Future Environment Designs Training Center specializes in asbestos, indoor air quality, industrial hygiene, and occupational safety training programs. We offer New York State asbestos and mold certification courses. We design, develop, and maintain the various indoor air quality, asbestos, and safety programs that are Keeping Your Employees Safe.
On October 5, 1988, Angelo Garcia, III, founded Future Environment Designs, Inc. (FEDTC) as an indoor air quality consulting and training service to the facility management sector. Since then, we have transformed the company into a provider of asbestos, mold, and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) compliance training. That has enabled us to continue for 37 years, with plans to continue for at least another 13 years.
Once we converted the company into a training company, we became completely focused on our Blue Ocean Strategy of separating our company from our competitors by including additional services in our training courses to meet our clients' needs. Services like:
supplying personal protective equipment (PPE),
providing quantitative respirator fit testing,
providing respirator medical evaluations,
our monthly Safety Suzy newsletter with content on asbestos, mold, indoor air quality, and occupational safety and health information,
our blog where we post items of interest and discussion,
In keeping with our Blue Ocean Strategy, we are starting a program called "After the Refresher". "After the Refresher" will consist of interviews and recordings with people who attended our refresher classes, where our attendees get to introduce themselves and we discuss some of the topics we covered in the refresher class. As we develop this program, we hope to interview people at conferences and other events that have an impact on the asbestos, mold, and OSHA compliance business.
In our first episode above, we discussed the different items we are currently discussing in our asbestos refresher courses. In our second episode below, we interviewed John Paciulli of Insight Environmental, Inc., on the new New York State Department of Laborfact sheet on asbestos surveys and how it would impact the asbestos and mold industries. We also discuss issues regarding contamination assessments.
As we continue to develop these programs and services, we are looking forward to what the next 13 years have to offer. When you watch these programs, please don't forget to subscribe to Future Environment Designs Training Center's YouTube Channel and hit the like button. Thank you!
On September 16, 2025, Senator Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Representative Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR), and Representative Don Bacon (R-NE) introduced the bipartisan, bicameral Alan Reinstein Ban Asbestos Now (ARBAN) Act of 2025. This long-overdue legislation finally addresses what many of us in the asbestos and environmental industry have been fighting for decades: a complete ban on asbestos in all its forms.
“On behalf of the Environmental Information Association, I express our strong support for the Alan Reinstein Ban Asbestos Now Act of 2025. We greatly appreciate the continuing commitment of Congress to finally ban commercial asbestos—a toxic substance our members have worked tirelessly to help manage and remediate for decades. With the passage of ARBAN, the United States will finally join nearly 70 countries that have already taken decisive action to protect public health.”
For those of us in the industry, the facts remain painfully clear: asbestos exposure has caused generations of suffering, disease, and death. The scientific consensus is undeniable—there is no safe level of asbestos exposure. Yet in 2025, asbestos remains legal in the United States. ARBAN represents the first comprehensive solution that will finally align the U.S. with international public health standards and put an end to preventable asbestos-related tragedies.
Linda Reinstein of ADAO
Linda Reinstein, President of ADAO, powerfully reminded us:
“We have known for decades that asbestos causes suffering, disease, and death. It is long past time to end the importation and use of all asbestos in the United States and put a stop to the preventable tragedies that have claimed far too many American lives.”
Ban all asbestos — including all six recognized fibers, plus winchite and richterite
Close regulatory loopholes left by EPA’s 2024 rule
Ensure permanent protections through legislation immune to court reversal
With more than 40,000 Americans dying each year from asbestos-related diseases, the stakes could not be higher. Passing ARBAN is not only about preventing illness and death today - it is about securing a healthier, safer future for workers, families, and communities across the nation.
As someone who has spent their career in the asbestos and industrial hygiene field, we cannot stress enough how critical this legislation is. The United States has delayed for far too long. It is time for Congress to act. Contact your legislators today and urge them to support the Alan Reinstein Ban Asbestos Now Act of 2025. Together, we can end asbestos use in the U.S. once and for all.
Today, April 28, marks the anniversary of the day NIOSH first opened its doors in 1971, following the passage of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970. Congress created NIOSH — the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health — to "assure so far as possible every working man and woman in the Nation safe and healthful working conditions."
