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Executive Report
What's in a Name?
ASCR has a new name. Effective at noon on February 16 ASCR
became the Restoration Industry Association…RIA.
This
is an exciting step forward for your association; it represents a
shift in how the Association views our entire industry. Our new name
is not in any way a change in the Association’s membership or how
members are viewed…except for the fact that this new name is
intended to achieve a unity that has been at times lacking.
Over the years, RIA has expanded its services as its members
expanded from rug cleaning into carpet cleaning, followed by
building cleaning, disaster restoration and clean-up, mold
remediation, remediation/mitigation of environmental contaminants,
building sanitization services, duct cleaning, etc.
Through every change in the industry the Association has
provided services that members wanted in public relations, training
and education, certification programs, networking, and information.
Along with these changes we experimented with other names for the
association to describe our members, even creating sub-brands called
the “Institutes”. In some cases, the Institute names were more
recognized than the ASCR name!
This past year has been especially meaningful for the
association. With the development of a new strategy and leadership
structure, the association’s Board has shifted its focus to the
long-term prospects of the industry. We intend with this new focus
to fulfill the most important obligation of a trade association: the
unification and definition of the restoration industry. More than
ever, the restoration industry needs such leadership, and it is our
goal that RIA achieve its potential.
Many issues weighed in support of this decision, but one stood
out from all the rest. In order for us to define a “restoration
industry” it was necessary that we understand the common bond that
brings together in RIA so many seemingly different businesses and
practitioners. In reality, our members cross most of the lines
within restoration, but identify themselves primarily with a single
specialty. For an Association representing all members we had find
the answers to questions like: “How is a carpet cleaning company
that does water loss restoration different from a property damage
company that performs carpet cleaning?”
We ultimately found the answer in the public that relies on our
members’ services. Consumers know when there is a problem, but
usually do not know what specialist can make it better. And that is
what the consumer always wants: a service provider that can return
things … a rug, a home, her treasured belongings … to a previous,
better condition. That is the definition of restoration, and it is
the common thread among RIA members: they make it better for their
customers.
The RIA mission is to provide industry leadership, support
science, and promote best practices. We will strive to be worthy of
that mission and to be an effective partner to our members and with
related industry organizations and professionals whose values we
share.
Thank you!
Don Manger
Executive Director
Restoration
Industry Association
RIA NEWS
Breaking
News
RIA Briefs
Toolbox
Tips
Marketing Savvy
Product
Spotlight
On Press
Now
INDUSTRY NEWS
"Guy Carp:
Fla. Tornadoes Cause $68 Million in Damages"
"Groundhog
Predicts 2007 P/C Underwriting Profit"
"Restorer's
Corner"
"House Votes for
Research on Meth Lab Cleanup"
"Quake Victims
Struggle to Rebuild"
"Insurers' Tab
for Katrina Could Grow"
"Meth-Lab
Disclosure Hits Homes"
"Smart Marketing
for Carpet Cleaners"
"Lloyd's Says
Florida Law Won't Hit Business"
"Some Workers
Say Site is 'Sick'"
"Don't Take
Carpet Care for Granted"
"Federal
Courthouse Has a Happy Ending to a Moldy Situation"
"Treatments
Available for Cleaning Carpets Safely"
"Okla. Paramedic
Cleans Up Tulsa's Meth Labs"
"Threat of
Airborne Lead Closes Courthouse"
"Pile
Reversal--Don't Take the Blame"
"Breathing
Easier"
RIA NEWS
Breaking News
Insurers Estimate Losses Caused by European Windstorm
Kyrill
When Winter Storm Kyrill tore through the United Kingdom,
France, the Netherlands, Germany and several other Northern and
Central European countries on January 17th and 18th, it caused an
estimated €3 billion ($3.9 billion) to €5 billion ($ 6.6 billion) in
insured losses. With winds exceeding 80 miles per hour, the storm
resulted in widespread damage and the deaths of at least 39 people.
Railways throughout the area were brought to a halt and Rotterdam,
Europe’s biggest port, was disrupted with an oil spill at one
terminal.
This was the most damaging storm to hit the U.K. since the
January 1990 Windstorm Daria, and while the path of Kyrill was wider
than Daria’s, the storm itself was weaker. Overall, the damage
resulted in a number of smaller losses, with individual insurance
and commercial risks suffering the most.
Road Safety Compromised by Multi-tasking Drivers
Motorists across the U.S. have admitted to engaging in a
variety of activities while driving. The National Highway Traffic
Safety Administration reports that 80 percent of auto accidents in
the U.S. are the result of driver inattention. Nationwide Mutual
Insurance commissioned an Internet study, gathering information from
1,200 Americans and separating the respondents into three groups:
generation “Y” (ages 18 to 27), generation “X” (ages 28 to 44) and
baby boomers (ages 45 to 60). Some of the findings were:
- 73 percent of motorists talk on the phone while driving.
