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Executive Report
Good Hands? Or Fancy Footwork?
When the damage repair industry was just beginning, the old
timers tell us that there was a working partnership between the
insurer and the contractor. The insurer helped claimants through
timely adjustment and payment of claims. The claims payments paid
for competent, cost controlled repairs to stricken homes by
qualified contractors. In some quarters, the partnership survives,
but the cover story in September’s Bloomberg Markets magazine
reports the sordid state of the P&C insurance industry’s
abandonment of risk management in favor of money
management.
The article, which can be accessed online at http://quote.bloomberg.com/news/marketsmag/mm_0907_story1.html,
is titled, “The Insurance Hoax,” by David Dietz and Darrell Preston,
and it hits three primary points. First, it describes how many
insurers intentionally underinsure properties. Second is the
insurer’s attempt to intimidate homeowners into accepting immediate
cash settlements that are far less than the policy contract
provides, and the third point is they intentionally deny valid
claims in a plan to use the company’s economic clout against the
policyholder’s precarious finances and emotions to force a
settlement through stalling the client. The reward to the companies
pursuing this type of intimidation is lower loss ratios and higher
stock prices (plus big bonuses for management; we surmise).
Ultimately, other insurance companies will be tempted to play the
same game just to keep their share prices from lagging the industry
leaders.
Dietz and Preston make the point that somewhere along the
way these insurance companies changed their business model from the
assumption and management of risk to that of being financial
portfolio companies. There is nothing inherently wrong in changing a
business model, but it is reprehensible for insurers to engage in
what amounts to deceptive selling.
Just about anyone can become an insurer in the
traditional mode. All it requires is some capital and an
understanding of actuarial science and risk management, but to be an
insurer as described in the Bloomberg article is like being the
dealer in a poker game with the ability to change card rankings to
your advantage after all bets are in and all cards are face-up on
the table. That may be a better business model when you can find
enough suckers to play, but news travels fast these days, and one
hopes that a rising tide of property owners will invest their
premiums with companies that deal a square hand.
Don Manger
Executive Director
Restoration Industry
Association
RIA NEWS
RIA
NEWS
Toolbox
Tips
Product
Spotlight
On
Press Now
INDUSTRY NEWS
"Gray
Lowers Hurricane Forecast to 4 Intense Storms"
"Bradley
Lifts Quarantine at Former Meth Lab Site"
"Fluoropolymer
Repellents"
"All
Backed Up"
"Katrina
Survivors Face New Threat: City Demolition"
"Airborne
Asbestos Hazard Minimized, but Debris Shows Contamination"
"Island
Reinsurers Expect Minimal Impact From Japan Earthquakes"
"The
Recurring Spot"
"Science-Based
Cleaning Methods That Improve IAQ"
"La.
Official Says Asbestos Threat Handled Properly After
Katrina"
"'We
Are Acting Quickly'; FEMA Is Responding Responsibly to Trailer
Air-Quality Concerns"
"Find
the Right Drying Equipment"
"Schenectady
Company to Analyze 9/11 Debris"
"Low-Moisture
Equipment: Becoming the Machine of Choice"
"Stand
Up to Floor Care Challenges"
"Bankers'
Group Revisits Effects of Mold on Real Estate"
RIA NEWS
Breaking News
Harvard Survey Revealed 31% Refuse Hurricane Evacuations
The Harvard School of Public Health conducted a survey targeted
to individuals living in hurricane risk zones of Alabama, Florida,
Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, and
Texas, to determine their level of preparation if a disaster
strikes. The study found one in three people would not evacuate
their homes with the government officials’ warning. Reasoning
included feeling their house is well-built and already offers
safety, overcrowded roads, dangerous conditions brought by
evacuating, and not wanting to leave their pets behind.
The survey also revealed the biggest concern if forced to
evacuate were the conditions of the evacuation shelters. Concerns
included unsanitary conditions, not enough clean water,
overcrowding, exposure to sick individuals, and a lack of medical
care.
Insurance Contract Law Paper Published
The English and Scottish Law Commissions published their first
consultation paper titled, “Insurance Contract Law:
Misrepresentation, Non-Disclosure and Breach of Warranty by the
Insured” last month. The paper focuses on consumer insurance,
business insurance, consumer misrepresentation and restrictions
concerning what information companies are able to reveal.
Ocean Changes Reveal Lower Hurricane Predictions
The latest estimates made by Colorado State University have
lowered the number of predicted hurricanes for the 2007 season.
