32 The ELEVATOR CONSTRUCTOR Local Roundup and many states and municipalities quickly adopted these codes. Even some cities in Kansas have long had laws mandating routine inspections. On April 14, 2022, KS Governor Laura Kelly approved HB2005/SB 181 passing the Elevator Safety Act. Before this, Kansas was one of last two states without statewide mandated inspections. Kansas was one of 14 states that did not license mechanics. Modernizations and new installations could be installed under whatever code the contractor named. Local 12 members are diligent in keeping the riding public safe in KS and will padlock units that have glaring life safety issues. However, some safety hazards are less obvious: I once serviced a hydraulic elevator at a restaurant in Leawood. Needing a secure space for liquor storage, the restaurant staff used the machine room. I had to shimmy around racks of bottles to get to the tank to make valve adjustments and move full boxes of liquor out of the way to open the controller doors. Think of the enormous fire hazard in this room. By adopting legislation for code enforcement, inspections, and licensing of mechanics, we protect the public and the people who perform the work. As an Elevator Mechanic myself, I am always very uneasy about working on a unit where someone unqualified has attempted a repair. Someone who is savvy to electrical and mechanical systems could read a print and find an open interlock. Only a qualified elevator constructor can recognize the potential catastrophe by forgetting a jumper on an interlock circuit. In January, I was honored to be appointed to the Elevator Safety Advisory Board for Kansas as a representative of labor. When one is appointed to such a position you are presented with a certificate that carries the signature of the governor. Additionally, in the State of Kansas, these certificates are also signed by the secretary of state. So, the certificate that I was given carries the signature of Gov. Laura Kelly and Secretary of State Scott Schwab, who is the father of Caleb Schwab mentioned earlier in this article. Local 12 owes much gratitude to Local 4’s Kevin Sullivan. Kevin and the Elevator Industry Work Preservation Fund were instrumental in getting this legislation passed in Kansas. Congrats to Brian Foster on passing his Mechanic’s Exam! Regards, T. Cole Haston tchaston@gmail.com Pictured L to R are Lt. Gov. David Toland, Gov. Laura Kelly, Local 12’s Cole Haston. I had the chance to personally thank the governor for supporting the Elevator Safety Act. Attention All Journal Correspondents! In an effort to update out records, we are asking you to please submit your name and contact information to the general office so we may be in touch with you if we have questions regarding your monthly article and/or pictures. You may email your information to Karen Lewis at klewis@iuec.org or call it in to 410-953-6150. Also, please remember that journal submissions may be no more than 650 words and may include up to four sidebar pictures and up to two “New Arrivals” pictures. Thank you for your cooperation.
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