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Showing posts with label lead based paint. Show all posts
Showing posts with label lead based paint. Show all posts

Friday, April 15, 2022

PACNY's 2022 25th Annual Environmental Conference Reestablishes Itself! Part One.

 On Thursday, March 3, 2022, the Professional Abatement Contractors of New York's (PACNY's) 25th Annual Environmental Conference opened after a one-year hiatus.  The conference was held at the Turning Stone Resort & Casino in Verona, New York, and the hotel and casino didn't seem to change much, however, the Lodge had a new bar that was beautiful and was very peaceful.  As usual, the service at the hotel/casino and the TS Steakhouse was personable and professional!

John from TS Steakhouse making the Gotham

The conference began with opening remarks and a conference welcome from Craig Kaputa, PACNY's President, Kevin Hutton, PACNY's Vice President, and Deb Sanscrainte, of Aramsco, Inc., PACNY's Conference Chair.  The first presentation, "Tribute to Past President - Chuck Kirch", was by Joe Cantone, Colden Corporation, it achieved the right balance of somber, respectful, and funny.  Chuck Kirch passed away in November 2021.  Brent Kynoch from the Environmental Information Association (EIA)  invited us to become members of the EIA and then updated us on what's happening at the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA's) regarding asbestos and the "Draft Risk Evaluation of Asbestos - Part 2".  The last presenter before the break was Mark Gonzales, of Cornerstone Training Institute, speaking about "Cannabis in the Workplace".  Since the New York State Cannabis Law does not define the term "specific articulable symptoms."  Mr. Gonzales discussed the difficulties with assessing employee impairment from cannabis use, however, it is evident that an employer can act against an employee unable to perform their job duties or who poses a safety hazard due to their use of cannabis.  The break was to let the attendees go see the vendors in the exhibit hall and get some refreshments.  

Refreshments with the Vendors in the Exhibit Hall

After the break, the presentations began again with a virtual presentation by Tom Laubenthal, of  AirQuest Environmental, Inc., on "Lead-Based Paint; EPA & Housing and Urban Development (HUD), A Review and Updates of Recent Changes in Rules".   Mr. Laubenthal's presentation went through a host of lead regulations from EPA, HUD, Centers for Disease Control (CDC), and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regarding Target Housing, Child-Occupied Facilities (both are based on pre-1978 construction), certifications, real estate transactions, and the different numbers and procedures for handling lead-based paint.  The amazing part was that Mr. Laubenthal was able to fit his whole presentation within 45 minutes.  Angelo Garcia, III, Future Environment Designs, Inc., was the last presentation before the lunch break.  Mr. Garcia's presentation was on the "Trials & Tribulations of Training During a Pandemic" to see the presentation click on the link, which will take you to our dropbox folder on conference presentations (our presentation is in the 2022 PACNY Presentations folder).  We discussed how the pandemic has affected our company and the training industry with supporting data from Ms. Karen Cummings, M.P.H., Director of the New York State Department of Health's (NYSDOH's) Asbestos Safety Training Program, and Mr. Chek Beng Ng, P.E., Professional Engineer, of the New York State Department of Labor's (NYSDOL's) Engineering Services Unit (A Big Thank You to the both of you!).   A buffet lunch was served in the Oneida Room.  In our next post, we will discuss the presentations after lunch!  Until then!


Thank you to Lynn Burlingham, of Cornerstone Training Institute, for taking the video and to Joe Cantone, Colden Corporation for taking the photo!

Wednesday, May 15, 2019

Over 600 Attend the 23rd Annual PACNY Environmental Conference - A Most Successful Conference!

The third day of the Professional Abatement Contractors of New York's (PACNY's) 23rd Annual Environmental Conference at Turning Stone Resort & Casino in Verona, New York, is typically called Regulatory Day because of the New York State Department of Labor attending and discussing the status of the programs they run.  This year's conference was the most attended conference with over 600 attendees, attending the three-day conference.  Ms. Deb Sanscrainte, of Aramsco, and the chairman of the conference, and Ms. Lisa Brown, of Summit Environmental, administrator of PACNY did what has become their routine process of getting the conference together (the most successful ever!), keeping everyone on point, focused on the conference, and the presentations.  Peter DeLucia and Greg Mance of AAC Contracting worked the audiovisual equipment as pros, even though this was there the first conference working the audiovisuals.  They have also made sure that they have gotten most of the presentations up on the PACNY website, click here.  Usually, the day after the vendor reception, the next morning starts out very slowly.  With vendors and attendees enjoying coffee, tea, and danishes in the vendor area.