- 5 percent admit to driving drunk and 4 percent drive with an
open alcoholic beverage.
- Three out of four respondents admit to driving when drowsy.
- Generation “Y” drivers are more distracted by technology with
37 percent text messaging or instant messaging on cell phones
while driving. (Only 17 percent of generation “X” drivers and 2
percent of baby boomers admit to doing this.)
- Over one-third of drivers continue multi-tasking regardless of
weather conditions.
- Younger drivers are more likely to eat meals or snacks while
driving. (73 percent of generation “Y” drivers eat snacks and 48
percent eat an entire meal.)
- 83 percent characterize themselves as good drivers, with 59
percent viewing themselves as undistracted.
Other multi-tasking activities drivers admitted to engaging in
include changing clothes, balancing a checkbook, shaving, fixing
hair, nursing a baby, and reading a book.
Florida Governor Approves Hurricane Insurance Bill
Florida Governor Charlie Crist signed a hurricane legislation
bill into law at the end of January that will mean changes to
insurance regulations for Florida residents. In addition to freezing
rate increases during 2007 by the Citizens Property Insurance
Corporation, one of two state-backed vehicles, the bill also
increases the state catastrophe fund from $16 billion to $33
billion, with insurers mandated to pass savings on to customers. The
legislation allows the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation to
remove collateral requirements for non-U.S.-based reinsurers and
bans “cherry-picking” by insurers that write auto insurance policies
but refuse to write homeowners policies.
Price Gouging Alert Follows Florida
Tornadoes
Attorney General Bill McCollum warned Florida residents to be
alert to price gouging scams following the deadly tornadoes in
Volusia, Seminole, Lake, and Sumter counties in early February.
Businesses and homes in those four counties suffered substantial
damage. If price gouging is suspected, residents should call the
Attorney General’s hotline at 1-866-9-NO-SCAM (1-866-966-7226).
Florida law prohibits increases that represent a “gross
disparity” on items such as food, water, hotels, ice, gasoline, or
other items needed as a direct result of a declared emergency.
Violators may face fines of up to $25,000. McCollum also advised
consumers to deal with established local companies if building
repairs were necessary and to check the contractor’s license,
payment terms and other conditions.
CDC Releases
Guidelines Addressing Flu Epidemic
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released
its Community Strategy for Pandemic Influenza Mitigation which
includes a “pandemic severity index.” Some of the measures in the
strategy include isolation of persons with confirmed or probable
pandemic influenza, voluntary home quarantine for household members
of those with influenza, closing of schools (including public and
private schools as well as colleges and universities), and a
reduction of contact between adults in many community and workplace
settings.
The pandemic severity index is similar to the five-level index
used to categorize hurricanes. A category 1 pandemic would mean that
less than 90,000 deaths had occurred (similar to a regular flu
season), while more than 1.8 million deaths would earn a category 5
classification (similar to what occurred in the Influenza Pandemic
of 1918). For additional information, visit http://www.pandemicflu.gov/.
Insurance Industry Under Legislative Attack
U.S. Senators from the Gulf Coast region are seeking changes in
how the property-casualty (p-c) insurance industry handles hurricane
claims. On January 12th, a group of senators introduced legislation
to create a commission that would address p-c insurance issues.
Officially known as the “Commission on Catastrophic Disaster Risk
and Insurance Act of 2007,” it would create a federal commission
that would gather some of the country’s experts to recommend to
Congress how to best address the catastrophic risk insurance
difficulties. Then on January 19th, Senator Trent Lott, R-Miss.,
agreed to join Senator Patrick Leahy, D-Vt., in introducing
legislation to repeal the McCarran-Ferguson Act federal antitrust
exemption for the p-c insurance industry. A similar bill was
introduced last year, but the Senate took no action at that time.
State Farm Katrina Settlement Rejected; Judge Orders
Hearings to Consider Proposals
State Farm Fire & Casualty Co.’s Hurricane Katrina
settlement with Mississippi Attorney General Jim Hood was rejected
in January by a federal judge. In the settlement, State Farm would
have reevaluated Katrina-related claims for approximately 35,000
policyholders in several coastal counties and had agreed to pay a
$50 million minimum with no cap on the total payout amount.
Judge L.T. Senter, Jr., felt that more information was needed
to determine if this settlement would be fair to all affected
parties, and he believed that any proposed action should include all
State Farm claims, including cases currently in litigation. Many
claims in the Gulf region were rejected by State Farm based on the
assertion that policyholders’ windstorm policies excluded flood
damage. Judge Senter ruled that the company needed to prove that
flooding had indeed been the cause of the damage and, if that was
not the case, pay for portions that were the result of wind damage.
