(1) The purpose of this chapter is to provide for safety of
life and limb, to promote safety awareness, and to ensure the
safe design, mechanical and electrical operation, and inspection
of conveyances, and performance of conveyance work, and all such
operation, inspection, and conveyance work subject to the
provisions of this chapter shall be reasonably safe to persons
and property and in conformity with the provisions of this
chapter and the applicable statutes of the state of Washington,
and all orders, and rules of the department. The use of unsafe
and defective conveyances imposes a substantial probability of
serious and preventable injury to employees and the public
exposed to unsafe conditions. The prevention of these injuries
and protection of employees and the public from unsafe conditions
is in the best interest of the people of this state. Personnel
performing work covered by this chapter must, by documented
training or experience or both, be familiar with the operation
and safety functions of the components and equipment. Training
and experience must include, but not be limited to, recognizing
the safety hazards and performing the procedures to which the
personnel performing conveyance work covered by this chapter are
assigned in conformance with the requirements of this chapter.
This chapter establishes the minimum standards for personnel
performing conveyance work.
(2) This chapter is not intended to prevent the use of
systems, methods, or devices of equivalent or superior quality,
strength, fire resistance, code effectiveness, durability, and
safety to those required by this chapter, provided that there is
technical documentation to demonstrate the equivalency of the
system, method, or device, as prescribed in this chapter and the
rules adopted under this chapter.
(3) In any suit for damages allegedly caused by a failure or
malfunction of the conveyance, conformity with the rules of the
department is prima facie evidence that the conveyance work,
operation, and inspection is reasonably safe to persons and
property.
[2003 c 143 § 10; 2002 c 98 § 2; 1983 c 123 § 2; 1963 c 26 § 2.]
NOTES:
Part headings and captions not law -- 2003 c 143: "Part headings and captions used in this act are not any part of the law." [2003 c 143 § 23.]
Effective date -- 2003 c 143: "This act is necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, or safety, or support of the state government and its existing public institutions, and takes effect immediately [May 7, 2003]." [2003 c 143 § 24.]