Executive Report
If it weren’t for the
ants, how would you know it was a picnic?
Changing the direction of an organization, especially an
association where relationships and feelings tend to assume more
importance than bottom line results, is a tense and laborious
process. Many associations fail in their change attempts for the
simple reason that they wait for the impossible; they wait until
everyone agrees before they do anything.
Imagine if an automobile manufacturer waited for every
employee and every customer to agree on a style, color, engine
displacement, and fuel mileage before it made the first car. Who
knows how long it would take to reach a general consensus. However,
the manufacturers did not wait. They built cars, and as a result
they have both customers and critics.
There are actually people who want to outlaw high
performance cars because they go too fast. There are people who
think that anything smaller than an SUV is unsafe and that the
manufacturers should be sued for putting out such deathtraps for the
sake of high mileage. Others think it a crime to sell any car that
gets less than 50 mpg. Somewhere along the way the critics lose the
ability to discern fact from opinion, if they ever had it, and have
no more influence on the eventual outcome than a handful of ants at
a picnic.
In the past 12 months, we have made a lot of changes at
RIA, and there are a lot more to come in the next few months. I hope
you enjoy them and do not find the ants too bothersome. Please pass
the potato salad?
Don Manger
Executive Director
Restoration
Industry Association
RIA NEWS
RIA
NEWS
Toolbox
Tips
Product
Spotlight
On Press
Now
INDUSTRY NEWS
"Insurer
Payouts Small for Quarter"
"Mold Bill
Became Law July 1"
"The Makeup of
the Toughest Stains"
"Boxer Signals
Environment Panel Will Move on Asbestos Ban Bill"
"Can Grow-Houses
Be Inhabited Again?"
"Know Your pH
for Optimal Carpet Care"
"Organizations
Collaborate to Provide IAQ Guidance"
"Chemicals in
the Home"
"The
Encapsulation Calculation"
"Storm's Insured
Toll $56 Million in State"
"EPA Asbestos
Demolition Method Sparks Criticism Over Exposure Risks"
"Dog Sniffs Out
Mold Problems in Western Pa."
"Disaster
Reinsurance Prices Hold Up: PartnerRe CEO"
"The Role of
Proper Carpet Care Equipment"
"Speed Needed to
Dry Up Water Claims: Expert"
RIA NEWS
Breaking News
New Forecasting Tool Reveals a Lower than Average Hurricane
Season
The U.K. Met Office at Lloyd’s of London recently announced the
number of tropical storms to hit the North Atlantic is less than
originally anticipated for the months of July through November. A
new forecasting tool allowed the team to predict 10 tropical storms
will hit the coast as opposed to the 17 anticipated by Ronald Regan
National Airport. Instead of using statistical analysis, this device
uses unique forecasting methods by basing predictions off of
scientific measurement.
However, this isn’t much use to insurers since the tool doesn’t
predict within a time span adequate enough for insurers to make
assessments. Paul Nunn, Lloyd’s head of exposure management said,
“Seasonal forecasts don’t arrive soon enough for insurers to make
commercial decisions, as business is typically written on a 12-month
cycle. The December forecasts don’t predict very accurately for the
year ahead. By April/May, the predictions are better, but insurers
have already written their portfolio of risk.”
H5N1 Virus Causes a Bird Threat in France and
Germany
Increasing numbers of birds continue to die from the H5N1 virus
in areas of France and Germany. Infected birds were discovered at
two lakes by Nuremberg. The deaths of two swans and a wild goose
were also attributed to H5N1. Tests on seven more birds, also dying
of the bird flu, are being run to determine if they too are carriers
of this life-threatening virus.
The virus was previously detected in June near the central
Czech Republic, where 6,000 turkeys were destroyed. According to the
Friedrich Loeffler Institute, it is believed the H5N1 avian flu
found in Germany could be linked to the outbreak in the Czech
Republic. As a result, Germany has increased its threat levels and
assessments.
