§34-37-1. Definitions.

For purposes of this chapter, the following terms shall have meanings respectively ascribed to them herein unless the context clearly requires a different meaning:

(1) APPRENTICE GAS FITTER OR PLUMBER. A person other than a master or journeyman gas fitter or plumber, who is engaged in learning and assisting in the installation of gas pipe, equipment, apparatus, and appliances, and shall work directly under the supervision of a journeyman or master gas fitter or plumber, and who has successfully fulfilled the registration requirements of the board and has been duly registered by the board as such for the current year.

(2) BOARD. The Alabama Plumbers and Gas Fitters Examining Board as renamed by this chapter. The board shall examine, certify, and regulate plumbers, gas fitters, and medical gas piping fitters on a statewide basis pursuant to this chapter.

(3) CERTIFICATION. The process of testing at the state level to determine the knowledge and skill of an individual with respect to plumbing and gas fitting, and the issuing of certificates to indicate that an individual has passed the examination.

(4) GAS FITTING, GAS SYSTEMS, or GAS WORK. The installation, repair of pipes, fixtures, fittings, appliances, or apparatus necessary for supplying natural gas for residential or commercial use from the point of delivery and all gas piping before connection to the combustion zone and including the applicable venting of flue gases to the outside atmosphere and the provisions for air for combustion and ventilation. This chapter shall not be construed to prevent any contractor certified by the Alabama Board of Heating and Air Conditioning Contractors from installing, replacing, or performing service or repair on natural gas fired air heating/cooling appliances, excluding piping to them provided the installing contractor has a valid certificate issued by the Alabama Board of Heating and Air Conditioning Contractors.

(5) JOURNEYMAN GAS FITTER. A person who engages in or works at the actual installation, repair, or replacement of gas work, who has successfully fulfilled the examination requirements of the board, has been issued a journeyman gas fitter certificate by the board, and possesses a valid and current annual certificate issued by the board. The certificate shall be available for inspection on request.

(6) JOURNEYMAN PLUMBER. A person who engages in or works at the actual installation, repair, or replacement of plumbing systems, who has successfully fulfilled the examination requirements of the board, has been issued a journeyman plumber certificate by the board, and possesses a valid and current annual certificate issued by the board. The certificate shall be available for inspection on request.

(7) MASTER GAS FITTER. Any person engaged in or proposing to engage in the business of contracting to do, or of superintending the installation, maintenance, or repair of gas systems or gas work, either or both. The individual shall qualify to be a certified master gas fitter. If the business be a firm or corporation, at least one active employee of the firm or corporation shall be a duly registered and certified master gas fitter, actively and continuously connected with the conduct of the business. The master gas fitter shall have in his or her possession a current annual certificate issued by the board. The certificate shall be available for inspection on request.

(8) MASTER PLUMBER. Any person engaged in or proposing to engage in the business of contracting to do, or of superintending the installation, maintenance, or repair of plumbing, or both. The individual shall qualify to be a certified master plumber. If the business is a firm or corporation, at least one active employee of the firm or corporation shall be a duly registered and certified master plumber, actively, continuously connected with the conduct of the business. The master plumber shall have in his or her possession a current annual certificate issued by the board. The certificate shall be available for inspection on request.

(9) MEDICAL GAS PIPING FITTER. A master plumber or master gas fitter whose certificate bears an endorsement for installation of medical gas piping. A journeyman plumber or journeyman gas fitter whose certificate bears an endorsement for installation of medical gas piping shall be entitled to install medical gas piping under the direction of a master plumber or master gas fitter whose certificate entitles him or her to install medical gas piping. The medical gas piping fitter shall have in his or her possession a current annual certificate with endorsement issued by the board. The certificate shall be available for inspection on request.

(10) MEDICAL GAS PIPING. Piping used solely to transport gases used for medical purposes.

(11) PLUMBING, PLUMBING SYSTEMS, or PLUMBING WORK. The installation, repair, or replacement of pipes, fixtures, or other apparatus necessary either for supplying water or for removing liquid or waterborne waste. The term is also used to denote installed fixtures, drainage, vents, and water distribution systems.

(Acts 1987, No. 87-812, p. 1616, §1; Acts 1989, No. 89-406, p. 858, §3; Acts 1996, No. 96-795, p. 1496, §1.)