State Farm policyholders now have a chance to share their
opinions on two proposed class-action cases that involve Hurricane
Katrina claims. Judge Senter has ordered two hearings, set for
February 28, to consider these proposals. Property owners or their
representatives who suffered a total or greater than 90 percent loss
are invited to complete forms attached to Judge Senter’s orders
found at the federal court website, http://www.mssd.uscourts.gov/.
The proposed class action is presently limited to State Farm
policyholders, but future action may be considered against other
major insurers such as Allstate and Nationwide.
Legislation Addresses Insurance Industry’s Exemption from
Federal Antitrust Law
Bi-partisan legislation was introduced in the House that, if
passed, would bring insurers under scrutiny for antitrust activity
by the Federal Trade Commission. This bill would alter the
McCarran-Ferguson Act, which exempts the “business of insurance”
from federal antitrust laws to the extent that is regulated by each
state. This bill mirrors legislation introduced by Senator Arlen
Specter, R-Penn., in the Senate last September following insurance
interests that successfully killed his asbestos injury bill.
Judge Reduces State Farm’s Punitive Damages
In a Hurricane Katrina claim, U.S. District Court Judge L.T.
Senter, Jr. reduced a jury’s punitive damages on State Farm from
$2.5 million to $1 million. In the case brought by Norman and
Genevieve Broussard of Biloxi, Miss, whose home was torn from its
foundation slab, Judge Senter awarded the couple $211,000 in
contractual/compensatory damages. When the case was sent to the jury
for punitive damages, the jury originally awarded the Broussards
$2.5 million, almost 12-times the amount of compensatory damages.
While Judge Senter cited State Farm’s handling of the case as
“reprehensible,” he believed a more appropriate assessment would be
$1 million, or 4- to 5-times the compensatory damages. State Farm is
appealing the court’s decision.
RIA Briefs
Don't Miss Solutions!
There’s still time to sign up for RIA’s 62nd annual
convention and exhibition, Solutions: The Education Summit,
being held in warm and sunny Orlando, Florida from Tuesday, March 13
through Friday, March 17, 2007, at the Buena Vista Hotel &
Spa.
After attendees swing out of the annual golf tournament on
Tuesday, Wednesday kick-starts the convention with a full day of
three optional events, including:
• Environmental Issues for Contractors
• The Mussallem Art Gallery Tour
• Pack-Out Procedures for Contractors
All optional courses run from 8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
In Environmental Issues for Contractors, restoration
professionals will focus on major issues of environmental hazards
such as the avian flu, lead abatement and methamphetamine lab
cleanup. Industry leaders including Graham Dick, CMP, Genesis
Restorations Ltd.; Michael Pinto, Ph.D., CMP, Wonder Makers
Environmental, Inc.; and Bob Allen, Priority Services, will lead the
discussion, give feedback and offer insight into these and other
areas of clean-up.
Pack-Outs speaker Barb Jackson of the Restoration
Alliance will offer practical information on issues related to
packing, handling, and streamlining contents-handling systems and
processes, facility and personnel equipment, proper inventory
controls, photo documentation and much more.
The third optional event on Wednesday is a plant tour of the
Mussallem Galleries in Jacksonville for textile professionals
and aficionados. Johnny Mussallem, a former ASCR president, was the
gallery founder. Fine art, antiques, rugs, furniture and other
sculptural and textile masterpieces — from the Renaissance through
today — abound in this exceptional location. Artifacts have been
collected from all over the world and visitors will have the
opportunity to experience it first-hand.
This year’s convention will also feature two keynote speakers.
Robert Stevenson, known best for his book How to Soar Like
an Eagle in a World Full of Turkeys, has shared podiums with
global and enterprise leaders such as General Colin Powell, Tom
Peters, Anthony Robins and General Norman Schwarzkopf. His
presentation will cut to the core of performance, both business and
personal. This keynote address is the catalyst that will renew past
convictions; deal with handling and accepting change; address
optimum customer service; delve into removing limiting personal
paradigms; show the best ways to deal with stress and explain the
most common trait for success.
Robert J. Overton, Jr., a director of business and human
resources training, will join the RIA Solutions summit and address
the issues surrounding: The Key to Millennium Employer &
Employee Success. This presentation will sensitize business
leaders on the need to act now and position themselves competitively
in anticipation of this inevitable shortage of trained and motivated
workers.
Fall Conference Update
Plans are well underway for RIA’s expanded fall conference,
which will incorporate all industry segments: disaster restoration,
environmental remediation, as well as sessions for those in the
carpet, rug and textile industry. Scheduled for October 23-27, 2007,
at the Hyatt Regency Orange County in Garden Grove, Calif., the new
format provides attendees with an in-depth education usually
reserved for much smaller courses.
