COLUMBIA, S.C. - The state will begin regulating boilers used in schools and businesses under a bill that's on its way to Gov. Mark Sanford's desk.

Boiler safety bills have been introduced since at least 1975 only to languish and die.

But supporters won quick action after a March 30 boiler explosion at Intertape Polymer Group in Columbia killed a worker.

The American Society of Mechanical Engineers set boiler standards in 1914. Since then, every state but South Carolina has passed laws requiring inspections of the high-pressure vessels that hold water and steam under pressure.

"I am relieved that we will no longer be the only state in the nation without some form of boiler safety laws," said the bill's chief sponsor, Sen. Joel Lourie, a Columbia Democrat.

Boiler owners would face fines of up to $5,000 for violations and a $100-a-day noncompliance charge. Boilers would have to be certified by inspectors, often hired by insurance companies that insure boilers. The state would charge a $50 fee for each boiler certification filed.

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

Money from the fee would cover state administrative costs, including hiring a chief boiler administrator.

The legislation, once ratified, will head to Sanford's desk.