Sponsored By:
Executive Report
Moving Towards RIA Week
The RIA Fall Conference Series is just around the corner…October
23–27 in Orange County, California. For the first time in the
Association’s history, the Fall Conferences are offering highly
focused educational programs for every membership division of the
association, making for 4+ days of unparalleled education and
networking.
Unlike a convention, where all educational sessions run
concurrently, the Fall Conferences are designed as a series of
consecutive educational programs beginning with the NIRC (National
Institute of Rug Cleaning) Division’s first-ever Fall Conference,
then followed by the Environmental Services Division’s second such
event, and anchored on Thursday & Friday of the week by the
Damage Repair/Restoration Division’s annual Fall
Conference.
Conferences are not intended to be same ol’-same ol’ year after
year. Task forces of members have invested hundreds of hours and
creative energy to put on the best education programming in the
industry. When you attend the Fall Conference for your industry
division you will come away with a boxful of ideas to put to work in
your business. Whatever it is that our task forces have put into the
planning, it’s working: registrations are running more than 50%
ahead of the 2006 Conferences.
But, the purpose of this column is not to try to sell you on what I
think you should like. You can do that by visiting the RIA
Fall Conference page where you can register online on RIA’s
secure, encrypted website. See you in
California!
Don Manger
Executive Director
Restoration Industry
Association
RIA NEWS
RIA
NEWS
Toolbox
Tips
Product
Spotlight
On
Press Now
INDUSTRY NEWS
"As
Premiums Rise, Homeowners Drop Wind Coverage"
"Bill
Requires EPA, NIST to Standardize Meth Lab Cleanup
Procedures"
"Filtration
Soil and Carpet Cleaning"
"The
Mold Exclusion"
"Midwest
Storms Cost Insurers $380 Million"
"Katrina
Renews Calls for Change in Rebuilding Rules"
"The
Evolution of Vacuums"
"Accuracy
of 9/11 Health Reports Is Questioned"
"Moldering
Problem"
"Reinsurance
Market Depends on Cat Management: Best"
"Know
Your Pumps"
"Cleaning
Up After Meth"
"Flaws
Seen in Effort to Clean Homes Near Ground Zero"
"Afghanistan:
Rug Danger Zone"
"Avoid
Overly Wet Methods to Clean Bamboo Floors"
RIA NEWS
Breaking News
RIA’s Technical Advisor Wins Industry Award
Steven Spivak, Ph.D., received the Industry Connections Award
at Connections 2007 in Las Vegas last week. The award is presented
to an industry, company or group that has forged connections and
partnerships between the cleaning and restoration industry and other
industries.
While Spivak was not on hand to accept the award in person, he
did provide statement for the award accepted on his behalf: “What's
especially close and rewarding is the ability to work with, learn
from, teach to and share technology, science and information from an
industry orientation, with a practical ‘bent’ and application. I've
been doing this, and living it, for 30 years - primarily with the
Restoration Industry Association (successor to ASCR); and also with
compatriots from IICRC, IEConnections, and the Connections
meetings group.”
Among his other accomplishments, Spivak has written the
Technical Topics column for Cleaning & Restoration
magazine for 25 years and has served as the association’s technical
advisor on textile-related matters. He also chairs the Cleaning
Industry Research Institute’s Science Advisory Committee and
previously served as the chairman of the Fire Protection Engineering
Department at the University of Maryland in College Park.
Study Reveals Measures for Pandemic Prevention
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the
University of Michigan Medical School’s Center for the History of
Medicine concluded from public records and a recently published
study in the Journal of the American Medical Association
(JAMA) identified measures needed to reduce the spread of an
epidemic. The study evaluated those taken when a pandemic outbreak
occurred in 1918 and how the timing of each correlated with the
number of deaths.
Based on research from public records (1918-1919 influenza
pandemic reports), health department reports, and data collected by
the U.S. Census, the study concluded that those who took precautions
earlier experienced fewer deaths.
As a result, a series of preventive strategies were defined to
reduce the loss of life help during outbreaks. These include closing
schools when an outbreak begins, along with voluntary isolation, and
social distancing in the workplace and community. Previously, the
CDC said it was unlikely that a vaccine would be available if a
pandemic occurred. These newly established guidelines will aid
communities in managing the next influenza attack.
