Restoration Industry Association -- Educational Programs and Events

The Power of Association: Making a Difference

Your membership in RIA is one of the best ways that you can make a difference for the better in the cleaning and restoration industry.

The professional advancements that benefit an entire industry happen only through the collaboration of like-minded individuals joined in a common interest. Virtually every successful trade association began as a group of motivated professionals, who believed that their industry could be more effective if there were an organization that would represent their interests. History has proven that trade associations succeed thanks to the dedicated volunteers who contribute their time and talent for the benefit of everyone in their industry.

RIA is like that. You and your fellow members of RIA depend on the participation of member volunteers to assure that RIA’s services and its technical products reflect the needs of the industry and the highest level of current industry practices.

With the year coming to a close it is a good time to acknowledge all of the volunteers who contributed to RIA’s accomplishment over the past year. Thank you for moving the Association forward.

Don Manger

Executive Director

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Gary Dooner

Ben Yanker

Graham Dick

Brian Spiegel

Jeff Jones

Bill Lakin

Rusty Amarante

Frank Headen

Leo Volkert

RESTORATION COUNCIL

Mike Goldberg, CR

Duncan Bennett

Sam Bergman

Frank Headen

Kent Rawhouser

ENVIRONMENTAL COUNCIL

Art Johnson

Wade Miller

Bob Allen

Dan Greenblatt

RUG CARPET & TEXTILE COUNCIL (NIRC Division)

Tony Legenstein

Jim Garner

Nathan Koets

Patrick Horrigan

Lisa Wagner

RUG CLEANING STANDARD

Ellen Amirkhan

Buzz Dohanian

Tim Horrigan

Tony Legenstein

2007 CONVENTION

Keith Desserich

Dan Greenblatt

Graham Dick

Tony Legenstein

Buzz Dohanian

Mike Goldber

Joe Gillette

Steve Vyrostek

Sam Bergman

2007 FALL CONFERENCES

Pete Consigli

Joe Gillette

Cliff Zlotnik

Mike Goldberg

Wade Miller

Michael Pinto

Art Johnson

Huey Miller

Tony Legenstein

Lisa Wagner

Nathan Koets

Brian Marantette

Michael Hosto

2008 CONVENTION

Lawrie Hollingsworth

Rich Pilch

Barry Swidler

Pete Consigli

Danny Greenblatt

Art Johnson

Patrick Horrigan

Linda Plunkett

Phil McLaughlin

C&R Magazine

Michael Pinto

Les Cunningham

David Governo

Lawrie Hollingsworth

Keri Jones

P.S. Interested in becoming more involved in RIA? Then consider joining a task force. Visit our website for more info: http://www.restorationindustry.org/.

Industry Merger Creates Global Leader

II Rep-Z, Inc., better known as Microban Systems, Inc. and Unsmoke Systems, and Dri-Eaz Products, Inc., announced that they have entered into a definitive agreement to merge operations. The merger is effective immediately.

II Rep-Z’s Unsmoke and Microban Systems brands and the Dri-Eaz brand will be housed under an overarching corporate entity called Legend Brands. Cliff Zlotnik, CR, WLS, CMH, current chairman of II Rep-Z, will join on the Legend Brands board of directors.

The merger will create a single resource for restoration, cleaning and facilities professionals in need of environmental control solutions.

U.S. Hurricanes Five-Year Prediction

Risk Management Solutions is predicting high-risk hurricanes to take place in the Atlantic Basin within the next five years. Seven of the world’s leading researchers agreed the increased storm activity will show signs of above average behavior between 2008 and 2012. As a result, the cost of insurance will continue to increase for property owners who reside in these high risk hurricane regions.

From staff and wire reports.

RIA Briefs

RIA Board of Directors Welcomes Headen and Volkert

The Restoration Industry Association has announced the appointment of two additional members to its Board of Directors. Frank Headen, CR, WLS, CMH, of First Restoration Services, Inc. (Charlotte, N.C.), and John L. Volkert, CR, WLS, of Primo Clean Restorative Services (Lodi, Calif.), will serve as directors of the association.

Headen, who is Chairman and CEO of First Restoration Services, and President of Disaster Rental and Supply, has decades of experience in the industry, working on many high-profile projects such as the Pentagon (Washington, D.C.), the World Trade Center Tower 7 (New York, N.Y.), and the NASA facilities at the Kennedy Space Center (Florida).

Volkert has been involved in the restoration industry for 27 years and is the owner of Primo Clean Restorative Services. The company has completed more than 5,000 water damage and 1,850 smoke damage projects over the years. Some of their major projects have included: General Mills (Lodi, Calif.); Macy’s (Sacramento, Calif.); and the Hyatt Regency (Stockton, Calif.).

