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

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

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

Leslie Amoros or Charlie Young of the Pennsylvania Department of State,
+1-717-783-1621