More strategies can be found at:
Insurance Companies’ Unfair Acts Continue
A trial lawyers group recently issued a report accusing
insurance companies of denying policyholders’ claims stemming from
Katrina damage. The president of the Insurance Information
Institute, Robert P. Hartwig, called the report, “a great piece of
fiction,” but the 15-page study titled, “Pattern of Greed 2007: How
Insurance Companies Put Profits over Policyholders,” from the
American Association for Justice (AAJ) shows a different story. The
report found that insurers “collected billions in premiums from
policyholders and then stiffed them in their time of greatest need.”
It also showed within the past two years, insurance companies have
taken in $100 billion in profits, while refusing to pay
policyholders and honor agreements.
Jon Haber, AAJ’s chief executive officer, said, “It is a sad
and shocking fact that after every natural disaster, insurance
companies adopt a pattern of delaying and denying the payment of
just and fair claims.”
Nationwide Cuts Renewals by 40K
Nationwide, Florida’s fifth largest home insurer, announced the
dropping of thousands of insureds in order to reduce its loss
exposure in the state of Florida. Starting Jan. 1, 2008, 39,000
Florida home insurance customers and 1,600 commercial property
policies will be dropped instead of renewed.
Jeff Rommel, regional vice president of Florida Operations,
said, “Nationwide is making some difficult choices that will better
position the company to deal with the many challenges posed by the
Florida insurance market. We have an obligation to act responsibly
to ensure long-term stability for Nationwide’s customers, agents and
associates…We are doing all we can to equip our agents to meet the
needs of our policyholders under these circumstances.” In the months
ahead, Nationwide agents will aid customers in switching to other
carriers.
Atlantic Hurricane Projection Lowered
Although still expecting an above average season, the Colorado
State University’s (CSU) Tropical Meteorological Project forecasters
lowered its hurricane prediction from eight to seven. For the
upcoming months, CSU’s forecasters predicted four hurricanes will
occur in the Atlantic basin for the month of September. Two out of
the four hurricanes were labeled as major. The team also predicted
five storms will occur between October and November, with one of
those ranking as a major hurricane.
In order to promote hurricane safety, OSHA is alerting others
about its publications geared towards healthy practices and
workplace safety. OSHA Administrator Edwin Foulke, Jr., said, “Our
publications offer the best advice for employers and employees on
protecting themselves from hazards as they work to restore
storm-ravaged communities.”
Four specially designed publications for relief workers and
employees are below. To learn additional information, visit http://www.osha.gov/.
- QuickCards: laminated cards offering quick information on
numerous hazard/recovery situations
- Fact sheets: easy-to-read overviews of safety precautions and
OSHA regulations
- Safety and health information bulletins (SHIBs): informative
documents that alerts others of safety and health issues in the
workplace and emergency response sites
- OSHA’s new Hurricane eMatrix: a tool offering users access to
information that was gathered during responses to Hurricanes
Katrina, Rita and Wilma.
Midwest Storms Top $380 Million in Damages
Insured losses from two storms that pasted through the Midwest
are costing insurers $380 million. Catastrophe No. 17, which hit
Aug. 10-11, is costing $160 million, and Catastrophe No. 18,
striking Aug. 13-14, is costing $220 million. A large portion of the
damages include mudslides and flooding, which are not covered by
private carriers. The National Flood Insurance Program does offer
some coverage for mudslides, but private insurers provide none
because mudslide occurrences so are rare.
Insurance Renewals Set to be Reissued
Allstate Cited for Refusal to Comply
The chief insurance regulator of New York announced that
he has put a stop to the carriers' practice of failing to renew
home insurance customers who are unwilling to purchase additional
products. The actions taken by the chief insurance regulator are
prohibited by New York Insurance Law. Based on consumer choice, an
insurance company cannot chose whether or not to serve someone based
on what a consumer wants to buy.