Types of Respirators
For more than half a century, NIOSH has stood as a cornerstone of worker protection. Its research has helped shape critical safety standards for asbestos, silica, lead, heat stress, mental health, and countless other hazards across industries. From construction sites to healthcare settings, from manufacturing floors to environmental consulting offices, NIOSH’s work has been integral to safeguarding the health and lives of American workers.
But this year’s celebration is bittersweet — and frankly, alarming.
In a stunning and deeply concerning move, mass layoffs have gutted key NIOSH research and education programs. Overnight, the agency’s capacity to investigate workplace hazards, develop scientific guidelines, and educate the next generation of safety professionals has been drastically reduced.
The consequences of this cannot be overstated. Without NIOSH’s leadership:
Standards for silica, a deadly airborne hazard linked to silicosis and lung cancer, are now at risk of stagnating.
Protections against lead exposure, which affects the brain and nervous system, could weaken.
Efforts to address heat-related illness, a growing crisis as climate change intensifies, are left vulnerable.
Momentum around mental health in the workplace, a long-ignored pillar of occupational safety, may lose critical support just when it's finally gaining ground.
Occupational safety and health cannot afford to stand still — and it certainly cannot afford to move backward. Every advance we’ve made — every reduced injury rate, every improved standard, every saved life — was built on a foundation of science, research, and proactive leadership. Without a strong, fully functioning NIOSH, that foundation starts to crack.
Thankfully, the fight to #SaveNIOSH is growing stronger by the day.
American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) and the American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA) are actively advocating through letters, partnerships, and a public #SaveNIOSH campaign. Workers, safety professionals, and the general public are encouraged to use the Voter Voice system to contact legislators, share their support on social media, and help safeguard worker protections that are critical to U.S. health, safety, and economic well-being.
A coalition of 460 organizations is urging Congress to stop the planned layoffs at NIOSH, warning that cutting more than 870 employees would cripple efforts to protect the health and safety of 164 million U.S. workers. These cuts — part of a Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) restructuring set to take effect by June 30 — would devastate critical programs like the National Personal Protective Technology Laboratory, providing info on Firefighter research, services, and health and safety information, and Coal Workers' Health Surveillance Program and other such initiatives.
NYC FireFighter
The coalition emphasizes that NIOSH provides the nation’s only dedicated federal research on preventing workplace injuries and illnesses — losses that cost the U.S. economy more than $250 billion annually.
Lawmakers, including Rep. Bobby Scott (D-VA), are demanding hearings and greater transparency, arguing that gutting NIOSH would not only endanger workers but also undermine decades of public health progress and weaken evidence-based solutions that have saved countless lives.
Protecting NIOSH is not just about preserving an institution — it's about maintaining a safer, healthier workforce and a stronger economy. It’s about continuing the work that has made American workplaces among the safest in the world.
As we mark this important milestone, let’s honor NIOSH’s legacy — not just with words, but with action. Speak up. Get involved. Fight for the future of occupational health and safety.
As we say goodbye to 2024 and welcome 2025, we reflect on 2024 and how it has changed us. 2024 has been a good year for Future Environment Designs which helps to keep the business viable as we enter our 37th year in business. We are still working on a balance between the company and our personal life. Which at times can be so entertwined.
PACNY's Holiday Meeting at Skaneateles, NY
Future Environment Designs is looking forward to 2025 as many of our clients have asked for initial courses in the coming year and we look forward to assisting them with their needs. We will continue to service the other areas of the State (such as Plattsburgh, Rochester, Syracuse, Hudson Valley, and Buffalo) looking for quality training. Thank you to all our clients for helping us maintain a 4.8 rating out of 5 for another year! Your positive feedback means a lot to us. If you'd like to share your experience, please visit our course reviews at CourseCheck. We look forward to continuing our work on the Professional Abatement Contractors of New York (PACNY) Board of Directors (if reelected), event, and communications committees. In addition, some indoor air quality consulting work has also come through the door for the New Year we look forward to meeting those needs, too.
