SENATE MEMORIAL 95

51st legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - first session, 2013

INTRODUCED BY

Daniel Ivey-Soto

A MEMORIAL

REQUESTING THE REGULATION AND LICENSING DEPARTMENT TO CONDUCT A STUDY OF ELEVATORS AND ESCALATORS THROUGHOUT THE STATE TO DETERMINE THEIR LOCATION AND CONDITION, PREPARE A REPORT THAT INCLUDES ANY STATUTE OR RULE CHANGES THAT WOULD IMPROVE PUBLIC SAFETY REGARDING ELEVATORS AND ESCALATORS AND PRESENT THAT REPORT TO THE APPROPRIATE INTERIM LEGISLATIVE COMMITTEE.

     WHEREAS, New Mexico neither takes inventory of, nor maintains records of, commercial or residential elevators and escalators; and

     WHEREAS, emergency services personnel might greatly benefit from having information regarding the whereabouts of elevators and escalators; and

     WHEREAS, aging infrastructure in cities and rural communities may pose a threat to the safety of mechanics, inspectors and the general ridership of elevators and escalators; and

     WHEREAS, it is estimated that a large percentage of all injuries and deaths relating to elevators and escalators are unreported; and

     WHEREAS, there may be a correlation between improperly maintained elevator and escalator equipment and deaths and injuries on the job; and

     WHEREAS, more information about the whereabouts and condition of elevators and escalators could help ameliorate public safety concerns in the state; and

     WHEREAS, the intent of compiling such information would be to assist emergency services and disability services providers in locating elevators and escalators and address public safety concerns for mechanics, inspectors and the general ridership; and

     WHEREAS, building owners should benefit from decreased liability by having an inspection performed on elevators and escalators; and

     WHEREAS, manufacturers of elevator and escalator equipment and licensed elevator and escalator repair personnel support ensuring the safety of mechanics, inspectors and the general ridership; and

     WHEREAS, twenty-one states have passed legislation to improve the safety of those who work and come into contact with elevator and escalator machinery; and

     WHEREAS, the public safety could be improved by establishing the jurisdiction of the construction industries division of the regulation and licensing department over elevators and escalators until after a building or state fire marshal has inspected the premises or until a certificate of occupancy has been issued to a site;

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that the regulation and licensing department be requested to conduct a study of the locations and condition of elevators and escalators in New Mexico; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the regulation and licensing department be asked to prepare a report that includes any statute or rule changes that would improve public safety regarding elevators and escalators and present that report to the appropriate interim legislative committee; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the regulation and licensing department study the cost of and the utility or benefit to building owners of a statewide inspection program focusing on elevators and escalators; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that copies of this memorial be transmitted to the co-chairs of the New Mexico legislative council, the governor and the superintendent of regulation and licensing.

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