COLUMBIA, S.C. - Legislation allowing the state inspect and regulate boilers cleared the House Labor, Commerce and Industry committee Tuesday.

Boiler safety laws have been introduced for years only to languish in the Legislature and die. But supporters won quick action after a March 30 boiler explosion at Intertape Polymer Group in Columbia killed a worker.

The Senate legislation was amended to include fines of up to $5,000 and a $100-a-day noncompliance charge.

Certifying boilers will allow the state to determine how many and what types of the high-pressure vessels are in the state.

The legislation now moves to the House floor.