Plant tours, a hallmark of RIA’s educational offerings, will be
offered for each of the association’s divisions, as well as
practical, hands-on information and critical information related to
business operations.
Watch your snail mail and e-mail for more
details.
Return to
Headlines
Toolbox Tips
Pricing Considerations
By Martin L. King, CR, ASA
Not all restoration lends itself to an up-front scope and price
quote. Some damage requires a phased approach to determine the most
cost-effective remedy. The simplest and surest remedy for an oil
spill, for example, is to tear out and replace every surface that
was impacted by the oil: masonry walls, concrete floor, all framing
and contents. While a sure-fire remedy, it is also extremely costly.
However, the less costly procedures cannot be absolutely certain of
success. Will a hot-water degreaser and pressure washing do the job?
Perhaps the walls can be saved by a poultice procedure, but the
floor will require replacement. Soda or sand-blasting of walls and
floor may suffice, supplemented with a troweled surface
coating
At some point it may be necessary to remove masonry units or
drill cores to determine the extent of penetration, perhaps at the
very beginning. The important thing is for everyone concerned to
recognize that a phased (or trial-and-error) process does not imply
that the restorer doesn’t know what he’s doing. He’s probably trying
conscientiously to find the most cost-effective solution.
Martin L. King, CR, ASA, is a Restoration Industry
Association technical advisor.
Marketing Savvy
In honor of ASCR’s name change to the Restoration Industry
Association, here are a few suggestions on how to create a “buzz”
about your company or products.
- Be Innovative – create a product that resonates with your
customers
- Use a Great Name – select a name that provides easy brand
recognition – e.g., iPod, iTunes, iMac
- Create a Relatable Identity – e.g., the Whirlpool repair man
- Turn Customers into User-Advocates – make them “passionate”
about your product
- Create Suspense – be creative and build advance interest in
your product or announcement
- Build Partnerships – business allies can extend the life of
your product beyond your company
- Reinvent Yourself – new names and new products are positive
improvements
Source: Inc.com Return to
Headlines
2nd Edition RIA Guidelines for Fire & Smoke
Damage Repair
(Formerly the ASCR Guidelines for Fire & Smoke Damage
Repair)
The RIA Guidelines for Fire and Smoke Damage Repair have
been revised and expanded with updates, new material, a more
extensive glossary and an index. The manual defines the
relationships of restorer-client-adjuster, and provides a basis for
the proper training of estimators, project managers and insurance
claims personnel. The RIA Guidelines address basic questions, such
as:
- When is a wall "clean"?
- What procedures are recommended for antiques?
- Who authorizes the work?
- Is restoration always cost-effective?
- When should corrosion treatments be applied?
- What should emergency contracts include?
Cost: $45/RIA members
$55/non-members
A United Kingdom Edition is also available.
Cost: $50/RIA members
$60/non-members
Return to
Headlines
Here’s a look at what’s coming in the March 2007 issue
of RIA’s award-winning publication, Cleaning &
Restoration.
On Press Now
Asbestos Liability in the
Cleaning and Restoration Industry
By David M. Governo, J.D., Bryna R. Misiura, John P.
Gardella
There is a potential trap for the unwary cleaning and
restoration contractor when it comes to the cleanup and renovation
of asbestos-containing products and materials. A contractor’s
failure to recognize the problems associated with dealing with
asbestos can result in millions of dollars in fines and even
imprisonment. Learn which products contain asbestos, the prominent
federal laws that address its use, and how to ensure that your
company is in compliance with laws governing it.
Why
Family Business Succession Plans Fail – Planning Strategies That
Work
By Jeff Harris
Statistics show that 65 percent of second-generation and 90
percent of third-generation businesses fail. How can you position
your business to have better than average results as you turn it
over to the next generation?
Ethical Relationships ? Part 3
By John Fox
Business ownership is growing worldwide and opportunities are
abounding for employers and employees. Sadly, fraud weaves its
thread of sorrow into daily life. What is to be done? This final
installment shows that it is still possible in the 21st Century to
be ethical and profitable by using a proven compass.
Columns
Commentary
There’s a New Sheriff in Town
Technical Topics
Effective Cleaning and Health ? Part 3
Water Works
Heat vs. Dehumidification: The Great Debate
Legal Briefs
Top Tips for the Best Interview: Avoid “Improper” Topics
Marketing Notes
Out of Touch? Reach Out and Touch!