AMA’s New Publication Alerts Public on Lead
Studies
The American Medical Association (AMA) unveiled its newest
publication, Disaster Medicine and Public Health
Preparedness, on June 21 at its Chicago headquarters. The new
quarterly, peer-reviewed journal is the first comprehensive
publication emphasizing public health preparedness and disaster
response for all health care professionals.
"Disaster Medicine and Public Health Preparedness is an
unprecedented resource that brings together interdisciplinary
knowledge and skills from the medical and public health communities
charged with protecting the health and security of our citizens,"
said Editor-in-Chief James J. James, M.D., DrPH, MHA, and Director
of the AMA's Center for Public Health Preparedness and Disaster
Response. The inaugural issue of Disaster Medicine and Public
Health Preparedness covers many vital topics from recent
disasters including Hurricane Katrina, the tsunami in Indonesia and
the Oklahoma City bombing, along with lead studies on the aftermath
of Hurricane Katrina.
Disaster Medicine and Public Health Preparedness was
created by the AMA to promote public health preparedness and the
science of disaster medicine. The journal will serve as a unifying
resource for all health care and public health professionals, the
emergency management community, and others in the public and private
sectors who are essential to emergency planning and response.
Calif. Wildfire Out of Control
The Angora Wildfire that started Sunday, June 24, in Lake
Tahoe, Calif., has caused more than $100 million in insured losses,
meeting the Property Claims Services’ definition for a catastrophe.
The wildfire damaged more than 300 structures and 3,100 acres of
land. More than 54 crews and over 1,800 personnel using 145 engines,
12 helicopters and 14 water tenders contained Angora’s flames.
Boston-based AIR Worldwide Corp believes the fire to have been
caused by human activity, beginning south of Fallen Leaf Lake. After
coming in contact with a conifer tree, the somewhat maintainable
brushfire turned into a full-blown forest fire. If the fire spreads
to South Lake Tahoe in Newark, Calif., insured losses could cost
close to $1 billion.
New Mold Law Better Protects
Consumers
A new law affecting mold inspectors and home inspections was
signed on Wednesday, June 27, 2007, by Florida Governor Charlie
Crist. The law, designed to regulate and license providers of home
inspection, mold remediation, and mold assessment services,
states:
“The Legislature finds it necessary in the interest of the
public safety and welfare, to prevent damage to the real and
personal property, to avert economic injury to the residents of this
state, and to regulate persons and companies that hold themselves
out to the public as qualified to perform mold-related
services.”
"Proponents of this new law for mold inspections believe it
will drive out the unscrupulous or untrained or uninsured persons
who could harm the public...The consumer will be better protected by
this new law. People will now know that a Mold Inspector is
different from a home inspector. Two different licenses, training,
insurance and especially experience requirements,” stated Doug Wall,
CIE.
Government Advises Americans to Prepare for Possible Flu
Pandemic
The H5N1 avian influenza virus could become the source for a
possible pandemic outbreak if it acquires the ability to spread and
infect people. The virus has already killed 63% or 190 people out of
the 300 plus cases on file since 2003. To prepare, U.S. government
officials have requested business, health, and religious groups to
alert Americans to take safety precautions such as storing food and
supplies and staying indoors if feeling sick.
“Preparing for an influenza pandemic is a shared
responsibility,” HHS Secretary Mike Leavitt said in a statement. “By
preparing now, individuals will be able to deal with a pandemic,
slow the spread of illness, and lessen the overall impact to
themselves and to society.”
UK Flood Figures Continue to Rise
According to the Chartered Institute of Loss Adjusters (CILA),
the England flooding occurring the end of June could reach claims of
around £1.5 billion ($3.01 billion). Originally the Assn. of British
Insurers estimated damage to be £1 billion ($2.0 billion). Further
damages attributed to additional flooding have caused the number to
rise.
The CILA said £680 million ($1.37 billion) in claims came from
commercial policyholders, and £825 million ($1.66 billion) were
personal line claims. An estimated 6,800 claims came from businesses
and there have already been approximately 27,500 personal
claims.
