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Executive Report
Professional Courtesy
The RIA Fall Conference kicks off next week,
and there is a lot of value waiting for attendees at the Garden
Grove, CA event. Value comes from a number of sources: hardworking
volunteers who contributed their time and talents to create the best
quality programs in the industry; hardworking staff who have put in
hours upon hours of overtime to make certain the quality is there
for you from beginning to end of the event; and Sponsors and Exhibitors who have made a considerable
investment in this event to help lower the costs all
attendees.
Some people may characterize the participation of
associate members as a given. “After all, they are just there to
sell me something, aren’t they?” That may be nearly the least of
it.
Associations are special organizations of people and
businesses that share a common economic interest. To be sure, some
groups of members have different individual interests, but they all
have an interest in the success of the industry through which all
members make their livelihoods.
Associate members are often the most underappreciated
group in an association. They are usually the most supportive as
volunteers and the most generous in picking up the tab. Producing
members of the association often take their suppliers for granted,
viewing them as salesmen who are only interested in pushing a
product or service. How wrong! The producing members in virtually
any association that one could name are themselves associate members
of the associations where their own customers are…and share the same
economic interests as those customers.
Why is this so important? Because all that our associate
members ask for in return for supporting the association is your
Professional Courtesy. That’s such an easy thing to do, don’t you
think? When someone goes out of the way to help us, don’t we say
thank you? And if the chance to return the favor occurs, aren’t we
inclined to return the favor to those who have shown us a
courtesy?
It ain’t so complicated. Supplier and professional
members of RIA lower the cost of participation for the producing
members. So, all things being equal, don’t you think these companies
deserve first consideration when you are looking for trading
partners? After all, it is the polite thing to do.
Don Manger
Executive Director
RIA NEWS
RIA
NEWS
Toolbox
Tips
Product
Spotlight
On
Press Now
INDUSTRY NEWS
"Third-Quarter
Cat Losses Estimated at $1.13B: PCS"
"New
Hurricane-Safety Law Is Raising the Roof on Costs"
"EPA
Refused to Warn of Asbestos Dangers"
"Lawmakers
Consider Regulating Former Meth Labs"
"Insured
Loss From Humberto Less Than $1B: Modelers"
"USA:
CRI Seal Sets New Standard for Carpet Cleaning
Effectiveness"
"Media
Blasting to Eradicate Mold"
"Duo
Applies Special Skills in an Often-Horrific Wake"
"La.
To Buy 19,000 Ruined Homes"
"Cleaning
Chemical Confidence"
"How
To Clean a Wool Rug"
"Mold
Declared Gone at Oxnard Hospital"
"Meth
Law Puts Kink in Cleanup"
"Fibers:
Synthetics Versus Natural"
"From
Mops to Robots"
RIA NEWS
Breaking News
Hurricane Wrap-Up
The Colorado State University in Fort Collins, Colo. has
lowered their hurricane predictions to four Atlantic storms for the
rest of the season. In April, the team predicted 17 storms would
occur this season. A total of 13 storms have hit since the beginning
of October.
EPA Encourages TRI by Rewarding Stewards
The Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Toxics Release
Inventory (TRI) reform will reward the nation’s small business
environmental stewards, according to testimony ( http://www.sba.gov/advo/laws/test07_1004.html)
by Chief Counsel for Advocacy Thomas M. Sullivan. Sullivan said
that the incentive of using a shorter form and less burdensome
analysis would encourage small businesses to recycle hazardous
chemicals, rather than discharge them into the
environment. Sullivan’s testimony came before the U.S. House of
Representatives Committee on Energy and Commerce, Subcommittee on
Environment and Hazardous Materials.
ABI’s Latest Emergency Protocol Creates Quicker
Responses
England and Wales announced an emergency protocol agreement
will now be followed by insurers and loss adjusters. The purpose of
the agreement is to create more efficient response rates. According
to the agreement, the London-based Association of British Insurers
(ABI) and the Chartered Institute of Loss Adjusters (CILA) will
first be notified on the degree of damage from an event. Then, ABI
and CILA will contact their members to head to the
scene.