Business Briefs
Return to
Headlines
INDUSTRY NEWS
"Guy Carp: Fla. Tornadoes Cause $68 Million in
Damages"
Claims (02/07)
According to recent estimates, Florida may have sustained about
$68 million in property losses as a result of tornadoes hitting
several counties on Feb. 2 while residents slept. Guy Carpenter's
Instrat unit noted that the storms led to at least 20 deaths and
left over 1,000 homes damaged. Additionally, over 20,000 people
reported a loss of power. The National Weather Service reports that
seven tornadoes hit Lake, Volusia, Sumter, and Seminole counties in
Central Florida, with 165-mph winds pulling roofs and walls from
homes and pushing mobile homes off foundations. President Bush
deemed the counties federal disaster areas.
(Web Link)
Return to
Headlines
"Groundhog Predicts 2007 P/C Underwriting
Profit"
Business Insurance (02/02/07) Hofmann, Mark A.
The Insurance Information Institute's Groundhog survey revealed
that underwriting profits are on tap for 2007's property-casualty
insurance industry. However, the sector's combined ratio is likely
to worsen compared to the 93.2 percent ratio recorded in 2006,
especially with net premiums expected to rise only 1.8 percent.
Insurance purchasers, according to survey respondents, are the
beneficiaries of the softening insurance market, with most
businesses expected to see rate declines of 5 percent or more in
2007 across entire insurance programs.
(Web Link)
Return to
Headlines
"Restorer's Corner"
Cleanfax (02/07)
Burton, Brandon
Restorers need to make several considerations when determining
whether to replace or restore wet carpeting, says Dri-Eaz technical
education manager Brandon Burton. They should first examine the
carpet for signs of contamination, replacing carpets and pads that
have sat in sewage, surface groundwater, or stagnant water for more
than a few days. In addition to taking into account how long the
carpet has been wet, they should also consider the carpet's
appearance and take note of any odors. Both sides of highly-porous
carpets that have not been grossly contaminated can be cleaned via
hot-water extraction; but if residents have weakened immune systems,
Burton says replacement may be the best solution. Restorers should
then assess the carpet's condition, focusing on the seams, the
backing, and its overall appearance. Carpets should be removed if
the seams separate or the backing is weak, but they should determine
whether it is cheaper to repair and dry or replace if staining is
the only problem. To gauge the cost of drying, restorers should
determine how much extraction is necessary by using a deep
extraction tool on one corner of the carpet. If three or more passes
with an extraction tool are necessary, it may make more sense to
install a new carpet.
(Web Link)
Return to
Headlines
"House Votes for Research on Meth Lab
Cleanup"
Des Moines Register (IA) (02/08/07) Norman, Jane
The U.S. House recently passed the Methamphetamine Remediation
Act of 2007, which would mandate the implementation of cleanup
guidelines for meth labs by the Environmental Protection Agency.
Research would also be required to determine the risks associated
with exposure to the chemicals used in meth production, as well as
how the drug affects those unknowingly residing in meth labs and the
law enforcement officials who discover the facilities. Cleanup
techniques will also be studied. The Senate is now considering the
legislation.
(Web Link)
Return to
Headlines
"Quake Victims Struggle to
Rebuild"
Honolulu Advertiser (HI) (02/11/07) Wilson, Christie
The Federal Emergency Management Agency has approved an average
of $3,626 in assistance to owners of homes damaged in the Oct. 15
earthquakes in Hawaii. The amount is nowhere near what many quake
victims need for expensive home repairs that Hawaii County has
estimated will cost an average of $50,000. The Structural Engineers
Association of Hawaii estimates that 2,000 homes and 300 businesses
were damaged in the 6.7- and 6.0-magnitude quakes off the northwest
coast of the Big Island. Hawaii County inspectors checked 1,682
buildings where damage was reported, according to the Department of
Public Works. Thirty-three of the 67 structures that were
"red-tagged" as too unsafe to occupy have yet to be fixed, and 92 of
227 structures that were "yellow-tagged," allowing restricted use,
are awaiting repair. The quakes also caused an estimated $100
million damage to harbors, bridges, roads, hospitals and other
public facilities. FEMA approved 2,564 of the 3,612 applications for
"individual assistance" it received from Hawaii quake victims, with
aid totaling $9.3 million.
(Web
Link)
Return to
Headlines
"Insurers' Tab for Katrina Could
Grow"
Wall Street Journal (01/25/07) P. C6; Pleven, Liam
Payments related to homeowners' insurance claims in Mississippi
could reach between $1 billion and $2 billion from Hurricane
Katrina, according to Fitch Ratings' estimates. Insurance
Information Institute President Robert Hartwig believes the total
will fall under $1 billion, even with State Farm's latest settlement
agreement, which could reopen up to 35,000 homeowners' claims in the
state. The State Farm agreement has no upper limit. The insurance
industry has already paid out $5.48 billion for Mississippi property
claims in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. The toll on the
industry is not likely to be tallied accurately for some time, since
many of the claims are still pending, several homeowners plan to
battle their insurers in court, and claims are still unresolved in
Louisiana. However, experts agree that the claims are not expected
to damage the financial stability of the insurance market, which had
record profits in 2006. Government officials also note that other
insurance carriers in Mississippi could follow State Farm's lead and
agree to similar settlements with homeowners.
