Restoration Industry Association -- Educational Programs and Events

Setting the Standard in Fire Damage Repair

RIA and the Indoor Environmental Standards Organization (IESO) were thrilled on June 13 to announce details of their first cooperative program under a newly signed collaboration agreement between the two associations. The announcement was made at the 11^th Annual Meeting & Exposition of the Indoor Air Quality Association (IAQA) in Tampa, Florida.

On May 16, following approval by its Consensus Body, IESO published a project initiation notice in Standards Action, a weekly newsletter produced by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). The notice declared IESO’s intent to create comprehensive fire damage restoration standards in cooperation with RIA and other industry stakeholders. IESO is an ANSI-accredited standards development organization that works in close cooperation with IAQA and other industry associations.

RIA’s Damage Repair/Restoration Council has been considering for some time the value of transforming the RIA Guidelines for Fire and Smoke Damage Repair (formerly known as the NIDR Guidelines) into a standard that is approved by an accrediting body like ANSI. Although the interest was strong in doing so, RIA was not interested in becoming an accredited standards development organization, and we began to consider seeking a partnership with an ANSI-accredited organization which could use the Guidelines as a starting point for an American National Standard. Then, during our discussions with IAQA (see the May 2008 NewsBreak) the potential for partnering with IESO emerged, and an agreement was successfully made.

IESO has invited RIA to recommend knowledgeable professionals for service on the committee(s) that will be working on the fire damage standard. RIA members who are interested in being recommended by RIA should express their interest by sending an email message to info@restorationindustry.org with the words “Fire Damage Volunteer” in the subject line. Please be sure to include a copy of your professional qualifications for serving on this project and your willingness to devote approximately 90 minutes weekly for at least one year during the project.

Months of hard-but-rewarding work lie ahead for the volunteers in this exciting project. Please make the effort to volunteer and, if you can’t, nominate a colleague for the standards committee.

Donald E. Manger

Executive Director

CIRI and ISSA Join Forces

CIRI and ISSA signed a long-term partnership agreement on June 10 during the CIRI Symposium at the University of Maryland. The partnership will focus on developing industry data, training, measurement and certification programs. For more information visit www.ciri-research.org.

ANSI Certifies CRI’s Green Carpet Testing Programs

CRI announced its intent of being the first organization in the floor sector to earn accreditation from ANSI for Green Label and Green Label Plus. The programs test and certify those with low emissions from carpet, carpet cushion and adhesives, and compliance with the International Organization for Standardization and the International Electrotechnical Commission Guide 65.

Environmental Leadership Standard for Residential Cleaning Services

Green Seal announced the development of GS-49, which is set to define and establish environmental performance criteria for residential cleaning. This new standard will certify home cleaning services meeting criteria for green cleaning.

A Year for Record Setting

With the early tornadoes hitting the United States, the death rate has increased to 111 related deaths. Eighty-seven tornadoes struck the Midwest in a 24-hour time span back in February, leading to the current record-breaking numbers.

Flash Floods Leave Water Damage

Dorset and Somerset, England experienced unexpected amounts of rainfall, forcing many residents to evacuate their homes or place sandbags around in an attempt to minimize water damage to homes and businesses. Queensland, New Zealand also experienced flooding with similar results.

RIA Briefs

RIA’s Fall Conference Experience

Mark your calendars now for RIA’s 2008 Fall Conference from November 18-22, and spend time networking with your peers at the Hyatt Regency Inner Harbor in Baltimore, Maryland, where everything is within walking distance!

Learn how environmental risk management can proactively minimize your company’s exposure in this area. And, RIA will also be unveiling an “unconference format,” which will allow attendees to determine onsite which pertinent topics they’d like to learn about and discuss during part of the conference.

The Hyatt Regency Baltimore offers stunning views of the Inner Harbor, an award-winning rooftop restaurant, lavish guest rooms and amazing onsite amenities. RIA’s room rate is $189/night (single) or $199/night (double) plus taxes. For reservations phone: 888-421-1442 (mention the Restoration Industry Association group). Or register online from the link at RIA’s website: www.restorationindustry.org.