Vendor Reception
The conference opened with a discussion of the hazards of lead-based paint by Mr. Kevin Hutton of Rochester Colonial Manufacturing.  Followed by Mr. Stephen Gheen, P.E. of Gheen Engineering speaking on New York State Department of Education (NYSED) rules regarding hazards of lead-based paint and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has different certifications and licenses for working in schools on lead-based paint.  Then Mr. Peter DeLucia of AAC Contracting spoke on the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations regarding lead exposure.  All three then took questions and answers from the audience regarding lead-based paint.  All three presentations can be found on PACNY's website.

Lead Panel Discussion - Stephen Gheen, Kevin Hutton, & Pete DeLucia
After a short break, the conference proceeded with the New York State Department of Labor (NYSDOL) panel consisting of Dr. Eileen Franko, the Director; Mr. James Meacham Program Manager, Asbestos Control Bureau; Mr. Kirk Fisher, Program Manager, Licensing & Certification; and Mr. Ed Smith, Program Manager, Engineering Services Unit.  Questions and answers session was moderated by Mr. Tim Thomas of Tetra Tech Engineering.

Questions for the Lead Panel
Mr. Meacham filled us in that NYSDOL received another 3-year grant (runs through to 2021) to audit school's compliance with the EPA's Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA).  To date, NYSDOL has audited 115 schools throughout the state.  Dr. Franko re-emphasized as she does every year that Article 32 the mold law is a consumer protection law and there are limitations in the law.  Mr. Fisher informed us that the online notification systems are not working they want and because of staffing issues licenses and certifications are taking 30 days to 6 weeks to process.  Mr. Smith informed us that they will start working on the fast track variances, again.  Fast Track Variances are a pilot program for certain site-specific variances (SSV).  These are common variances that are issued on a regular basis.  They are planning 9 variances to be available at the start of the program - negative air shutdown, exhausting to an interior space, elevator door removal, fire door removal, crawlspace with dirt floor, intact component removal, buried cementitious (e.g., Transite) pipe, HEPA drilling spot removal, & air sampling at elevated exhaust duct locations.   These would be the guidelines for getting a fast track variance:

  • A completed SH-752 form must be submitted. The form must include all the necessary information for obtaining a variance, including the hardship. NO information about the work plan should be included with the application.
  • The SH-752 form must be submitted by a certified Project Designer working on behalf of the Petitioner.
  • The variance fee of $350 must be included.
  • In Section 9 of the SH-752 form, the Petitioner's Agent must write in the number of the FTV that is requested.
  • The FTV will be issued as it is written. If some part of the FTV doesn't meet the project's needs, then a standard SSV is required.
  • Other relief cannot be added to the FTV.
  • No re-openings or amendments are allowed.
  • Termination date extension requests will be handled on a case-by-case basis,
  • These FTVs have no bearing on notification times.
During the questions and answers, several questions were asked related to the expiration date of training by NYSDOL versus the expiration date of AHERA.  With NYSDOL's view that this is only an issue for the initial class and that student as long as they comply with the annual training requirement related to the birth month, this is not an issue.  We also learned that NYSDOL has suspended the disruptive enforcement/reconciliation of records process they developed back in 2013 in response to a Thomas DiNapoli audit saying NYSDOL had no process to find those breaking the law for notification, surveys, etc.  According to NYSDOL, they do not have the staffing to handle this at this time.
Mr. Thomas introducing the NYSDOL panel Dr. Franko, Mr. Smith, Mr. Fisher, Mr. Meacham
The conference ended with lunch and Future Environment Designs was proud to be one of the sponsors of the conference.  Though it ended with NYSDOL indicating they are having staffing issues that are obviously impacting licensing, certification, and enforcement.  It was good to hear that NYSDOL is moving forward with the fast track variances.  As usual, we are already looking forward to next year's conference which will be February 26, 27, & 28, 2020.  See you there!