(Web Link)
Return to
Headlines
"Meth-Lab Disclosure Hits Homes"
Denver
Post (02/01/07) Plunkett, Chuck; Olinger, David; Nilsson, Monnie
Home buyers in Colorado can request that sellers have a property
tested by a hygienist to indicate the presence of methamphetamine--a
drug that can cause eye, skin, and kidney damage, among other
conditions, even in trace amounts. A 2006 state law also holds
sellers liable if they do not disclose to buyers that their
properties were once used as meth labs. The Colorado Real Estate
Commission has gone farther by adopting a rule that requires every
seller to make the disclosure but does not mandate that they do so
if the home has been thoroughly cleaned. The work can cost $10,000
to $30,000 or more, according to Hazerv of Colorado's Mike Helm, and
involve the removal of all porous components by crews equipped with
respirators and other protective gear. Carpets, padding, and drapes
are among the items that must be replaced; and Helm notes that
contamination often is so severe that the home is stripped to its
studs. Property agents must exercise caution when dealing with
former meth labs, says Colorado Association of Realtors President
Kit Cowperthwaite, as they could be held liable by buyers in the
event that a seller neglects to make disclosures or by sellers if
the agent makes the disclosure and the deal falls through as a
result. The lack of a state database of known meth labs also makes
it difficult to know for certain whether a site was used to process
meth and whether it has been suitably cleaned. The state Realtors
association wants the rule revised to better protect agents.
(Web Link)
Return to
Headlines
"Smart Marketing for Carpet
Cleaners"
Cleanfax (02/07) Arndts, Gary
A growing number of consumers are turning to online search
engines to locate local carpet cleaners. Unlike the yellow pages,
Internet search engines enable consumers to click a link and be
transported to a company's Web site. While on the site, they can
view the firm's marketing message, request a quote via email, set up
an appointment, and even print coupons. To ensure that their Web
sites are as close as possible to the top of the search results,
carpet cleaning firms can opt for search engine optimization, in
which they pepper their sites with commonly-searched keywords. This
marketing strategy poses a challenge in that rivals are doing the
same thing to achieve the same results amid numerous changes in the
formulas used by search engines to generate results. Another option
is pay-per-click advertising, in which the highest bidder on
particular keywords has their advertisement displayed more often and
higher on the page than competitors and pays up each time their ad
is clicked. Sophisticated tracking tools make it possible for
companies to determine how many consumers are brought to their sites
through search engines, and experts urge them to monitor their
campaigns for several months and make changes as necessary. On their
home pages, carpet cleaners might want to post coupons for free
products or discounts on a particular service, as well as
testimonials and guarantees, to lure customers.
(Web Link)
Return to
Headlines
"Lloyd's Says Florida Law Won't Hit
Business"
Business Insurance (01/25/07)
Lloyd's of London Chairman Lord Peter Levene stated that the new
Florida catastrophe insurance law passed by the state legislature
would not permanently damage the market. Hurricane reinsurance
coverage is expected to double under the law, and the obligation of
the state to cover catastrophic property losses will also rise
accordingly. Lawmakers are hopeful that the law will reduce
homeowners' insurance rates for residents, but Levene indicated that
the change is not likely to increase competition in the market. "Our
view at Lloyd's is that it's our job to do the sums right to be able
to cover (natural disasters)," said Lord Levene. "If in one state in
the United States the people who live there have access to
reinsurance at a lower price than the market, good luck to them."
(Web Link)
Return to
Headlines
"Some Workers Say Site is
'Sick'"
Tri-City Herald (WA) (01/21/07) Trumbo, John
Tammy Wolf, a former employee of the Department of Corrections
(DOC) in the Waterwood Professional Office Building in Kennewick,
Wash., is appealing the state Department of Labor and Industries'
denial of her disability claim, in which she blames mold for recent
health problems. Wolf cites documents dating to the late 1990s that
mention leaks in the sprinkler system and other flaws allowing water
into the offices used by several government agencies as proof of the
mold problem. She also retained numerous emails from co-workers
about overflowing toilets and dripping pipes, among other problems,
as well as pictures of water-damaged areas that indicate possible
mold growth. A 2003 air quality test ordered in response to
complaints about odors by employees in the Attorney General's Office
showed no evidence of mold and attributed the smells to
carpet-cleaning chemicals and air fresheners. Neither the air
quality test performed in March 2006 by SCM Consultants nor the June
2006 inspection by the Department of Labor and Industries turned up
evidence of mold; but Wolf says a sample she took from a kitchen
closet tested positive for aspergillus/penicillium. None of the
suggestions made by SCM to improve indoor air quality were
implemented, Wolf notes. An April 6, 2006, email from DOC facilities
senior planner Steve Harwick states, "There isn't anything that has
to be done. The (consultant's) report is a little too ambiguous, but
essentially the survey found nothing."