“This agreement reflects the vital roles insurers play in the
recovery process. Public safety and preserving the evidence is the
priority, but the sooner insurers can safely access the damage the
sooner they can help their policyholders,” said Nick Starling, the
ABI’s director of general insurance and health, on the protocol’s
launch.
Report Reveals Nations are Poorly Prepared to Cope
with a Pandemic
A new report issued at the end of September by Marsh and The
Albright Group, two of the world's foremost risk experts, warns that
the catastrophic impacts of a long-lasting pandemic are not only
likely to happen, but are overdue. The study also states the impact
of a pandemic is likely to exceed what most corporate and
governmental leaders have imagined or prepared for. This comes on
the heels of U.S. government reports issued last month that arrived
at similar conclusions.
The scientific consensus is that an avian pandemic could sicken
20 percent of the world's population, result in absenteeism of 40
percent of the global workforce, and kill tens, if not hundreds, of
millions of people. The report goes on to say that outbreaks will
likely move along modern transportation and distribution chains,
with transportation hubs being especially vulnerable. Disruption at
these hubs will be significant and could have an irreversible impact
on businesses.
U.K. Skills Shortages Brings Launch of New Graduate
Program
Insurers in the U.K. are bracing for a major shortage of
skilled labor and are taking steps to lesson the impact. Studying
the number of graduates between the U.K and other countries, the
U.K. has roughly 250,000 graduates per year as opposed to the four
million graduates in China and India. As a result, Lloyd’s
Corporation has decided to create an 18-month graduate program set
to launch in September 2008.
“We are currently facing a severe skills shortage that has the
potential to undermine our recent reform efforts,” said Richard
Ward, chief executive of Lloyd’s
London.
From staff and wire reports.
RIA Briefs
RIA Staff Traveled to PA for Industry Visits
RIA’s senior staff continued their industry education by
visiting four more member plants throughout Pennsylvania in early
October. A special thank you goes out to the following companies for
hosting the staff and providing an in-depth look at the various
facets of the cleaning and restoration industry.
- RestoreCore
- Belfor USA
- Compleat Restorations
- Certified Carpet
It’s Official – Sold Out Exhibit
Hall for Fall Conference
The exhibit hall has officially sold out for the RIA 2007 Fall
Conference and Exhibition Series. With 48 booths total, the
conference will feature for the first time outside exhibit spaces
and 20% new exhibitors.
“The exhibition does not even compete with the educational
sessions offered so the conference allows time for both networking
and learning about each exhibitor’s new products and services,” said
Sandy McAllister, Events Manager.
The exhibit hall will be open at the following times:
- Wednesday, Oct. 24 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
- Thursday, Oct. 25 from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.
- Thursday, Oct. 25 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
During Thursday’s afternoon and evening sessions, a lunch and
closing reception will be held for all attendees. Additionally, RIA
sends out a special thank you to 1-800-BOARDUP, CDIMS and Dri-Eaz
Products for their sponsorship and generous
donations.
For more information on the 2007 Fall Conference &
Exhibition Series, log onto the RIA website at http://www.restorationindustry.org/.
Pre-registration ends on Wednesday, Oct. 17, 2007. Those
looking to attend after Oct. 17 can register onsite at the
event.
At A Glance: RIA 2007 Fall Conference &
Exhibition
The RIA 2007 Fall Conference & Exhibition Series will take
place on Oct. 23 -27, 2007 at the Hyatt Regency in Garden Grove,
Calif. The five-day forum features three special conferences in
one:
- The debut of RIA’s National Institute of Rug and Carpet
Cleaning’s (NIRC) Conference
- The 2nd RIA Environmental Conference
- RIA’s 4th Disaster Restoration Conference
2007 Fall Conference Schedule
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
Textile Conference
Mold
Refresher One-Day Course
Wednesday, October 24,
2007
Environmental Conference
Textile Tour
Exhibit Hall Opening
Reception
Thursday, October 25,
2007
Restoration Conference
Friday, October 26, 2007
Restoration Conference
Saturday, October 27,
2007
Optional Workshop #1 “Marketing” (8:00 am - 3:00
pm)
Optional Workshop #2 “Project Management” (8:00
am - 3:00 pm)
Looking to Become Certified?
