a boiler in which water is heated and intended for operation at pressures not exceeding 160 psig or temperatures not exceeding 250 degrees F by the direct application of energy from the combustion of fuels or from electricity, solar or nuclear energy. Low pressure boilers open to atmosphere and vacuum boilers are excluded.

(j) "Nonstandard boiler or unfired pressure vessel" shall mean a boiler or unfired pressure vessel that does not bear marking of the codes adopted in WAC 296-104-200.

(k) "Pool heaters" shall mean a gas, oil, or electric appliance that is used to heat water contained in swimming pools, spas, and hot tubs.

(i) Pool heaters with energy input equivalent to 399,999 Btu/hr (117.2 kW) or less shall be manufactured and certified to ANSI Z21.56, UL1261, CSA 4.7 or equivalent manufacturing standards, as approved by the chief inspector, and are excluded from the limit and control devices requirements of WAC 296-104-300 through 296-104-303.

(ii) Pool heaters with energy input of 400,000 Btu/hr and above shall be stamped with an ASME Section IV Code symbol, and the requirements of WAC 296-104-300 through 296-104-303 shall apply.

(iii) Pool heaters without shut-off valves on the discharge side are considered open to the atmosphere, and therefore are exempt from inspection requirements.

(l) "Power boiler" shall mean a boiler in which steam or other vapor is generated at a pressure of more than 15 psig for use external to itself or a boiler in which water is heated and intended for operation at pressures in excess of 160 psig and/or temperatures in excess of 250 degrees F by the direct application of energy from the combustion of fuels or from electricity, solar or nuclear energy.

(m) "Reinstalled boiler or unfired pressure vessel" shall mean a boiler or unfired pressure vessel removed from its original setting and reset at the same location or at a new location without change of ownership.

(n) "Rental boiler" shall mean any power or low pressure heating boiler that is under a rental contract between owner and user.

(o) "Second hand boiler or unfired pressure vessel" shall mean a boiler or unfired pressure vessel of which both the location and ownership have changed after primary use.

(p) "Standard boiler or unfired pressure vessel" shall mean a boiler or unfired pressure vessel which bears the marking of the codes adopted in WAC 296-104-200.

(q) "Unfired pressure vessel" shall mean a closed vessel under pressure excluding:

(i) Fired process tubular heaters;

(ii) Pressure containers which are integral parts of components of rotating or reciprocating mechanical devices where the primary de- sign considerations and/or stresses are derived from the functional requirements of the device;

(iii) Piping whose primary function is to transport fluids from one location to another;

(iv) Those vessels defined as low pressure heating boilers or power boilers.

(r) "Unfired steam boiler" shall mean a pressure vessel in which steam is generated by an indirect application of heat. It shall not include pressure vessels known as evaporators, heat exchangers, or vessels in which steam is generated by the use of heat resulting from the operation of a processing system containing a number of pressure vessels, such as used in the manufacture of chemical and petroleum products, which will be classed as unfired pressure vessels.

"Certificate of competency" shall mean a certificate issued by the Washington state board of boiler rules to a person who has passed the tests as set forth in WAC 296-104-050.

"Certificate of inspection" shall mean a certificate issued by the chief boiler inspector to the owner/user of a boiler or unfired pressure vessel upon inspection by an inspector. The boiler or unfired pressure vessel must comply with rules, regulations, and appropriate fee payment shall be made directly to the chief boiler inspector.

"Code, API-510" shall mean the Pressure Vessel Inspection Code of the American Petroleum Institute with addenda and revisions, thereto made and approved by the institute which have been adopted by the board of boiler rules in accordance with the provisions of RCW 70.79.030.

"Code, ASME" shall mean the boiler and pressure vessel code of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers with addenda thereto made and approved by the council of the society which have been adopted by the board of boiler rules in accordance with the provisions of RCW 70.79.030.

"Code, NBIC" shall mean the National Board Inspection Code of the National Board of Boiler and Pressure Vessel Inspectors with addenda and revisions, thereto made and approved by the National Board of Boiler and Pressure Vessel Inspectors and adopted by the board of boiler rules in accordance with the provisions of RCW 70.79.030.

"Commission" shall mean an annual commission card issued to a person in the employ of Washington state, an insurance company or a company owner/user inspection agency holding a Washington state certificate of competency which authorizes them to perform inspections of boilers and/or unfired pressure vessels.

"Department" as used herein shall mean the department of labor and industries of the state of Washington.

"Director" shall mean the director of the department of labor and industries.

"Domestic and/or residential purposes" shall mean serving a private residence or an apartment house of less than six families.

"Existing installations" shall mean any boiler or unfired pressure vessel constructed, installed, placed in operation, or contracted for before January 1, 1952.

"Inspection certificate" see "certificate of inspection."

"Inspection, external" shall mean an inspection made while a boiler or unfired pressure vessel is in operation and includes the inspection and demonstration of controls and safety devices required by these rules.

"Inspection, internal" shall mean an inspection made when a boiler or unfired pressure vessel is shut down and handholes, manholes, or other inspection openings are open or removed for examination of the interior. An external ultrasonic examination of unfired pressure vessels less than 36" inside diameter shall constitute an internal inspection.