Atlantic hurricanes decreased from nine to eight. Atlantic and Gulf
coast storms were dropped from 17 to 15, and intense hurricanes
shifted from 5 to 4.
In response to these decreased predictions, the forecasting
team said, “Sea-surface temperature anomalies have cooled across the
tropical Atlantic in recent weeks, and there have been several
significant dust outbreaks from Africa, signifying a generally
stable air mass over the tropical Atlantic.” However, the team still
anticipates an above average hurricane season.
U.K.
Flood Losses Continue to Rise
Risk Management Solutions Inc. (RMS) foresees the current
flooding in the United Kingdom costing more than the flood damages
brought about in the U.K. in June, which totaled more than $1.54
billion in insured losses. Factors for higher flood costs are due to
more claims and business interruptions such as the loss of power and
running water. The Newark, Calif.–based risk modeling firm is
estimating losses to total over $2 billion due to these additional
circumstances. The RMS believes these floods to result in a serious
re-examination of flood insurance availability.
IAQA
Class Deadline Approaching
The Indoor Air and Quality Association, Inc. (IAQA) is hosting
a Mold Legislation class on Tuesday, Aug. 21, 2007, designed to
regulate and license providers of home inspection, mold remediation
and mold assessment services. Maurice Baum, PIH, CHMM, CMC will
speak on Florida’s new mold legislation and how the law affects an
individual. The course will take place between 8:30 a.m. and noon at
Broward Community College in Davie, Fla., and cost $85.00 per
person. For more information, call the IAQA at 877-663-5336.
Hurricane Prediction Marks September as Above
Average
The hurricane season is most severe between Aug. 20 and Oct.
14, with Sept. 10 as the high point. Additionally, September has
been ranked the month with the greatest number of storms as
determined by the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration (NOAA), and this year seems no different. The
following predictions have been made by three forecasting teams.
Colorado State University predicts 15 Atlantic storms, NOAA between
13 and 16, and London-based Tropical Storm Risk foresees 14.7
storms.
On a positive note, Jeff Masters of online weather company
Weather Underground, said in reference to these predictions that
heavy Saharan dust is blocking the sun’s light from heating the
ocean; resulting in less fuel for storms.
State Farm and White House Oppose Wind Coverage
About 50,000 homeowners in Florida will be out of luck next
year when State Farm Insurance cancels approximately 50,000
insurance policies for windstorm coverage beginning Jan. 1, 2008.
Those with insurance for this year will still be covered during the
current hurricane season.
State Farm spokesman Justin Glover said it was “a very tough
decision for us to make, but it is part of our decision to remain in
this market.” Currently, their market consists of around one million
policyholders, and the company is recognized as the largest private
home insurer in the state.
Additionally, the Bush administration is opposed to allowing
the National Flood Insurance Program to include windstorm coverage
as well. However, this decision is now causing a major barrier to
the program’s expansion.
Robert P. Hartwig, president and chief economist for the
Insurance Information Institute said, “The administration supports
leaving wind coverage to the well-developed private market for such
insurance and not creating a federal program for wind losses.”
From staff and wire reports.
RIA Briefs
Cleaning & Restoration Magazine Success
Skyrockets
Patti Harman, the editor-in-chief of Cleaning &
Restoration magazine, recently announced that the publication
received four awards recognizing the magazine’s editorial and
printing successes. An Honorable Mention was given for the best
overall editorial in the September 2006 issue. Two Silver Awards
were given for the best feature article and the best feature writing
for Harman’s article on the notorial archives in New Orleans.
Lastly, a special recognition award was given in the Grand Award
category for outstanding achievement in custom publishing for the
November 2006 issue.
C&R competed against many larger organizations including
the Walt Disney Company, Rodale Press, the National Association of
Realtors, American Airlines, Aetna Customized Communications Group,
Toyota Motor Sales and the Public Relations Society of America in
the area of custom publications.
“Thank you to each of you for the role you play in making
Cleaning & Restoration the outstanding publication it is
today. This is most certainly a team effort and I congratulate each
of you on these accomplishments,” said Harman in an e-mail to the
magazine’s staff and contributing writers.
RIA Visits Member Companies
The RIA staff traveled around the states of Maryland and
Virginia during the end of July for a 5-day tour of several member
companies. The visits allowed the RIA staff to become more informed
on the different areas of expertise within the industry, while
receiving a first-hand look on how to better provide the services
that members need from the association.