Addressing this matter, Eric Dinallo, the state insurance
department superintendent, said, “Insurance companies have the right
to reduce their exposure to risks, such as hurricanes. But there are
rules they must follow when they choose not to renew some of their
policies.” In addition, he stated companies which have sent out
non-renewal notices to policyholders must withdraw the notice
immediately. Liberty Mutual and Allstate were notified by about
stopping non-renewals. Liberty Mutual agreed to restore the dropped
policyholders and will begin reinstating 640 downstate policies.
Allstate, on the other hand, was issued a citation for refusing to
comply. As a result, an administrative hearing will occur at the
Insurance Department headquarters on Sept. 19.
In response, Allstate said, “We are committed to being in a
strong position for our New York customers…and continuing our
industry-leading presence in the state of New York.”
Crawford Online Progresses Forward
Crawford & Company and the Property Loss Research Bureau
(PLRB) have reached an agreement allowing Crawford to move forward
with its plans to introduce Crawford Online, formerly called
ClaimStar.
The distance learning provider, which recently had a
partnership agreement with PLRB, was acquired by Crawford in April
and will be used in Crawford Online. ClaimStar’s online program,
ClaimStar.net, offers online training and technical references in
the property and casualty industries. With the acquisition of
ClaimStar.net, Crawford will reintroduce ClaimStar as Crawford
Online and release a new series of online courses and learning
management systems.
Bill Beach, senior vice president of Training & Development
for Crawford, said, “ClaimStar.net has had a long relationship with
PLRB, and we are pleased that both Crawford clients and PLRB members
will continue to benefit from such innovative learning tools.”
From staff and wire reports.
RIA Briefs
Donnybrook Debates Heat Up the 2007
Fall Conference
The Donnybrook Drying Debate will reach a close at this year’s
2007 Fall Conference series & Exhibition, but the intensity will
continue with the Pricing & Scoping Drying Services Debate.
Round 2 will discuss drying to a standard; performance-based
drying, and the pros & cons of various pricing methods. RIA
colleagues from the UK have been invited to participate.
RIA Creates New Website Search to Benefit Members
With the birth of RIA’s new web-based member search, the pages
will be more accessible and user-friendly with immediate, up-to-date
contact information. This important benefit allows potential
customers to search for world-wide products or services. Once
members receive certifications and become specialists, their
designation will also be listed with the primary contact’s name of
the selected company.
Next member benefit highlight: certifications and education
in the industry.
Upcoming Educational Courses
September 27-28
RIA Advanced Rug Repair Course
Washington, DC
RIA’s exclusive Advanced Rug Repair Course, offered by the
association’s National Institute of Rug Cleaning (NIRC), is designed
for rug professionals who want to advance their knowledge and skill
sets when repairing Oriental and area rugs. This is one of the only
rug repair schools in the country offering an intensive “hands-on”
experience when it comes to repairing Oriental and specialty rugs.
For more information, visit http://www.restorationindustry.org/omnisam/event/eventreg_info.cfm?
product_id=53.
October 16-18
RIA Certified Mold Professional (CMP) Certification
School
Kalamazoo, MI
RIA’s Certified Mold Professional
Course is the certification school for those pursuing their Advanced
CMP certification. It’s specifically designed for top-level
certification Candidates and advanced level professionals who can
balance multiple sources of information and see the connection
between various aspects of the cleaning and restoration industry
that are often presented as unique disciplines. For more
information, visit
October 23
RIA Mold Refresher Course
Hyatt Regency Orange County -
Garden Grove, CA
RIA’s continuing education Mold Refresher
Course is designed to provide the latest and most current
information to keep professional remediation contractors updated
within the Standard of Care. Attendance at the Mold Refresher course
is another way to obtain continuing education credits for your mold
certification without having to start from the beginning. For more
information, visit http://www.restorationindustry.org/omnisam/event/eventreg_info.cfm?
product_id=55.
Stay tuned for more information next month. In the mean time,
register ahead of time to get a seat. If you have any questions,
please contact RIA at 443-878-1000 or visit info@restorationindustry.org.. Return
to Headlines
The Ethics of Restoration
By Jessica Krznaric
In the Guidelines for Fire and Smoke Damage
Repair, Martin L. King, CR, ASA, outlines the guidelines
a restorer must follow when meeting with a client, insurer or any
other party who has experienced fire damage.