Other flooding updates…
Storms and flooding occurring in the beginning of June in
Calgary, Alberta, have reached around $48 million Canadian ($45.2
million) in losses, confirmed by the trade association for
property/casualty insurers located in Canada. There have been more
than 6,500 claims filed so far.
IICRC Announces Recruitment for S100 Standard
Revisions
The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration
Certification (IICRC) is currently revising the S100 Standard
and Reference Guide for Professional Carpet Cleaning prior to
submitting the standard for approval by the American National
Standards Institute (ANSI). The IICRC is seeking volunteers from all
areas of the industry to help revise the standard and volunteers to
serve on the S100 Consensus Body Standard Committee.
“We’re looking for professionals who are dedicated to moving
this project forward,” said IICRC Standards Chairman Barry Costa.
“With each new Standard revision comes new challenges and we need a
group of people that are excited about the next phase in the
evolution of this standard, which is preparing for ANSI
accreditation.”
From staff and wire reports.
RIA Briefs
Post-Conference Workshop Information for Fall Conference
Series Released
Two specialized post-conference workshops taking place on
Saturday, Oct. 27, 2007, from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. for RIA members
only, will conclude the RIA 2007 Fall Conference Series.
Marketing Trade Secrets of RIA Leading Restorers, back
by popular demand, will discuss case studies of successful marketing
programs shared by RIA peers. Attendees will brainstorm actual
concepts and ideas to apply to their businesses. Ideas will come to
life on CDs and be incorporated with marketing strategies in the
workplace.
Project Management and Risk Assessment Considerations for
Restoration and Environmental Contractors is a new offering for
RIA conference attendees. This workshop combines lecture and
interactive group sessions on topics that cover the following:
- Defining the customer contract, preparation and proper
execution
- Employee training requirements on contract and form use
- Establishing company authority for project limits and
potential risk and exposure
- Establishing parameters for customer verbal and written
communication to conform with a company policy
- Establishing a risk management program and collection of
documentation for your attorney if a law suit is filed or
collection proceeding initiated
All RIA members who register before Sept. 14, 2007, for the
Post-Conference workshops will receive a special $100 discount,
paying $195 instead of the standard $295 member price. The package
includes course instruction, course materials, and certificate of
attendance, continental breakfast, AM & PM breaks and working
lunch.
C&R’s Editor-in-Chief wins APEX Award
Patti Harman, RIA’s Director of Communications and
Editor-in-Chief of Cleaning & Restoration Magazine, was
awarded the 2007 Apex Award for her feature article in Cleaning
& Restoration Magazine titled “Preserving Priceless
Documents Damaged by Katrina.” The Nineteenth Annual APEX Awards
program recognizes and honors excellence in graphic design,
editorial content and the ability to achieve overall communications
excellence. This year’s competition had approximately 5,000
entries.
Harman’s article visually described the process involved in
rescuing and preserving three centuries worth of New Orleans’
history in documents dating all the way back to the 1700s. Among the
documents were slave records, land grants, and letters from the War
of 1812. When asked why she submitted this piece, Harman said, “It
really captures what our industry does and it’s a perfect example to
illustrate a company using their expertise and technology to restore
something that should have been considered a total
loss.”
RIA Announces August Certification
Courses
RIA's Mold Technician Course
When: August 7-9, 2007; Sacramento,
CA
Registration Deadline: 7/27/07
This 3-day course weaves basic mold information with an
understandable overview of its health effects. It then integrates
sampling techniques and industry guidelines to lead industry
professionals towards better risk assessments of mold contamination
situations. In addition, the course provides a hands-on
remediation experience that solidifies textbook concepts. Students
will get the opportunity to inspect, manage and remediate a
simulated mold contamination situation.
RIA's Certified Restoration Technician Course
When: August 14-17, 2007; Pittsburgh, PA
Registration Deadline: 8/3/07
RIA's Certified Restoration Technician Course will cover fire,
water and smoke damage basic skills. Attendees will learn new skills
and gain new confidence in:
- Water restoration & structural drying
- Guaranteeing smoke odor removal
- Structural cleaning
- Surface preparation and finishing
- Duct cleaning to contents cleaning including wood furniture,
documents, and books
A test will be administered at the end of each course which
evaluates the student's comprehension of course learning objectives.
