The second day of
the Professional Abatement Contractors of New York (
PACNY) environmental conference at the
Turning Stone Casino in Verona, NY started with the Technical Sessions. The day started with opening remarks from
Sean Hart, of Energy & Environment, President of PACNY and Deb Sanscrainte,
of
Aramsco, the Conference Chair. This
year's Technical Session seemed much more intense & focused with a lot of
good information presented. The
presentations kicked off with Dr. Martin Rutstein, of Ecological Consulting
& Management Services, discussing "Talc with Tremolite & Other
Amphiboles." Discussed the issues of talc contaminated with asbestos or
silica and the potential for diseases correlated to talc related asbestosis,
silicosis or talcosis. Dr. Rutstein's
presentations are always entertaining and are eye opening in regards to the
science of geology. The next presenter was
Mr. Tom Laubenthal, of The Environmental Institute (a division of ATC Group
Services) discussing "Using
ASTM E2356 Standard Practice for Comprehensive
Building Surveys". Mr. Laubenthal's
discussion brought up interesting points regarding the use of Safety Data
Sheets (SDS) and Architect/Engineer Certifications of no asbestos containing
materials used as part of the
Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA's)
Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA) and its applicability for the
purposes of a "thorough inspection" under the EPA's National Emission
Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (
NESHAPS). After Mr. Laubenthal's presentation, we took
a break to wander the Vendor Exhibit Hall and meet with some of the vendors
like
Grayling/ILC Dover (glovebags, etc.) and
AMA Analytical (laboratory services).
We returned from the
break for Mr. Ed Stuber's, of Galson Laboratories, update on the
"Occupational Safety and Health Administration's (OSHA's) Silica
regulation." One of the key points
of his presentation is that the silica standard is no longer a moving
target. Previously, the standard was
based on a formula. The current standard
has a set permissible exposure limit (PEL) of 50 micrograms per cubic meter and
a set action level of 25 micrograms per cubic meter. In additions, it is very important to ensure
you see the lab's proficiency testing data because labs that analyze silica
samples have till June 23, 2018 to comply with the OSHA standard. Dr. Chris Goulah, of EMSL Analytical,
presented on "Legionella". The
presentation was on the New York City outbreak in 2015 and the regulations created by New
York City (NYC) and New York State (NYS) to protect against Legionella. Dr.
Goulah's presentation noted that Legionnaires' Disease is on the rise since 2000 and that most cases are the result of exposure to Legionella asssociated with building water systems (potable & non-potable). Mr. Jim Redmond, of Associated General Contractors of NYS, gave us a "Regulatory Update on OSHA." Mr. Redmonds discussed the electronic submission of injuries and illnesses (goes into effect on July 1, 2017 for more information visit OSHA's website) and construction industry citations based on the multi-employer work-site policy (creating, exposing, correcting, & controlling). We then broke for the buffet lunch and another stroll through the Exhibit Hall and meet vendors like DiVal Safety Equipment and Frederico Demolition.
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| Brent Kynoch of EIA |
The afternoon started with Dr. James Haklar, from EPA Region 2, discussing "Polychlorinated Biphenyl (PCBs) Case Studies". Dr. Haklar's presentation discussed the primary sources of PCBs in buildings (caulk, fluorescent light ballasts, paints and mastics) and secondary sources (building materials contaminated by releases of PCBs from the primary sources). Dr. Haklar's presentation also discussed exposure levels for evaluating PCBs in Indoor School Air (to keep the total exposure below the oral reference dose of 20 nanograms PCB per kilogram-day) and the EPA's agreement with NYC. Up next was Mr. Brent Kynoch, of the Environmental Information Association (EIA), updating us on "What Does Toxic Substance Control Act (TSCA) Reform Mean to the Asbestos Abatement Industry?" Mr. Kynoch discussed "unreasonable risk" and the EPA's need to take final risk management action within 2 years or 4 years if an extension is needed. In addition, Mr. Kynoch informed us that asbestos was selected in the "Top 10" chemicals for review by EPA and as of the PACNY conference the public comment period was open (it has since closed, here is the docket information: https://www.regulations.gov/docket?D=EPA-HQ-OPPT-2016-0736). The final speakers for the day were Mr. Cole Stanton, of Fiberlock Technologies, and Mr. Fred Schauf, of Spectrum Environmental presenting on "Environmental Indicators: Changes in Policy and Practice that WILL Impact Restoration & Abatement in 2017 -2018 and Beyond." Mr. Stanton and Mr. Schauf discussed the 2016 Indoor Air Quality Association (IAQA) report to NYS Department of Labor (NYSDOL). This report indicated the following:
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| Mr. Cole Stanton, of Fiberlock Technologies, and Mr. Fred Schauf, of Spectrum Environmental |
- Remediators perform own assessments/final inspections
- Mold Remediation Plans are incomplete:
- No quantities per work area
- No Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) mentioned
- EPA registered biocides etc. without specifying a product
- No method for remediation, only "industry standards"
- No cost estimate
- Non NYSDOL licensed assessors provide the inspection/assessment.
- Real Estate agents are assessing and preparing Mold Remediation Plans for properties they are listing (does not appear to violate Article 32, it does appear to violate their code of ethics.)
- Mold remediators are still providing homeowners with checklist used as assessment and mold remediation plan
- and/or, No Mold Remediation Work Plans provided.
- Training Quality needs significant improvement:
- Incorrect information presented, such as: asbestos testing is not necessary as mold takes precedence over asbestos containing materials; a check list by the homeowner is OK; sampling is required; biocides are preferable to removal.
- Classes last less than 5 hours a day
- Mold assessment classes being taught by teachers without mold experience.
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| Vendor Reception in the Exhibit Hall |
That ended the Technical Sessions on day 2. The Vendor Reception in the Exhibit Hall started, where further networking with the vendors and the attendees continued. It was a very informative day 2 and the amount of information was fantastic. Looking forward to day 3 and our presentation. Thank you to the Long Island contingent that attended the conference this year.
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| Part of the Long Island Contingent that Attended This Year |
Related articles:
Workers Memorial Day Message 2016(blogs.cdc.gov)
OSHA Fines Increase By 78%, Will That Lead To An Increase in Safety Consulting & Training?(futureenv.blogspot.com)
Standing - Down to Prevent Falls in Construction(blogs.cdc.gov)
OSHA slams co. after 2 men died(bostonherald.com)
Workplace Injury, Illness and Death- How do we know how many?(blogs.cdc.gov)
Memorable moments from Labor Secretary's confirmation hearing [The Pump Handle](scienceblogs.com)