- The scope of repair is confined to the work required by the
damage at hand.
- The restorer should avoid the role of advocate for either
party.
- Opinions offered are based on the restorer’s best professional
judgment.
- Prior interests or relationships should be acknowledged.
- Any fees, allowances, discounts or trade-offs should be
clearly communicated to all parties.
- The restorer’s description of the damage and its effect should
be accurate and emotionally neutral.
- Conversations, possessions, and personal details should be
treated as private and confidential.
- The opinions of insurance personnel may be accorded
consideration and respect, but should not inhibit the restorer’s
independent evaluation.
Jessica Krznaric is the Communications Specialist for
RIA.
Marketing Savvy
10 Easy Ways Thank Your Customers – Part
1
By Jill Stone
We all want to find ways to thank our customers. After all,
they are the reason that our companies thrive. But how can we show
to them just how much we appreciate their business? Here are some
helpful tips on ways to thank your customers.
1. A simple “thank you”
Whether on the phone or in person, many companies forget those
two important words. It shows customers that you acknowledge and
appreciate their contribution to your business.
2. Win back old customers
A lot of business can be lost by not contacting former
customers. Send a brief note with a promotional discount for a
future product or service.
3. Ask questions
Following a sale or service purchase, ask customers what could
be improved, or what they valued the most about their interaction
with your company.
4. Send a gift
Find something inexpensive and usable to give to your customers
such as:
- a keychain with your company name or logo on it,
- a pen, or
- a coffee mug.
These simple gestures show your customers you value them and
market your company at the same time.
5. Refer your customer to others.
While the best compliment you receive is a business referral to
another customer, why not reciprocate? If your customer runs a
business too, return the favor. Your thoughtfulness will go a long
way.
Watch next month for five more ways to say “thank you” to your
customers.
Jill Stone is the marketing and membership
assistant. Return
to Headlines
Product Spotlight
Fungal Contamination: A Comprehensive Guide for
Remediation
This exciting book provides detailed descriptions of mold
control techniques within a framework that clarifies the diversity
of opinions on the subject of mold.
Authors Michael Pinto, Ph.D., CMP., CEO of Wonder Makers
Environmental, Inc., and David Janke, bioaerosol analyst, of Wonder
Makers Environmental, weave together basic information about mold
with an understandable overview of its health effects. The
format pulls together the latest techniques and important references
in an organized fashion rather than a compendium of separate
articles. Recently updated to include new information on anthrax.
Members: 1-4 copies $120.00 ea
Non-members: 1-4 copies $130.00 ea
Call for pricing on larger
quantities Return
to Headlines
Here’s a look at what’s coming in the October 2007 issue of
RIA’s award-winning publication, Cleaning &
Restoration.
The Making of Wool From Sheep to Finish
By Jessica Krznaric
There’s nothing like learning something straight from the
horse’s mouth, although in this case it was from the sheep’s hoof.
Several RIA members had the opportunity to experience a unique tour
through New Zealand and Australia to see how wool travels from the
sheep to the rugs they clean for their customers. What better way to
study the production of wool than to learn from the primary
source?
Are You Ready to Tackle Grout Lines?
By Scott Warrington
While the sales of area rugs continue to grow each year, so are
the number of homes that feature tile throughout. And now, the same
clients who depend upon professionals to clean their carpets and
rugs will need someone to service their other flooring too. Is your
business prepared to service this new market segment?
Road Map to Rug Identification
By Ellen Amirkhan, CRS, and Aaron Groseclose, CRS
Cleaning problems with rugs stem from their construction, dyes,
after-market treatments, pre-existing conditions and the effects of
cleaning on the texture of the face yarns. The ability to correctly
identify commonly encountered rugs is a component of a cleaner’s
product knowledge that is essential to a successful business.
Fall Conference Series Tackles Many Issues
By Patricia L. Harman
RIA’s Fall Conference Series has expanded to include a host of
front-burner topics. Some of the pervious sessions are laying the
groundwork for the upcoming Conference in Orange County this
month.
