Restoration Industry Association -- Educational Programs and Events

What Associations Mean

Associations are special organizations and all serve the same purpose regardless of industry or profession: they help members achieve together what would be otherwise impractical or impossible to accomplish alone. Ultimately, the work of an association yields a better business or social environment for the industry it represents, for members and non-members alike.

Associations and their participating members accomplish this purpose through the process of consensus building, and that means sharing. This sharing process is illustrated by two people, one with an orange and one with an apple, who give their fruit to each other. They still have just an apple and an orange between them, but if they each have an idea and share it with the other, then each has two ideas.

Expand those two people to hundreds or thousands and you can get the picture of what associations do as they build industry and professional consensus. It results in commonly agreed upon standards as reflected in public policy positions, standards and certifications, training protocols, etc. Such contributions come only through the participation of members and the willingness to make a contribution towards the betterment of their professional community.

Does everyone get what they want in an association? Of course not. Most people don’t get everything they want in their own family, let alone in a professional community. But they do get far more if they make a contribution, such as sharing their own thoughts and experiences for the consideration of their profession as it progresses towards identifying a best practice or a more ethical means of business conduct.

Interestingly, consensus, and associations can only be thwarted when good people do nothing. Every group, family, club, neighborhood, community, governmental body, industry, profession and association experiences participants who try to steer the organization consensus towards their own personal positions. Occasionally, such self-interested people succeed for no other reason than that no one stood up and made their opinions heard.

Associations are powerful tools that, like a democracy, require the respectful efforts of many if they are going to succeed for all. Without those efforts, consensus will be denied and the organization will lose the respect of the very members who need to participate.

Don Manger

Executive Director

Breaking News

Court decides to uphold Florida’s barring on Allstate

A recent ruling by a state appeals judge upheld the state of Florida’s ban on Allstate Insurance’s ability to write new policies until it supplies information regulators have been requesting for several months. In January, the commission asked Allstate to provide data on its relationship with several entities in an effort to determine why its property insurance rates remained the same despite a state law that should have reduced premiums.

NOAA Flood Outlook

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has concluded that the heavy snowfalls and recent rains this year will produce above average floods. States in jeopardy are those in the Mississippi River basin, the Ohio River basin, lower Missouri River basin, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, New England, portions of the West including Colorado and Idaho. Each area is urged to prepare properly for possible flooding.

RIA Briefs

Membership Benefit

As an RIA member, you have access to the online technical library, an archive of over 25 years of essential Cleaning & Restoration magazine articles. Written by qualified and knowledgeable experts in the industry, articles cover issues such as aspects of rug and carpet care and identification, environmental issues, government policies and standards, duct cleaning, customer service, water damage restoration, and mold remediation. The list of topics is endless.

Visit our technical library today, and browse through some of the highest expert advice for free as an RIA member.

http://www.restorationindustry.org/resourcelibrary/techsearch.cfm

RIA’s Pathway to Achieving Advanced Certification

The Restoration Industry Association has developed and managed premiere certifications within the restoration industry for decades. These certification programs are: CERTIFIED RESTORER^SM (CR); Certified Rug Specialist^SM (CRS); Certified Mold Professional^SM (CMP); Certified Mechanical Hygienist^SM (CMH); Certified Fabric Specialist^SM (CFS); and the Water Loss Specialist^SM (WLS).

Within each specialty, candidates undertake a rigorous course of study and research, a certification examination, in addition to the submission of a formal report and paper. Upon acceptance of the final report, candidates receive the Association’s appropriate certification.

Benefits of RIA advanced certifications include: high level of recognition and respect, quality assurance for clients and the general public; recognition as experts by the insurance industry; access to advanced technical knowledge in the field; and a competitive edge over the competition

IAQA’s 11^th Annual Meeting & Exposition

Held in Tampa, Fl. from June 12-14, 2008 at the Tampa Convention Center, IAQA’s Annual Meeting & Exposition is teaming up with the local chapters of IAQA from Ft. Lauderdale, Orlando, Pensacola, Palm Beach and Tampa.

Among the educational sessions are: The Green Movement, Microbial Issues, Emerging Trends in IAQ and Public Health & Industry Safety.

For more information on this event, visit http://www.iaq.org/.

Dancer Presents at CIRI’s 2008 Cleaning Science and Health Symposium

Glasgow, Scotland native and internationally renowned microbiologist Dr. Stephanie Dancer will be the keynote speaker this year at the University of Maryland for CIRI’s symposium. Her presentation topic covers the possible links between poor hygiene and current cleaning practices in hospitals with the presence of MRSA, VRE and other pathogens.

