ATLANTA – State Representative Henry “Wayne” Howard (D-Augusta) today announced that the Georgia House of Representatives passed Senate Bill 353 by a vote of 164-2 on Wednesday, March 21, 2018. Sponsored in the House by Rep. Howard, SB 353 would provide the Safety Fire Commissioner with civil enforcement and penalty authority for violations of boiler and pressure valve regulations.
“We have around 54,000 boiler pressures and valves in Georgia, and we have experienced too many instances where a deputy or other individual has lost their life due to improper maintenance of these valves,” said Rep. Howard. “Senate Bill 353 would ensure that all businesses, schools and hospitals follow the proper maintenance and inspection of boilers and pressure valves. We hope that this bill will remedy this safety issue and assist fire marshals with safety inspections.”
SB 353 would authorize the Safety Fire Commissioner to pursue civil enforcement and have penalty authority over those who violate boiler and pressure vessel regulations. SB 353 would also establish a maximum penalty of $5,000 for violating such regulations.
This bill was introduced following an incident in Augusta, Georgia, where a sheriff’s deputy died from inhaling chemical fumes during an emergency call.
For more information on SB 353, please click here.
Representative Henry “Wayne” Howard represents the citizens of District 124, which includes portions of Richmond County. He was elected to the House of Representatives in 2006 and currently serves on the Appropriations Subcommittee on Human Resources and the Education, Health & Human Services, Juvenile Justice, and Motor Vehicles committees.
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