Columns
Commentary
At Your Service
Technical Topics
Exclusive, Expensive Furnishings: Risks &
Rewards
Restoration Corner
About that Arbitration Clause
Business Briefs
Bidding the Right Scope on the Job
Legal Briefs
What to do if ICE Comes Knocking & How to Ensure I-9
Compliance
Marketing Notes
Who are You?!
Environmental Matters
Lead Hazards During Remediation or Restoration – Part 2
Return
to Headlines
INDUSTRY NEWS
"As Premiums Rise, Homeowners Drop Wind
Coverage"
Wall Street Journal (09/04/07) P. B1; Plevin, Liam
Florida and other Gulf Coast states have passed legislation that
allows homeowners without mortgages to forego wind coverage in their
homeowner insurance policies, as skyrocketing premiums make it more
difficult for people to afford such coverage. Given that most
homeowners have mortgages, experts think only a small number have
dropped wind coverage; but there are concerns that such a trend
could put a damper on insurance payouts in the event of a disaster
and force taxpayers to shoulder some of the burdens associated with
rebuilding efforts. Independent Agents & Brokers of America CEO
Robert Rusbuldt believes some of the close to 3 million homeowners
whose policies were either canceled or not renewed by their insurers
since 2005 left wind coverage out of their new policies. In Florida,
some homeowners believe it would be less expensive to pay for
rebuilding than pay nearly $10,000 per year for wind coverage, and
some are dropping the coverage not because they do not want it, but
because it does not fit in their budgets. Some Floridians are taking
a cue from larger corporations and are looking into self-insurance
pools.
(Web Link)
Return
to Headlines
"Bill Requires EPA, NIST to Standardize Meth
Lab Cleanup Procedures"
Inside OSHA (09/03/07) Vol. 14, No.
18,
The Methamphetamine Remediation Research Act has already been
approved by the U.S. House and is expected to soon be passed by the
U.S. Senate. The bill aims to address the lack of cleanup standards
for meth labs, considering that properties are not always free of
contamination when cleanup is finished. Under the bill, the
Environmental Protection Agency and the National Institute for
Standards and Technology (NIST) will be required to formulate
cleanup guidelines, and the National Academy of Sciences would have
to conduct research on the latent impact of meth on residents and
first responders. Additionally, field tests and other meth detection
tools would be developed with help from NIST. Wipe tests have
already been created by the National Institute for Occupational
Safety and Health (NIOSH) so that first responders can know right
away whether meth was cooked or smoked on the property and equip
themselves with the appropriate protective gear. However, NIOSH
Senior Industrial Hygienist Eric Esswein says lab tests still should
be conducted to ensure that properties are thoroughly cleaned.
Return
to Headlines
"Filtration Soil and Carpet
Cleaning"
Cleanfax (09/07) Vol. 22, No. 9, Cross, Jeff
Filtration soiling occurs when air moves from warm spaces to
cooler spaces and uses the carpet as a filter, leaving dark bands of
soils along walls, beneath furniture, and under rarely used doors.
These oily soils are bonded to the fiber with an electric charge,
meaning that normal cleaning will not sufficiently remove them.
Cleaning professionals must take an aggressive stance to remove
filtration soiling, arming themselves with agitation brushes or
scrapers, gel solvents, and powdered or liquid oxygen cleaners.
Agitation is crucial, and cleaning specialists should use a scrap of
wood, plastic, or cardboard to protect walls and baseboards.
Hydrogen peroxide--mixed with a small amount of ammonia if the
carpet is made of synthetic fibers--should be used prior to rinsing.
(Web Link)
Return
to Headlines
"The Mold Exclusion"
Claims (09/07)
Herndon, Everette Lee Jr.