Anthony's Restaurant in Plattsburgh, NY
On a more global note, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced on December 3, 2024, that it hasdetermined that disturbing and handling asbestos associated with legacy uses, and asbestos as a chemical substance, poses an unreasonable risk to human health. EPA's Risk Evaluation for Asbestos Part 2: Supplemental Evaluation Including Legacy Uses and Associated Disposals of Asbestos - Part 2 of the Risk Evaluation for Asbestos, EPA considered chrysotile (serpentine), crocidolite (riebeckite), amosite (cummingtonite-grunerite), anthophyllite, tremolite, actinolite, and Libby Amphibole Asbestos (and its tremolite, winchite, and richterite constituents). EPA considers this expansion to be consistent with the focus of Part 2 of the Risk Evaluation for Asbestos on legacy uses and associated disposals. Additionally, the EPA assessed the relevant conditions for the use of asbestos-containing talc because talc has been implicated as a potential source of asbestos exposure.
Rockefeller Centre, NYC
It will be interesting moving forward since this announcement means rules or regulations must be promulgated to mediate the risk. Especially with a new administration that is looking to reduce regulation. It will be interesting to see if we get another SNUR. See our post on the SNUR. Several items we hope will be addressed:
a National Aggressive TEM Clearance requirement for all-size asbestos projects. Read my post regarding clearance.
a reduction of the exposure limit for all asbestos workers. Remember EPA in Part One set an exposure limit of 0.005 f/cc for chlor-alkali workers. Read my post regarding Part One.
in addition, a plan to replace phase contrast microscopy with a better method for evaluating worker exposures.
Getting rid of the greater than 1% rule for asbestos-containing materials (ACM). Changing it to any percentage even trace amounts would eliminate some confusion between EPA and OSHA regulations.
Coming up with a method for handling Libby-Amphibole Asbestos.
Bergdorf Goodman, NYC
On a personal note, we will miss our youngest sister Dr. Melissa Garcia who passed on in May. This has altered our view of things a bit. How short life is and the time we have on this planet can end at any time. Specifically, most will not see much of a difference because we have always been a positive (glass half-full) person. Though we're starting to feel our age. Our worries and cares are very different now and going forward.
Bryant Park, NYC
We look forward to seeing many of you in 2025 as we continue our journey together!
Day One Highlights: A Deep Dive into Environmental Challenges
The conference kicked off with an array of expert speakers, setting the tone for an engaging and informative event. Ben Reich of Eurofins opened the sessions with his talk on "Interpretation of Laboratory Results: Complicated Considerations Challenging Mold Sample Reporting." Reich's detailed analysis shed light on the complexities of mold sample reporting, emphasizing the need for meticulous interpretation of laboratory results.
Ben Reich of Eurofins
Also opening the conference on the second track was Charles Merritt of Merritt Environmental Consulting Corp. who educated us with "PFAS: Primary Introduction, 'What is all the talk about?" Merritt's comprehensive overview of PFAS (per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances are a group of synthetic chemicals that have been used in consumer products and industrial processes since the 1940s) provided attendees with crucial knowledge on this emerging environmental concern.
Charles Merritt of Merritt Environmental Consulting Corp.
Brent Kynoch of the Environmental Information Association (EIA) followed on the first track with "Compliance Chronicles: Understanding Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Lead Rules." His presentation provided a thorough overview of the current EPA lead regulations, helping attendees navigate the intricate compliance landscape.
Brent Kynoch of EIA
Lisa Rogers of Mycometer and Frank Ehrenfeld of Eurofins collaborated on "American Society of Testing Materials (ASTM) Standards: Reducing Risk and Adding Value for the Analytical, Environmental, and Occupational Health & Safety Professional." Their presentation highlighted the importance of ASTM standards in mitigating risks and enhancing value across various sectors, including analytical, environmental, and occupational health and safety.
Frank Ehrenfeld of Eurofins, and Lisa Rogers of Mycometer
Jerrod Garrett from LeChase brought a practical perspective with "Safety by Design: The Crucial Role of Well-Considered Task Hazard Analysis." Garrett's insights into task hazard analysis underscored the importance of proactive safety measures in project planning and execution.
Jerrod Garrett from LeChase
The Fallacy of PCM Clearance: A Critical Examination
Just before lunch, we had the honor of presenting on a topic close to our heart: "The Fallacy of PCM Clearance." Our presentation aimed to challenge the conventional reliance on Phase Contrast Microscopy (PCM) for clearance in asbestos abatement projects. By highlighting PCM's limitations and potential inaccuracies, we advocated for more rigorous and reliable clearance methodologies, like the EPA's Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA) Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) method.