"Inspector" shall mean the chief boiler inspector, a deputy inspector, or a special inspector.

(a) "Chief inspector" shall mean the inspector appointed under RCW 70.79.100 who serves as the secretary to the board without a vote.

(b) "Deputy inspector" shall mean an inspector appointed under RCW 70.79.120.

(c) "Special inspector" shall mean an inspector holding a Washington commission identified under RCW 70.79.130.

"Jacketed steam kettle" shall mean a pressure vessel with inner and outer walls that is subject to steam pressure and is used to boil or heat liquids or to cook food. Jacketed steam kettles with a total volume greater than or equal to one and one-half cubic feet (11.25 gallons) shall be ASME code stamped.

(a) "Unfired jacketed steam kettle" is one where the steam within the jacket's walls is generated external to itself, such as from a boiler or other steam source.

(b) "Direct fired jacketed steam kettle" is a jacketed steam kettle having its own source of energy, such as gas or electricity for generating steam within the jacket's walls.

"Nationwide engineering standard" shall mean a nationally accepted design method, formulae and practice acceptable to the board.

"Operating permit" see "certificate of inspection."

"Owner" or "user" shall mean a person, firm, or corporation owning or operating any boiler or unfired pressure vessel within the state.

"Owner/user inspection agency" shall mean an owner or user of boilers and/or pressure vessels that maintains an established inspection department, whose organization and inspection procedures meet the requirements of a nationally recognized standard acceptable to the department.

"Place of public assembly" or "assembly hall" shall mean a building or portion of a building used for the gathering together of fifty or more persons for such purposes as deliberation, education, instruction, worship, entertainment, amusement, drinking, or dining or waiting transportation. This shall also include child care centers (those agencies which operate for the care of thirteen or more children), public and private hospitals, nursing homes, and assisted living facilities that provide housing and basic services for seven or more residents.

"Repair organization" shall mean an organization in possession of a valid "Certificate of Authorization" from the National Board of Boiler and Pressure Vessel Inspectors, to use the "R" symbol stamp for repair and/or alteration to pressure retaining items within their scope of authority.

"Special design" shall mean a design using nationally or internationally recognized engineering standards other than the codes adopted in WAC 296-104-200.

Notes

Wash. Admin. Code § 296-104-010

Amended by WSR 15-14-100, Filed 6/30/2015, effective 9/1/2015 Amended by WSR 18-01-113, Filed 12/19/2017, effective 1/31/2018 Amended by WSR 18-23-092, Filed 11/20/2018, effective 1/1/2019 Amended by WSR 19-15-120, Filed 7/23/2019, effective 9/1/2019 Amended by WSR 21-03-067, Filed 1/19/2021, effective 2/19/2021 Amended by WSR 25-09-124, Filed 4/22/2025, effective 7/1/2025

Statutory Authority: Chapter 70.79 RCW. 13-10-018, § 296-104-010, filed 4/23/13, effective 6/1/13. Statutory Authority: RCW 70.79.030, 70.79.040, 70.79.150, 70.79.290, 70.79.330, 70.79.350, and 2009 c 90 . 10-06-049, § 296-104-010, filed 2/24/10, effective 4/1/10. Statutory Authority: RCW 70.79.030, 70.79.040, 70.79.150, 70.79.290, 70.79.330, and 70.79.350. 08-12-015, § 296-104-010, filed 5/27/08, effective 6/30/08; 06-24-042, § 296-104-010, filed 11/30/06, effective 1/1/07. Statutory Authority: Chapter 70.79 RCW. 04-21-069, § 296-104-010, filed 10/19/04, effective 1/1/05. Statutory Authority: RCW 70.79.030, 70.79.040, 70.79.150, 70.79.290, 70.79.330, 70.79.350, and chapter 70.79 RCW. 04-01-194, § 296-104-010, filed 12/24/03, effective 1/24/04; 02-23-036, § 296-104-010, filed 11/13/02, effective 12/14/02; 01-24-061, § 296-104-010, filed 11/30/01, effective 12/31/01. Statutory Authority: RCW 70.79.030, 70.79.040 and chapter 70.79 RCW. 00-21-024, § 296-104-010, filed 10/10/00, effective 11/13/00. Statutory Authority: RCW 70.79.030 and 70.79.040. 99-22-026, § 296-104-010, filed 10/26/99, effective 11/26/99; 98-22-024, § 296-104-010, filed 10/28/98, effective 11/28/98; 96-21-081, § 296-104-010, filed 10/16/96, effective 11/16/96. Statutory Authority: RCW 70.79.040. 94-21-002, § 296-104-010, filed 10/5/94, effective 11/5/94; 93-12-014, § 296-104-010, filed 5/21/93, effective 6/21/93; 92-11-070, § 296-104-010, filed 5/20/92, effective 6/20/92. Statutory Authority: RCW 70.79.240. 88-01-064 (Order 87-25), § 296-104-010, filed 12/17/87. Statutory Authority: RCW 70.79.040 and 70.79.050. 86-01-088 (Order 85-26), § 296-104-010, filed 12/19/85; Order 72-11, § 296-104-010, filed 7/7/72; Part I, filed 3/23/60.