Companies who took part in this event include The Carpet
Cleaner, Ayoub Carpet Service (ACS), Begal Enterprises,
Inc., Rolyn Companies, Inc, Evans Garment Restoration
Mid-Atlanticplant, Royal Plus Inc., and PBI
Restoration Resources. The staff was exposed to various
equipment and procedural methods, Oriental rug cleaning, an
interactive carpet cleaning session, warehouse tours, restoration
methods, and projects currently being handled by the various
companies.
RIA Fall Conference Plant Tour Confirmed
RIA has announced that American Technologies will be hosting a
plant tour and BBQ Friday, Oct. 26, 2007, at their corporate office
in Orange County. Held in conjunction with the Association's Fall
Conference Series & Exhibition in Garden Grove, Calif., from
Oct. 24 -27, 2007, the tour is an optional event for RIA members
only who have registered at least one person for the environmental
or restoration conference. The cost for the plant tour is $75 for
members who register by Sept. 14th and $125 after that date.
Round-trip transportation will be provided to and from the
conference host hotel to the plant. For more information, visit www.restorationindustry.org.
A Look into September’s Courses
RIA Contents Restoration
Course
Where: Utah
Disaster Cleanup - Salt Lake City, UT
When: Sept 6-7
What: This comprehensive seminar on personal
property restoration provides hands-on demonstrations and teaches
students how to evaluate different degrees of damage and select
methods for safe and effective restoration. Restoration theory
provides a basis for selecting techniques appropriate for specific
situations. Students learn about nine material categories: wood,
glass, ceramics, textiles, polymers, metals, paper, composites and
electronics. Restoration equipment and materials will be
demonstrated and a resource list of specialty suppliers will be
provided. There are no prerequisites for registration, bur prior
restoration experience is strongly recommended.
RIA Certified Mechanical Hygienst (CMH) School
Where:Hilton Philadelphia Airport -
Philadelphia, PA
When: Sept 17-20 What:
This school is designed to provide an education in the
multi-faceted disciplines that are involved with the operation,
maintenance and refurbishment of air distribution systems in both
residential and commercial facilities.
Registration Information:
RIA Certified Mechanical Hygienist CEC
Course
Where:
Hilton Philadelphia Airport - Philadelphia,
PA
When: Sept 17-18
What: This school is designed to provide an education in
the multi-faceted disciplines that are involved with the operation,
maintenance and refurbishment of air distribution systems in both
residential and commercial facilities.
Registration Information:
RIA Mold Remediation Supervisor (MRS)
Course
Where: Wonder Makers, Inc. -
Kalamazoo, MI
When: Sept 24-25
What: The focus is
on education rather than training because the project supervisor
must have skills in choosing from a variety of techniques and
requirements to best suit a particular project. The course drams
heavily on case studies and thinking exercises as well as group
dynamics and integration of cost factors into mold remediation. The
heaviest emphasis is on risk assessment, selection of containment
and decontamination unity options, communication of information to
technicians and clients, and a deeper understanding of the various
standards of care in the industry. Pre-requisite course for CMP
designation. Mold Remediation Supervisor Course and the
Advanced Rug Repair Course.
Registration Information:
Upcoming Educational Courses
RIA will be offering many educational courses throughout the
rest of the year. Stay tuned for more information on the October
courses next month. If you have questions, please contact RIA at
443-878-1000.
Return
to Headlines
Cleaning Tips for Smarties & Dummies
By Steve Spivak, Ph.D.
Surely you have some “smarties” or information seeking
customers who desire to know more about carpet care, cleaning and
maintenance. You may even have a “dummy” customer who cannot seem to
understand the concepts you are explaining such as the need for
vacuuming, spot and stain removal, and overall carpet cleaning.
Their questions seem endless and your answers unfulfilling.
On the other hand, perhaps you’ve hired an eager new carpet
cleaning technician who is looking for a quick read to learn about
basic carpet maintenance or you’re intrigued by my discussions in
Cleaning & Restoration, by the Cleaning Industry Research
Institute or others regarding Cleaning Green, i.e., environmentally
sensitive cleaning services.
No matter the case, here come two new books in the “xxx- for
Dummies” series. Now just ask yourself if this is something you
should be considering, or offering as an alternative to your
earth-friendly facility managers, building owners and customers?
Books are pocket size at four by six inches and are as
follows:
Carpet Cleaning Tips for Dummies by Elizabeth Goldsmith,
from Wiley Publishing with the Carpet and Rug Institute plus others,
ISBN 978-0-470-14862-4. More information is available on request
from the Carpet and Rug Institute, http://www.carpet-rug.org/.