Graham Dick Doubles Service

Graham Dick, CR, CMP, of Genesis Restorations Ltd. (Surrey, BC) has taken on the responsibility of serving as the RIA Treasurer, in addition to his current position as secretary. An RIA member for almost 10 years, Genesis has managed a number of large and unusual projects including the restoration and drying of a gymnasium floor for St. Patrick’s High School (Vancouver, B.C.) and cleaning cruise ships for Princess Cruise Lines (Vancouver) following outbreaks of the norovirus.

Green Seal Proposed Revised Environmental Standard

For Industrial and Institutional Cleaners (GS-37)

Green Seal, Inc. is in the process of revising GS-37, the Environmental Standard for Industrial and Institutional Cleaners, and seeks public review and input on the proposed revisions. The goal of the revision is to maintain the leadership level of the standard, which involves bringing the standard up-to-date so it more adequately represents current technology available in the market, and to ensure that it fully protects vulnerable populations such as children. The Proposed Revised Standard is now available for public review until January 16, 2008 and Green Seal welcomes comment from the public. To participate, visit http://lists.unc.edu/read/archive?id=4340305.

Five Reasons You Should Attend RIA’s Annual Convention

The Gaylord Texan Resort is located six minutes from the Dallas-Forth International Airport.
You can wake up next to Lake Grapevine.
The Gaylord features a four-and-a-half acre glass atrium of lush gardens where guests can wine, dine and shop.
The 400,000 square foot convention and exhibition space offers plenty of room to learn and network.
The seminars and information presented are invaluable to your business.

The Leader’s Circle

Cleaning & Restoration magazine will unveil The Leader’s Circle, a new column geared specifically towards highlighting its members’ expertise. One business-related question will be asked each month followed by answers from a specialized panel of “experts.” The Leader’s Circle will debut in the January 2008 issue.

More than Four Million Businesses Receive U.S. Census Forms

Businesses are receiving their U.S. Census Bureau 2007 Economic Census forms during the month of December. More than 4 million American businesses, including 130,000 construction businesses, have been issued the forms. Business responses are required by law (Title 13, U.S. Code) and must be returned by February 12, 2008. For more information, visit

http://www.census.gov/econ/census07/.

Graham Dick, CR, CMP, is the president of Genesis Restorations Ltd. in Surrey, B.C.

Key # 1: The Gold Crown

By: Karen Saunders

Hallmark is nationally recognized because of its attractive logo and creative tag line. Both elements are equally important, but first let’s discuss the logo.

You have already given a great deal of attention to your company name and believe it speaks to who you are and what you do. Great! Now you need to wrap a graphic image around that name to carve out a prime piece of real estate in your target customer's mind. That is exactly what a great logo can do.

A powerful logo:

has a strong, balanced image with no little extras that clutter its look
is distinctive and bold in design, making it easy to see at a glance
has graphic imagery that looks appropriate for your business
works well with your company name
is done in an easy to read font
communicates your business clearly
looks good in black and white, as well as in color

The memorable crown logo is one of the reasons that Hallmark comes to mind so quickly when you need to buy a greeting card. It is simple, bold, looks good in either color or black and white, and exemplifies the quality required for something to be stamped with a hallmark, so it works well with the company name. While the image might not have communicated the nature of the business when it was first created, it certainly does now!

Next month, learn how Hallmark discovered its successful tag line.

Karen Saunders is the author of the award winning book, Turn Eye Appeal to Buy Appeal: How to easily transform your marketing pieces into dazzling, persuasive sales tools! The book won a 2006 APEX Award for Publication Excellence.

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

What’s Your EQ Score?

By Casey Geisler

While many have heard of the Myers Briggs Personality test and various IQ tests, few many have heard of an Emotional Quotient test. An EQ test is sometimes given by employers to see if a prospective employee is emotionally equipped to handle working in their industry.

Align Leadership Decisions with Your Values

By David Benzel

We all have a built-in “compass” that offers values for decision-making. Just as a mechanical compass shows Magnetic North, an internal compass shows the Magnetic North of values, and these values should be considered whenever you have crucial choices to make. Effective leaders rely upon this internal compass to guide their choices in everyday life, which increases trust among their followers.

A Sense of Urgency

By Charles E. "Tremendous" Jones

If you could add one personality trait to improve yourself, what would you choose? Courage? Wisdom? Enthusiasm? Confidence? Many people are ready to accept one of the many success “formulas” that exist today, but never get themselves into high gear. What is it that chains so many to the pit of mediocrity and dampens the fires of greatness?

Consistency Does Not Equal Fairness

By Bill Catlette and Richard Hadden

You’ve probably heard the workplace mantra, “Whatever you do, ensure that employees are treated fairly and consistently.” The manager’s dilemma emerges, however, when “fair” seems to collide with “consistent,” and someone has to figure out which way to swerve.