The symposium will be held June 9-12, 2008 at the University of Maryland, University College and Marriott Conference Center in Adelphi, Maryland. For more information visit http://www.ciri-research.org/.

Toolbox Tips

The 10 Commandments of Project Management

By Keith E. Desserich

The best project managers know the rules well. Without them, you’ll never be able to handle more than 20 large projects at a time and the company will never grow.

1. Document Everything – What you don’t write down never occurred. A good project manager has a journal entry for every conversation and every action.

2. Be Organized – Effective project managers value organization and their files are sorted in a manageable format that allows them to solve problems quickly.

3. Dig for Solutions – Good project managers ask questions and then solve their own problems. Accomplished project managers take the time to research a problem and establish contacts with those who know more than they do.

4. You Do Not Have the Luxury of Personality Conflicts – Project management involves dispute resolution. Good project managers take themselves out of the equation and adapt their style to the client. They solve their own problems and very little escapes their grasp.

5. Education is the Key – Education differentiates good project managers from their competition. They not only take classes offered by their employer, but they also seek out training to advance themselves in the industry.

6. Watch Job Costs – A good project manager makes a practice of reviewing every job daily and never fails to stay involved.

7. Communicate, Communicate, Communicate – Talk at least twice a week with customers. Just because a job is on hold doesn’t mean that it can be ignored. Make sure that customers not only understand where you are, but what the next step is and when it will be taken.

8. Watch the Money – A good project manager avoids collection problems before they arise. They focus on zero remaining punch list items and ask for draws in a timely fashion.

9. Crave Feedback – Ask customers’ opinions and then follow-up. Compliment workers when they receive praise from customers and offer constructive criticism when it’s needed. Most of all, do it immediately, not 6 months down the road.

10. Ask for More – Continual sales are the key to job security. At the end of every well-run job, you should always be able to ask for more work. Send a thank you card, place a call or send a welcome-home package – these may be the best ways to earn a customer for life.

Keith E. Desserich is the president of RestorAid Disaster Services. He can be reached at keith@restoraid.com.

Marketing Savvy

By Casey Geisler

Everyone wants to have the best marketing campaign possible. Sometimes though, what we want isn’t exactly in the budget. It becomes a case of the dream exceeding the reality. So how do we avoid getting into debt with our marketing aspirations? The answer: Establish a Marketing Budget and stick to it.

Begin by researching how to get the best bang for your buck and be an avid negotiator when it comes to pricing. Each year or quarter, evaluate how much business a particular marketing tactic warrants and set aside enough money to pay for it in advance. Advance preparations are key in marketing decisions. It keeps the late fees and bad decisions to a minimum. You’ll know sooner when to cut your losses or when to ramp up that particular mode of advertising.

Casey Geisler is RIA’s communications specialist.

RIA Introduces…

Cost Accounting Issues for Damage Repair Contracting

Cost Accounting Issues for Damage Repair Contracting (CADR) is the starting point in RIA’s objective to develop Accounting Standards for Damage Repair Contracting (ASDR). CADR seeks to explain the linkage of damage repair contracting with accounting standards and accepted contract accounting, and project management methods used in the base building and remodeling construction industries. These standards; developed over many years and evolved through countless tax audits, business transitions, and rulings of arbitrators and judges; provide a solid starting point for the relatively new industry of damage repair contracting. In this respect, CADR can be referenced as a standard within the restoration industry.

As with any body of knowledge, understanding is enriched with experience. To this end, RIA depends upon feedback from contractors who apply the principles described in CADR. This feedback and input will enhance future editions of the work and pave the way for a successful transition to the ASDR document.

Price: $125.00

Contact RIA at (800) 272-7012 to order copies of the CADR.

For more RIA products, visit: http://www.restorationindustry.org/omnisam/product/product_list.cfm

Here’s a look at what’s coming in the May 2008 issue of RIA’s award-winning magazine, Cleaning & Restoration.

Texas Hosts RIA Convention

By Patricia L. Harman

There were plenty of networking opportunities at RIA’s 63^rd Annual Convention & Exhibition in Grapevine, Texas. Here’s a brief recap of some of the key issues addressed and a look at industry leaders and their accomplishments.