RIA oversees six advanced designation programs within this
industry. These designations are:*
- Certified Restorer (CR)
- Certified Rug Specialist (CRS)
- Certified Mold Professional (CMP)
- Certified Mechanical Hygienist (CMH)
- Certified Fabric Specialist (CFS)
- Water Loss Specialist (WLS)
These certifications allow the individual to:
- Obtain a well respected designation within the cleaning &
restoration field
- Become recognized as an expert
- Become eligible for insurance discounts with Zurich Insurance
- Gain advanced technical knowledge in the field.
Each designation requires candidates to undergo a rigorous
course of study and research in the process of completing subsequent
education course requirements. The applicant then completes a
standardized certification examination, and submits a Formal Report
and Paper. Once the final report and exam are analyzed, individuals
are approved for an advanced certification.
If you would like more information on how to become certified
in your industry, please contact RIA at 443-878-1000 to gain a
competitive edge over the competition.
*All designations are registered trademarks of the Restoration
Industry Association.
Upcoming Events
November 12-17, 2007
RIA Water Loss Specialist Certification
School
Hyatt Regency St. Louis at Union Station – St. Louis,
MO
The purpose of the Water Loss Specialist Certification
program is to advance and ensure a high level of professional
service in the field. Among the areas covered in this course are:
physics and properties of water; water purity; effects of water on
drywall, insulation, concrete, wood, masonry and steel framing;
moisture control; drying equipment; proper record keeping;
standards, guidelines and regulations; ethical and legal issues; and
emergency service
To print out a downloadable PDF forms, visit
RIA will be offering a variety of educational courses in the
upcoming year. Stay tuned for more information
Questions?
Return
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Mean, Green Cleaning & Restoration Education Day
By Steven Spivak, Ph.D.
- Want to learn about business and profit opportunities in
Cleaning Green?
- Do you need to know what other industry leaders are saying and
doing about all those confusing eco-labels on cleaning products?
Then come and hear about the new, all green cleaning and
restoration divisions being added in existing businesses. Discover
the tips and traps in considering eco-friendly and clean-green
cleaning products and equipment. Understand what customers are
requiring or demanding as environmentally sensitive cleaning
services. Learn how you can make money by staying on top of this
growing opportunity and marketing niche. It’s all happening at
RIA’s 2008 Pre-convention "GO GREEN Cleaning & Restoration"
seminar on March 12, 2008.
Save the Date:
When: March 12, 2008
What: RIA's 2008 "Go Green Cleaning & Restoration" Seminar
(Pre-convention Education Day)
Theme: GO GREEN Cleaning and Restoration
Host: Dr. Steve Spivak
Guests: 'Green and mean' cleaning professionals
Venue: Gaylord Texan Resort, Grapevine, Texas
Steven Spivak, Ph.D., is RIA’s technical advisor for
standards, textiles and furnishings. He also serves as Chair of the
Science Advisory Council to the Cleaning Industry Research Institute
(CIRI).
Marketing Savvy
10 Easy Ways to Thank Your Customers – Part 2
By Jill Stone
To conclude from last’s months five ways to say thanks, here
are five additional tips to show appreciation to your customers.
6. Send a hand-written note to your most frequent customers.
Do some customers provide repeat business for you? Send them a
personalized card thanking them for it.
7. Offer free tickets to an event your company is hosting.
Holding a large networking event soon? Give your valued
customers a one-time only VIP discounted or free ticket to say
thanks for their business.
8. A collaboration luncheon.
Have clients who are close by? Invite them to join your company
for lunch and use the opportunity to ask how you can improve your
business and customer service. This one-on-one contact creates an
important connection with your local customers.
9. Help with advertising.
Send your customers tips and ideas for advertising their own
businesses. By giving them sound advice on better business
practices, you can support both their company and yours by showing
you care.
10. Remember them.
One of the most important things you can do for your customers
is to remember them. Find out:
- Who they are
- What they were looking for
- What their family is like
- When their birthday is
Keep track of the important details of their lives. It creates
a more personal contact and makes them more of a person instead of
just another sale.
Jill Stone is the marketing and membership
assistant. Return
to Headlines
Emergency Tips…Do’s and Don’ts When Disaster
Strikes!
