SB180 Alabama 2010 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Wendell Mitchell

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, Secs. 25-12-8, 25-12-11, 25-12-14, 25-12-17 am'd.

Summary

SB180 would expand the Alabama Department of Labor's ability to inspect boilers and pressure vessels, set examiner fees, issue warnings and penalties, and criminalize operating without a valid inspection certificate, with detailed safety inspection rules.

What This Bill Does

The bill lets the chief inspector issue written warnings and citations and allows the Board to set fees for inspector examinations and competency certificates, with civil penalties deposited into the State General Fund. It requires regular inspections of boilers and pressure vessels to ensure safe operation, defining specific intervals (annual for power/high‑pressure boilers; biennial for low‑pressure/hot water boilers; three‑year cycles for certain pressure vessels) and permitting owner or user inspections under supervision and in line with recognized codes. Operating a boiler or vessel without a valid inspection certificate would be a Class C misdemeanor, and the bill explains the handling of penalties and local-funds considerations under constitutional rules.

Who It Affects

• Owners and users of boilers and pressure vessels in Alabama, who would need to obtain and maintain inspection certificates, comply with inspection schedules, and pay related fees and potential civil penalties.
• The Board of Boilers and Pressure Vessels, the Alabama Department of Labor, and inspectors who enforce the rules, who would gain authority to inspect, issue warnings/citations, set examination fees, and collect penalties.

Key Provisions

• Authorizes the chief inspector to issue written warnings and citations for violations; civil penalties may be assessed and deposited into the State General Fund.
• Allows the Board to impose fees for examinations and certificates of competency for inspectors.
• Requires the department to inspect boilers and pressure vessels operated in the state to determine safe operation, with specified intervals: annual for power/high‑pressure boilers; biennial for low‑pressure steam/hot water boilers; three‑year intervals for certain pressure vessels; external inspection as applicable.
• Defines operating without a valid inspection certificate as a Class C misdemeanor; penalties may be assessed for violations and collected into the General Fund.
• Sets qualifications and duties for the chief inspector; authorizes enforcement actions, record keeping, and the issuance of certificates; permits suspension or revocation for cause.
• Allows owner or user inspection services under supervision and requires conformance with the National Board Inspection Code or API 510 where applicable; the board may permit variations based on actual service conditions.
• Provides for access to premises during construction, installation, and operation for inspection; inspections may be conducted by the chief inspector, deputy, special inspector, or owner/user inspector.
• Excludes certain local expenditure requirements under Amendment 621 due to the bill creating a new crime or amending a crime; not apply to oil/gas production or refining facilities or hydrocarbon processing facilities; effective date specified as the first day of the third month after passage and governor approval.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 25, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Boilers and Pressure Vessels, Board of