Damage Repair in Residential and Light Industrial Confined Spaces

By Graham Dick, CR, CMP

RIA offered three pre-convention sessions for those who wanted to maximize their education time. One session examined some of the issues involved when working in confined spaces.

Today’s Computer Conundrum: IBM vs. Mac

By Monica Tuminello

With more than 114,000 known viruses affecting the Windows operating system, computer users are looking at other options to protect their computers from these attackers. One option involves that age-old question: Mac or PC?

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The insurance industry paid out $30 billion on $82 billion in global national catastrophe losses last year, reports Munich Reinsurance Co. The number of national catastrophes rose to 960 in 2007 from 850 in 2006. The "Topics Geo--National Catastrophes 2007" report covers losses associated with climate change and how they affect emerging countries. "In conjunction with greater prosperity and the effects of climate change, there is a distinct increase in losses," says Munich Re's Torsten Jeworrek.
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Hurricane forecasters at Colorado State University expect the 2008 hurricane season to generate at least 15 named storms, eight of which will become hurricanes. Four of those storms are predicted to have winds around 111 miles per hour. Dr. Phil Klotzbach said the likelihood of a hurricane hitting the U.S. coastline is 69 percent this year, compared to the norm of 52 percent. Meanwhile, North Carolina University forecasters say between 13 and 15 storms are likely this hurricane season; two to four of those storms are expected to hit the Gulf Coast, with one being a major hurricane. The predictions are similar to those in 2006 and 2007, which turned out to be mild hurricane seasons. Critics are concerned that the 2008 predictions are inaccurate as well; but forecasters say unexpected weather patterns, like El Nino, in 2006 and 2007 impacted the intensity of storms. Moreover, forecasters in Colorado note that they revised their formula, simplifying it to focus on sea-surface temperature and sea-level pressure.
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Although asbestos-related issues appear to have been pushed to the back burner, the cost of exposure to the carcinogen has been high and will get much higher. A study by Sebago Associates commissioned by the American Insurance Association (AIA) reports that outlays for asbestos claims total $54 billion. Most analysts believe that the number of claimants and total payouts will continue to rise. Consulting firm Tillinghast-Towers Perrin projects that 1.1 million claims will be filed eventually, with the total cost to defendants and insurers amounting to $200 billion. An estimated 1.3 million people in the construction industry are still exposed to asbestos, including drywall hangers, pipe fitters, carpenters, and those in building demolition and remodeling. The U.S. Senate passed some asbestos legislation, and Congressman John Dingell (D-Mich.) is working on legislation in the House; but nothing definitive has happened in Congress yet.
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Willis Re reported that price competition in the reinsurance market, particularly in the United States, continues to heat up. The reinsurance sector in the United States has a lot of capacity for adequately priced business, the company says. April 1 renewals saw the highest price declines in smaller markets, though continued softening in rates and conditions for all types of reinsurance are expected throughout 2008. While the reinsurance sector continues to enjoy large cushions as a result of the 2006 and 2007 benign catastrophe years, large losses in the first quarter of 2008 have impacted results with the hurricane season yet to come.
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The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recently issued new rules governing the renovation or repair of homes, schools, and daycare facilities with lead paint to protect pregnant women and children. Effective in April 2010, the "Lead: Renovation, Repair and Painting Program" rule applies to interior projects involving more than six square feet of lead paint, exterior projects involving 20 square feet of lead paint, and all homes with pregnant women and children under age six. The rule mandates that contractors receive training with regard to lead-safe work practices and that they hang signs that warn of the lead paint; keep residents out of the work zone; seal work areas so that dust and debris cannot escape; fully clean the work area; and provide proof of effective cleanup. U.S. Sen. Barbara Boxer (D-Calif.) is expected to introduce a bill that would strengthen the rules by mandating that children and pregnant women be tested for lead exposure following remediation projects.
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Carpet cleaning experts say removing gum and adhesives from carpets can be a challenge, as residues are left behind even when dry solvents remove visible traces of the substances. The invisible sticky residue causes a visible spot in a matter of days after the initial cleaning, as it quickly attracts soils. However, there are several things carpet cleaning professionals can do to eliminate gum and adhesives, such as softening and extracting the substances through hot water extraction or transferring the residues to a towel using steam vapor. By heating the fabric, cleaning professionals make it easier to get rid of the excess residues, as heat boosts the effectiveness of cleaning chemicals. They can use non-volatile dry solvents--washing the solvent residues away with a volatile dry solvent--or a gel solvent that is rinsed away with a mixture of hot water and detergent. A scraper should be used to work the solvent in, allowing it to sit on the carpet for five minutes before rinsing. To minimize callbacks, experts recommend that the process be repeated.