Not a subscriber? Then visit http://www.restorationindustry.org/buyersguide/index.cfm.

According to preliminary insured loss payouts for the October wildfires in California, insurers paid out $330 million, but total liability related to the fires could reach $1.6 billion. About 2,000 homes were damaged, with about 1,500 claims for total losses. California Insurance Commissioner Steve Poizner said he would continue to monitor the claims data to ensure carriers met their obligations.
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Over the next six months, employers must prepare to cover the costs for personal protective equipment (PPE), including safety-toed footwear, safety eyewear, and other clothing. The U.S. Labor Department and the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) finalized a rule proposed in 1999 requiring employers to pay the full cost of most PPE used by workers. Regulators expect employers to become more accountable regarding the PPE choices they make, and studies indicate employers are more likely to maintain and replace equipment when mandated to pay for it. OSHA estimates the costs for providing PPE will reach $85 million, in addition to the partial PPE payments already paid by employers. The agency also hopes the rule will reduce medical and insurance costs for work-related injuries by $200 million as work-related injuries drop by 21,000. U.S. House Education and Labor Committee Chairman George Miller (D-Calif.) said, "It should have never taken the threat of a lawsuit [from the AFL-CIO and the United Food and Commercial Workers] to get the Department of Labor to take these simple steps to protect workers from everyday jobsite hazards and prevent thousands of workplace injuries each year."
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Southern California wildfires left behind toxins that likely will have an impact on residential neighborhoods and surrounding ecosystems. According to readings by U.S. Geological Survey scientists, high levels of arsenic, lead, antimony, chromium, iron, and zinc have been found in the ash from these wildfires. Arsenic and lead levels exceeded the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's threshold, and pH levels were higher than expected. Experts say the toxins probably came from treated wood decks, old lead-based paint, plumbing solder, and other chemicals in the burned homes. The scientists expressed concerns that the chemicals would make their way into waterways when it rains, impacting local wildlife and possibly water supplies. Health officials at the state and county level are urging people not to touch the corrosive ash or debris without gloves, masks, and other protective equipment.
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The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency plans to test an alternative method of demolishing buildings containing asbestos on an abandoned apartment building in a populated Fort Worth, Texas, neighborhood. The method would make it less costly for cities to eliminate asbestos hazards by allowing them to raze asbestos-laden buildings without first removing the asbestos. It involves dousing a building with foam to reduce the risk that asbestos dust will be churned during demolition. The building is then demolished with the asbestos left intact, and all building materials are then disposed of in a landfill approved to handle asbestos-laden materials. Proponents argue that asbestos-contaminated buildings are most perilous when they are left to fall apart, as asbestos fibers will likely spread over the floors and escape through broken windows into the surrounding neighborhood; but current demolition standards make it too costly for communities to demolish the buildings, and thousands are still standing nationwide as a result. Under the National Emissions Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP), buildings must be cleared of asbestos-containing materials before demolition can proceed. Many environmental organizations, asbestos experts, and public health officials contend that the proposed demolition method would let dangerous asbestos fibers waft through the air and question the wisdom of the testing in a populated neighborhood. Supporters, however, note that the alternative would close a loophole in federal law that allows owners to wait until a building is ready to collapse and then apply for an emergency exemption that gives them permission to demolish the structure without taking measures to address the asbestos inside.
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Contaminants from the production of methamphetamine often cover all of a home's surfaces and contents. While 15 states, including Kentucky and Indiana, have laws in place mandating that former meth labs be cleaned before they are reoccupied, no such law has been enacted yet in Ohio. Few scientific studies have been conducted to determine the long-term health effects of meth residue, but the chemicals used to create the drug--fingernail polish remover, drain cleaner, and paint thinners, to name a few--can cause skin and eye problems, respiratory illnesses, depression, kidney and liver damage, and cancer. The laws passed in more than a dozen states impose detection limits, with those properties surpassing the threshold quarantined until remediation is complete; however, there are concerns about the lack of scientific evidence used to set these levels. The Ohio Department of Health has issued guidance mirroring a Minnesota law that calls for contaminated properties to be ventilated; carpets, wallpaper, and furniture to be replaced; and furnaces, air conditioners, ducts, and all surfaces to be deep cleaned. Though disclosure laws for home sellers are on the books, they do not cover the sale of foreclosed homes, prompting some communities to raze former meth labs rather than incur cleanup costs.