Green Cleaning for Dummies by Steve Ashkin [of Green
Seal notoriety] with David Holly, also by Wiley [www.wiley.com] in
its Dummies series. Green for smarties or dummies is published in
conjunction with ISSA (‘jan-san’ market). See http://www.issa.com/ for more
information. The authors note: “[It] demystifies and simplifies the
green cleaning process, by providing information on selecting green
chemicals, green equipment, green paper and other green cleaning
tools and supplies.”
Save the dates! Two forthcoming conferences, including
the greening of detergency and cleaning or restoring using green
methods, are planned. One is by the Soap & Detergent
Association, November 5 -7, in the Washington, DC area. Following
that will be RIA’s pre-conference seminar day “Going Green” on March
12, 2008, in the Dallas-DFW area. This is immediately preceding
RIA’s 2008 convention & exhibition. Be there!
Marketing Savvy
Planting a Successful Marketing Relationship
By Jessica Krznaric
Planting the seed for a new business relationship takes time to
grow. Once planted, showing the client you are able to create a
successful product with a powerful brand, takes time to blossom.
While waiting for growth spurts, successful partnerships must
transpire. If not handled carefully, a drought will result in a
guaranteed failure. Below are helpful tips to maintain successful
partnerships and beat out the competition.
Mother always said to say thank you. Whether a new
client or in the final stages of a marketing campaign, send a
hand-written card to say, “Thanks.” Generosity is rare now a days
and the act of hand-written messages have almost become
extinct.
Profile your prospects. Keep records about each client
and jot notes of the client’s likes, dislikes, marketing views,
hobbies, and whatever else you can gather from emails and phone
conversations. Relating on a non-business level is needed for
successful partnerships.
Replace “I” with “You.” It is not all about you. Focus
on your client’s needs and understand what your client wants. How
can your client benefit from gaining your business?
The 24-hour rule. Respond to all voicemails and emails
within 24 hours or less. A fast response lets your client know you
are easy to get a hold of and you have time for
them.
Rewards aren’t just for kids. Gift cards, free tickets
to sporting events, discounts, fruit baskets, and holiday cards
demonstrate a charitable act to show you care. Sending food baskets
to the office creates a friendly buzz and will help get your name
remembered.
Switch shoes. Put yourself in your client’s shoes. If
the situation was reversed, what types of services would satisfy
your business needs? Use these ideas to better the services you
offer others.
A few other tips to keep your name in front of your customer
are:
- Force action through marketing. Make someone want to check out
your website or want to tell their friends about it.
- Use direct marketing with style. A plain white envelope is not
likely to get noticed over a bright yellow one.
- Create a nonstandard business card.
- Give out promotional products with purchases. Unique objects
that list your company information, such as umbrellas or mugs, are
great ways to stay in your client’s head.
Jessica Krznaric is the Communications Specialist for
RIA. Return
to Headlines
Carpet Guide
Want a cost-effective, on-the-job reference and a useful
training aid? The Carpet Guide fills the bill with detailed
illustrations, sample swatches and concise text. Explaining the many
facets of fibers and construction found in popular floor coverings,
you too can master the skills of better selecting the most efficient
methods for carpet and rug maintenance and cleaning. Presented in a
vinyl binder, the Carpet Guide, is built to last.
Members: $175.00 each
Non-Members: $275.00 each
Carpet Swatch Set
This reference set contains a wealth of information as well as
visual elements, which help your crew to quickly recognize various
carpet structures. The Carpet Swatch Set provides 20 samples
of swatches for carpet classification including texture, style, face
and backing fibers, and surface coloration. Prevent cleaning errors
and reduce replacement costs by correctly identifying carpet fibers
before cleaning begins.
Members: $125.00 each
Non-Members: $225.00 each
Order Both: Carpet Swatch Set & Ready Reference
Carpet Care Guide and Save $55.00
Members: $245.00
Non-Members:$345.00 Return
to Headlines
Here’s a look at what’s coming in the September 2007 issue of
RIA’s award-winning publication, Cleaning &
Restoration.
Ethical Team Communication
By John Fox
Take a look at the classic sales-service dilemma and how
ethical communication is a two-way agreement between sales and
service. Learn the difference between talking and listening, and how
each set of skills is needed for healthy communication.
Building Brand Awareness
By Keri Jones
Brand building and marketing go hand in hand when creating an
effective marketing campaign. Trying to get an idea or product
recognized by consumers is achieved through brand awareness, which
can be done by following the three laws of branding – The Law of the
Name, the Law of the Shape, and the Law of Color.