Tuesday, June 10, 2014

EPA Proposes Expansion of Lead RRP Rule Into Public & Commercial Buildings

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has issued an advance notice of proposed rulemaking concerning renovation, repair and painting activities on and in public and commercial buildings (P&CB).  The current regulation covers residences and child-occupied facilities (COF).  EPA is currently taking public comments regarding the document "Framework for Identifying and Evaluating Lead-Based Paint Hazards From Renovation, Repair, and Painting Activities in Public and Commercial Buildings".  This 23 page document provides a framework of how EPA intends on identifying health hazards and evaluating health risks regarding specific renovation activities.  Based on that evaluation, EPA will determine if regulatory intervention is necessary.
Peeling Lead Based Paint
Specifically EPA is requesting comments on:
  • The utility of the approach discussed in the Framework to assessing risk to human health inside P&CBs as a result of P&CB renovations.
  • Making a hazard finding inside nearby homes and COFs as a result of P&CB renovations.
  • The overview of an analysis approach outlined in the Framework.
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Friday, June 03, 2011

Flooding Devastating Upstate New York, Vermont, & Quebec, Too

Flooded Area of Plattsburgh 
In the beginning of May, we traveled to Plattsburgh, New York to perform our annual asbestos refresher training in the area.  The week before we arrived we started hearing a little about the flooding of Lake Champlain.  This flooding was causing some problems and damage in the area.  Alot has been written about the flooding of the Mississippi River and its impact to various cities and areas along its banks.  Because the media's attention is focused on those areas, the media has not paid much attention to the Lake Champlain flooding.
The average water level for Lake Champlain is 95.5 feet and the flood tage for the lake is considered 100 feet.  The previous high-water mark for the lake was set in 1993 at 101.89 feet.  Preliminary high-watermark estimates for 2011 is 103.2 feet.  The lake is being filled with snow-melt and incessant rain from the Adirondacks in New York State and the Green Mountains of Vermont.  In addition, the Richelieu River in Canada, which Lake Champlain flows into, was at record levels, too, prompting severe flooding there.  It's estimated that it could take until July to drop below flood stage levels. 
In Vermont floodwaters threaten to cut-off about 7,500 people who live in the Grand Island Counties while in New York over 100 people were driven out of their homes and 48 people were being sheltered by the American Red Cross in the Crete Memorial Civic Center, after the flooding at Lakeside Apartments, in Plattsburgh.
The flooding in this region could cause some major issues.  The slow rate the water is receding will give fungi (mold and mildew) and bacteria a chance to grow and fester.  The following video on YouTube, Avoiding IAQ Problems after a Flood will help you handle many of the issues that flooding brings to the table.     
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Friday, April 29, 2011

EPA Region 2 Coordinator Discusses the RRP Rule

Environmental journalism supports the protecti...Image via WikipediaOn Friday, April 1, 2011, the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Region 2 Renovation, Repair , and Painting (RRP) Rule Coordinator Ms. Jeanette Dadusc was discussing the requirements and background of the rule. The topics covered included: introduction to the problem of childhood lead poisoning; Federal government’s response to childhood lead poisoning; how the RRP Rule was developed; the regulated universe of RRP facilities and activities; certification requirements for training providers, individuals, and firms; notification and work practice requirements; cleaning verification card; proposed rule changes; RRP frequent questions; and RRP enforcement strategy.