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The lengthy process of cleaning up crime scenes has given birth to a new breed of cleaning services that specialize in trauma clean-up. ServiceMasters in Wichita Falls, Texas, is one such firm, and owner Frank McKnight underscores the importance of taking precautions to avoid exposure to various health hazards present at a crime scene. Special gloves, goggles, boots, and masks are just some of the protective gear cleanup professionals must wear when entering a trauma scene. While special chemicals that destroy hepatitis B, AIDS, staph bacteria, and other infectious agents are used to decontaminate the scene, McKnight says certain materials cannot be cleaned and must be replaced. These include carpet, carpet pads, mattresses, bedding and other cloth items, and sheetrock. The firm also employs an ozone machine and citrus products to combat odors.
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Cleaning professionals who handle hard floor maintenance must make several considerations when selecting an effective cleaning method. They must first determine the type of floor, whether it is marble, terrazzo, granite, stone, or vinyl composite tile (VCT), among others. They should then gauge the level of soil accumulated on the surface of the floor, with dry and damp mopping most effective in lightly soiled areas and dust and wet mopping most effective in heavily soiled areas. In areas with light soil levels, cleaning professionals can use pivot head sweepers for small areas and corners and microfiber dust mops for bigger areas. For terrazzo, granite, and VCT floors, they should consider microfiber damp mops and damp mop pads to quickly clean and dry floors without streaking. In areas with heavy soil levels, cleaning specialists should use microfiber string mops to eliminate spills and wipe up wet spots in entryways caused by rain and snow. Heavy-duty microfiber mops should be used on floors with grout lines, while medium-duty microfiber mops are useful on uneven floors without grout lines. With regard to ergonomics, cleaning professionals should select mops with lightweight aluminum and telescopic handles.
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In Kentucky, the state House Committee on Seniors, Military Affairs and Public Safety passed a bill that would reduce the burden for cleanup firms seeking state certification to remediate homes that once served as methamphetamine labs. A 2006 bill mandating certification called for these firms to post a $500,000 performance bond, but companies only applied for certification after state money was set aside to underwrite a portion of these bonds. The new legislation establishes a classification system and imposes cleanup guidelines. The lowest level of contamination, Tier 1, can be handled by property owners. Companies need $100,000 in bonds to receive certification for Tier 2 and Tier 3 contamination, while $250,000 in financial backing is needed for Tier 4 certification. The bill has been sent to the full House for a vote. So far, 15 cleanup firms have obtained certification.
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Now that infectious agents are being discovered in schools, gyms, and non-residential healthcare facilities, the cleaning industry is recognizing the importance of applying the same aseptic cleaning practices used in hospitals to all commercial buildings. More commercial cleaning firms are using microfiber cloths, flat mops, hospital-grade disinfectants, no-touch cleaning technology, multi-filtration vacuums, and equipment that detects adenosine triphosphate (ATP), among other tools. While cleaning programs tend to focus on killing hazardous pathogens, attention is now being paid to soil retention and removal to prevent dead microbes from being spread throughout the facility and serving as a food source for new organisms. In response, cleaning professionals are now using microfiber cleaning cloths and mop pads because their tiny fibers are effective at absorbing and containing dead microbes. Additionally, many firms use color-coded cloths and mops so that this equipment is used in only one area to prevent cross-contamination.
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Carpet cleaning professionals should have a working knowledge of bleaches, which can be applied after regular cleaning and spot removal to make stains invisible. Before proceeding, cleaning specialists should get permission from the customer because bleaches could alter the original carpet color. They also should understand the difference between oxidizing bleaches, like hydrogen peroxide and sodium percarbonate, and reducing bleaches, like sodium bisulfite and sodium metabisulfite. Oxidizers change the appearance of stains by adding oxygen, and they are most effective on organic, or natural, stains. On the other hand, reducers change the stain's color by removing oxygen, and they are most effective on synthetic, or manmade, stains. Cleaning professionals should first determine the type of stain and consider whether the carpet is made of natural fibers, which are sensitive to oxidizers with high alkalinity. They also should consider whether to add ammonia or another alkaline to make oxidizers work faster or add vinegar or another acid to make reducers work faster.
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NewsBreak is another valuable service of Restoration Industry Association.
Masthead photos courtesy of VanDam & Krusinga and Insurance Restoration Services.