Overcome a Talent Shortage: Create a Gen-X Friendly
Workplace to Retain Key Talent
By Deanne DeMarco
As Baby Boomers near retirement, Gen-Xers are expected to take
their place in the workforce. Today’s workers have different needs
and employment requirements, and organizations will need to adapt
their work environments and requirements in order to attract the
Xers and avoid extinction.
Covering All the Bases: Selecting a Creative
Agency
By Melissa Crowe
Selecting the right ad agency is a critical decision that could
quickly alter the current success of your marketing campaign. Learn
how to select an agency that best fits your business, along with
seven marketing strategies that will help you to achieve a logo that
screams “look at me!”
Columns
Commentary
Making Your Mark
Technical Topics
Branding by You and by RIA: How Well Does it Work?
Business Briefs
Meeting and Maximizing Employee Expectations
Legal Briefs
The Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission Strikes
down OSHA’s Multi-Employer Policy
Marketing Notes
Review to Win!
Environmental Matters
Lead Hazards During Remediation or Restoration – Part
1
One-on-One With…
Mohammed Iftkhar, WLS
*debut column
Not a subscriber? Then visit http://www.restorationindustry.org/buyersguide/index.cfm. Return
to Headlines
INDUSTRY NEWS
"Gray Lowers Hurricane Forecast to 4 Intense
Storms"
Insurance Journal (08/08/07)
Colorado State University hurricane researcher William Gray
expects 15 named storms--two of which occurred early in the
hurricane season--in the Atlantic Ocean this year. Of the eight
hurricanes predicted, Gray thinks four will be intense. Prior to the
start of the 2007 hurricane season, Gray forecasted 17 named storms,
with five out of nine hurricanes expected to be intense. Gray
attributes changes in the hurricane forecast to such things as lower
water temperatures in the Pacific Ocean and dust from the Sahara
Desert holding down temperatures in the Atlantic Ocean--not global
warming. According to Gray, there is a 68 percent chance of an
intense hurricane making landfall in the United States this year,
with a 43 percent chance one will reach the East Coast and a 44
percent chance one will hit the Gulf Coast.
(Web Link)
Return
to Headlines
"Bradley Lifts Quarantine at Former Meth Lab
Site"
Chattanooga Times Free Press (TN) (08/06/07) P. B1;
Cook, Dick
In Cleveland, Tenn., an apartment owned by the Cleveland Housing
Authority is no longer under quarantine by the Bradley County's
Sheriff Department, as all traces of methamphetamine contamination
have been removed by a state-certified contractor. State lawmakers
passed legislation in June 2004 that lets sheriff's departments put
former meth labs under quarantine, with the quarantine lifted only
when state Department of Environment and Conservation cleanup
standards have been met and a certified hygienist has tested the
property for any remaining signs of contamination. Detective Mike
Hughes, environmental officer for the Bradley County Sheriff's
Department, says drug units only remove drug manufacturing
paraphernalia. "That doesn't count what's evaporated and gotten into
the walls, the furniture, the rugs. That's why we have to have a
certified hygienist come in and clean it up and test to make sure
it's safe," Hughes explains. There is no such state law in Georgia,
according to Walker County Sheriff Steve Wilson, who says officials
can recommend--but not require--that property owners undertake an
extensive cleanup. However, Wilson notes that some counties and
municipalities have regulations discouraging the occupation of
contaminated homes, citing a law in LaFayette that keeps a home's
utilities off until it passes inspection. There are 54 former meth
labs in Walker County listed in a registry of the federal Drug
Enforcement Administration.
(Web Link)
Return
to Headlines
"Fluoropolymer Repellents"
Cleanfax
(08/07) Vol. 22, No. 8, Ullah, Aziz
Fabrics treated with fluoropolymer repellents are resistant to
water and oil, with those applied to carpets intended to make it
easier to remove soils. These products contain carbon atoms linked
to fluorine atoms, which work similar to umbrellas in repelling
water. By reducing the fabric's surface energy, fluoropolymer
repellents prevent the penetration or wicking of water and oils and
keep dry soils from sticking to the fibers. They make it easy for
soils to be removed during spot cleaning, but several factors must
be taken into consideration to ensure their effectiveness. The
concentration of the fluoropolymer applied to the carpet is
important, with Fabpro Manufacturing President Aziz Ullah
recommending the application of 0.1 weight percent to 0.4 weight
percent of fluoropolymer solids over 50 percent to 70 percent of the
surface. The fabric's geometry also is crucial, as application is
easier on carpets with flatter, smoother surfaces. However,
stain-resistant carpets should not be treated with cationic
fluoropolymer repellants; anionic protectors are recommended because
they are compatible with the chemicals applied by the manufacturer
to resist stains. Fluoropolymer repellents are applied via pad,
spray, or foam, but experts discourage their use on high-pile knit
fabrics due to the potential for distortion. Additionally, Ullah
cautions against the use of such additives as softeners, lubricants,
and wax-type repellents with fluoropolymers because they reduce
resistance to dry soils.
