Proposed Security Guard Training Measure Delayed Again

The measure, from the Pittsburgh City Council, would require security companies that guard large buildings to put their employees through a city-approved training program

• By Matt Holden
• Apr 30, 2015

A proposed Pittsburgh City Council measure that would require security companies that guard large buildings to put their employees through a city-approved training program, among other requirements, was delayed again Wednesday as critics said the city cannot legally impose the provisions on private businesses.

 

Currently, the law would apply to any building or complex of at least 100,000 square feet; apartment buildings of 50 units or more; colleges and universities; museums; and health care facilities. It would require security guards to receive a minimum of 40 hours of initial training and an annual eight-hour “refresher course” on a wide variety of topics by a training school approved by the city fire bureau.

 

The legislation also requires the security officer’s employer to pay for and provide proof of the training. Employers of other building employees, such as janitors and maintenance workers, must pay for a less-extensive version of the training.