(Web Link)
Return to
Headlines
"Don't Take Carpet Care for
Granted"
Cleaning & Maintenance Management (01/07) Vol.
44, No. 1, Clipperton, Gary
In addition to extending a carpet's life and lowering ownership
costs, abiding by the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and
Restoration Certification's Standard S100 improves the indoor
environment, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
National Pro Clean President Gary Clipperton says the IICRC's new
Apprentice/Basic Skills carpet-care school can help carpet-cleaning
firms boost results and productivity while minimizing operator
error. Clipperton states that a total carpet care system involves
regular vacuuming, spot removal, and low-moisture cleaning to
minimize the need for restorative cleaning. Training can help
cleaners determine which spot removers work best on particular
soils. Clipperton also notes that IICRC-approved schools recommend a
five-step restorative process that involves vacuuming, with
frequency dependent on how much traffic passes through and how
soiled the carpets are; pre-conditioning, taking into consideration
such things as fiber type and installation when selecting a
pre-spray; rinse/extraction, with a focus on moisture levels;
grooming, which involves eliminating excess moisture and fluffing
the carpet; and drying, with shorter drying cycles achieved through
enhanced ventilation and low humidity.
(Web Link)
Return to
Headlines
"Federal Courthouse Has a Happy Ending to a
Moldy Situation"
TransWorldNews (01/19/07)
The presence of mold on the walls of the Federal Courthouse in
West Palm Beach, Fla., forced it to be abruptly closed. The General
Services Administration chose Pure Air Control Services to handle
the mold clean-up because of its strong reputation as a top company
in the clean-up industry. Pure Air Control Services created a plan
that comprised six components: determine indoor environmental
quality conditions; create a drywall remediation-heating,
ventilating, and air conditioning system timeline; determine which
QAQC rules should be implemented; conduct environmental remediation
of the affected drywall and HVAC system; construct a decontamination
chamber; and ensure that environmental clearances are completed.
The company's clean-up was successful and all documents were
returned to the courthouse, which reopened near the end of last
year. Pure Air Control Services noted that the use of thermal
imaging cameras was especially helpful during the clean-up.
(Web Link)
Return to
Headlines
"Treatments Available for Cleaning Carpets
Safely"
Lincoln Journal Star (NE) (01/18/07) P. D3
Carpet cleaners often use solutions that contain
perchloroethylene or naphthalene, which are deemed health hazards
that can be inhaled during application or ingested if the carpet is
touched shortly after cleaning. The Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention believes perchloroethylene causes kidney and liver
damage, and the Environmental Protection Agency says naphthalene can
cause damage to the central nervous system and possibly cancer. A
number of carpet cleaners are using plant-based cleaning solutions
or adopting cleaning processes that remove dirt with carbonating
bubbles. Many of those using traditional chemical-based cleaners
have instituted policies ensuring that wastewater is treated and
filtered--never poured down the drain--to prevent groundwater
pollution.
(Web Link)
Return to
Headlines
"Okla. Paramedic Cleans Up Tulsa's Meth
Labs"
Journal of Emergency Medical Services (01/17/07)
Archer, Kim
Bill Coye, owner of Tulsa, Okla.-based Apex BioClean, continues
to obtain certifications and education, as well as adopt new
business standards, in order to thoroughly clean up former
methamphetamine labs inside homes and other buildings. Meth--a drug
created from cold medication using intense heat from drain cleaner,
acetone, and other flammable liquids--can remain in carpets,
drywall, duct work, and other interior components for up to five
years after production ceases. Coye does business in Oklahoma,
Tennessee, Colorado, and other states, removing carpets, upholstery,
and other contaminated materials and cleaning all surfaces within
the structure. While Washington state has enacted cleaning standards
for former meth labs--the same standards to which Coye
adheres--Oklahoma and others have yet to pass laws because they lack
scientific evidence linking these chemicals to ailments. However,
Coye reports that the liquids and other materials used to make meth
are known carcinogens and that six pounds of toxic waste is left
behind from the production of just one pound of meth.