Use LED Lights for Inspection Illumination

By Steven M. Spivak, Ph.D.

Forensic sanitarians, experts from food services, report that newer LED (light emitting diode) flashlights offer a considerable benefit during detailed inspections. Cleaners and restorers are often required to do inspections of premises. There are times during restoration work that available lighting is inoperable or insufficient for a good inspection of the premises. Blue-white light from LEDs improves contrast and detail better than normally visible or observable with a conventional flashlight or ambient lighting.

This benefit of enhanced visibility and improved contrast is similar to the blue-white, HID (high intensity discharge) automobile headlamps that are now prominently seen. Even conventional tungsten bulb headlamps are now available with blue filtering to emulate the actual HID headlights.

The LED flashlights come in increasing light intensity with either 1, 3 or 5 LED bulbs. Battery life is greatly extended over regular lighting. Pocket-sized LED flashlights are convenient to carry, using AAA or button-size watch batteries. Larger LED lights are bigger in size and performance.

Steven M. Spivak, Ph.D., is an RIA technical advisor.

Marketing Savvy

A New Twist on Who You Know

By Graham Dick CR, CMP

Everyone has heard the adage, “It’s not just what you know, it’s who you know.” Here is a new twist that I believe will turbo charge your level of success.

“It’s not just who you know, it’s who knows you.”

I don’t know about you, but my memory just isn’t the steel trap I wish it was. I’ve been known to forget someone’s name and boy does that bug me. Yes, I’ve gone to the seminars on using different memory techniques to help remember names and some would say I’m pretty good at it, but from my perspective I just keep falling short. Then I had a paradigm shift that I want to share with you.

Using the universal principle of “leverage,” I found a way to leverage my memory by getting people to remember me. I realized that every highly successful person I observed was recognized and known by many times more people than he/she could possibly remember. An obvious example is the president of a country. He is known by every person in the country (hundreds of millions), yet the people he knows numbers only in the thousands. How could I increase my success by leveraging who knows me?

In the case of my industry and business, it’s by volunteering and participating wherever I can add value. That may be locally with the Food Bank or Ronald McDonald House, Chamber of Commerce or Rotary. It may be regionally, by organizing educational events or writing a column in the local paper/magazines. It may be internationally, by participating in RIA and other large industry groups. The value proposition you create when you give of your skills/gifts will always return to you many times over.

Effective networking will increase who you know, but effective volunteering will increase who knows you.

Graham Dick is a past officer/director of RIA and a current member of the Environmental Council.

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

Elementary, My Dear Watson…Or is It?

By Neil McManus, CIH, ROH, CSP

Building restoration is dedicated to the return of the internal and external building environment to the condition that preceded a downgrading and sometimes catastrophic event. The powers of observation used in the anticipation, recognition, evaluation and solving of problems are as important and applicable in the arena of building restoration as they are in occupational health and safety.

Rainwater Harvesting – Green Cleaning Done Right

By Bill Foulds, CRS, CMH

For one company, rainwater rinsing started as an advertising promotion that sounded right for the market. Then they discovered that not only did it sound good to its customers, but it improved their cleaning while helping the environment.

Ergonomics in Cleaning
By Mike Schaffer

In the cleaning industry, the repetitiveness of some motions such as mopping, lifting and vacuuming, make ergonomics an important consideration for workers. And employee involvement in the ergonomic process is one of the best ways to reduce worker injuries.