Angelo Garcia, III of Future Environment Designs, Inc.
Addressing Disposal Challenges and Standards Updates
Also just before lunch, Jonathan Wagman, the Area Director of Industrial Sales for NY/NE Market for Waste Management, tackled a critical issue with "PCB Disposal: Identification and Disposal of PCB Contaminated Debris." Wagman's expertise in hazardous waste management offered valuable guidance on identifying and properly disposing of PCB-contaminated materials.
Jonathan Wagman of Waste Management
Cole Stanton, representing Sentinel Products, updated attendees on the latest "Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) standards" with his presentation. Stanton's discussion on standards in the restoration industry highlighted recent advancements and best practices, ensuring professionals stay abreast of current protocols.
Cole Stanton representing Sentinel Products
Engaging Panel Discussions and Safety Insights
Lunch and Networking Break
After lunch, the conference continued with the two tracks coming together for the PACNY Panel Discussion featuring insights from industry leaders including Jesse Scuderi of AEG, Angela Liddell of Paradigm, and Mike Waller of Lozier. Kevin Hutton of EAST, acted as the moderator. Their dialogue on "Project Designers Discuss Variances and Project Design" offered diverse perspectives on tackling variances and optimizing project designs.
Jesse Scuderi of AEG,Mike Waller of Lozier, and Angela Liddell of Paradigm
After the Variances panel discussion, we returned to the two-track presentations. The first track was the collaboration between Jeremy Starr of MSA and Jerrod Garrett of LeChase in "Elevating Safety: Unraveling the Importance of Fall Protection for Contractors and Consultants" which was particularly impactful. Their emphasis on fall protection underscored the critical need for comprehensive safety protocols in the construction and environmental sectors.
Jeremy Starr of MSA
Joel Hoomans from Livingston Associates discussing "Attracting and Retaining the Best Talent and Managing an Intergenerational Workforce" was in the second track. Hoomans' strategies for workforce management resonated with many attendees facing challenges in talent retention and engagement.
Joel Hoomans of Livingston Associates
Finishing Day One and Heading Into Happy Hour
Elizabeth Kirkland of the New York State Department of Labor wrapped up the day's sessions with "Common DOL Inspector Observations." Kirkland's firsthand insights into frequent violations and inspection observations provided invaluable knowledge for ensuring compliance and avoiding penalties.
Elizabeth Kirkland of NYSDOL
At the Happy Hour, after day one of the conference, attendees further discussed and got better acquainted with the speakers, made new connections, met the conference sponsors, and left day one with a renewed commitment to advancing environmental practices. Stay tuned for our detailed coverage of the presentations and insights from the second day of PACNY's 27th Annual Environmental Conference!
On Wednesday, July 12, 2023, the Professional Abatement Contractors of New York (PACNY) held its 10th Annual Salmon Fishing PROAM tournament in Point Breeze, New York. 19 Boats were part of this year's tournament, one more than last year's tournament. Unfortunately, Future Environment Design's boat this year was down two and only included Ms. Veronica Hansen-Garcia and Angelo Garcia, III but we were in the same boat as the previous year's "Catchin' Hell" piloted by Captain Tom Murray and First Mate Mike.
Sun coming up off Point Breeze
We would to send a great big "THANK YOU" to Darren Yehl of Cornerstone Training (CTI) and PACNY for organizing this event. This event allows us to catch up with many of the PACNY members and see how the year is doing. Here was this year's line-up of PACNY members and boats:
Cornerstone - Sunrise II
Cornerstone - Legacy
Lozier - Richmond II Salmon Doctor
United Rentals - Tomahawk
Paradigm Environmental - Shotgun
Paradigm Environmental - Gone Costal
Sessler Environmental Services - Intimidator
Republic - Double Trouble
Republic - Troutman
Future Environment Designs - Catchin’ Hell
Expert Environmental - Get Hooked
Abscope Environmental - Make the Turn
DiVal - Rally Killer
Aramsco - Mister
Aramsco- Lake Runner
AAC Contracting - Bite Me
First On-site - 3 Dogs
Metro Environmental - Rusty Lure
Cornerstone - Bait Master
Our catch was a bleeder.
