WA Adopts Emergency Rule for Marijuana Processing and Extraction Facilities

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The Washington State Building Code Council (SBCC) adopted an emergency rule, WAC 51-54A-3800, effective July 1, 2015,  to specify requirements amending the International Fire Code dealing with marijuana processing and extraction facilities stemming from these facilities’ use of flammable and combustible liquids for the liquid extraction process. These rules, along with other rulemaking proposals are open for public comment on the SBCC rulemaking page of their website, and comments are due by close of business on October 23, 2015.

Under the emergency rule, these facilities must have an emergency power system, dedicated hazardous exhaust system and a continuous gas detection system, and specified electrical equipment must be interlocked with the gas detection system and  disabled when the gas detection system is activated.

Although the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) cannot require these systems to be installed, when the building official requires it, L&I will inspect to make sure it meets  NEC® and Section 1928 of the Revised Code of Washington (RCW 19.28) requirements.

Additional Source:  California Contractors State License Board, Contractors Who Prep Pot Growing Sites Must Follow State Laws (C-12 Earthwork and Paving)