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A bill recently signed into law by Maryland Gov. Martin O'Malley that goes into effect June 1, 2010, requires mold remediation firms to obtain state licenses. Companies must be certified by state-approved, third-party organizations before licenses are issued. The Restoration Industry Association (RIA) took an active part in the legislation's creation. "RIA members in Maryland, led by Matt Odachowski of Royal Plus, saw the need for a mold licensing bill that would improve confidence in mold remediation practitioners," says RIA executive director Don Manger. "Their initiative and leadership in drafting a bill and managing it through the Legislature to signature by Gov. O'Malley establishes a standard of excellence in public policy administration for the entire restoration industry." He notes that RIA will give members access to compliance resources well in advance of the bill's implementation. Similar bills likely will be passed in other states to protect consumers, predicts Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification Chairman Dan Bernazzani.
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Glen Burnie, Md.-based AmRestore cleans and restores items contaminated by Staph bacteria or damaged by fire. The company has a three-step Staph infection prevention process, which involves a machine that uses hydraulics to remove contaminants from sports equipment, stuffed animals, and other items; a hand wash with an Environmental Protection Agency-approved disinfectant; and a machine that runs three gas phases over eight hours in sealed-off classrooms, locker rooms, and other contaminated spaces. With regard to fire damage, AmRestore owner Will Lamb says he gives rugs what he calls the "HEPA sandwich"--removing smoke residue with a HEPA vacuum, hand washing with fabric-safe foam, and a second HEPA vacuuming. The company also employs deionized water and electronic-safe soap to clean damaged electronics and an ultrasonic machine to clean rusted tools, silver, and stainless steel.
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The Insurance Services Office's Property Claims Services estimates losses from the late-May storms in the Midwest will result in $850 million in insured losses from seven states. Approximately 10,000 claims were filed in Iowa alone, where an EF5 tornado struck Parkersburg and caused about $160 million in damage. EMC Insurance Cos. indicated recent storms have been unpredictable, and losses related to storms reached new heights between January and May of this year. EMC estimates storm losses for 2008 at $74 million, compared to $36 million for the same period in 2007.
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"Senate Passes a Flood Program Bill"
National Underwriter (Property & Casualty - Risk & Benefits Management Edition) (05/13/08) Postal, Arthur D.