A beautiful day on the lake it was actually a perfect temperature with a slight breeze. This was the first time we took a nap while fishing which was only possible because we only caught one fish the whole time from 6 am to noon. Though it seems we weren't the only ones. Thank you again Darren Yehl for making our trip worthwhile by giving us the fish you and your team caught. After the weigh-in, a catered buffet lunch was provided by the Black North Inn, delicious as always, and the trophies/prizes were awarded. This year's winners were:
First On-Site with Captain Jason Matthews of 3 Dogs Sportfishing
We enjoy our trip to Point Breeze every year, however, we have a little trepidation about next year. The fishing was really bad this year and it looks like we will be missing Sheryl & Matt, again next year. We will have to decide what Future will do next year. The event next year will be Wednesday, July 10, 2024. We hope to see you next year!
We will be attending the Environmental Information Association (EIA) 2022 National Conference and Exhibition. It is being held at the Hyatt Regency in Downtown Phoenix and it is also being held virtually. If you wish to register for the conference click here!
Frank Lloyd Wright's Taliesin West
Our love of Phoenix, Arizona started when we became a member of the American Council for Accredited Certifications (ACAC) Certified Indoor Environment Consultant Board. Our meetings were always in January/February time period which is an absolutely perfect time to visit Phoenix. The weather gave us a break from the winter of the Northeast. It's not too hot during the day and not too cold at night. Meeting members of the ACAC boards was a fantastic networking event! This year the ACAC was planning a meeting of the Boards, however, attendance by ACAC members was not as hoped. But we are still planning on getting together and will attend Adam Andrew's presentation in Session 4 - "Asking the Right Questions: Inbound marketing with professional certification."
Some of the ACAC Board Members we're hoping to see!
The EIA conference starts on Monday, March 21, 2022. The opening of the General Session starts at 8:30 am and the schedule for this session includes the introduction of EIA governance, a short presentation by EIA Managing Director J. Brent Kynoch, EIA President Steve Fulford, and EIA 2022 Conference Chairs Chris Gates and Vessa Roberts. This session also features the presentation of the 2022 Jack Snider Jr. Award and the EIA 2022 keynote address. The EIA's 2022 Keynote Presentation: "National Environmental Public Health Tracking: From Data to Action" Centers for Disease Control (CDC) National Centers for Environmental Health Environmental Public Health Tracking Program, CDC & AZ Department of Health Jena Losch, CDC, Public Health Advisor, National Center for Environmental Health and Hsini Linn, AZ Department of Health, Deputy Office Chief for Environmental Epidemiology.
We are looking forward to the Technical Program and seeing several sessions in addition to Adam Andrew's presentation. We are looking forward to Lee Poye's, Eurofins - J3 Resources, presentation on "Libby Amphibole, Talc, Erionite, and Other Respirable Elongate Mineral Particles – Nonregulated Hazards?", Dylan Staack's presentation "Qualitative vs. Quantitative Fit Testing: Understanding the Gaps in Your Respiratory Protection Program", Danaya Wilson's,CHC Training, & Tom Laubenthal's, Air Quest Environmentalplenary session on "Asbestos Regulation 101: Past, Present, Future", Michael P Menz's, CIH, CHMM, Indoor Environmental Concepts, LLC, Deregulated Asbestos Floor Tile Removal Using Dry Ice Technique", and Peggy Forney's, EPA - Retired, "Enforcement of Asbestos Abatement Projects." To see the entire schedule of events click here. We hope to see you at the conference and look forward to writing about the various presentations.
Future Environment Designs, Inc. would like to wish all our clients and friends a very Happy 4th of July! We hope your celebration is a joyful one, a safe one, and one that remembers the importance of leaving this country better off for our children and our children's children! We would like to remember the words Theodore Roosevelt said regarding the USA:
Future Environment Designs Training Center (FEDTC) recognizes that the safety and health of our clients and their family are our shared concerns. We also recognize that our clients need to renew licenses that are necessary to perform work in the field and that in-person classes are required by law. FEDTC always reserves the right to refuse to train anyone we feel may be too ill to attend a course. We will and can hold a private class at a mutually beneficial time after they have gotten better for these individuals. Until this pandemic has ended we will follow the following procedures to reduce the potential interactions that could increase the risk of spreading disease (on June 19, 2021, we have modified our procedures based on the revised Centers for Disease Control (CDC) Policies and that we were immunized on April 18, 2021 (Pfizer 2 shots). This policy will remain in effect until the pandemic is over (revisions are underlined):
Social Distancing Policy:
During training classes, the instructor and the students will be requested to:
All students & instructors before they leave home should take their temperature (it should be less than 100 degrees Fahrenheit) and document absence of shortness of breath, new or change in cough, sore throat, loss of smell or taste,and muscle aches. They should also check the CDC website for other symptoms at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/symptoms-testing/symptoms.html. If possible, take the CDC self-check found at the site. If you are ill or your temperature is above 100 degrees Fahrenheit they should call to reschedule the course.