Those who pass the course test with an 80% or better will receive an
RIA certificate recognizing their learning accomplishment as a Mold
Remediation Technician (MRT) or a Certified Restoration
Technician (CRT).
Making Travel Arrangements for the Fall
Conference?
Book your travel to the RIA 2007 Fall Conference Series early.
The RIA 2007 Fall Conference Series will be held at the Hyatt
Regency Orange County in Garden Grove, Calif. on October 23-27, 2007
located at:
11999 Harbor Blvd.
Garden Grove, CA 92840
It is also conveniently located and accessible by four
surrounding airports. The closest is the John Wayne Orange Country
Airport.
1. The John Wayne Orange County Airport (SNA)
2. Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
3. Long Beach Airport (LGB)
4. Ontario Airport (ONT)
Reservations can be made by calling (888-421-1442) or by
visiting
Upcoming Educational Courses
Return to
Headlines
Toolbox Tips
Checklists Plug Leaks
By Martin L. King, CR, ASA
No air crew takes off without methodically reviewing a check
list. The logic applies to restoration crews as well. How many times
has a crew started work, followed by “where’s the vacuum hose?” or
“we don’t have the upholstery pickup” or “there’s no dry spotter” or
“we forgot the scaffold wheels.” The result is an uncompensated trip
to or from the shop and wasted time on the job.
Checklists are an answer. A general checklist includes basic
equipment that’s always required: drop cloths, extension cords,
protective mats, ladders, terry towels, detergent, trigger sprayers,
smoke sponges. The Water Damage Checklist has its own equipment and
material requirements, while the Mold Checklist has a different set.
Running the checklist then becomes a requirement every day for
every crew. Who assembles the checklists? Crew chiefs put their
heads together and prepare a draft. After a trial, it’s revised,
sealed in plastic and mounted on a clipboard that stays with the
truck. Checklists plug profit leaks. Think about it.
Martin L. King, CR, ASA, is an RIA technical
advisor.
Marketing Savvy
Subject: IMPORTANT – Conquering the Email Explosion
By Jessica Krznaric
As the technological revolution continues, businesses have
shifted to nonverbal communication in the digital realm. Email, the
simplest nonverbal gesture of all, has become the official
communication standard for conducting business throughout the world.
Incorporating the newest technologies into organizational
procedures can save time and increase efficiency, but like all great
gadgets, there are setbacks. Starting every morning with an inbox of
over 100 messages can become overwhelming. Messages can buildup or
even worse, become lost. To stay on the techi-track, follow these
tips.
- If a message is not imperative, delete it right after it is
read so emails do not stack up.
- Create an electronic filing system. Manage your inbox by
creating a set of folders to organize messages you may need again.
- Install a spam blocker to reduce unwanted emails.
- Use strong subject lines to get your message noticed and read
more quickly such as “Request,” “Important,” or “Confirmation.”
- Emails are meant to be quick and to the point, but not all
require a response. Put “NTN” (no thanks needed) or “NRN” (no
reply needed) in the subject line to save time and decrease
incoming messages.
In addition, the casual nature of email conversations also
poses the question, “Are you maintaining a sense of
professionalism?” To keep your professional image intact:
- Stay away from too much casual conversation. Creating a
connection between clients is key. Hearing about little Suzie’s
fifth birthday party is sometimes an important factor in
establishing business relationships, but too much talk takes away
from productivity.
- Discuss as a company how to greet and close messages to
clients. An overly friendly introductory email can send the wrong
message.
- Use an electronic signature that promotes the company’s
professional image and avoid anything considered “cute.”
- Avoid emoticons. (see above)
- Make spell check your new best friend.
- Practice your ABC’s. Open your email with an ACTION stating
the purpose. Start a new paragraph with BACKGROUND information
including key points, and CLOSE by initiating the next steps to be
taken.