Her presentation was wide ranging, covered the full time of the presentation, and the handouts supplemented her presentation and were useful. Visit our website at http://futureenvironmentdesigns.com/news.html to find a copy of her handouts.  Some of the points regarding the childhood lead problem were:
  • Lead based paint is the number one environmental health threat to children
  • Children absorb 50% of the lead they ingest compared to adults, which absorb only 10%.
  • According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), there is no known safe level of lead in blood.
  • Discussions are ongoing regarding dropping the standard of lead blood level to 5 micrograms per deciliter (ug/dl) versus the current 10 ug/dl.
  • Lead bioaccumulates in the body because it mimics calcium
  • Children, who live in homes where renovation & remodeling activities were performed within the past year, are 30% more likely to have a blood lead level that equals or exceeds 10 ug/dl.
Some of the points regarding regulated universe of RRP facilities and activities were:
  • Target housing is defined as housing constructed prior to 1978.  There are only 2 exceptions housing for the elderly or for person with disabilities (unless one or more children under 6 years old resides or is expected to reside in such housing), and 0-bedroom dwellings. Meaning hotels, motels, timeshares, and student housing is not exempt.
  • Child Occupied Facility (COF) is defined as a building or portion of a building built prior to 1978 that is visited by the same child under age six for at least 3 hours per day, or at least 6 hours per week, or at least 60 hours per year. This includes common areas routinely used by the children under age 6 (i.e, restrooms, cafeterias), and adjacent exterior areas.
Other major points she covered were:
  • Delead test kit added to the list of EPA approved test kits. The test kits must be used according to the manufacturer’s directions including materials that the test kits cannot be used on.
  • Lead Based Paint Abatement Contractors require RRP Renovator Certification. Previous certification as a worker/supervisor allows the person to take the ½ day refresher class to become a renovator.
  • Lead Waste – residential (homeowners & contractors) can dispose of lead waste bags with household waste. COFs must follow the hazardous waste regulations.
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Thursday, March 31, 2011

Restoration & Remediation Magazine - The RRP Rule: One Year Later

In this month's issue of Restoration & Remediation Magazine, Mr. John Banta wrote an excellant article regarding the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Lead Paint regulation - Renovation, Remodeling, & Painting Rule.  The article covers the history of the rule and discusses enforcement issues.

As the article discusses the roll-out period for firms to become certified by filing their paperwork and paying their fees to the EPA, as well as for the Certified Renovators supervising these jobs to be trained, was extended to the end of 2010, but the effective date for using lead safe work practices remained April 22, 2010.  As Mr. Banta indicates in his article "this means...that any firm performing work for hire in target housing or child-occupied facilities built prior to 1978 is required to follow the regulations, even if their paperwork hasn’t been processed or even filed."  However, this grace period is over.

The EPA may audit the records of any firm in violation of the regulation for up to three years after the job is complete and be fined up to $37,500 per occurrence per day. If the violation of the law is willful, the fine can be doubled and jail time may be assigned by the courts.  This law applies in all federal jurisdictions; except states, tribes, and territories that EPA has approved to administer their own RRP programs.  According to the article those states are, Wisconsin, Iowa, North Carolina, Mississippi, Kansas, Rhode Island, Utah, Oregon, Massachusetts, and Alabama have had their programs approved in lieu of the Federal program. Approved State programs must be at least as strict as the EPA regulations.
Don't forget tomorrow is the EPA Information Session at Hofstra and if you have any questions please post them here or at Future Environment Designs Forum, and I will try to get an answer to your questions.


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Wednesday, March 30, 2011

Hofstra is Hosting an Information Session on EPA's Lead RRP Law.

Environmental journalism supports the protecti...Image via WikipediaThe Guest Speaker will be Jeanette Dadusc, the RRP Coordinator, Region 2 for the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).  I will be attending this free information session on Friday, April 1, 2011 at 11:30 AM at Breslin Hall.  If anyone has any questions they wish me to ask, please post them here or on the Future Environment Designs Forum.  Maybe I will see you there.
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Wednesday, March 16, 2011

EPA's Local Coordinator for the Lead Paint Rule at Hofstra University

On Friday, April 1, 2011 (that's right on April Fool's day), Jeanette Dadusc, MS, MPA the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Region 2 Coordinator for the Lead Based Paint  - Renovation, Repair, and Painting (RRP) rule will be the guest speaker at a free information session at Breslin Hall at Hofstra University.  To register or for more information, visit ce.hofstra.edu/EPAinfo or call 516-463-7200.
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Tuesday, December 28, 2010

