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.
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Showing posts with label mold air sampling. Show all posts
Showing posts with label mold air sampling. Show all posts
Mr. Dan Crothers demonstrated the features of the AirBox pumps in our courses. Those who attended the courses were introduced to the equipment, and how it operates. We discussed the various features, advantages, and disadvantages of using this new pump. Two of our clients who attend our courses The LIRO Group and New York Environmental Consultants & Laboratories ended up walking away with an Airbox sampling pump to try in the field. While Mr. Dan Crothers was here he recorded a video discussing asbestos air sampling pumps with Angelo Garcia, III, and what makes this pump a game changer. The video will be shown in our future asbestos classes or you can see it below: If you are interested in more information feel free to contact us.
Future Environment Designs Training Center (FEDTC) in our August 2022 Safety Suzy Newsletter proudly announced that the International Sales Director of FermionX, Dan Crothers will be attending our Monday, September 19, 2022, Project Sample Technician/Project Monitor Refresher course. FermionX, Ltd. is a UK electronics manufacturer of industrial product brands including the Airbox Sampling Pumps. Dan Crothers has filled sales, marketing, and senior leadership roles in the company, Dan brings extensive product sales and electronic manufacturing experience with in-depth knowledge of the company’s supply chain and quality processes. Originally from New Zealand, Dan spent 15 years in UK and Singapore developing global sales and distribution channel management for FermionX product brands in North America, Asia Pacific Region, and the Middle East.
Dan Crothers
Airbox’s award-winning Variflow air sampling pumps for asbestos air monitoring combine robust sampling performance with unique features for hassle-free setup and decontamination (back-to-back carrying, in-built telescopic mast, IP-65 rated casing {an IP65 Rating means the product has the highest level of dust protection and is able to withstand low-pressure water jets from all directions}, and battery operated). The user-friendly control features support site-specific calibration protocols to safeguard sampling compliance. Coming soon to the USA, the Airbox Variflow will be a powerful new tool in asbestos and mold air sampling.
Airbox Sampling Pump
Mr. Dan Crothers will be demonstrating the features of the AirBox pumps at our Monday, September 19, 2022, Asbestos Project Sample Technician/Project Monitor Refresher Course. These pumps are battery-operated and can run between 5 and 17 liters per minute. So they can be used for both ambient and clearance sampling. The built-in mast means no carrying extra stands for sampling. The pump is showerproof so decontamination is not an issue. Two units fit together for easy carrying with one hand. The hose stores easily on the side of the unit again for ease of transport. Easy to use control panel with highly visible OLED display. We think these pumps will be outstanding and are looking forward to seeing them in operation. To register for the NYS Asbestos Project Sampling Technician Refresher course click here or to register for the NYS Asbestos Project Monitor Refresher course click here!
The Professional Abatement Contractors of New York (PACNY) have announced the dates for their annual Environmental Conference to be held on March 3rd and 4th, 2022. It will be held at the Turning Stone Resort & Casino in Verona, New York. Visit Turning Stone Casino'swebsite for pandemic questions. To register for the conference or sponsor the conference click here!
Return of New York State Department of Labor Panel
Obviously, due to the pandemic, last year's conference was not held. This year's conference goes back to the original format of two days - Thursday & Half-day Friday. Thursday is usually the Professional Day and we're looking forward to the following presentations: a presentation by a New York State Department of Labor (NYSDOL) Inspector by Elizabeth Kirkland; The Evolving Role of the NYS Project Monitor, and a roundtable discussion by PACNY experts on mold, that will include Jack Springston of ATC. PACNY has asked us, (Angelo Garcia, III's, of Future Environment Designs, Inc. (FEDTC)), to speak and we will be presenting on the "Trials and Tribulations of Training During a Pandemic". We hope our presentation will be an entertaining look into trying to maintain a training program during a pandemic. We would like to thank Ms. Karen Cummings, M.P.H., Director of the New York State Department of Health's (NYSDOH)Asbestos Safety Training Program for providing us with data for our presentation regarding the number of asbestos training certificates issued during the last four years. We would also like to thank Mr. Chek Beng Ng, P.E., Professional Engineer, of the NYSDOL Engineering Services Unit, for also providing us with the mold training data, since 2015, for our presentation. With this information, it will be interesting to see the impact the pandemic had on training and in extension on the available workforce. After the last presentation, we will head over to the Exhibition Hall with the Vendors/Sponsors of the conference and network with the attendees at the open bar. Yes, that's right Happy Hour is back!
