The purpose of this rulemaking is to amend language in chapter 296-46B WAC, regarding scope of work requirements for generator load testing and preventative maintenance. The department has received a proposal to amend the rules from a group of external stakeholders for consideration. The Electrical Board will review and make recommendations on the proposal at their next regular meeting before filing the CR-102 which will establish a public comment period and public hearing date.682.

L&I has reviewed the electrical rules to ensure they are consistent with the national consensus standards and industry practice. It is critical the Electrical Program conducts rulemaking to adopt the 2014 national electrical consensus standards, such as the National Electrical Code and current versions of the National Electrical Safety Code, national telecommunications standards, railroad standards, emergency power standards, and fire pump standards, so that Washington is current with other states. The changes were adopted 1/22/2013 and became effective on 3/1/2013.661.

The Electrical Program’s budget and projected revenue indicate a fee increase is necessary to ensure the program has a six-month fund balance. The program needs to maintain a fund balance equal to six months of expenditures in order to meet its commitment to ensure the quality and safety of electrical work performed by contractors. Therefore, the Electrical Program is increasing fees by 4.34 percent, the fiscal growth factor for fiscal year 2012. The changes were adopted 5/22/2012 and became effective on 6/30/2012.645.

Pursuant to Chapter 33, Laws of 2010 (Substitute House Bill 2546), this rule increases the classroom education hours required for an electrical trainee to renew their electrical training certificate. The changes were adopted 5/24/2011 and became effective on 6/30/2011.612.