Licensed Lead and Asbestos Inspector Sentenced to 63 Months in Prison

Preet BhararaImage via WikipediaOn December 21, 2010, Preet Bharara, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, aanounced that Saverio Todaro was sentenced to 63 months in prison for falsifying lead and asbestos inspection and testing reports for residences and other locations throughout the New York City area.  In addition, he was ordered to forfeit $304,395 and to pay $107,194 in restitution to the victims of his crimes and a fine of $45,000.  Mr. Todaro pled guility on March 6, 2010 to an 11-count indictment charging him with five counts of false statements, three counts of mail fraud, and three counts of violations of the Toxic Substances Control Act.  The sentences was imposed by U. S. District Judge Kimba M. Wood.
As we have discussed in our classes, this case has focused a bad light on the asbestos and lead consulting field.  This case will bring scrutiny and focus on the work of asbestos and lead inspectors throughout New York State and New York City.  In imposing the senence, Judge Wood stated that Todaro's crimes were "monumental."  Judge Wood noted that the health of New York City children and adults "heavily depends on inspectors" such as Todaro, and that the public "needs to be able to trust" them.  She stated that the sentence needed to send a message to all New York City inspectors that they are guardians of the public trust and that dishonesty in inspections will be punished.
There is no question that the acts of this individual were so outrageous it is not typical of the industry.  Realize this like Roslyn School District has changed the way things are done in schools.  This case may have similar impacts on our industry.  Asbestos and lead inspectors should be very carefull going forward in ensuring your inspections are performed in accordance with the regulations and standards for asbestos and lead.

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Thursday, April 22, 2010

New Lead Paint Regulation Goes Into Effect - Happy Earth Day!

lead paint on leila's houseImage by wayneandwax via Flickr
Today is the 40th Birthday of Earth Day.  To celebrate the occasion, the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Lead Based Paint (finalized in April 2008) regulation goes into effect today.  The regulation we are talking about is the Renovation, Repair and Painting (RRP) rule.  The purpose of this rule is prevent lead poisoning of children.  Starting today anyone who is paid to perform work that disturbs paint in housing and child-occupied facilities built before 1978, including all general contractors, maintenance staff, and special trade contractors (such as painters, plumbers, carpenters, and electricians), are required to be trained on lead-safe work practices (become certified renovators), requires the firms to be EPA-certified, and requires the use of lead-safe work practices.  In addition, the regulation requires the firms to keep records for three years of reports certifying that lead-based paint is not present, records relating to the distribution of the lead pamphlet, signed and dated opt-out clauses, and documentation of compliance with RRP.  These regulations do not apply if the firm obtained a signed statement from the owner (known as the opt-out provision) or the work is considered a minor repair and maintenance activitiy that disturb six square feet or less of paint per room inside, or 20 square feet or less on the exterior of a home or building.  The rule require firms performing renovations must ensure that:
  • All individuals performing activities that disturb painted surfaces are either certified renovators or have been trained by a certified renovator.
  • A certified renovator is assigned to each renovation and performs all of the certified renovator responsibilities.
  • All renovations use lead safe work practices.
  • Pre-renovation education requirements are performed, such as distribution of the Renovate Right pamphlet.
  • Recordkeeping requirements are met.
Violators of this regulation can face penalties of up to $32,500 per violation, per day.  Needless to say if you have not taken this training and applied for EPA certification you cannot perform renovation work on housing or child-occupied facilities until you get your certification.  EPA has up to 90 days after receiving a complete request for certification to approve or disapprove the application.  EPA has said "it does not intend to take enforcement actions against firms who applied for firm certification before April 22 and are just waiting for their paperwork."  EPA also said "they anticipate that all applications filed before April 22 will be reviewed by June."  Based on EPA's website they estimate there are 129,000 to 150,000 trained certified renovators by today.  It would seem those certified renovators are going to be very busy. 
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Sunday, March 21, 2010

