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State Regulation of Crane Operators Will Improve Public Safety, Secretary Cortes Says

Posted on: Wednesday, 27 May 2009, 12:01 CDT

HARRISBURG, Pa., May 27 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- At its initial meeting today, the State Board of Crane Operators began drafting preliminary regulations that will improve the safety of Pennsylvania residents and businesses, said Secretary of the Commonwealth Pedro A. Cortes.

"By requiring that everyone who operates a crane in Pennsylvania has proper education, skill and training, we can protect construction workers and the general public from potentially serious injuries," Cortes said. "Regulation of crane operators will also benefit businesses by reducing costs for property damage, lost time and litigation."

The seven-member State Crane Operators Board met today in Harrisburg to begin drafting preliminary regulations, to elect officers and address other formative matters. The board operates under the Department of State's Bureau of Professional and Occupational Affairs, which now provides administrative and legal support to 28 professional and occupational licensing boards and commissions. Professional licensing protects the health, safety and welfare of the public from fraudulent and unethical practitioners.

Governor Edward G. Rendell signed Act 100 of 2008 into law on Oct. 9.

The act created a board that includes the Commissioner of the Board of Professional and Occupational Affairs Basil L. Merenda, two public members and four professional members. The act requires that the professional members must have been actively engaged in crane-related operations in Pennsylvania for at least five years immediately preceding their appointment.

The initial board members are:

• Linda G. Binstock of Allegheny County, public member;
• Raymond A. Feidt, of Dauphin County, professional member;
• Anthony J. Lusi Jr., of Delaware County, professional member;
• Jack E. Pletcher, of Westmoreland County, professional member;
• Marty L. Qually, of Adams County, public member; and
• C. Randall Smith, of Dauphin County professional member.

One of the requirements for obtaining a license is certification from the National Commission for the Certification of Crane Operators (NCCCO) or an equivalent national industry association. A provision of the act "grandfathers" anyone who had either passed the practical examination administered by NCCCO or who could demonstrate five or more years of experience as a crane operator.

The act generally prohibits licensure of individuals who have been convicted of felonies under the Controlled Substance Act. It also authorizes the board to refuse, suspend or revoke a license where the board finds the licensee to be negligent or incompetent in operating a crane.

For additional information visit www.dos.state.pa.us and follow the link to "Professional Licensure."

CONTACT: Leslie Amoros or Charlie Young 717-783-1621

SOURCE Pennsylvania Department of State

Source: PR Newswire

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