Jessica Krznaric is the Communications Specialist for
RIA.
Return to
Headlines
E-Z Answer Guide
Summary: Save the time it takes in searching for a
solution to remove stains by knowing how to battle your stain before
it attacks. The E-Z Answer Guide offers spot and stain
removal guidelines for 38 common spills, including various foods,
drinks and household products. At a glance, your employees can
provide your customers with step-by-step stain removal solutions and
techniques for spills on carpets, upholstery and drapery fabrics.
Members: $40.00
Non-Members: $80.00
Call for pricing on larger quantities
Leather & Simulated Upholstery Guide
Summary: As the demand for correctly cleaning leather
and simulated upholstery continues to rise, discover the secrets of
success in the Leather & Simulated Leather Upholstery
Guide. Using the tested flip chart format, this guide provides
swatch samples of the most common leather styles, including both
natural and simulated leathers, along with guidance for cleaning and
preservation.
Members: $195.00 each
Non-Members: $295.00
each Return to
Headlines
Here’s a look at what’s coming in the August 2007 issue of
RIA’s award-winning publication, Cleaning &
Restoration.
What Healthcare Trends Can Tell Small Businesses
By David A. Proctor
Trends and their impacts can help small businesses develop a
greater understanding of their healthcare future, and aid in
improving overall offerings and controlling costs. Big
Water Loss, and it’s Mine!
By Steven Spivak, Ph.D.
You never think it could happen to you. However, water loss
situations happen all the time. Dr. Spivak, RIA’s technical
consultant, recounts his water loss nightmare and the steps taken to
make his house, “home sweet home” again.
Disability Insurance is More Important than You
Think
By Valerie Green
One woman tells her story of how an unexpected stroke changed
her life, encouraging individuals to realize the importance of
having disability insurance and explaining what to look for when
selecting a policy. Ensure Your Money’s Worth: How to
Select an Insurer
By Jessica Krznaric
How do you tell the difference between fact and fiction when it
comes to selecting an insurance company? Gain some insight on
finding a loyal company, discover how to read between the lines on
an organization’s website, and learn how to find a qualified agent.
Columns
Technical Topics
Clean and Green Defined and Formulated
Business Briefs
Administrator Programs – For Better or For Worse?
Legal Briefs
Ensuring Preservation of Electronic Records
Marketing Notes
When in Doubt, Ask!
Environmental Matters
Restoration and Remediation in Critical Use
Facilities
Return to
Headlines
INDUSTRY NEWS
"Insurer Payouts Small for
Quarter"
Orlando Sentinel (FL) (07/11/07) Palm, Anika Myers
According to recent findings of ISO, U.S. property-casualty
insurance firms will pay $2.175 billion in damages related to six
catastrophes in the second quarter of 2007, the second lowest number
of catastrophes in the last decade. The group indicates the six
catastrophes generated about 504,000 claims, with the most costly
windstorm hitting 18 states in mid-April. In the second quarter of
2006, insurers paid out $5.04 billion for 13 disasters.
(Web Link)
Return to
Headlines
"Mold Bill Became Law July 1"
Fort Myers
News-Press (07/05/07) Adams, Joe
A law was enacted July 1 in Florida that imposes new requirements
on mold inspectors, assessors, and remediators. The law defines
"mold remediation" as the process by which mold growth encompassing
more than 10 square feet is eliminated, cleaned, and sanitized and
also includes preventative measures taken to inhibit mold growth.
Under the law, licensed mold assessors and remediators must complete
degree programs of two years or more in such fields as microbiology,
engineering, industrial hygiene, or occupational safety and provide
proof of one year of field experience. They must carry at least $1
million in general liability and errors and omissions insurance as
well. Among those exempt from the requirements are homeowners
undertaking do-it-yourself remediation projects, licensed Division I
and Division II contractors, and licensed engineers.