2010 PACNY Environmental Conference

On February 25-26, 2010, the Professional Abatement Contractors of New York (PACNY) held their 14th annual Environmental Conference at the Turning Stone Casino and Resort in Verona, New York. This year it was not only an honor for me to attend the meeting but to also participate as part of the industry roundtable on the last day of the event. If you attended the conference this year you would have found that PACNY was able to get representatives from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), United States Department of Justice, and as usual Mr. Chris Alonge, of the New York State Department of Labor (NYSDOL).
This year probably the biggest impact of the conference was the weather not cooperating with the conference, as the area was hit by a snowstorm during the conference and Long Island was hit with a snowstorm on Friday, the last day of the conference. This hurt the attendance at the conference including one of the speakers presenting and causing several vendors to be missing in action. It was a shame because those of us who attended had a great time and were provided with a lot of information. Vendors attending included: Grayling Industries; DiVal Safety; Aramsco; Fiberlock Technologies; Foster Specialty Construction Brands, and United Rentals to name a few. Dival Safety's booth was showcasing "Green Stuff Absorbent" an environmentally friendly product used to absorb chemical spills. The product can absorb over 325 liquids and chemicals allowing for a broaden HazMat response (visit http://www.divalsafety.com/ for more information).
All the presentations were held in the Tuscarora Room. My favorite presentation was by Mr. Kevin Cannan, President of AAC Contracting Inc, also a former President of PACNY. Mr. Cannan's presentation was a discussion of the industry and a look back and a look forward. I enjoyed it so much I forgot to take notes. Well done Mr. Cannan!
The other presentations included:
  • The return of Mr. Craig A. Benedict, Assistant U. S. Attorney, and Mr. Justus J. Derx, Special Agent of the EPA, both discussing recent cases and their current focus in the industry. Both mentioned that their success has led to increased responsibility into new Districts. The major points of their presentation were:
    • They view their work in the abatement industry as fighting a spiral down effect. Preventing the degradation of the quality of work in the abatement industry due to contractors/consultants not following the regulations.
    • They have now done over 100 individual prosecutions and have not lost one.
    • They are now focusing on air sample technicians and project monitors as aiders and abettors of violations of the Clean Air Act rule and making them culpable under standard.
    • They are also focusing on the culpability of owners/general contractors on ensuring the legitimacy of the asbestos contractor/consultant.
    • Other issues in the industry they discussed include:
      • insurance fraud and the use of foreign workforces that are not on your payroll.
      • contractors using foreign workforces not on their payroll.
      • reminded asbestos companies should have policies on workers moonlighting and using their equipment and inventory.
  • Ms. Kimberly Castillon, Assistant Area Director of OSHA, updated the attendees on current remediation industry enforcement actions, she discussed:
    • Enforcement has become OSHA's number one priority.
    • OSHA expects to perform 750-800 more inspections per year utilizing 130 new compliance safety and health officers. that have been hired nationwide.
    • New/revised regulations that are in the pike include Hazard Communication, Silica, Cranes and Derricks, confined space entry for construction and combustible dust.
    • The OSHA Region 2 statistics include 5,600 inspections in 2009. 26% of those inspections were in compliance. 13,000 violations were issued averaging 3 violations/inspection. 81% of violations issued were serious violations. The average penalty per serious violation was $1,024.
    • Typical remediation industry violations - respiratory protection, recordkeeping, hazardous waste and emergency response, and asbestos.
  • Mr. Andrew McClellan, President, Environmental Education Associates, spoke on the impending EPA Lead Renovation, Repair, and Painting Regulation going into effect on April 22, 2010. The major points included:
    • Lead abatement is not covered by this rule.
    • The rule includes kindergartens and childcare centers.
    • If the amount of material impacted is under six (6) square feet interior or twenty (20) square feet exterior, it is considered a minor repair or maintenance and is not covered by the rule.
    • Each project requires records be created and filed that must be maintained for three (3) years (recordkeeping requirement).
  • Mr. Sean Hickey, Senior Vice President, Rose & Kiernan discussed the Insurance Market. His major points were:
    • The insurance market is currently a buyers market.
    • Commercial rate changes are averaging -5% with general liability dropping 6% and workmen's compensation dropping 3.7%.
    • There is more competition in the Environmental insurance industry. In 2009 there were 15 carriers, now there are 30.
  • Mr. Chris Alonge's presentation was exactly the same as the one presented to Metro-AIHA meeting in November (see our entry at http://futureenv.blogspot.com/2009_11_01_archive.html for the specifics). Mr. Alonge presented a revised schedule for the proposed new Industrial Code Rule 56. Submission to GORR by April 2010. Publish proposed revisions in May 2010 in NYS register. Finalized revisions take effect August 2010. Though I suspect that may be overly ambitious. We will see.
All in all the conference was very informative and well worth the trip. Turning Stone Casino was an excellent venue for the event, even though the weather did not cooperate this year. We attended the Pro Boxing Fight Night, the main event being a Super Middleweight fight between Brian Vera versus Isaac Rodrigues. It was my first live boxing match and the main event was a slugfest. The overall experience was outstanding and enjoyable. It was a pleasure to get together with old friends, and make some new ones. Thank you to the PACNY organization for honoring me by including me on the industry roundtable at the end. PACNY did a great job on the conference as usual, they deserve much credit and accolades for their hard work. We look forward to next year’s conference and hope to see you there next year.
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Monday, February 22, 2010