(Web Link)
Return
to Headlines
"All Backed Up"
Claims (08/07) Vol. 55,
No. 8, P. 49; Herrmann, Don; Moon, Ralph E.
Sewage backups can create health and environmental hazards, as
numerous toxic chemicals, human pathogens, organic debris,
pesticides, and other materials are found in sewage. It is important
for cleaning and restoration professionals to ensure concrete
surfaces that come into contact with sewage are restored to their
pre-loss condition. Cleaning standards for concrete that focus on
the prevention of biological contamination have been put forth by
the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration
Certification. Concrete surfaces should be cleaned first, meaning
that sludge is removed and the surfaces are rinsed and pressure
washed. Once the surface is thoroughly cleaned, it should be dried,
with biocides and antimicrobials applied last. Post-restoration
testing should be undertaken by independent environmental
professionals to ensure that the concrete is in its pre-loss
condition. While pores and cracks in concrete could allow bacteria
to thrive for months after the event, experts point out that
concrete's temperature extremes and high pH are not conducive to
bacterial growth.
(Web Link)
Return
to Headlines
"Katrina Survivors Face New Threat: City
Demolition"
Wall Street Journal (08/09/07) P. A1; Brooks,
Rick
This year, officials in New Orleans expect to raze 10,000
properties damaged by Hurricane Katrina that they have deemed to be
a "serious, imminent and continuing threat to the public health,
safety and welfare" for being structurally unsound, vacant, or
infested with mold. Over 1,700 such properties were listed in the
New Orleans Times-Picayune in July, along with warnings that they
would be torn down after 30 business days. However, many homeowners
are claiming their homes have been demolished without receiving any
warning letter from the city or seeing any sign posted on the
property. Some insist they possess building permits indicating
repairs are underway, and others say their homes sustained only
minimal storm damage. Brenda Breaux, the city's chief deputy
attorney, says the city is in the process of beefing up its Web site
to allow homeowners to track the status of their properties and to
provide details on the steps homeowners must follow to remove their
homes from the demolition list. The Federal Emergency Management
Agency has thus far covered the $6,000 to $10,000 per-home
demolition costs, but the city is expected to pick up the tab
beginning in September.
(Web Link)
Return
to Headlines
"Airborne Asbestos Hazard Minimized, but Debris
Shows Contamination"
New York Times (07/20/07) P. B6;
DePalma, Anthony; Buckley, Cara
New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg says long-term illnesses
tied to asbestos released into the air when a steam pipe exploded
near Grand Central Terminal on July 18 are unlikely. Asbestos was
not found in the dozen air samples collected by the city Department
of Environmental Protection, according to Bloomberg, and only 14 of
56 debris samples tested positive for asbestos. While most of the
samples showed asbestos contamination under 1 percent, two samples
revealed substantial asbestos levels because they likely contained
pipe insulation. The Department of Environmental Protection says the
amount of asbestos in samples taken from 41st Street and Lexington
Avenue and 150 East 42nd Street and Lexington and Third avenues was
8 percent and 16 percent, respectively. Cleanup following the blast
involved the fire department washing the outside of buildings in the
area surrounding Grand Central Terminal and street sweepers equipped
with high-efficiency filters vacuuming the debris. Additionally,
buildings at risk of contamination will be forced to have their
ventilation systems and interior spaces inspected for asbestos, with
certified contractors paid for by Con Edison--the utility company in
charge of the steam pipes--hired to clean any contamination prior to
their reopening. There are concerns about the long-term health of
cleanup workers in the so-called "frozen zone," as police officers
and contract workers were seen removing their respirators to get
relief from the midday heat.
(Web Link)
Return
to Headlines
"Island Reinsurers Expect Minimal Impact From
Japan Earthquakes"
Royal Gazette (Bermuda) (07/19/07) Wright,
Alex
IPC Holdings Ltd. CEO Jim Bryce predicts that the two earthquakes
that hit Japan in July will not significantly affect reinsurance and
insurance firms in Bermuda. Payouts to Japanese insurance firms are
expected to be minimal because the areas struck by the quake had
little residential housing and few businesses. Bryce did warn
further natural disasters were likely across the globe, but their
impacts on Bermuda insurance and reinsurance firms would be hard to
predict. IPC recently issued a profit warning for the second
quarter.