It’s hard to plan for every tragedy, but help prepare your
clients ahead of time with the newly redesigned Emergency
Tips…Do’s and Don’ts When Disaster Strikes! They’ll learn
hints on how to deal with a variety of post-catastrophe situations
such as fire, smoke and water damage, and vandalism.
RIA Members
500 copies - $150.00
1,000 copies - $225.00
Non-Members
500 copies - $250
1,000 copies -
$325 Return
to Headlines
Here’s a look at what’s coming in the November 2007 issue
of RIA’s award-winning magazine, Cleaning &
Restoration.
CO2 Blasting – Part 2: A Dragon Emerges
By Neal McManus, CIH, ROH, CSP
While abrasive blasting can minimize the risk of
musculoskeletal injury, overexposure to carbon dioxide is a
possibility that should not be ignored. Find out how to keep workers
safe and reduce their exposure on the job.
ALARA: A New Paradigm for Mold
Remediation
By Troy Wilkinson, CMP
ALARA stands for “As Low As Reasonably Achievable”
and is a protocol that is finding its way into the mold remediation
industry. Its principles are designed to keep employee exposure
levels to a minimum by using a reasonable approach.
Your Expertise is About to Expire
By Ross Shafer
Whether you’ve been an expert in your field for 20
years or are leading the field today, there are steps you can take
to make sure that you’ll still be relevant to your clients and
employees tomorrow.
Columns
Commentary
Name Dropping
Technical Topics
Microfiber Cleaning Comes of Age
Restoration Corner
The Politics of Restoration
Business Briefs
Do You Have Both People and Software in Your
Company?
Legal Briefs
An Employer’s Response to Social Security “No Match”
Letters
Marketing Notes
Thank You!
Environmental Matters
Health Effects of Mold: Why Can’t we all Just Get
Along?
International Update
Cleaning: A Cleaner’s Point of
View
Return
to Headlines
INDUSTRY NEWS
"Third-Quarter Cat Losses Estimated at $1.13B:
PCS"
Business Insurance (10/11/07) Casale, Jeff
The Insurance Services Office Inc.'s Property Claim Services unit
said third-quarter property catastrophe losses reached $1.13 billion
related to six catastrophes affecting 11 states. Of the over 260,000
claims filed, 62 percent were in personal lines, 20 percent in
commercial lines, and 18 percent in automobile lines. The estimated
losses for the third quarter of 2007 are $120 million lower than
those posted in the third quarter of 2006.
(Web Link)
Return
to Headlines
"New Hurricane-Safety Law Is Raising the Roof
on Costs"
Orlando Sentinel (FL) (10/05/07) Benedick, Robin
A recent Florida state law will increase roofing costs for
single-family homes between $1,600 and $4,000 for water-barrier
improvements, which aim to strengthen the ability of roofs to
withstand damage during a storm. Average roof replacements cost
about $10,000, with tile roofs reaching up to $28,000 for a
three-bedroom, 4,000-square-foot roof. Lawmakers are encouraged by
the law, saying it will help homeowners mitigate the risks facing
their coastal properties and could translate into lower insurance
premiums from carriers. RoofTech owner Billy Cone said even with the
15 percent limit on roof-to-wall connection inspections, homeowners
"would have to spend thousands more on structural improvements to
bring their roofs up to code." The Florida Roofing, Sheet Metal
& Air Conditioning Contractors Association continues to lobby
for an extension to the compliance deadline, citing the elongation
of roof inspection times and possible changes to the code to reduce
the burden on homeowners. Roofers postulate the law could leave
family homes exposed to the elements if roofers cannot inspect
roof-to-wall connections through the attic and are forced to remove
roof decks to do so.