PACNY Conference Opens on Thursday, February 25, 2010


This Thursday, February 25, 2010 opens the Professional Abatement Contractors of New York's (PACNY) 14th Annual Environmental Conference at Turning Stone Casino, in Verona, New York.  This is the premier event in New York State regarding the abatement field.  Between the Vendor Exhibit Hall (recently spoke with Mr John Hill of Grayling Industries, they will be exhibiting) and the industry speakers (including Chris Alonge from New York State Department of Labor (DOL)) this is THE event to attend.  This year marks the return of Craig Benedict from the US Attorney's Office, he will be discussing "Recent Criminial Prosecutions: Remediation, Laboratory, and Project Monitoring Fraud."  Considering recent press releases this should be an interesting discussion.  With new Environmental Protection Agency regulations going to effect on renovators Mr. Andrew McClellen's presentation should be informative.  Of course on the last day of the event; will Mr. Chris Alonge be dropping any bombshells on the attendees this year.  Based on previous presentations by Mr. Alonge (see our entry on 11/25/09 on the Metro-Section of the AIHA's meeting http://futureenv.blogspot.com/2009/11/results-of-metro-ny-aihas-ehs-global.html) could the long anticipated revision of Industrial Code Rule 56 be available?  We shall see.  I will be attending as I usually do, remember Turning Stone is a dry casino so BYOB, and I hope to see you there.
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Saturday, January 10, 2009

Keeping Your Family Safe Program - Talks about Lead Paint

Happy New Year everyone. On Monday, January 5, 2009 I had the pleasure of interviewing Dr. Eileen Franko, the Director of the Bureau of Occupational Health within the New York State Department of Health on my radio program "Keeping Your Family Safe." The interview was on lead paint hazards and we discussed the use of lead in paint, the health effects, the laws and regulations, and proper procedures for working with lead paint hazards.
During our interview Dr. Franko and I discussed:

  • In 1978, the Consumer Product Safety Commission reduced the amount of allowable lead in homeowner, interior, exterior, furniture, and toy paints and varnishes to less than 0.06%.
  • However, prior to 1978 paints and varnishes had lead added to them while paints and varnishes prior to 1950s could be up to 50% lead.
  • Intact lead paint is not a hazard.
  • Any activity that generates particles, dust, or debris can cause lead exposure.
  • Lead exposure typically happens by ingesting (through contaminating food or drinks, and hand to mouth exposure primarily for children) or inhalation (breathing in the dust or particles).
  • Lead exposure health effects for children include brain damage,nerve damage, reduced intelligence (IQ), learning problems, hearing problems, behavorial issues, and death. 2002 was the last death of a child from lead poisoning.
  • Lead exposure health effects foradults include infertility, high blood pressure, teratogen effects, and lead can cross the placenta causing poisoning of the unborn child.
  • Any blood lead is too much lead and the only way to determine the amount of lead in the body is through a blood test. Over 10 micrograms of lead per deciliter of blood is considered elevated for kids and adults. For workers working with lead the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has a construction industry standard of 50 micrograms of lead per deciliter of blood.
  • The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), OSHA, and Housing and Urban Development (HUD) have regulations on handling lead based coatings.
  • Before performing work on buildings built prior to 1978, owners, occupants, and tenants should consider lead paint. Those considerations should include:
    - minimizing dust utilizing wet methods and practices to limit the creation of dust.
    - dust collection with vacuums with HEPA filtering.
    - the use of protective equipment such as respirators with HEPA filters, disposable suits and gloves.
    - use plastic to protect areas where dust is unwanted or to limit dust into areas where work is being performed.
    - remove furniture and other items to limit what is contaminated with lead dust.

Our next program will be Monday, February 12, 2009 at 2 PM eastern time. We will be interviewing Mrs. Linda Reinstein, the Executive Director of the Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization, discussing the asbestos hazard. We hope you will join us.

That Time of Year! Conferences, Posting Requirements, and OSHA Violations Increased!

It's that time of year again. We're between conferences.  February 15-16, 2024 was the Professional Abatement Contractors of New Yor...