Robinson, Baker Applaud Updated Elevator Safety Standards

HARRISBURG - As chair of the Senate Labor and Industry Committee and as the prime sponsor of legislation creating the Elevator Safety Board, Sens. Devlin Robinson (R-37) and Lisa Baker (R-20) applauded the Independent Regulatory Review Commission's approval of updated elevator safety standards last week. The two senators have worked collaboratively to advance updated standards during the last few years to improve consumer confidence in elevators across Pennsylvania.

The final regulation, rulemaking #12-123 related to elevator safety standards under the Uniform Construction Code, requires annual testing and brings Pennsylvania in line with neighboring states' elevator safety regulations.

"Pennsylvania currently operates under one of the oldest elevator and escalator codes in the nation, further highlighting the dire need for these updates," the senators said. "A modernized elevator code will ensure greater safety and reliability of equipment, incentivize regular equipment maintenance, and reduce the likelihood of accidents and mechanical failures. We are pleased to see the commission act to enshrine these updates into the commonwealth's regulatory framework, and to give the public peace of mind when stepping onto elevators in our state."

Earlier this month, the senators sent a joint letter to the members of the Independent Regulatory Review Commission urging them to approve the final rulemaking #12-123.