The U.S. Senate passed the Flood Insurance Reform and Modernization Act of 2008 by a vote of 92-to-6, which will extend the program into 2013 and forgive its $17.5 billion in debt from the 2005 hurricane season. There are three provisions in the Senate bill that are not part of the House's version. First, the Senate bill forgives the $17.5 billion in debt generated by the 2005 hurricanes. Additionally, the bill establishes a commission to examine how best to manage catastrophe risks and an ombudsman within the Federal Emergency Management Agency to ensure that the 93 participating insurers in the flood program pay for wind claims and do not shift them to the national flood program. The House bill, however, includes wind coverage for National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) participants as an add-on. The House and Senate will have to reach consensus regarding the NFIP before Sept. 30, when the program expires. American Insurance Association President Marc Racicot says, "[The Senate chose the more] 'thoughtful path' in its version of the legislation because forgiving the NFIP's debt puts the program back 'on a sound financial footing.' The Senate also showed good judgment by not adding wind coverage to the NFIP."
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Federal lawmakers approved legislation late last year that requires the Environmental Protection Agency to impose a national voluntary guideline for cleaning methamphetamine labs within one year and institute a research program to study the health impact of meth labs on children and other building occupants. Currently, cleanup standards imposed by such states as Arizona, Colorado, Oregon, and Washington call for no more than 0.05 to 0.5 micrograms per 100 square centimeters of meth residue left behind. In California, the threshold is 0.1 micrograms per 100 square centimeters; experts point out that this level is the lowest detectable, but smaller amounts could make occupants sick. A proposal from the California Department of Toxic Substances Control and the California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment calling for a health-based cleanup standard of 1.5 micrograms per 100 square centimeters is in the peer review phase. State officials also might impose rules governing meth lab sampling and cleanup methods and propose cleanup standards for chemicals found in meth lab residue, such as iodine, methyl iodine, and phosphine.
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Indianapolis-based Bio-Trauma 911, Inc. and other crime scene cleanup companies clean homicide and suicide scenes so families do not have to handle the jobs. “Too many family members think they have to clean up themselves,” says co-founder Brandon Stone. “That just adds to their grief.” Stone and his partners, all former law enforcement officers, went to Texas in 2005 to learn the trade from an experienced cleaning firm. They launched Bio-Trauma 911 upon their return to Indianapolis, generating business through law enforcement, victims' assistance groups, and insurance agents. Homeowners' insurance typically covers their fees, which run $180 per hour and up. The company has seen a jump in business from $13,000 in sales in 2006 to anticipated revenue of $150,000 this year. Bio-Trauma 911 generally handles crime scenes and "gross filth" contamination, which involves the accumulation of trash, excrement, and other biohazards by residents with mental illnesses. The company's technicians wear protective suits and respirators; remove contaminated carpets, subfloor, drywall, and other materials; and haul them to an incinerator in plastic bags placed in labeled tubs. While there are no regulations for crime scene cleanup firms in Indiana, the company abides by federal hazardous materials and protective gear standards and offers a training program.
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Carpet manufacturers are rolling out carpet comprising recycled materials, and there are many sustainable products available for carpet cleaning professionals as well. When selecting a sustainable cleaning product that aims to improve the health of cleaning professionals, building occupants, and the overall environment, experts encourage them to choose products without harsh alkalis or flammable solvents. However, they should pay close attention to how the product performs and how much it costs before making a decision. Regardless of the cleaning products used, experts say carpets need to be cleaned on a regular basis to ensure a long life; and there are ways for cleaning specialists to clean them frequently in a sustainable manner. Cleaning professionals should use vacuums with the Carpet and Rug Institute's Seal of Approval and Green Label; purchase energy-efficient cleaning equipment; restrict disinfectant use, as the active ingredients in these products are toxic; and avoid using sanitizing products, which also are toxic and kill only a small number of microbes. Additionally, they should filter wastewater before releasing it into sanitary sewers; keep greases, oils, and other contaminants from soiled carpets out of the ground and water; and prevent overwetting or excess detergent use to avoid resoiling and mold growth.
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The wildfires that ravaged more than 12,500 acres and more than 30 homes in Florida in May boosted business for local cleaning and restoration contractors. Servpro and ServiceMaster are among the companies fielding calls from homeowners who want soot, water, and mold removed from their properties. These firms also handle fabric, floor, and wall cleaning. Other restoration companies are handling fire-related repairs, making it important for them to have attorneys on hand to handle issues that crop up when insurers do not want to pay. Professional Construction and Restoration's Andrew Propst says some homeowners are avoiding filing insurance claims and instead are hiring his company to complete smaller jobs that fit their budgets. According to Florida Retail Federation President and CEO Rick McAllister, "As much as we don't like the outcome, the hurricanes were an economic stimulus to Florida and so is fire, but not to the same extent."
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The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) released its latest predictions for the 2008 hurricane season, which began June 1. Up to 16 storms could form this season, with up to nine hurricanes--five of them major storms--predicted. The NOAA's Climate Prediction Center warns coastal residents and others that the likelihood of an above-normal hurricane season in 2008 stands at 90 percent. The main contributing factors to the predictive model analysis include the continued presence of La Nina and above-normal temperatures in the Atlantic Ocean. NOAA will update its forecast in August. Meanwhile, Colorado State University's forecasting team estimates about 15 named storms for the 2008 hurricane season, with eight hurricanes and four major hurricanes.
