(a)(1) The department, with the advice of the board, shall formulate definitions, rules, and regulations for the safe construction, installation, inspection, maintenance, and repair of boilers and pressure vessels in this state.

(2) The definitions, rules, and regulations formulated for new construction shall be based upon and at all times follow the generally accepted nationwide engineering standards, formulas, and practices established and pertaining to boiler and pressure vessel construction and safety. The department, with the advice of the board, may adopt an existing published codification, known as the Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, with the amendments and interpretations made and approved by the council of the society, and may adopt the amendments and interpretations subsequently made and published by the same authority. When adopted, the codification shall be deemed to be incorporated into and shall constitute a part of the definitions, rules, and regulations of the department. Amendments and interpretations to the code shall be effective immediately upon being promulgated, to the end that the definitions, rules, and regulations shall at all times follow the generally accepted nationwide engineering standards.

(3) The department, with the advice of the board, shall formulate the rules and regulations for the inspection, maintenance, and repair of boilers and pressure vessels which were in use in this state prior to the date upon which the first rules and regulations under this chapter pertaining to existing installations become effective or during the 12-month period immediately thereafter. The rules and regulations shall be based upon and at all times follow generally accepted nationwide engineering standards and practices and may adopt the applicable sections of the Inspection Code of the National Board of Boiler and Pressure Vessel Inspectors or API 510 of the American Petroleum Institute.

(b) The rules and regulations and any subsequent amendments formulated by the department shall be adopted pursuant to the Alabama Administrative Procedure Act, except the board shall allow a hearing by interested parties prior to adoption. The rules when promulgated shall have the force and effect of law, except that the rules applying to the construction of new boilers and pressure vessels shall not become mandatory until 12 months after their promulgation by the department. Notice of the hearing shall give the time, the place, and state the matters to be considered at the hearing.

(c) Subsequent amendments to the rules and regulations adopted by the department shall be permissive immediately and shall become mandatory 12 months after their promulgation.