(Web Link)
Return
to Headlines
"The Recurring Spot"
Cleanfax (08/07)
Vol. 22, No. 8, Cross, Jeff
There are several things carpet cleaners can do to minimize
recurring spots, which often disappear while cleaning is underway
only to return once the fabric dries. Cleaning professionals would
be wise to use encapsulant preconditioners and acid-side rinsing
agents, the latter of which helps eliminate residues from
do-it-yourself products used by customers. Fabric protectors also
should be applied to hinder absorption, enabling spots to be
eliminated before they reach the carpet backing and spread. To keep
the backing dry and minimize wicking, experts recommend low-moisture
cleaning methods and the use of air movers. Other products that can
help remove recurring spots include anti-soiling treatments and
powdered poultices that allow soils to be easily removed by vacuum.
Cleaning professionals also might want to place a folded white
cotton towel on the spot after cleaning and add a weight to it,
permitting the towel to pick up any residues.
(Web Link)
Return
to Headlines
"Science-Based Cleaning Methods That Improve
IAQ"
Cleaning & Maintenance Management (07/07) Vol. 44,
No. 7, Holmes, Jessica
Research by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency reveals that
indoor air is up to five times as polluted as outside air, which
generates concerns about indoor air quality (IAQ) when the fact that
people remain indoors a majority of the time is taken into account.
Poor IAQ can be tied to pollen, dust mites, fungal spores, dander,
industrial and vehicle emissions, and volatile organic compounds
(VOCs) in flooring and furniture. These particles can be found
imbedded in carpets, resting on hard surfaces, and floating in the
air, with headaches, asthma, and allergy attacks among the side
effects of inhalation. Experts insist IAQ can be improved when a
standardized cleaning system that involves daily vacuuming and
dusting of carpets, hard floors, light fixtures, desks, and other
surfaces is implemented. Building managers should make sure HVAC
systems are sealed, water leaks are fixed to curtail mold growth,
and low VOC cleaners are used. Vacuums also are a crucial component
of the cleaning process, as the model in use can eliminate allergens
or help to kick them up into the air. A study by the University of
North Carolina-Chapel Hill found that allergen emissions were not
detectable when a backpack vacuum with four-level filtration and the
Carpet & Rug Institute's Green Label was used. Experts recommend
vacuums with multi-stage filtration systems, with 99.9 percent of
particles of at least one micron captured by high-quality filtration
systems and 99.97 percent of those as small as 0.3 microns trapped
by HEPA filtration systems.
(Web Link)
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"La. Official Says Asbestos Threat Handled
Properly After Katrina"
Associated Press (07/13/07) Burdeau,
Cain
A Government Accountability Office (GAO) report says the U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency and the Louisiana Department of
Environmental Quality (DEQ) did not adequately monitor the cleanup
of asbestos-contaminated debris from Hurricane Katrina, putting
residents, volunteers, and cleanup workers at risk. John Stephenson
of the GAO's natural resources and environment office says the
agency is most concerned about demolitions undertaken by residents,
as monitoring was evident at government-sponsored demolitions. DEQ
Secretary Mike McDaniel insists monitoring of demolition and cleanup
projects was adequate, underscoring the fact that debris cleared
from buildings thought to contain asbestos was wet down to prevent
airborne particles and bagged before being disposed at landfills.
Additionally, the DEQ says over 20,000 samples collected during
demolition projects did not indicate any asbestos contamination.
(Web Link)
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to Headlines
"'We Are Acting Quickly'; FEMA Is Responding
Responsibly to Trailer Air-Quality Concerns"
USA Today
(08/02/07) P. 11A; Paulison, David
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) administrator David
Paulison defends the agency's response to concerns about indoor air
quality in trailers occupied by hurricane victims. Paulison says
over 100,000 trailers were made available following the 2005
hurricanes, and complaints about formaldehyde exposure have come
from only a small number of residents. He notes that FEMA
established a toll-free number for concerned occupants, handed out
over 70,000 flyers offering information about formaldehyde exposure,
and ceased the deployment of additional trailers. Additionally, the
agency is working with industrial hygienists, epidemiologists,
medical toxicologists, and environmental health scientists who are
studying the trailers and the role played by their design, relative
humidity levels, and other factors. Regulatory standards governing
indoor air quality in travel trailers have yet to be implemented,
but Paulison suggests that long-term air quality conditions in
trailers will be the subject of tests down the road.