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Homeowners often are unaware that there are firms specializing in the cleanup of properties following natural deaths, suicides, and murders so that they do not have to handle it themselves. Law enforcement agencies and victims' or survivors' support groups typically advertise these services and let homeowners know that their property insurance generally covers the costs of cleaning the premises. Homeowners in Arizona and other states also have access to emergency funds to cover crime scene cleanup. Cleanup projects can be extensive if the death was not reported right away, with Breck Grumbles of Tucson, Ariz.-based Abracadabra Restoration noting that drywall and concrete slabs need to be replaced if they came in contact with body fluids. These cleaning firms employ such equipment as gas masks, full-body suits, gloves, steam cleaners, and biohazard bags and must adhere to standards set forth by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. Companies that do not handle bloodborne pathogens with the proper equipment face a $7,000 fine, while a $150,000 fine is imposed for improper biohazard materials disposal. According to Grumbles, "We have to handle any body fluid as if it were contaminated with a virus."
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In early 2008, U.S. Rep. John Conyers (D-Mich.) is expected to reintroduce legislation that would establish a national insurance program, modeled after the national flood-insurance program, to safeguard homeowners against substantial mold losses. Given that insurers in 39 states are not required to include mold in homeowners' insurance policies, those without the funds to clean up major mold infestations have been forced to vacate their homes. Arizona Insurance Association executive director Ron Williams notes that burst pipes typically are covered, but not mold, as it is deemed a "maintenance issue." The U.S. Toxic Mold Safety and Protection Act, or the Melina Bill, was originally introduced in 2005, but was rejected by lawmakers. The modified bill is expected to require mold inspectors to be certified and call for public housing units to be inspected for the fungus.
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Green product certification is not as easy as it seems, says Scientific Certification Systems (SCS) CEO and President Stan Rhodes. Rhodes can tell a builder whether a carpet is sustainable under the NSF 140 Sustainable Carpet Assessment Standard if necessary, but he says life-cycle impacts, including the behavior of workers and energy consumption, should be the greater concern for offices and other structures because building products only total about 15 percent of the life-cycle impact. However, with green product certification, standards abound and very few manufacturers, builders, architects, engineers, and designers agree on what standards are the best to use. Generally, standards are developed when manufacturers and other industry players get together and agree on a set of criteria to certify products as sustainable, but architects and others prefer third-party certifications from outside groups or trade associations in terms of reliability. The Carpet and Rug Institute, which has a second-party sustainability label, bases its VOC emissions standard on California's Collaborative for High Performance Schools Section 01350 indoor-air quality criteria. NSF 140 relies on these standards, though California, which played a role in its development, did not believe the emissions criteria was stringent enough. NSF 140 has platinum and gold levels as well, and when the platinum level was introduced, there were no products on the market that met the standards, now there are eight such products.
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Cleaning professionals hired to clean a multi-unit building's ventilation system should use HEPA-filtered vacuums and ensure systems are cleaned in accordance with National Air Duct Cleaning Association standards, says Maria Vizzi, president of Bronx, N.Y.-based Indoor Environment Solutions. However, vacuuming or brushing alone is not enough. Experts underscore the importance of inserting long hoses into every air duct to eliminate blockages and eliminate dirt, then applying a sanitizer to reduce the chances of cross-contamination. Cleaning the ventilation system can take several weeks in large buildings, and the project should involve every apartment and common area, as well as the roof and garbage chute systems.
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Experts say soot, or smoke residue, should be treated as a possible health risk by restoration professionals. Fires can create numerous toxic chemicals, including carbon monoxide, hydrogen cyanide, ammonia, hydrogen chloride, methane, ethane, benzene, and sulfur dioxide. The types of chemicals produced depend on the materials involved in the fire, whether oxygen is available, and the combustion temperature. Soot has been an occupational hazard for centuries, and studies show that firefighters have more respiratory problems than the average person. Experts note smoke from burning wood produces a multitude of chemicals also found in cigarette smoke, and particulate matter with a diameter of 2.5 micrometers is linked to lung cancer and other respiratory conditions. Additionally, the Environmental Protection Agency's National Ambient Air Quality Standard regulates soot outside, with a threshold for fine particles present over a 24-hour period of 35 micrograms per cubic meter. Restoration professionals should ventilate work areas; employ HEPA filters and activated carbon to clean up indoor air; and wear nitrile gloves, dust masks, and other protective equipment.
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A systematic approach to carpet care emphasizes preventive, interim, and restorative maintenance. Preventive maintenance involves daily soil removal by vacuuming and placing mats in entryways. To ensure soils are contained, mats should extend at least 18 feet, given that as many as 10 paces are necessary to get soils off shoes. Daily spot and stain removal also are important. Cleaning surface soils before they sink into the carpet is the goal of interim maintenance, while restorative maintenance involves the use of cleaning agents and sophisticated equipment to remove embedded dirt. Before using any cleaning chemicals, cleaning professionals should read the manufacturer's label, look over Material Safety Data Sheets, and ensure they receive adequate training regarding the mixture and application of these chemicals.
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