Happy Hour At the Exhibition Hall
FEDTC is one of the sponsors of the conference again and will have a booth in the Exhibition Hall. Ms. Sheryl Esposito is returning to be the woman at the booth. Come by and say hello! As we have in the past, we will be tweeting the conference. To follow the conference on Twitter, you can search for the hashtag #FEDTCPACNY or you can follow on our Twitter account at https://twitter.com/angelogarcia3.
Sheryl Esposito at the FEDTC Booth
Half-day Friday is Regulatory Day with the NYSDOL'sAsbestos Control Bureau usually doing a brief presentation and then doing a questions and answers session. One question certain to be asked will be when will the Fast Track Variances return? Mr. Ed Smith, P.E., Program Manager of the NYSDOL Engineering Services Unit will be expected to answer that question. This year we will have new people on the podium. Dr. Eileen Franco has retired and the new director is Amy Phillips. Mr. Kirk Fisher takes over for Mr. James Meacham, P.E. as head of the Enforcement Unit. This ponders the question of who takes over the Licensing and Certification Unit? Mr. Paul Demick, Associate Safety & Health Inspector, will be on the podium for the NYSDOL License & Certificate Unit. Lunch on Friday is the last meal of the conference and the last chance to network with the attendees. It will be good to get back to Turning Stone and see all our friends and business associates, again. Hoping to see you there!
Day Three of the Professional Abatement Contractors of New York's (PACNY's) 21st Annual Environmental Conference started with Mr. Angelo Garcia, III's, of Future Environment Designs, Inc, presentation "Changes Are A Coming." Our presentation can be found in our dropbox folder under conference presentations. We discussed the many changes that will affect the abatement/restoration industry including the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) (the new Director and Toxic Substance Control Act (TSCA)); Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) (the new Director, Silica, Beryllium, Safety & Health Programs, Recordkeeping & Reporting Requirements; & the increase in penalties); New York State Department of Labor (NYSDOL) proposed asbestos regulation changes to Industrial Code Rule 56; and changes coming from NYSDOL on the mold regulation (Article 32). Our presentation, was videotaped and is attached below.
The DiVal Safety Equipment Hospitality Suite caused a few late comers on Day Three
The next presenter was Mr. Jack Springston, of TRC Environmental, discussing "Mold Clearance Testing - The Good, The Bad and The Ugly." Mr. Springston's presentation discussed all the different sampling methods for mold from spore traps (has a capture zone that collects air about the size of a golf ball), particle counters (not specific), Environmental Relative Moldiness Index (ERMI) (still under research) and culture plates (tried and true method). In addition, he discussed the variability of data from certified laboratories and the interpretation of the that data.
Mr. Jack Springston, of TRC Environmental
After Mr. Springston's presentation, we took one last break in the Exhibit Hall to network with exhibitors Admar Construction Equipment & Supplies and Paradigm Environmental Services. Our staff, Ms. Kimberly Granmoe, Ms. Sheryl Esposito, and I would like to thank all of you who visited our booth this year.
The NYSDOL Round Table as usual is the highlight of the PACNY Environmental Conference. Having NYSDOL regulators at the conference allows for questions and answers that can be timely and very useful. The panel consisted of Dr. Eileen Franko, Director-Division of Safety and Health, Mr. Ed Smith, P.E., Engineering Services Unit, Mr. Kirk Fisher, Licensing & Certification Unit, and Mr. James Meachum, P.E., Asbestos Control Bureau.
