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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
PR- 484-07
December 31, 2007

MAYOR BLOOMBERG SIGNS LEGISLATION ESTABLISHING GUIDELINES FOR SAFE CLEANING OF TRAUMA SCENES

Remarks by Mayor Bloomberg at a Public Hearing on Local Laws

"The next bill before me is Introductory Number 123-A, sponsored by Council Members Nelson, Gentile, Liu, Sanders, Vallone, Katz, Weprin and Mealy.  Introductory Number 123-A requires the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene to establish guidelines for the uniform and safe cleaning of trauma scenes on both public and private property and to provide important information on resources related to trauma scene clean-up.

"Presently, there are no available written guidelines that integrate both worker protection requirements and medical waste handling.  The guidelines established under this bill will provide agencies, private employers, and the public with clear and important information on protecting workers and the public.

"The guidelines for trauma scene management - to be followed by all City agencies - would include the immediate restriction of access to the trauma scene, the cleaning and decontamination of the trauma scene, and the removal of any waste in accordance with applicable laws and guidelines.  These guidelines will be modified for trauma-scene management on private property and will be available through 311 and on NYC.GOV along with helpful information for property owners and crime victims.

"I would like to thank the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene Commissioner Thomas Frieden and his staff for working on this bill.  I would also like to thank the Council for approving this legislation."







MEDIA CONTACT:


Stu Loeser/Michael Levoff   (212) 788-2958




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