Mold damage exclusions do not apply to mold caused by water
damage, so insurers should minimize their risk by quickly dealing
with water damage claims, according to experts. From the late 1990s
to the early 2000s, insurers saw a dramatic increase in the amount
of mold damage claims, which can cost up to ten times that of an
ordinary water damage claim. Some insurers attempted to eliminate
all mold coverage from policies but violated state laws in some
cases. Other insurers provided limited coverage for mold damages,
but many policies were vaguely worded and confused insureds. The
best way for insurers to minimize their risk is to quickly respond
to water damage claims. Water damaged homes and properties should be
inspected within 48 hours of the claim, and water needs to be
removed quickly to prevent mold growth. To speed up the process,
adjusters should urge consumers to hire immediate water removal
services, which may or may not be covered by their insurance
policies. If these services are covered, adjusters should make
emergency funds available to policyholders as soon as possible to
expedite the cleanup and mold prevention process. Adjusters also
need to alert home and property owners where potential water damage
may be hidden in their buildings so that it can be dried and mold
growth can be hampered quickly.
(Web Link)
Return
to Headlines
"Midwest Storms Cost Insurers $380
Million"
National Underwriter (Property & Casualty - Risk
& Benefits Management Edition) (08/28/07)
According to the Insurance Services Office's Property Claims
Services, two catastrophes in mid-August in the Midwestern United
States caused an accumulated $380 million in insured losses, though
much of the property damage was related to mudslides and flooding
not covered by traditional homeowners' insurance. The first of the
storms caused about $160 million in insured losses, while the second
storm racked up $220 million in losses, according to the report. A
2006 Rand Corp. study indicated 49 percent of single-family homes
across the nation in flood zones had national flood insurance,
though the percentage is higher in the western and southern areas of
the United States.
(Web Link)
Return
to Headlines
"Katrina Renews Calls for Change in Rebuilding
Rules"
USA Today (08/21/07) Chu, Kathy
The coastal damage from Hurricane Katrina caused many to question
whether or not residents of Dauphin Island, Ala., should continue
rebuilding their homes in the same dangerous areas. Over 350 homes
and 1.5 miles of land were destroyed in the storm, and financial
incentives from the federal government helped many rebuild at lower
costs. Oliver Houck, an environmental law professor at Tulane
University, says profits from tourism and coastal development keep
the local politicians and developers from urging residents onto
firmer soil, despite the fact that the government has paid more than
$30 million to repair damaged homes since Katrina. Properties with
repetitive flood losses account for only 2 percent of all flood
insurance policies, but claim nearly 25 percent of all payouts,
according to federal records. Despite collecting up to $2.5 billion
in premiums in some years, those premiums did not cover flood costs
and forced the federal flood insurance program to seek funding from
the government to pay remaining losses. Gulf Coast Federal
Coordinator for Post-Katrina Restoration Donald Powell says
increasing insurance rates for high-risk areas will aid the ailing
flood-insurance program, while fellow critic Orrin Pilkey, director
emeritus of Duke University's Program for the Study of Developed
Shorelines, believes aid to high-risk areas should be rescinded
altogether. In New Orleans, former residents move back not because
of government subsidies, but because they will not necessarily be
penalized for rebuilding their homes in the same spots at ground
level. Some residents claim city officials do not stringently
enforce the rule that homes with 50 percent or more damage must be
torn down and rebuilt.
(Web Link)
Return
to Headlines
"The Evolution of Vacuums"
Cleaning
& Maintenance Management (09/07) Vol. 44, No. 9, Sterne, Ashley
Vacuums have evolved dramatically over the last decade or so, and
cleaning experts point out substantial improvements in vacuum
motors, agitation brushes, and other components. Tennant Co. project
manager Jeff Fystrom cites an improved pull-through-design that
"places the vacuum motor at the last point of airflow so debris is
pulled through the vacuum and caught in the bag" and layered
filtration systems that encompass HEPA filters, three-ply vacuum
bags, and exhaust filters. Vacuum manufacturers paid close attention
to productivity and worker safety by rolling out backpack vacuums
and other models with such ergonomic features as automatic height
adjustment, foot release pedals, and lightweight and cordless
designs. Additionally, a focus on green cleaning and indoor air
quality has resulted in ongoing advances in filtration, noise level,
and cleaning performance.
(Web Link)
Return
to Headlines
"Accuracy of 9/11 Health Reports Is
Questioned"
New York Times (09/07/07) DePalma, Anthony;
Kovaleski, Serge F.