All students upon arrival will be asked what their temperature was before they left home, and do they have any of the symptoms of shortness of breath, new or change in cough, sore throat, and muscle aches. We will also use a contactless thermometer to measure forehead temperature. If students answer yes to any questions or the thermometer measurement is above 100 degrees Fahrenheit the student will not be allowed to attend training and must reschedule.
All students will
also, be asked if they are vaccinated and to show proof of vaccination (we recommend students use the NYS Excelsior Pass App).
All students will be encouraged to bring and wear a
face-covering during the training (FEDTC will provide face
coverings, when available). Students
who prove they are vaccinated do not need to wear masks or social distance
as per the CDC.
FEDTC will be using our larger training rooms and advising students to sit at least 6 feet from each other and avoid person-to-person contact such as shaking hands.
Instructors will perform all training at least 6 feet from students, will wear face coverings during training, andwe are immunized.
Cover coughs and sneezes using tissues or into the elbow of your sleeve. To prevent droplets containing germs from entering the air or contaminating your hands.
Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds (sing "Happy Birthday" twice).
Use waterless hand sanitizer where soap and water (which are preferred) are not available.
Instructors will avoid any unnecessary travel and cancel or postpone any courses they are feeling unwell or shall use a face covering while training.
Instructors will be provided with a kit to help with the recommended procedures.
Pandemic Kit:
The pandemic kit
each instructor will be provided with will include:
Tape measure
Surgical masks, when available
N95 Disposable Respirators, when available
Hand Sanitizers, when available
Tissues
Cleaning Disinfectant Wipes for cleaning tables
Forehead Thermometer
Training Courses:
At the beginning of the course we
will go over the basic steps for personal protection & prevention. This will include a slide set and video regarding basic
information on protection and prevention before the course begins.
FEDTC feels these steps will help reduce the risk of spreading disease and still enable students to refresh training in accordance with current regulations. Should you have any questions feel free to give us a call. Be safe!
This question is the overwhelming number one question we at Future Environment Designs (FEDTC) are being asked at this time. So, to answer this question we must remember that there are two agencies that regulate asbestos licensing and training. The license (companies are licensed; individuals get certificates) or more appropriately the asbestos certificate (hard card) is issued by the New York State Department of Labor (NYSDOL). This certificate expires annually on the last day of your birth month. Currently, NYSDOL is enforcing expiration dates on certificates. You may continue to work with your existing cards as long as it is not expired. In addition, NYSDOL is no longer extending the number of days you can work with a DOH 2832 form when you took an initial course. NYSDOL is allowing you to work with the DOH 2832form for 45 days.
Hard card with picture (certificate) & Company license
The second agency that plays a part in this is the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH). The NYSDOH enforces 10 NYCRR Part 73 Asbestos Safety Program Requirements which regulates the asbestos training providers and also says that the training certificate (the DOH 2832 Form, the piece of paper you get once the class is completed) expires after one year on the date you took the training. In addition, it has a grace period after that date that lasts a year. Once the grace period is over you must take an initial course to get another certificate (DOH 2832) for that title. Realize there has not been any waiver on this issue and so you will need to keep an eye on your training certificate expiration date and make sure you don't go over the grace period. NYSDOH is now allowing virtual instructor-led courses, see FEDTC'sWednesday, May 27, 2020, blog post on the requirements for that training. Because of this, there is no need to let your hard card or your training certificate expire.
DOH 2832 Form
Those of you who work in New York City, New York City Department of Environmental Protection (NYCDEP) regulate Asbestos Rules and Regulations, Title 15, Chapter 1 of the Rules of the City of New York. This regulation also has certificates (NYCDEP hard cards) for individuals who are handlers, handler supervisors, investigators, and restricted handlers. These hard cards expire every two years based on your birthday (but you must still meet the NYSDOL & NYSDOH requirements of training every year). NYCDEP is allowing workers whose hard card expired on March 15, 2020, or later to continue to work using their existing card until August 31, 2021. See NYCDEP'sExtension of Asbestos Certification Deadline website for more information.
