Texas House Bill HB1580

Texas 2011 - 82nd Regular

• Out of House Committee: 4/28/11
• Introduced: 2/21/11
• Voted on by House: 5/12/11
• Refer: 3/3/11
• Out of Senate Committee: 5/18/11
• Report Pass: 4/26/11
• Engrossed: 5/12/11
• Refer: 5/13/11
• Report Pass: 5/18/11

Caption

Relating to the training and certification of state agency employees or contractors performing service work on pressure vessels.

Impact

The introduction of HB 1580 will have significant implications on state laws, particularly within the Health and Safety Code. The bill includes the development of defined protocols around the necessary training and the issuance of certificates to effective workers. State agencies, which include various public sectors and educational institutions, will need to adopt this new framework, indicating a shift towards standardized training regimens for safety and proficiency in pressure vessel operations. This action is expected to improve safety outcomes while operating pressure vessels in state-run facilities.

Summary

House Bill 1580 focuses on establishing a framework for the training and certification of employees and contractors working on pressure vessels utilized by state agencies. The bill stipulates that no individual may perform service work on such vessels unless they have received adequate training and certification specific to the type of pressure vessel in question. This requirement aims to enhance safety measures and ensure that employees are proficient in handling equipment that operates under high pressure and temperature conditions, a critical aspect for maintaining safe operations in relevant state facilities.

Contention

While the bill appears to promote safety through increased training and certification, there may be potential points of contention regarding the implementation and operational costs associated with the required training programs. Stakeholders may express concerns about the adequacy of available training programs and the financial burden it could place on state agencies, especially those with limited budgets. Additionally, the bill's requirement for agencies to keep detailed records of certifications until the corresponding pressure vessel is disposed may lead to administrative challenges, thus sparking further discussions regarding the practicality of these regulations.