Cleaning in the USA
Mold 2004 and Beyond
I recently had an opportunity to attend the new four-day IICRC approved Applied Microbial Remediation Technician (AMRT) course. This was an intense hands-on workshop on how to properly identify, remove and dispose of mold and sewer contamination in residential and commercial buildings. The program I attended was instructed by Peter Sierck and Patrick Moffett. It was sponsored by the Carpet and FabriCare Institute (CFI), and held at the World Floor Covering Association (WFCA) headquarters in Anaheim, CA.
Some tidbits from the presentation include:
The IICRC S520 Mold Remediation Standard is receiving wide acceptance and distribution. Since it s publication 3 months ago over 6000 copies have been sold. (info is available at: www.iicrc.org)
Changes are taking place fast in the mold remediation industry. New technology, procedures and test equipment are being introduced that make the work safer, more productive and effective.
There are still many gray areas when it comes to mold related issues. The are no government standards and little basis or agreement among experts as to acceptable exposure limits, proper testing procedures or who is qualified to inspect and clear mold remediation jobs.
Insurance companies are removing mold coverage from policies and or limiting claims to a set amount such as $5000.00 per occurrence.
There are a lot flakes out there doing the work, writing protocols and clearing jobs.
It s easier for those who have experience doing asbestos removal and hazardous waste clean up to switch over to mold remediation work than it is for carpet cleaners and restoration companies to enter the field.
Quotes from Instructor Peter Sierck,
I expect to see a reduction in the number of companies entering the mold remediation field in the future.”
Insurance companies are pulling out or limiting claims so there is a lot less money available for this type of work. They are also separating out charges on invoices and requiring contractors to use a lower hourly rate for work that doesn t require a certified and suited technician.
I expect to see more state and federal regulation and oversight regarding mold which will drive up costs and complicate the work for remediation contractors.
“In the near future I expect insurance companies and buyers will require that workers and companies be certified in order to be awarded contracts.
I expect to see billable rates for consultants, contractors and tests to continue to come down in all areas of mold work. They are basically in a free fall right now. Tests that used to cost $75.00 each are now under $20.00 each. The hourly rate for suited workers ranges from $40.00 to $100.00 per hour. Businesses are getting more efficient and competitive and insurance companies are watching their costs more closely.
The Mold is Gold days are over.
Mold isn t going to go away, but the industry must continue to adjust to the on going changes that will continue in the market place.
Floor Care Update There is a lot to Learn
One of the things I ve been doing lately is researching and revising the technical procedures manual for the Floor Care Technician certification course. Quite frankly, I ve always thought I have a pretty good grasp of how you take care of different types of floor coverings. However, I continue to be amazed at how much detailed technical information is available if you really dig for it. When it comes to wood, stone, epoxy and concrete flooring I have had to go to the respective industries to really get the facts. But when I compare what s out there with the information that we have been using for many years, there is a night and day difference.
Who Say s There s No Money in Cleaning
Recently a job posting for a Janitorial Subject Matter Expert came across my desk. Johnson Controls, a Fortune 500 Company with over $22 billion in annual revenues is looking to fill two such positions. One person to handle North America and another person to take care of Europe and Asia. The starting salary is over $100,000 per year. Not that s what I call a good paying janitor job.
The Economy
We are still losing thousands of jobs each month. At the same time, all the financial indicators show that the economy has stabilized and about to begin picking up speed. I remain a skeptic.
The word I hear on the street is that things are tight and getting tighter by the day. Everybody is looking for ways to cut costs by reducing labor and using equipment that is more productive. It seem to be the way business is learning to operate and survive. Cut your cost, keep your customers and hustle.
Who’s Going to Be Doing the Work
A recent study by the Rand Corporation stated that shifting demographics, advances in technology and increases in global trade are the strongest forces shaping the world of work today. It is not clear what all the effects of these forces will be but it seems clear that U.S. workers should brace for continued global outsourcing. According to the study, outsourcing of U.S. jobs overseas is a growing economic reality that will lead to unemployment and permanent wage losses for some workers. While trade will continue to generate other new jobs. These jobs will tend to be in lower-paying industries such as retail, health and personal services. The study also states the employers faced with a tight job market will be forced to adjust to the new reality to attract and keep employees many of whom will be women, minorities and seniors. The globalization issue is already shaping up to be a hot topic for this year s election. Bush s top economic adviser has already landed in hot water for his comments that globalization will have a positive effect on the economy. Whatever the politicians decide, the work force is changing and employers and employees should be prepared for the changes.
Magic Eraser
Have you seen Mr. Clean s hot new tool? It s some sort of a foam pad that works wonders when it comes to removing spots from basically any surface. It takes black marks off of floors, spots out of carpets, crayon and fingerprints of walls and the list goes on. And the really good news. Here s where you can get a free sample. Call 866-295-0003 or HYPERLINK “http://www.mrclean.com” www.mrclean.com
Leather Flooring
One of the most interesting floor coverings I found at this years Surfaces show was a leather floor tile that is held in place with a magnetic installation system. When I asked about the maintenance I was told that daily maintenance simply requires vacuuming with a soft bristle brush attachment or light dust mopping. As for periodic maintenance, the manufacture recommends that the floor be damp mopped with distilled water and a very well rung out mop every sixty days. The real trick is in the manufacturer s yearly maintenance recommendations. They recommend to hand wax the floor with a natural bees wax to get a semi-gloss finish at least once a year, every six months for high traffic areas. If you want a high gloss finish, you can machine buff the tiles with a polishing pad but no brushes.