(Web Link)
Return to
Headlines
"The Makeup of the Toughest
Stains"
Cleanfax (07/07) Vol. 22, No. 7, Cross, Jeff
Carpet cleaning professionals need to consider the source of
stains and their chemical composition before determining how to
remove them. The carpet type also is important, as fibers react
differently to different chemicals. Red Kool-Aid, for instance,
contains a red acid dye that is absorbed easily by nylon carpets.
Olefin and polyester carpets, meanwhile, readily absorb oily soils
like tar but do not soak up acid dyes or liquids with natural juices
and tannins, such as red wine. A simple way to understand the
process is to think of stains as loose-ended chemicals which bond to
the loose ends of carpet fibers; when such a bond occurs, the stain
can be difficult--but not impossible--to remove. If a particular
fiber does not bond well with a particular chemical, basic cleaning
should remove the stain. However, more vigorous cleaning will be
necessary if the fiber "likes" the chemical. The cleaning process
can be complicated when carpets contain blended fibers.
(Web Link)
Return to
Headlines
"Boxer Signals Environment Panel Will Move on
Asbestos Ban Bill"
Inside OSHA (06/25/07) Vol. 14, No. 13,
Senate Environment and Public Works Chair Barbara Boxer
(D-Calif.) has articulated her full support for contentious
legislation to outlaw asbestos. The Ban Asbestos in America Act of
2007 would explicitly modify the Toxic Substances Control Act by
barring products containing asbestos from being manufactured,
processed, imported, or distributed in the United States. In
addition, the legislation would require NIOSH to conduct a study to
assess what is currently known about the health impact of asbestos
exposure and disease mechanisms. The report also would include
recommendations for improved measurement techniques. The prohibition
would take effect two years after the measure is passed, giving
organizations a transition period during which they would adopt
alternatives. However, a NIOSH official stated that only poor
substitutes for asbestos exist and that it would take numerous years
to fully eliminate asbestos, as it is used in many products. In
addition, naturally occurring asbestos has been discovered in Libby,
Montana.
Return to
Headlines
"Can Grow-Houses Be Inhabited
Again?"
Highlands Today (Fla.) (06/24/07) Pinnell, Gary
Homes that once served as methamphetamine labs are too toxic to
be occupied, as the chemicals used to manufacture the drug get into
the walls, furniture, carpets, dry wall, and air ducts. These homes
must undergo extensive renovations before new residents can move in;
but in cases of severe contamination, demolition may be necessary.
Sheriff Susan Benton in Highlands County, Fla., is concerned that
marijuana grow-houses may be just as toxic. The drug's main
ingredient, tetrahydrocannabinol, can permeate a home's walls and
contents. However, there also are concerns that alterations made to
grow-houses to provide the proper environment for growing marijuana
can compromise their structural integrity. The homes' humidity
levels are high, and Highlands County Sheriff's Office legal
assistant Lisa Osha says mold infestations are possible.
(Web Link)
Return to
Headlines
"Know Your pH for Optimal Carpet
Care"
Cleaning & Maintenance Management (06/07) Vol. 44,
No. 6, Leaman, Doug
Chemistry is more important for carpet cleaning technicians than
outsiders would expect, especially since they often use chemicals to
treat stains. Carpet cleaning professionals must understand the
fundamentals of the pH scale to properly remove stains and soils
from carpets, as such information helps them choose the right
chemicals for the job. For alkaline soils, acidic cleaners with a pH
of 2 to 5 are recommended, while acidic stains require alkaline
solutions with pHs in the upper echelons of the scale. Carpet
composition and soil levels should be taken into account, with the
Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification
recommending alkaline cleaners with a pH of 10 or lower for
synthetic carpets that are not heavily stained; those that are
should be cleaned with alkaline solutions with a pH of about 12.
Carpets made from wool, cotton, or other natural fibers should be
cleaned with somewhat alkaline or neutral solutions, though acidic
cleaners might be necessary if previous cleanings have left a large
amount of alkaline detergent in the carpet. Carpet cleaners need to
evaluate carpet fibers by using a burn test or asking the client or
manufacturer, then determine the kinds of soils they are dealing
with and remove dry soils by vacuuming before applying alkaline or
acidic cleaning solutions. However, cleaning professionals also will
want to ensure the pH level is not above what the carpet's
manufacturer suggests.