Dr. Franko, Mr. Smith, Mr. Fisher, & Mr. Meachum on the Dais, Left to Right
This year's presentation they came armed with alot of information that was very useful. They presented an update on the mold regulation from 2016 including the number of complaints (40), the number that was related to issues NYSDOL could address (16), while the remainder was outside of their jurisdiction (24). The number of mold training courses held in 2016 were 31 assessor (1348 attendees), 26 remediation (1,668 attendees), & 32 worker courses (2,284 attendees). There are 553 mold assessor companies (451 individuals); 526 mold remediation companies (526 individuals); 910 mold supervisors; and 1,941 mold workers. Compare that with the 21,237 asbestos handling certificates, and 1,539 asbestos handler licenses (companies). In 2016, NYSDOL conducted 2,457 asbestos inspections, and resolved 494 cases with 1,094 violations. The top violations include:
Discussing Top Ten Violations
Asbestos Survey Required;
Certification & Training Required; and
Licensing Requirements and Procedures
As many of you know, our biggest complaint about NYSDOL is that they don't do enough to go after companies that do asbestos without an asbestos survey, an asbestos license, and asbestos certified workers. These three were the top three violations issued by NYSDOL, which means we say BRAVO! NYSDOL keep up the good work! It was interesting to us that one of the top ten violations was not having a manometer or working one (this piece of equipment literally can be purchased for about $30-50, the fine can be $5,000). One of the biggest issues discussed was the need for a mold rule and at this point NYSDOL does not see the need for a rule. After some questions and answers the conference ended with lunch. This year's conference definitely seemed more technical than previous years. As a trainer, this year's conference has provided significant information to bring back to our classes and provide to our attendees. We look forward to seeing your next year, which Future Environment Designs will be celebrating 30 years in business.
In the past week, NYSDOL announced the training requirements for mold refresher training. All mold licensees will have to take a 4-hour refresher course to renew the licenses. We are currently working on the submittal to become approved for these courses. Below is the video from our presentation from the conference.
Future Environment Designs is proud to sponsor a new informational video on the Health Effects of Mold Exposure. This video is designed as a public service awareness video on the health effects of mold exposure.
Future Environment Designs is proud to sponsor this Public Outreach Video on Stachybotrys Charturum. The video was designed to help the public have a better understanding of this fungi and the mycotoxin it may produce. We hope you enjoy it and it assists you better understand stachybotrys charturum.
In the October 2010 issue of Indoor Environment Connections (page 14), Mr. Paul Cochrane, President of Cochrane and Assoc., discusses his experience regarding a fungal infection of his lungs that at first made him think he was having a heart attack. It is an excellently written story I suggest you read it to help you become more aware of the symptoms and problems occupants face when encountering infections. Being in the indoor air quality industry and reading this story, allows me to better anticipate what an occupant may experiencing. Hope it helps you, too.
Section 1384 of the New York State (NYS) Public Health Law established the NYS Toxic Mold Task Force. The goals of the NYS Toxic Mold Task Force was to:
assess and measure, based on scientific evidence, the adverse environmental and health effects of mold exposure, including specific effects on population subgroups at greater risk of adverse effects;
assess the latest scientific data on mold exposure limits;
identify actions taken by state and local government and other entities;
determine methods to control and mitigate mold;
and prepare a report to the Governor and Legislature.
To achieve these goals the NYS Toxic Mold Task Force activities were organized into four main areas of inquiry:
health effects of molds in indoor environments;
exposure limits and assessment of mold in buildings;
approaches to mold mitigation and remediation;
building codes, regulations and other actions taken by other governments and private-sector organizations that relate to building mold problems.
In reading the executive summary it is clear that the NYS Toxic Mold Task Force came to the usual conclusions regarding mold that the many in the industry already know. For example:
Since mold problems in buildings are preventable with proper building construction, maintenance, and housekeeping aimed at preventing excess building dampness, mold exposure is preventable.
Overabundant growth of any mold or other dampness-related organisms is undesirable and can be addressed by removing contaminants and correcting water problems. Whether or not exposure to mold toxins is likely when mold growth occurs in a damp building does not substantially change the need for mitigation of the water and mold problem.
Continue to improve building code requirements that address building design, construction techniques, and property maintenance so that they prevent or minimize the potential for water problems to occur.
The presence and power of the code enforcement official (CEO) can also help minimize the potential mold problems in buildings when approving construction documents, during construction inspections of new buildings, and when issuing property-maintenance violations related to moisture conditions in existing buildings during required inspections.
Regulating the mold assessment and remediation service industry is dependent upon how desirable it is to have persons poperly trained and following acceptable protocols. The main public health goal of any regulation or additional guidance to the mold industry will be to reduce the potential for mold exposures and the risk of health effects in damp buildings. Costs for such a program can range from $150,000 for using already developed general recommended work practices and certification programs to $4.5 million per year for a full regulatory program like the NYS asbestos program.
The development of reliable, health-based quantitative mold exposure limits is not currently feasible.
Their is limited evidence of the benefits of chemical disinfectants or encapsulant treatments for mitigating or preventing mold growth on building materials.
