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House Co-Sponsorship Memoranda
House of Representatives
Session of 2015 - 2016
Regular Session
MEMORANDUM
| Posted: | August 5, 2016 11:15 AM |
|---|---|
| From: | Representative Gerald J. Mullery |
| To: | All House members |
| Subject: | An Act Providing for Licensing of Elevator Contractors and Mechanics |
| In the near future, I will introduce legislation that would create a free-standing act known as the “Pennsylvania Elevator Act.” This bill would require that elevator contractors and elevator mechanics be licensed by the Department of Labor and Industry. Similar legislation has been introduced in the House in past sessions by former Representative, now Senator, Tom Killion. Under current law, the regulation of elevators, and the regulation of those who inspect them is under the jurisdiction of the Department of Labor and Industry pursuant to the Pennsylvania Construction Code Act (Act 45 of 1999). While Act 45 requires that elevator inspectors be certified, there are no requirements for either the certification or licensure of elevator contractors or elevator mechanics. Nor, are there any current education or training requirements in Pennsylvania for those who construct, maintain and repair elevator equipment. As many of you may be aware, there was a recent incident that occurred at the Luzerne County prison where a corrections officer and an inmate both fell down an elevator shaft to their deaths. This accident is believed to have resulted from the failure of safety devices, called gibs, which prevent elevator doors from swinging in and out at the bottom; in other words, the gibs keep the elevator doors in their tracks. Although the Luzerne County prison incident remains under investigation and review, I believe it is necessary for the General Assembly to require the licensure of elevator contractors and mechanics. My legislation would accomplish this by ensuring these individuals have the necessary training and experience to install, maintain and repair elevators and other conveyances. I hope that you would consider co-sponsoring my legislation. |
Introduced as HB2296