(Web Link)
Return to
Headlines
"Organizations Collaborate to Provide IAQ
Guidance"
Construction Digital (06/14/07)
A half-dozen organizations have joined forces to champion
advanced indoor air quality (IAQ). They include the Building Owners
and Managers Association, the U.S. Green Building Council, the
American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning
Engineers, and the Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors'
National Association. Along with the U.S. Environmental Protection
Agency and the American Institute of Architects, they have formally
agreed to publish a book and create a professional development
course to help designers and builders erect and maintain commercial
structures with optimal IAQ that do not impact tenants' comfort or
productivity. The book, "Advanced Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) Design
Guide for Non-Residential Buildings," is slated for publication in
early 2009, with the course scheduled to be rolled out afterward.
(Web Link)
Return to
Headlines
"Chemicals in the Home"
Patriot Ledger
(06/21/07) Lightman, Andrew
A recent panel discussion at the Hanover, Mass.-based Cardinal
Cushing Centers revealed that only 20 of the nation's 80,000
registered chemicals have undergone extensive tests to determine
whether they pose health risks. Carpet cleaners containing
monoethanolamine could cause developmental disabilities in kids, as
well as liver, kidney, central nervous system, or reproductive
system problems, according to panel experts. However, Dr. Jill Stein
noted autism and other developmental disabilities are related to
genetics, nutrition, and environmental factors as well. Laura
Abulafia of the American Association on Intellectual and
Developmental Disabilities says consumers should not wait for guilty
verdicts against chemical companies before taking steps to avoid
possible health hazards. Perchloroethylene, a dry cleaning chemical,
is among 10 chemicals that could be banned in the near future. In
regards to cleaning chemicals, experts indicate bleach, ammonia,
diethanolamine, and sodium lauryl sulfate could be harmful and
recommend the use of baking soda, soap, Borax, isopropyl alcohol,
and cornstarch whenever possible.
(Web
Link)
Return to
Headlines
"The Encapsulation Calculation"
Cleanfax
(07/07) Vol. 22, No. 7, Cross, Jeff
Encapsulation cleaning has generated much controversy in the
cleaning industry. Many commercial carpet cleaners use encapsulation
cleaning methods because they keep up the appearance of the carpet.
Others opt for such methods as hot-water extraction, shampoo, dry
compound, dry foam, bonnet, and oscillating pad because they involve
the actual removal of residue and soil from the carpet. While
encapsulation cleaning does not eliminate soil or residue,
proponents say vacuuming the carpet afterwards gets rid of it. Users
of the encapsulation method say it is successful if a deep cleaning
is scheduled periodically.
(Web Link)
Return to
Headlines
"Storm's Insured Toll $56 Million in
State"
Hartford Courant (CT) (07/11/07) Levick, Diane
According to the Property Claim Services unit of ISO, Connecticut
sustained $56 million in insured property damage from an April
windstorm. The sum is just part of the $1.225 billion in insured
property damage claims from the storm, which swept across 18 states
and caused heavy rainfall, tornadoes, and hail in some regions. Over
7 inches of rain fell in some parts of Connecticut; and even though
the Federal Emergency Management Agency refused to declare the state
a disaster, it did offer aid to a majority of counties seeking it.
(Web Link)
Return to
Headlines
"EPA Asbestos Demolition Method Sparks
Criticism Over Exposure Risks"
Inside EPA (07/06/07) Vol. 28,
No. 27,
States, scientists, and construction unions oppose a new draft
method for tearing down buildings containing asbestos that was
proposed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in May.