(Web Link)
Return
to Headlines
"EPA Refused to Warn of Asbestos
Dangers"
Seattle Post-Intelligencer (10/05/07) Schneider,
Andrew
The U.S. Government Accountability Office will release a report
on its investigation of the examination and cleanup of factories in
more than 265 communities, including Spokane, Wash., and Portland,
Ore., that produced insulation using asbestos-contaminated
vermiculite from W.R. Grace & Co.'s Libby, Mont.-based mine by
the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The report is
expected to declare the criteria used to assess the factories to be
outdated, as the agency deemed areas with asbestos contamination of
1 percent or less to be safe. Scientists and doctors from the EPA
and the National Centers for Disease Control have long called the 1
percent limit an arbitrary, industry-supported number, given that
numerous people without any link to the mine have tested positive
for asbestosis, mesothelioma, and lung cancer. The report also is
expected to show that some regional EPA offices only performed
"windshield tests" to determine whether sites were contaminated,
while others took extensive soil, air, and dust samples.
(Web Link)
Return
to Headlines
"Lawmakers Consider Regulating Former Meth
Labs"
Oklahoma Jounral Record (10/05/07) Francis-Smith,
Janice
Oklahoma lawmakers may regulate the disclosure and cleanup of
former methamphetamine labs. State Sen. Roger Ballinger (R-Okmulgee)
has proposed a study that would look at creating a certification
process that would be used to determine whether former meth labs
could be re-occupied. About six pounds of hazardous waste is created
for every pound of meth produced, according to the Congressional
Research Service; and experts say it is hard to get the toxins out
of walls, ventilation systems, carpeting, and other building
components. People who come in contact with acetone, chloroform,
anhydrous ammonia, hydrogen chloride, and numerous other chemicals
produced during the meth manufacturing process can experience
respiratory problems, skin rashes and burns, headaches, and nausea,
among other side effects. Joe Mazzuca of Meth Lab Cleanup LLC,
speaking before the state Senate Public Safety and Homeland Security
Committee, believes certification standards for cleanup contractors
should be instituted by the state. According to Mazzuca, meth
cleanups should not be undertaken by "mom and pop outfits with a mop
and bleach and a pickup truck."
(Web Link)
Return
to Headlines
"Insured Loss From Humberto Less Than $1B:
Modelers"
Business Insurance (09/14/07) Hofmann, Mark A.
EQECAT Inc. recently indicated insured losses from the Category 1
Hurricane Humberto would not exceed $1 billion. The storm landed in
Texas near Port Arthur, where petroleum refining operations are
based, and then shifted across Louisiana. Risk Management Solutions
estimated insured residential, commercial, and industrial property
damages, plus business interruption losses related to power outages,
at roughly $500 million.
(Web Link)
Return
to Headlines
"USA: CRI Seal Sets New Standard for Carpet
Cleaning Effectiveness"
Fibre2fashion.com (India) (09/29/07)
The Carpet and Rug Institute (CRI) has launched its Seal of
Approval program to certify green cleaning products and vacuum
cleaners that meet indoor air quality standards. In conjunction with
its Green Label vacuum program that assesses a vacuum's ability to
extract soils and stains without releasing large amounts of dust and
dirt into the air or damaging the carpet, the Seal of Approval
imposes stricter standards for dust containment. For instance,
vacuums would have to exceed the Green Label program's cleaning
performance standards by 10 percent to earn a bronze level
certification from the Seal of Approval program. For the gold level
certification, a vacuum could not emit over 35 micrograms of dust
particles, versus emissions of no more than 100 micrograms of dust
particles allowed under the previous standard. According to CRI
President Werner Braun, "CRI does not recommend any specific program
or programs over another. We want to encourage all cleaning product
manufacturers to review their products to ensure they clean to a
high standard and are also environmentally friendly."
(Web Link)
Return
to Headlines
"Media Blasting to Eradicate
Mold"
Cleanfax (10/07) Vol. 22, No. 10, Lawrence, Wayne
Under the IICRC S520 Mold Remediation Standard, cleaning
professionals handling large mold infestations are able to use media
blasting, which involves the use of high pressure air to force a
medium, such as dry ice or baking soda, against the surface in need
of cleaning. Media blasting is useful for cleaning in corners,
around wiring and ductwork, and in other areas that manual tools,
such as sandpaper and wire brushes, cannot reach. Additionally,
media blasting does not involve direct contact between the process
tool and the affected surface. While dry ice allows for easy cleanup
because it evaporates, cleaning professionals must contend with
safety and cost factors, among other things. Meanwhile, baking soda
is cost-efficient; does not pose safety issues; and does not damage
wood, brick, wiring, and other building components.