Hopefully, that answers everyone's questions and we hope to see you in a virtual or in-person class soon.
The Long Island region entered Phase 4 on July 8, 2020. That same day Future Environment Designs was given permission to start offering in-person asbestos and mold refresher courses, again. Though there are several restrictions with this reopening one of the more important restrictions is the requirement of social distancing in the class and the need to wear face coverings when that is not possible. We are attempting to hold virtual classes and in-person classes every month. Allowing you to have the option of whether you prefer to attend an in-person course versus a virtual course. To see what our clients have been saying about our recent training courses visit our review page at CourseCheck.com at https://www.coursecheck.com/reviews/provider/76
FEDTC Face Covering
For our in-person training courses, we are providing hand sanitizer and face coverings for all students attending the course. We are requesting all students before attending any in-person course to take their temperature and go to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) Covid-19 website https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html. At the CDC website, click on the self-check symptoms button and complete the Coronavirus Self Checker and follow the instructions after completing the self checker. If the self checker says "Sounds like you are feeling ok.", "No Covid-19 testing needed at this time.", and your temperature is below 100 degrees Fahrenheit you can attend training. Once you arrive we will also be taking your temperature to ensure before you attend the training that you are below 100.0 degrees Fahrenheit.
As we've written previously, we are using Go-To-Meeting as our platform for our virtual meetings. We've had a few technical difficulties but otherwise considering we've only been using the platform for only three months it has worked pretty smoothly. We are using several other tools to make the class interesting and fun. We are using PollEverywhere.com to create discussions in the class regarding certain topics, every attendee is encouraged to access the Administrate portal before class so they can access the course manual and review for the exam, which at the end of class is also located in the portal. In addition, we use CourseCheck.com for course evaluations. As we continue with the new normal we will do everything we can to protect your safety in our classes and provide you with the information you have come to expect from coming to Future Environment Designs! See you soon!
On Thursday, February 27, 2020, Ms. Deb Sanscrainte, of ARAMSCO and the conference chairwoman, and Timothy Thomas of Tetra Tech and President of PACNY, opened the second day, known as the Professional Day, of the Professional Abatement Contractors of New York's (PACNY's) 24th annual Environmental Conference, being held at the Turning Stone Casino in Verona, New York. Attendees expected a full day of presentations ending with the Conference Sponsors Reception. Presentations from the conference can be found on PACNY's website. The Professional Day of the conference includes the opening of the Vendor Exhibit Hall with a continental breakfast and 30 vendors attending the conference, an increase from last year! See the reception video to see the various vendors!
The keynote speaker for the conference was Ms. Luann Meyer, Solid Waste Administrator for Monroe County Department of Environmental Services, speaking on "Recycling-The Long and Winding Road". She discussed that most counties have fact sheets to know what is or aren't recyclable or you can tell by the shape of the container. She also discussed the New York State's plastic bag ban that went into effect March 1, 2020, all single-use plastic bags have been banned. Paper bags are not part of the ban and all stores that collect sales tax are impacted. Our next speaker was Jack Snider III, President & Sr. Consultant of AMRC Environmental Services, speaking on "Take Home Asbestos Exposure". Mr. Snider discussed the asbestos abatement illusion regarding the decontamination of the workers. He stated that workers, in Florida, during the removal of the floor tile, mastic, and other non-friable asbestos-containing materials (ACM) typically wore street clothes into the work area, and they are not showering nor vacuuming themselves/their clothing upon exiting the containment. If showers and vacuums are provided the showers are not connected nor attached to the work areas. When questioned why the workers did not decontaminate or wear proper personal protective (PPE) common responses included "the air samples did not show elevated fibers"; "It's floor tile"; and "I have been doing this longer than you!". The presentation then went into how he collected his samples using the American Society of Testing and Material (ASTM) standard D5755-09 microvacuum sampling method to collect several samples from workers, their clothing, vehicles, and surface areas after clearance of the work area was conducted. Findings from his study suggest asbestos abatement workers are bringing home significant amounts of asbestos fibers from these types of projects. The presentation was eye-opening!
