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Iowa Workforce Development: Elevator Safety Board Recommends New Rules, Supports Wind Energy Industry, Construction Industry Also Sees Change
6/9/2008

Iowa Workforce Development
Public Relations and Communications
1000 East Grand Avenue
Des Moines, Iowa 50319-0209
Telephone: (515) 281-5387
Toll Free: (800) JOB-IOWA or (800) 562-4692
For Deaf and Hard Of Hearing, Use Relay 711

For Immediate Release
Date: June 9, 2008
Contact: Kerry Koonce
Telephone: (515) 281-9646

Elevator Safety Board Recommends New Rules, Supports Wind Energy Industry, Construction Industry Also Sees Change

DES MOINES - The Elevator Safety Board proposed rules temporarily exempting lifts in wind towers from the standard provisions for elevator inspections, fees and requirements and establishing inspection fees, permit fees, and safety requirements specific to wind tower lifts.

“The lifts necessary in wind towers serve a different purpose than standard elevators”, indicated Iowa Labor Commissioner Dave Neil. “By developing regulations that fit this unique need, the Elevator Safety Board has recognized that new regulations are needed to ensure the safety of employees in Iowa’s wind towers, while allowing for efficient business operations.”

The new wind tower lift rules went into effect on May 28th, and public comment will be accepted through July 9th.

Construction personnel hoists (CPH's) have been subject to regulation by the Iowa Division of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Bureau. Effective July 1, 2008, CPH's will also be under the authority of the Iowa Division of Labor's elevator safety program. This change is a result of legislation during the 2008 legislative session.

CPH's are installed to move people on construction sites and they are removed at the end of the construction project. CPH's are primarily used on larger construction projects and should not be confused with the temporary use of a permanent elevator for construction purposes. CPH's may be used on construction sites for moving materials, equipment and supplies in addition to people.


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