(Web Link)
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to Headlines
"Find the Right Drying
Equipment"
Cleanfax (08/07) Vol. 22, No. 8, Burton, Brandon
When carpet cleaners and water damage restoration specialists
determine what drying equipment is necessary, they need to take
several things into consideration. Humidity greatly impacts the
drying process, and spaces need to be dehumidified to minimize water
damage. Airflow also is important, and carpet cleaners face the
challenge of maintaining airflow without a great deal of power. The
ideal airmover circulates more air at lower amps, does not require
several extension cords, and can be transported without hassle.
Cleaning professionals need to consider temperature as well, keeping
in mind that warm air is needed to facilitate evaporation but can
impede dehumidification. Experts say reducing amp draw from
airmovers and dehumidifiers provides a good balance. Finally,
cleaning professionals should carry moisture sensors, non-invasive
moisture meters, invasive moisture meters, and thermo hygrometers to
thoroughly measure moisture for the purpose of documentation.
(Web Link)
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to Headlines
"Schenectady Company to Analyze 9/11
Debris"
Times Union (07/18/07) P. C1; Churchill, Chris
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is entering the
final phase of cleanup from the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks by
testing homes and businesses for contaminants. Property owners in
Lower Manhattan who signed up for the inspections will be served
first, but agency spokeswoman Mary Mears says it remains to be seen
whether the $7 million earmarked for the voluntary program will be
sufficient. Several companies have been tapped by the EPA to test
for asbestos and airborne pollutants, but Schenectady, N.Y.-based
Northeast Analytical Inc. is the only firm hired to test for lead
and polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons. Properties found to be
contaminated will be cleaned by professionals at no cost to the
owner.
(Web Link)
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to Headlines
"Low-Moisture Equipment: Becoming the Machine
of Choice"
Cleaning & Maintenance Management (08/07) Vol.
44, No. 8, P. 1; Simpson, Jeff
Carpet cleaners hired to clean carpets in apartments with quick
tenant turnaround must balance the need to effectively reduce soil
and ensure the carpet will last a few years with the need for a fast
drying process. When carpets are severely soiled, cleaning
professionals often loosen soils with the bonnet and shampoo
methods, then eliminate the soils via hot water extraction. Experts
say many cleaning professionals are trading in old extractors that
release upwards of four gallons per minute for low-moisture
extractors that put out only one gallon of water per minute. These
newer extractors can reduce dry time to about 30 minutes, depending
on the model, versus 48 hours or more with older machines. The most
sophisticated low-moisture extractors are systems that incorporate
pre-heating, top-mounted vacuums to boost airflow, and lighter
wands. According to U.S. Products Vice President of Research Steve
Williams, "With all of these components working in harmony, not only
do the carpets dry faster--helping to prevent contamination
problems--but also less solution used usually means less cleaning
chemical used, an essential element of green cleaning."
(Web Link)
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to Headlines
"Stand Up to Floor Care
Challenges"
Cleanfax (08/07) Vol. 22, No. 8, Cross, Jeff
To gain a competitive edge, carpet cleaners increasingly are
broadening their service options and purchasing a host of new tools
to speed up the cleaning process. Hot-water extraction tools are
designed for heavily soiled areas, with additional vacuum slots and
spray jets employed to quickly remove soils. Encapsulation machines,
meanwhile, focus on the appropriate levels of agitation needed to do
the job. Cleaning professionals also are equipping themselves with
sprayers, applicators, and tile and grout cleaning tools, as well as
enhancing their knowledge of carpet cleaning chemistry.
(Web Link)
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to Headlines
"Bankers' Group Revisits Effects of Mold on
Real Estate"
Realty Times (07/26/07) Heavens, Al
While concerns over mold and its potential impact on indoor air
quality no longer rank among the top concerns of commercial and
residential property buyers and sellers, they are still being
addressed by groups such as the Mortgage Bankers Association. In
July, officials with the industry organization updated a white paper
on the effects of mold in commercial and multifamily buildings "to
reflect the most current information on mold mitigation, standards
for conducting mold assessments, legal issues and insurance issues."
Mold and dampness can damage buildings and their contents and result
in a loss of market value due to perceptions that the property is no
longer fit for habitation. Besides the loss in market value, mold
can cause a reduction in cash flow via lost rents, clean-up costs,
and litigation from tenants, buyers, or people who claim to have
been injured as a result of the presence of mold.
(Web Link)
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to Headlines
© Copyright 2007 INFORMATION,
INC.
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August
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