The Clean Air Act presently mandates that asbestos be removed before
a structure is demolished as a means of protecting the environment
and the health of people residing in close proximity to the
building. To lower demolition costs, the EPA has proposed the use of
a chemical-water mixture that is sprayed on the building to keep the
asbestos fibers from becoming airborne during demolition. Once the
structure is sprayed, it can be demolished, with the contaminated
debris and soil taken to an approved landfill. The Illinois
Environmental Protection Agency says its experience has shown that
an insufficient amount of water is used at demolition sites where
friable asbestos is involved. Meanwhile, the American Federation of
Labor's Building & Trades Department does not think the results
at EPA test sites on an Army base can be applied to neighborhoods
where buildings are packed close together, insisting that residents'
health would be at risk. The public comment period on the proposal
ended in June.
(Web Link)
Return to
Headlines
"Dog Sniffs Out Mold Problems in Western
Pa."
Pittsburgh Tribune-Review (07/05/07) Spatter, Sam
K9Mold Service, located in western Pennsylvania, uses dogs to
sniff out mold. Paul Hewitt and his two-year-old beagle, Kody, were
trained by the Florida Canine Academy. The academy requires dogs to
complete as many as 1,000 hours of training, and they are taught to
identify more than a dozen types of mold. An additional 40 hours of
training is required for the handler and the dog together before
both receive their certifications. Kody worked with Rita Fiato of
Greensburg, Pa.-based ServPro to determine whether mold was present
in a nursing home due to a faulty sprinkler head. According to
Fiato, "Kody found mold areas in each of the four walls, saving us
from having to rip up the entire wall to discover the mold, and
reducing the cost for mold remediation." Kody, only one of the tools
used by mold inspectors, also visits properties for a second look
after remediation projects are finished. Hewitt says he orders Kody
to show him where the mold is located, which she does by pointing at
it with her nose.
(Web Link)
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"Disaster Reinsurance Prices Hold Up: PartnerRe
CEO"
Business Insurance (07/09/07)
PartnerRe CEO Patrick Thiele recently announced that U.S.
catastrophe reinsurance premiums were adequate given the current
softening market, and his reinsurance firm expects to still meet its
long-term profit goals. With heightened losses from hurricanes in
2005, soaring premiums on reinsurance in 2006, and a lack of
catastrophe losses in 2006, reinsurance firms scrambled to remain
profitable and garner the best premiums possible to cover potential
risks. Greater capital and more industry players have entered the
reinsurance market since the 2005 hurricane season, and Willis Group
Holdings Ltd. had predicted a 20 percent drop in catastrophe
reinsurance premiums for the July 1 renewal season.
(Web Link)
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"The Role of Proper Carpet Care
Equipment"
Cleaning & Maintenance Management (06/07) Vol.
44, No. 6, Simek, Diane
The three most important components of carpet care are
preventative, interim, and restorative maintenance. Preventative
maintenance is the daily upkeep of a carpet, and it involves
eliminating dry soils and immediately removing stains. The cleaning
equipment necessary for preventative maintenance are vacuums and
spotters. Interim maintenance involves the removal of surface soil;
and while water might be part of the process, the carpet should not
get too wet. Pump-up sprayers and low-moisture cleaning machines
typically are used. When restorative maintenance is necessary, an
extractor and carpet rake are used to aggressively remove stains and
soils that are deep in the carpet.
(Web Link)
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Headlines
"Speed Needed to Dry Up Water Claims:
Expert"
National Underwriter (Property & Casualty - Risk
& Benefits Management Edition) (06/26/07) Ruquet, Mark E.
At the National Underwriter Company's recent America's Claims
Event conference, Kevin Fisher of Burlington, Wash.-based Dri-Eaz
Products, Inc., talked about the importance of speedy remediation in
lowering claims costs following a water loss. Fisher says
remediation should commence right away to reduce contamination from
chemicals in the water and safeguard against mold growth. Insurers
should look to see whether the remediation company has extracted all
of the water and used the appropriate drying equipment, but Fisher
notes that the amount of water damage will determine the length of
the drying process. Fisher says insurance adjusters must stay in
constant contact with remediation contractors to ensure progress
meets expectations, and they also should conduct inspections each
day and document the entire process.
(Web Link)
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Headlines
© Copyright 2007 INFORMATION,
INC.
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July
2007
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