Ms. Luann Meyer Discusses Recycling
After a break in the Vendor Exhibit Hall, the presentations continued. Similar to the first day of the conference, the next two presentations and the last presentation of the day awarded continuing education points for architects and engineers attending the conference. These points were awarded by the American Institute of Architects (AIA) and were coordinated by Kevin Hutton, of the Rochester Colonial Manufacturing Corp. The presentations awarding these points were Martin S. Rutstein, Ph.D. & Marc E. Rutstein, CAI, Presidents of Ecological Consulting & Management Services, Inc., discussing "Regulations - How did we get here and Where are we going?"; Sean Miller's and Mike Mazzara's, of Genesee Environmental, LLC, presentation included information provided by Stephen R. Gheen, PE, of Gheen Engineering (who could not present due to illness), on "Mercury in Sports Floors, Regulatory Guidance, Remediation, and Disposal"; and Joseph Cantone, of Colden Corp., Sean Hart, of Energy & Environment, and Peter Delucia, of AAC Contracting, presentation "Asbestos Surveys: The Good, The Bad, and the Ugly".
The Rutstein's presentation talked about the asbestos regulations and some advice for asbestos professionals - plan the job-take a fresh look, hire good staff (exert oversight of site staff), maintain required records, and plan for unexpected contingencies! Mr. Miller's and Mr. Mazzara's presentation on Mercury in Sports Floors was a deep dive into mercury remediation regulations, guidelines, and the disposal process. An important point made in the presentation was how it was different from an asbestos job. In addition, Mr. Mazzara's section on mercury waste handling, transportation, and disposal provided a lot of information on handling hazardous wastes.
Sean Miller Discusses Its Not An Asbestos Job
Mike Mazzara Discusses Mercury Waste Handling, Transportation & Disposal
After a lunch break and time spent in the Vendor Exhibit Hall, the next presenter was Jennifer Kavney Harvey, Esq., Partner of Coach White, LLP, discussing "NYS WBE/MBE Requirements". Ms. Harvey's presentation pointed out that spending in the last nine years for Minority-owned and Women-owned Business Enterprises (MWBEs) has increased by 25 times (in dollars) while the number of MWBEs has increased by 18%. In addition, she discussed the Governor's 2014 press release increasing the statewide composite goal to 30% without a disparity study basis, modifying the Executive Law, or modifying the MWBE regulations. Most goals from 2014 to the present were 30%. After a short break in the Vendor Exhibit Hall, the next presenter was Karlee Bolanos, Partner at Bolanos Lowe PLLC, discussing "Understanding Your NYS Sexual Harassment Prevention Obligations". Ms. Bolanos discussed Sexual Harassment Prevention requirements that were effective October 9, 2018, that included a New York model policy that at a minimum must prohibit sexual harassment; provide examples of prohibited conduct; include information concerning the federal and state laws; include a statement regarding applicable local laws & contacting law enforcement; include a standard complaint form: include a procedure for the timely and confidential investigation of complaints and due process for all parties; include information about rights of redress; clearly state that sexual harassment is considered a form of employee misconduct; and clearly state that retaliation against individuals...is prohibited. She also discussed recent changes that were effective October 11, 2019, regarding behavior beyond a "petty slight" or "trivial inconvenience" that may be illegal.
Jennifer Kavney Harvey, Esq Discusses MWBE Spending & Utilization
Karlee Bolanos discussing Sexual Harassment Law
The final presentation of the day was Joseph Cantone, of Colden Corp., Sean Hart, of Energy & Environment, and Peter Delucia, of AAC Contracting, discussing "Asbestos Surveys: The Good, The Bad, and the Ugly". Obviously, their presentation was broken into three sections with Mr. Cantone talking about good asbestos surveys, Mr. Hart talking about bad asbestos surveys, and Mr. Delucia talking about ugly asbestos surveys. The day ended in the Vendor Exhibit Hall with the Conference Sponsors Reception, which included Hors d'oeuvres, food, and an open bar. The after-party at Dival's Safety Equipment's hospitality suite allowed for more time to network and discuss the presentations of the past two days! All the presentations were excellent and provided very useful information for those who attended the conference. Looking forward to day three and the New York State Department of Labor Panel!
