HB254 Alabama 2010 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Frank McDaniel

Democrat

Session

Regular Session 2010

Title

Boilers and pressure vessels, inspection by Labor Department further provided for, written warnings and civil penalties, fees, inspection of operations, criminal penalties, immunity, Secs. 25-12-8, 25-12-10, 25-12-11, 25-12-14, 25-12-17 am'd.

Summary

HB254 would strengthen enforcement of Alabama's Boiler and Pressure Vessel Safety Act by adding warnings, penalties, and certificates, and by requiring inspections and proper operation of boilers and vessels.

What This Bill Does

It authorizes the chief inspector to issue written warnings and citations for violations, with civil penalties deposited into the State General Fund. It extends liability to special inspectors and their staff as if they were deputy inspectors, and allows the board to charge fees for examinations and certificates of competency. It requires that boilers and pressure vessels operated in Alabama be inspected for safety, permits owner/user inspections under supervision, and defines operating without a valid certificate as a Class C misdemeanor.

Who It Affects

• Boiler and pressure vessel owners or users in Alabama, who must ensure proper inspections, may elect owner/user inspection services under supervision, must obtain and maintain certificates, and could face penalties for operating without a valid certificate.
• Inspectors and inspection-related entities (chief inspector, deputies, special inspectors, owner/user inspectors, insurance company inspectors, and the boards/department) who would have new duties, required examinations and certificates, potential fees, and liability aligned with deputy inspectors.

Key Provisions

• Chief inspector may issue written warnings and citations; civil penalties up to $100 per citation, per day, with penalties deposited into the State General Fund.
• Special inspectors and their employees/agents/employers have the same liability as deputy inspectors.
• Board may impose fees for the examination and certificate of competency for inspectors; expenses are not paid by the state; certificates are required for competency.
• The department may access and inspect boilers and pressure vessels operated in the state to ensure safety and compliance with rules.
• Operating a boiler or vessel without a valid inspection certificate is a Class C misdemeanor; specific inspection intervals and certificates are established for different equipment types.
• Owner/user inspections are permitted and must conform to National Board Inspection Code or API 510; variations in inspection requirements may be allowed; owner/user inspections may exempt owners from state inspection fees when applicable.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 24, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Boilers and Pressure Vessels, Board of