(Web Link)
Return to
Headlines
"Threat of Airborne Lead Closes
Courthouse"
Syracuse Post-Standard (NY) (01/11/07) P. B1;
Potrikus, Alaina
The Madison County Courthouse in New York was closed for several
days in January after dust from a construction project traveled
outside the work area. The dust was created when workers sanded lead
paint off the basement stairs, but tests did not show the presence
of lead in the dust or air. The Environmental Protection Agency
recommends the removal of paint comprising 0.5 percent or more lead,
but the paint in the courthouse was found to be only 0.03 percent
lead. The courthouse was closed as a precaution, according to County
Board of Supervisors Chairman Rocky DiVeronica, and there were no
reports of workers exhibiting any symptoms of lead poisoning.
Cleanup was handled by Canastota-based Abscope Environmental.
(Web
Link)
Return to
Headlines
"Pile Reversal--Don't Take the
Blame"
Cleanfax (01/07) Cross, Jeff
Pile reversal, which involves squiggly or snaky lines along the
length of a carpet, is common in cut-pile carpet. Carpet cleaners
can tell for sure if the lines are the result of pile reversal if
they view the carpet from different angles and it looks different
each time. They are often blamed for pile reversal because it is
more easily detected after the carpet is cleaned. Pile lifters and
hot-water extraction offer temporary solutions. However, carpet
cleaners would be wise to educate their customers about pile
reversal and let them know that it is permanent.
(Web Link)
Return to
Headlines
"Breathing Easier"
Cleaning &
Maintenance Management (01/07) Vol. 44, No. 1, Cox, Ronald
To maintain healthy indoor air quality, cleaning and maintenance
professionals must ensure that a building's HVAC system is clean and
properly installed and sealed. Improper installation can cause
bypass air, meaning that air is moving through the system but not
through the filter. Among other things, bypass air can damage HVAC
coils and fans and minimize filter performance, hindering indoor air
quality and boosting maintenance and operational costs. When
choosing among the filters compatible with a particular HVAC system,
maintenance professionals should select the one with the highest
efficiency rating. The Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV)
assigned to filters by the American Society of Heating,
Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers is lowered by even the
smallest gaps around the filter, as well as dust buildup.
Maintenance professionals should replace damaged filters, use
non-porous filter gaskets, and seal gaps between filter banks and
duct walls, among other things. They would be wise to consult filter
distributors certified by the National Air Filtration Association
for installation assistance.
(Web Link)
Return to
Headlines
© Copyright 2007 INFORMATION,
INC.
NewsBreak is another valuable service of Restoration
Industry Association.
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February
2007
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Mark these dates on
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RIA Course Calendar & Information
MARCH
12 ASCR Mold Refresher Course
Buena Vista Palace Hotel & Spa
Orlando, FL
12-16 Solutions Convention
Buena Vista Palace Hotel & Spa
Orlando, FL
APRIL
26-27 Content Restoration Course
Baltimore, MD
MAY
11-12 Rug Repair Course
Emmanuel’s, Inc.
Seattle, WA
7-9 Mold Remediation Technician (MRT) Course
Greensboro, North Carolina
10-11 Mold Remediation Specialist (MRS) Course
Greensboro, North Carolina
15-18 Certified Restoration Technician (CRT)
Course
Unsmoke
Stowe Township, PA
23-26 Going Green: Green Cleaning & Restoration
International Fabric Care Institute
Laurel, MD
JUNE
11-16 Certified Restorer (CR) School
Greensboro or Winston-Salem, North Carolina
21-23 Oriental & Specialty Rug 3-Day
School
Koshgarians
Chicago, IL
JULY
10-11 Residential HVAC
Houston, TX
12-13 Commercial HVAC
Houston, TX
AUGUST
7-9 Mold Remediation Technician (MRT) Course
Sacramento, CA
14-17 Certified Restoration Technician (CRT)
Course
Stowe Township, PA
SEPTEMBER
6-7 Content Restoration Course
Salt Lake City, UT
17-20 Certified Mechanical Hygienist (CMH)
School
Wilmington, DE
24-25 Mold Remediation Specialist (MRS) Course
Kalamazoo, MI
27-28 Rug Repair Course
Zahipours, Washington, DC
OCTOBER
1-6 Certified Restorers (CR) School
Location: To be announced
16-18 Certified Mold Professional (CMP) School
Kalamazoo, MI
23 RIA Mold Refresher Course
Hyatt Regency Orange County
Garden Grove, CA
23-27 RIA Fall Conference & Exhibition
Hyatt Regency Orange County
Garden Grove, CA
NOVEMBER
12 –17 Water Loss Specialist Course
Hyatt Regency St. Louis at Union Station
St. Louis, MO
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RIA NewsBreak is an executive
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restoration industry distributed monthly to the RIA
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