TOXICS INFORMATION PROJECT (TIP)

(Lighting the way to Less Toxic Living)

Liberty Goodwin, Director

P.O. Box 40572, Providence, RI 02940

Tel. 401-351-9193, E-Mail: TIP@toxicsinfo.org

Website:  www.toxicsinfo.org

 

New Jersey Considering an Environmentally-Friendly

Cleaning Product Pilot Program for Hospitals

 

http://dvnewsmaker.digivis.com/admin/layout/printer_version.jsp?op=view&id=170&layoutType=1&pageType=3&accountId=25&sectionId=0&articleId=1076&areaCode=2&elementId=7955&printArticleId=2030

 

The New Jersey Senate has introduced Senate Bill 1489 which would establish a pilot program for the use of environmentally friendly cleaning products in three state hospitals.  Under the proposed program, the three designated hospitals would be required to comply with specific standards regarding the use of cleaning products and services with a more favorable environmental profile, contracts for the purchase of environmentally-preferable cleaning products, the establishment of supply chains for new cleaning products, and the training of staff in appropriate work practices.

 

The three state hospitals that have been specifically chosen for participation in the pilot project are Saint Barnabas Medical Center in Essex County, Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Hamilton in Mercer County, and Cooper University Hospital in Camden County.  The bill would appropriate $150,000 from the general fund for carry out the pilot project.

 

The bill and its proposed pilot program follow Jersey Governor Richard J. Codey's signing of Executive Order No. 76 back in January, mandating that all state departments purchase and use environmentally preferable cleaning products.  Specifically, the Executive Order states "All State departments, authorities and instrumentalities with purchasing responsibility shall procure and use cleaning products having properties that minimize potential impacts to human health and the environment consistent with maintaining the effectiveness of these products for the protection of the public health and safety."

 

Unfortunately, the Executive Order is rather vague regarding precisely what qualifies as an acceptable "environmentally preferable" cleaning product.  The Order merely states that state departments and authorities shall procure and use cleaning products that minimize the potential impact on human health and the environment.

 

For a copy of New Jersey Senate Bill 1489 please contact Dan Wagner, ISSA,

at 800-225-4772.

 

The ISSA Legislative and Regulatory update is a monthly newsletter to keep members informed of issues vital to their businesses and the industry in general.

Legislative and Regulatory Update

Phone: 800-225-4772, Fax: 847-982-1922

Email: legislative@issa.com

 

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Cleanlink News March 22 2006

 

Massachusetts Reintroduces "The Safer Cleaning Products Act"

 

http://dvnewsmaker.digivis.com/issa/index.jsp?pageType=3&layoutType=1&id=2028&articleObjectName=com.issa.article.Article

 

According to reports from ISSA, the Massachusetts House of Representatives has reintroduced "The Safer Cleaning Products Act," a bill that seeks to require the use of environmentally preferable cleaning products in a variety of facilities.  If adopted, House Bill 4704 would require that the State Commissioner of Public Health publish a "safer cleaning products list" and would prohibit the use of cleaning products that are not included on the list.  The bill would specifically apply to cleaning products used in any school, day care center, public building, and the common area of public housing. Further, "cleaning products' would include all products intended for routine cleaning, including general purpose cleaners, bathroom cleaners, glass cleaners, carpet cleaners, disinfectants, floor care products and hand soaps.

 

For a cleaning product to be included on the "safer cleaning products list" it would be required to qualify as an "environmentally preferable product" by the Massachusetts Operational Services Division.  In general, the Operational Services Division defines an environmentally preferable product as one that meets the following criteria:

 

 

The "safer cleaning products list" will be reviewed and republished on a bi-annual basis.

 

The "Safer Cleaning Products Act" would also mandate the establishment of training guidelines for cleaning personnel in the safe and appropriate use and disposal of "safer" cleaning products.  Further, the Act would require that proper appropriate training be provided by the product manufacturer or by the employer within 30 days of an employee's start date.  A facility manager or owner who uses a cleaning product in violation of the Act would be subject to a fine of not less than $500 not more than $1,000.

 

Finally, Massachusetts HB 4704 would require the development of "The Hospital Safer Cleaning Products Commission," would require that the commission produce a report on the potential use of safer cleaning products in hospitals and health care facilities, and would mandate a pilot study on the use of safer cleaning products in hospitals and health care facilities, to begin no later than two years after the delivery of the commission's report.

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Environmental Issues - 8/26/2005 11:30:28 AM

 

NY Gov Signs Green Cleaning Bill 

 

http://www.jansanb2b.com/news.asp?mode=4&N_ID=56760

 

ALBANY, NY — Governor George Pataki signed legislation requiring the use of "green" cleaning products in schools statewide, fulfilling a pledge he made during this year's State of the State address, the Associated Press (AP) reported Thursday on NYNewsday.com.  The legislation builds on an executive order Pataki signed in January that required state agencies to use environmentally sensitive cleaning products, according to the article.  The AP reported that, beginning September 1, 2006, schools will be required to purchase on their own — or through central state purchasing contracts. 

 

Steve Ashkin, president of green cleaning advocate organization The Ashkin Group, LLC, told CM e-News DailyTM the law illustrates how much the green cleaning movement is spreading.  "It demonstrated the deep support from not only the Healthy Schools, Children's Health, and environmental advocacy groups, but also from industry," said Ashkin.  The measure signed by Pataki is the first statewide initiative requiring the use of green cleaning products, according to the AP, though a number of local governments and agencies around the country have put similar policies in place.