Irving J. Selikoff Center for Occupational and Environmental
Medicine at Mount Sinai Medical Center quickly took on the task of
assessing the health of rescue and cleanup workers after the 2001
terrorist attacks. The federal government provided the center with
over $100 million in funding to track and treat workers, but the
results of the center's studies on the health of those workers has
come under scrutiny. Evidence suggests the center did not have
enough resources to properly collect data on workers' symptoms or
how long they had been ill. Pulmonologist Dr. Albert Miller said,
"They are doing the workers a disservice because any time you veer
from objective and confirmable statements, you're destroying your
own case." As a result the depth of the harm caused by dust after
the attacks is still unknown; a majority of studies from the city
fire and health departments suggest only those workers arriving
early on and staying the longest at the collapse site were at the
greatest risk for asthma or sarcoidosis. The Selikoff studies are
not far off from those findings, but their results are still
questionable given their methods. Officials indicate the
circumstances were less than ideal with too few physicians and too
little funding. New York City continues to face numerous lawsuits
from workers and rescuers claiming they were not told of the dangers
at the site; and many have relied on the Selikoff studies in the
build-up of their cases even though researchers erroneously lumped
together shortness of breath and itchy eyes in the serious symptoms
category.
(Web Link)
Return
to Headlines
"Moldering Problem"
Mississippi Press
(09/10/07) Frye, Sara
Mold tied to flooding from Hurricanes Katrina and Rita remains a
problem in Jackson County, Miss., where some homeowners who followed
the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's
recommendations to scrub surfaces and air out their properties
cannot get rid of the fungus. The agency's 2006 study called for the
inspection of ceiling tiles, drywall, and ventilation systems and
the removal of components that cannot be cleaned. Rebuild Jackson
County Long Term Recovery Agency case manager Brian Rivers says, "A
lot of people don't know what the health risks are. They think if
you put bleach on it, it'll fix the problem." However, Rivers says
these homeowners are hesitant to hire contractors to replace
insulation and other mold-damaged items because they or someone they
know dealt with unscrupulous contractors in the past and lost a lot
of money.
(Web Link)
Return
to Headlines
"Reinsurance Market Depends on Cat Management:
Best"
Business Insurance (08/13/07) Greenwald, Judy
Catastrophe management will play a large role in the overall
health of the reinsurance market, particularly as other business
lines experience price softening. However, A.M. Best analysts also
indicate reinsurance firms continue to bask in the glory of high
reinsurance demand, though many companies are retaining higher
levels of risk. Reinsurance firms will have to carefully balance
their capital risks and catastrophe exposures over the next year.
(Web Link)
Return
to Headlines
"Know Your Pumps"
Cleanfax (09/07) Vol.
22, No. 9, DeLoatch, Bruce
Truckmounted hot water extraction systems for cleaning carpets
typically are equipped with positive displacement pumps that ensure
a particular amount of water is distributed at a particular
pressure. Reciprocating pumps, the most common type of positive
displacement pumps used in carpet cleaning systems, utilize either a
piston or a plunger to draw water in and push it out. A trio of
these pistons or plungers, each at different stages of the pump
cycle, comprise the triplex pumps used in most truckmounted systems.
Pressure regulators are employed to adjust the pressure. Piston
pumps are more efficient, provide better suction, and are better
able to handle internal temperature fluctuations than ceramic
plunger pumps. However, ceramic plungers keep liquids away from
moving parts, have a long life span, and can be repaired without
hassle. In regards to pump maintenance, cleaning professionals
should check the oil daily and change it every 300 hours to 500
hours, seal any water or oil leaks, and avoid operating dry or
frozen pumps.