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Marsh & McLennan Cos. reported during a May 30 conference call that the insurance market may be on the verge of stabilization after several years of price declines. Some insurers are pulling away from risks if pricing does not meet risk needs, noted Marsh's Robert Howe. About 72 percent of policyholders experienced price declines over 5 percent in the last 18 months. However, rate declines are unlikely to continue with 15 non-catastrophe events totaling losses over $100 million. Meanwhile, reinsurance capacity remains strong, according to experts.
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Dr. David Cummins, economist of the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania, concluded in his recent study, "Bermuda Insurance Market: An Economic Analysis," that U.S. insurers rely upon Bermuda for financial stability, especially in liability, ocean marine, and non-proportional reinsurance lines. Bermuda's regulatory structure is more flexible and allows for a great deal more cooperation between regulators and insurers, which expedites the establishment of insurers in the domicile. The report also indicates that in spite of the greater regulatory flexibility, insolvency risks are not higher in Bermuda than in other locations. The report says, "Because of the regulatory and tax flexibility, Bermuda has become the jurisdiction of choice, especially for reinsurers responding to changing demands for reinsurance from primary jurisdictions such as the United States." Cummins also touts the politically stable environment of Bermuda, its sound monetary system, and his high sovereign debt ratings as positives for the domicile. Bermuda held about 11 percent of the reinsurance market in 2005, compared to just 5 percent in 1996.
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When it comes to cleaning carpets and upholstery, Greg Hadfield, executive vice president of Crypton, Inc. underscores the importance of taking time to determine what fibers are involved and whether water-based cleaners, solvent-based cleaners, or only vacuums should be used to clean them. Hadfield says cleaning professionals should avoid products not intended for textiles and keep in mind that soap alkalinity left behind by cleaners with a high pH make fabrics vulnerable to resoiling; a thorough rinsing will make surfaces pH neutral. After identifying the material, he says cleaning specialists should remove excess soils from the surface, pre-test spotting agents, use only solutions and brushes intended for fabrics, transfer the stain to a soft white towel by blotting, and repeat the process as many times as it takes to eliminate the stain. As for water extraction systems, Hadfield recommends those with low water pressure and increased airflow to prevent excess water and subsequent mold growth.
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Under new rules approved by the U.S. Green Building Council, buildings applying for certification through its Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design for Existing Buildings (LEED-EB) program need to implement green cleaning policies. Buildings that institute APPA's Custodial Staffing Guidelines for Educational Facilities under LEED's Quality Cleaning Section qualify for up to two LEED points. LEED's Operations and Maintenance guide indicates that the assessment's goal is "to reduce the exposure of building occupants and maintenance personnel to potentially hazardous chemical, biological, and particulate contaminants--which adversely affect air quality, human health, building finishes, building systems, and the environment--by implementing, managing, and auditing cleaning procedures and processes."
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At a May speech for the Sanibel and Captiva Chamber of Commerce, Greg Frith of Fireservice Disaster Kleenup hosted a presentation titled, "Grow House Restoration--Florida's Other Cash Crop." He noted that more homes in Southwest Florida are being used to grow marijuana, creating what he calls "a whole new industry." Attendees learned the skills necessary to run a grow house, namely an understanding of plant biology and irrigation, and the necessity of such equipment as air conditioners, grow lamps, and PVC pipes. Frith said companies handling grow house restoration must contend with structural damage and mold growth, due to excessive moisture inside the home that is necessary to grow the plants. He pointed out that his company employs thermal-imaging devices to find signs of excess moisture in the interior of a structure, which he says are noticeable from the exterior. According to Frith, the only good thing about dealing with grow houses is they are not methamphetamine labs, which leave behind levels of toxic residue that often warrant the complete bulldozing of a structure.
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Experts underscore the importance of removing dry soil from rugs before cleaning them with water. Even new rugs that appear clean tend to have a large amount of dry soils because they are laid flat on the ground to dry when they are washed for the first time by the rug maker. Cleaning professionals can extract these dry soils in several ways, including an upright vacuum with a rotating beater bar that beats the backside of the rug. They also can remove dry soil using air compressors with wands that release air at a rate of 80 cubic feet per minute and 80 pounds per square inch. Portable dusters with rotating shafts and straps to beat the rug can be used as well.
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Floor cleaning professionals can save themselves money in the tight economy by making sure their autoscrubbers and vacuum cleaners are properly maintained and by learning how to perform basic repairs themselves. With autoscrubbers, experts urge cleaning specialists to discontinue use whenever a possible motor problem is detected. To ensure top-notch performance, they also should examine and replace the squeegees on the back of the machine, remove debris from pads or cylinders, and ensure joints are regularly lubricated. If the autoscrubber uses acid-cell batteries, cleaning specialists should monitor water levels and add distilled water when evaporation occurs, as well as prevent acid from coming into contact with carpets and floors. As with autoscrubbers, cleaning professionals should stop using vacuums when motor problems arise. Proper maintenance of vacuum cleaners involves frequent bag changes, checking and cleaning the beater bar, and replacing the belt as needed. Additionally, they should avoid cleaning up liquids with vacuums to prevent moisture damage to hoses and mold and mildew growth inside the machine. Finally, experts urge cleaning specialists to read and hang onto the owner's manual accompanying each machine.
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NewsBreak is another valuable service of the Restoration Industry Association.
Masthead photos courtesy of VanDam & Krusinga and Insurance Restoration Services.