(Web Link)
Return
to Headlines
"Duo Applies Special Skills in an
Often-Horrific Wake"
Rochester Democrat & Chronicle (NY)
(09/27/07) P. 8D; Wallace, Daniel
Rochester, N.Y.-based FGC Bio-Recovery Inc., founded by a pair of
former paramedics, handles crime-scene cleanup--a task often left to
the property owner. The company abides by Occupational Safety and
Health Administration guidelines in handling animal waste,
decomposed bodies, gross filth contamination, and hazardous waste,
among other contaminants. To safeguard against chemical splashes,
odors, and enzymes, cleaning professionals use protective gear.
Crime-scene cleaners are regulated only in California and Louisiana,
says American Bio-Recovery Association founder Kent Berg, and
lawmakers in New York and Florida may soon follow their lead.
Douglas Morrison, a former sheriff's deputy and now president of
Henrietta, N.Y.-based ASAP Total Restoration, says an area's
homicide rate determines how much work is available. Morrison says
many cleanup firms have gone out of business shortly after opening.
"People go into this business thinking they're going to make all
this great money, and you can make great money, but only as it
comes," he remarks. Cleanup jobs lasting several days cost about
$1,800.
(Web Link)
Return
to Headlines
"La. To Buy 19,000 Ruined Homes"
USA
Today (09/18/07) Heath, Brad
Louisiana's state government may have thousands of unused land
plots on their hands in New Orleans and St. Bernard Parish in the
country's largest post-disaster land buyout, according to a USA
Today analysis. The buyouts are part of the state's Road Home
program, estimated at $11 billion, with payouts averaging around
$75,000. Officials say most of the deserted homes are in
neighborhoods and areas closest to the breeched levees, and many of
these homes suffered irreparable damage from Hurricane Katrina in
2005. Over 6,000, or 40 percent, of homeowners in St. Bernard Parish
and New Orleans have accepted the buyouts so far, leaving
authorities with the dilemma of how to use the relinquished lots.
"It's going to be a real challenge to keep them from blighting the
neighborhoods where they're located and to keep them from
discouraging local property owners from reinvesting," says Gregory
Rigamer, president of the GCR & Associates planning firm in New
Orleans. Homeowners receive a payout based on funds already received
from the government and the home's value before the hurricane. Road
Home budgeted $770 million in payouts, but predicts that number may
increase to $1.3 billion.
(Web Link)
Return
to Headlines
"Cleaning Chemical Confidence"
Cleanfax
(10/07) Vol. 22, No. 10, Cross, Jeff
Surfactants are among the most important ingredients in carpet
cleaning detergents, as they attach to and help remove water-soluble
and oily soils. Surfactants, or surface active agents, are found in
preconditioners, rising agents, spotting solutions, and other
detergents used by carpet cleaning professionals. Experts say
cleaning chemicals with high surfactancy are the most effective. To
test the surfactancy of a particular detergent, cleaning
professionals should pour water onto a plate or into a bowl,
sprinkle pepper on top, and place a fingertip covered with a small
amount of detergent in the middle of the bowl or plate. The cleaner
has high surfactancy if the pepper quickly moves to the outer edge
of the bowl or plate and stays there. The pepper will move only
slightly if the cleaner has a low surfactancy, and no movement at
all indicates a detergent-free cleaner.
(Web Link)
Return
to Headlines
"How To Clean a Wool Rug"
American
Chronicle (09/13/07) Osman, Nadia
Cleaning professionals should be called in to clean wool rugs at
least every year to 18 months. To effectively clean wool rugs,
excess dirt and dust should be removed first by shaking them
outside. Before spot cleaning to get rid of stains or adding any
detergents, cleaners should take note of the manufacturer's cleaning
requirements and test the product on a small area of the rug. They
should use a wet/dry vacuum or use dry towels to eliminate excess
water and lay the rug out to dry, taking care not to leave it in
direct sunlight to avoid shrinkage or color loss. They should not
scrub the rug because doing so could damage the pile, and they
should minimize the amount of water used during the cleaning process
to discourage the growth of mold and bacteria.