The main approach to mold control and mitigation should be focused on identifying and repairing water damage in buildings and removing mold source materials. This method of mitigation is less complicated to implement than mitigation based on attaining a numerical clearance critertion, because the main goal is to return the building to a clean and dry condition.
The document is 150 pages including tables and exhibits. It will be interesting to see if this document actually goes anywhere in regulating the mold assessment and remediation industry.
Stachybotrys chartrum (toxic mold) growing inside the wall.
New York State Mold (fungi) Task Force was created by Section 1384 of the New York State (NYS) Public Health Law (enacted in Chapter 356 of the laws of 2005; amended by Chapter 198 of the laws of 2006). The Task Force was charged with preparing a report to the Governor and the Legislature on mold (fungus)/toxic mold. The report would assess and measure, "based on scientific evidence, the adverse environmental and health effects of mold exposure, including specific effects on population subgroups at greater risk of adverse effects; assessing the latest scientific data on mold exposure limits; identifying actions taken by state and local government and other entities; determining methods to control and mitigate mold." The New York State Departments of Health and State have completed a draft report (click on the title link) and are accepting comments from the public until October 12, 2010. Comments can be submitted by email to: moldtf@health.state.ny.us
Comments can be submitted in writing to:
Michelle Lavigne
Bureau of Toxic Substances Assessment
Flanigan Square Room 330
547 River Street Troy, NY 12280
Monday, January 19, 2009, we had the pleasure of interviewing Dr. Harriet Burge, formerly from Harvard’s School of Public Health and the current Director of Aerobiology at Environmental Microbiology Laboratories for our internet radio program “Keeping Your Family Safe” (find it at http://www.voiceamerica.com/ on the Green Talk Network). In our program, we discussed the mold (microbial) sampling. We covered the following points:
General discussion on fungi and molds.
The most common health effect of molds is an allergic reaction.
Other health effects include infections and fungal sinusitis. Health effects of mycotoxins are controversial.
Fungi need water and food to grow. When fungi grow in places we do not want them we call them molds. Fungi and molds spread by spores.
Three types of sampling (bulk, surface, and air).
There are no standards.
Each method has advantages, but air is the only way to document exposure.
Viable (culturable) versus nonviable (particulate).
Culturable sampling are strongly biased.
Particulate sampling can be a very powerful tool.
There are new methods but not commonly used yet.
A number of samples are needed to get representative results and document exposure
This Monday, January 26, 2009, we will be interviewing Mr. Charles Wiles the executive director of the American Indoor Air Quality Council regarding certification in the indoor air quality and mold industry.
In a recent article written by Dr. Harriet Burge, in The Environmental Reporter for EMLAB P&K, she discussed this question and came up with an interesting answer. As we discuss in our mold remediation classes, clearance sampling is used to document that the mold contamination was successfully removed as part of a well designed written protocol (scope of work).
In preparing the scope of work for the project, the consultant should take pre-abatement air samples to have a picture of the air before the remediation. Air samples should be taken inside the area being remediated, outside the area being remediated, and outside the building. This sampling must be representative of the air in the areas sampled. Using these results and the data created, the consultant (writing the remediation protocols) can pre-determine the percentage change they want to see in the clearance samples and add that information to the protocols.
Based on Dr. Burge's article she suggests that the number of air samples should represent 5% of the air in the room or 2% of the air in the room if the air is thoroughly mixed. (when mixing air the method used should not send so much dust in the air that it will require you to sample for less than 10 minutes). Assuming a 10 minute air-o-cell sample represents slightly more than five (5) cubic feet of air, a 1000 cubic foot room would require four (4) samples to achieve 2% with proper mixing and ten (10) samples without mixing.
It is important to remember no single sample is representative of any environment (as discussed in Dr.Burge's article and supported by various publications by the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH), the American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA), and others). As consultants, we must ensure the remediations we recommend are complete and this can only be accomplished if the interpetations are supported by quality data that is representative of the environment we are sampling. Multiple samples are the only way to ensure the environment is accurately evaluated.
PACNY's Environmental Conference - Day 1 - And So It Begins!(futureenv.blogspot.com)
Is It Really Here Again! The 21st Annual PACNY Environmental Conference Starts March 1, 2017.(futureenv.blogspot.com)
OSHA Fines Increase By 78%, Will That Lead To An Increase in Safety Consulting & Training?(futureenv.blogspot.com)