(Web Link)
Return
to Headlines
"Cleaning Up After Meth"
Spokesman
Review (08/15/07) P. A10; Howell, Parker
Post Falls, Idaho-based Meth Lab Cleanup LLC began cleaning
former methamphetamine labs in 2003 and has since developed a
national training program for health officials and contractors that
has been approved by Washington state. Meth Lab Cleanup co-owner Joe
Mazzuca says completely stripping a home due to meth contamination
is not common, but his company often must remove carpets,
ventilation systems, and other components covered in chemicals
produced when the drug is manufactured. Special chemicals are
applied to surfaces and removed with wet vacuums by workers equipped
with respirators and Tyvek suits. Mazzuca says cleanup guidelines
have been implemented by 15 states but not nationally, and some do
not allow contaminated properties to be occupied. The 0.1 microgram
of residue per 100 square centimeter limit imposed in Washington
state is equivalent to evenly distributing one packet of coffee
sweetener across a pair of football fields, according to Mazzuca.
His firm charges around $4,700 to $5,700 for cleanup--with the exact
cost dependent on location and the size of the property--tests the
property before and after work has been done, and provides documents
that certify that cleanup has been performed.
(Web Link)
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"Flaws Seen in Effort to Clean Homes Near
Ground Zero"
New York Times (09/06/07) P. B3; DePalma,
Anthony
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is devoting $7
million to the testing and cleaning of 272 homes and 25 buildings in
Lower Manhattan tied to contamination from the 2001 terrorist
attacks. A new Government Accountability Office (GAO) report lists
several problems with the EPA's second cleanup program, stating that
it lacks sufficient funding as the EPA is spending only what was
left from its 2002 and 2003 cleanup budget. The GAO report also
notes properties in Brooklyn and above Canal Street in Lower
Manhattan are excluded from the current initiative even though the
areas were impacted by the dust cloud when the World Trade Center
collapsed, and the EPA's report that high levels of airborne
asbestos were found in only a handful of samples from the first
cleanup was misleading because the findings involved post-cleaning
tests. Additionally, the GAO says the EPA has not incorporated the
recommendations of more than a dozen experts involved with the first
cleanup, which focused on more than 4,000 homes and 144 buildings.
(Web Link)
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"Afghanistan: Rug Danger Zone"
Cleanfax
(09/07) Vol. 22, No. 9, Wagner, Lisa
Afghanistan's textile industry has survived decades of war, and
the so-called "war rugs" woven by tribal people have become
collector's items in this country. However, cleaning professionals
need to be aware of flaws in Afghan rugs that can complicate the
cleaning process. Buckling can be a major problem with Afghan rugs,
which is caused by changes in tension tied to the use of portable
looms and the chaos of war. Washing such rugs can worsen the
buckling, so cleaning specialists would be wise to either wash the
rug and tack it out to dry or tack it out, surface clean it, and
rinse it with vinegar. Meanwhile, excess dyes can bleed, and experts
recommend that rugs with this problem be surface cleaned and rinsed
with an acetic acid solution or washed and dried flat and face down.
Hanging these rugs is not wise, nor is any type of cleaning if the
dye migrates to a towel while dry. As for rugs with odors, it is
important for cleaning professionals to figure out if the whole rug
smells or just part of it. Pet odors may be removed via bath
cleaning, but such a move could cause dye migration; cleaning could
exacerbate odor problems in new rugs, so cleaning specialists should
urge clients to take them back to the place of purchase. In all
situations involving tribal woven rugs, cleaning professionals
should examine the rug carefully, point out flaws to clients, and
make sure clients sign a form releasing them from liability before
proceeding.
(Web Link)
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"Avoid Overly Wet Methods to Clean Bamboo
Floors"
Victoria Times Colonist (BC, CAN) (08/25/07) P. E2;
Nerbas, Reena
Bamboo floors are popular in places where allergies and
respiratory problems are a concern, but attention must be paid to
how they are cleaned. Bamboo floors expand and contract when the
temperature changes, and experts recommend that indoor humidity
levels be kept at 45 percent. The floors should not be cleaned with
copious amounts of water because moisture can damage bamboo. Vacuums
with brush head attachments or microfibre mops work well on bamboo
floors. To remove stains, cleaning specialists should use a damp
towel, cloth, or microfibre mop; and while special cleaners or a
50-50 mixture of apple cider vinegar and water can be applied, the
key is to minimize the amount of moisture that comes in contact with
the floor. Wood polish, waxes, and solvent cleaners should not be
used.
(Web Link)
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