(Web Link)
Return
to Headlines
"Mold Declared Gone at Oxnard
Hospital"
Ventura County Star (CA) (09/29/07) Kisken, Tom
T. Michael Murray, president of Oxnard, Calif.-based St. John's
Regional Medical Center, says test results show that the mold
remediation project undertaken at the busy Ventura County hospital
over a month ago was successful. New York-based Sabre Technical
Services was hired to undertake the controversial task of fumigating
the hospital with chlorine dioxide gas to kill mold deep in the
hospital's walls. About 860 spore test strips with one million
bacteria spores--which are more resistant than mold spores to the
gas--were placed around the hospital and shown to have been killed
by the gas. As part of a project that will be completed in May 2008,
the hospital's exterior is being waterproofed, windows are being
sealed, and showers are being replaced. However, given that the
water leaks responsible for the mold outbreak have yet to be fixed,
some observers worry that another infestation will occur.
Additionally, there are concerns that the chlorine dioxide gas
caused rust that damaged hinges, sterilizing devices, surgical
lights, and X-ray equipment--all of which have been replaced--and
possibly damaged wiring in the walls. Nevertheless, Murray says the
fumigation process got rid of the mold quicker and at a lower cost
than traditional remediation.
(Web Link)
Return
to Headlines
"Meth Law Puts Kink in
Cleanup"
Louisville Courier Journal (KY) (09/17/07) P. 1A;
Steitzer, Stephenie
A new law enacted in Kentucky on July 1 requires former
methamphetamine labs to be cleaned by state-certified contractors in
order for them to pass a health inspection. These contractors must
post a $500,000 surety bond and carry no less than $250,000 in
liability insurance. Some experts believe the surety bond
requirement is the reason no contractor has requested certification
as of yet, but Kentucky Resources Council director and environmental
attorney Tom Fitzgerald attributes the lack of certified contractors
to the state Environmental and Public Protection Cabinet's failure
to publicize the law and recruit contractors. The owners of
Franklin-based ADC Systems Inc. and Louisville-based Divine
Contracting, for instance, say they would be interested in getting
certified but had not heard about the law. Meanwhile, National
Environmental Contracting Inc. Vice President of Construction Neil
Stamp says his firm is in the process of receiving certification.
County health departments and property owners were once responsible
for meth cleanup, which typically costs $5,000 to $10,000 or more
and involves bleaching surfaces throughout the home and replacing
contaminated carpet, furniture, drywall, and drapes.
(Web Link)
Return
to Headlines
"Fibers: Synthetics Versus
Natural"
Carpet & Floorcoverings Review (09/14/2007) P.
47
To make carpets more affordable, more manufacturers are producing
carpets made entirely of synthetic fibers or mixing synthetics with
wool. Polypropylene is a common synthetic fiber used in carpets
because they can be made in a vast array of colors, are resistant to
stains, and do not fade or shed. Proponents also say synthetic
carpets are non-allergenic and do not require much maintenance.
However, wool carpets are in high demand despite their higher costs
because consumers are placing a greater emphasis on sustainability.
Experts say 100 percent wool carpets are more durable than synthetic
carpets. The characteristics of the fiber, according to the WoolSafe
Organization, mean it is easier to remove soils by vacuuming and wet
cleaning. The organization underscores the importance of color, with
bright red, light green, and light blue absorbing soils faster than
dark-colored carpets. As long as the appropriate dyes are used, the
organization says the color of wool carpets will not be affected by
light, shampooing, rubbing, or salt water.
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"From Mops to Robots"
Cleaning &
Maintenance Management (09/07) Vol. 44, No. 9,
There are a vast array of cleaning chemicals and tools available
to professionals specializing in hard floor maintenance. These range
from mops, buckets, vacuums, and even robots designed to boost
productivity and profitability. Machines that are light-weight,
quieter, and feature automatic height adjustment aim to improve
worker safety and ease-of-use. Additionally, the safety of both
cleaning professionals and building occupants has been taken into
consideration by the manufacturers of cleaning chemicals, as harmful
ingredients increasingly are being eliminated or replaced.
(Web Link)
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© Copyright 2007 INFORMATION,
INC.
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Industry Association.
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October
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