Legislation Also Establishes Repair Licenses
Assemblyman Mike Miller announced that he is co-sponsoring a bill that will require all individuals involved in the design, construction, operation, inspection, maintenance, and repair of elevators to carry a license from the State of New York.
The legislation (A.08359) comes in the wake of the death of Suzanne Hart, a 41-year old Manhattan advertising executive in her Madison Avenue office building. Hart, a leading professional in her firm, was killed minutes after an elevator was improperly serviced.
“This bill will make New York a leader in elevator safety,” said Miller. “This legislation takes important steps to ensure needed and responsible oversight is put in place to those who operate and maintain the vital equipment so many New Yorkers use daily.”
In addition to requiring licensing for elevator workers, this law will establish the New York State Elevator Safety and Standards Board, to issue and update licensing requirements for elevator workers. The board will have nine members, appointed by the governor, Senate temporary president and speaker of the Assembly.
Meeting quarterly, the board will issue an annual report. The board will advise and assist the New York State Commissioner of Labor in supporting legislation and regulations for elevator safety.
New applicants for licenses will be required to hold three years of education and experience and complete an exam. Those who have worked on elevators for more than three years at the time of the passing of legislation without immediate supervision will not be required to apply for these licenses as will those who hold licenses from other states or are graduates of nationally recognized training and apprenticeship programs.
