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.
Search This Blog
Showing posts with label mold refresher training. Show all posts
Showing posts with label mold refresher training. Show all posts
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!
We wish all of you who read our blog and attend our classes a Merry Holidays and a Happy New Year! We hope your 2019 is better than your 2018 and may it be healthy, prosperous, and joyful!
Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree
2019 will bring some changes to Future Environment Designs Training Center (#FEDTC). The first change is to continue to grow our online training by providing training tokens to our clients who attend our asbestos & mold courses. This added value to our current courses continues to distinguish us from our competitors. So we can add training courses our clients/students would be interested in, we are asking our attendees for suggestions for classes we can develop into online training courses. In addition, we are strongly considering becoming a New York State Education facility (we hope to have the financing for this undertaking within 2-3 weeks of the New Year). This would allow us to offer the New York City training courses and provide the Site Safety Training cards. It would also require us to expand the number of training instructors we use. This will be a major undertaking and as many of you who know me, will take tremendous courage on my part to overcome my fears related to trusting others with my business. 2019 is already starting on a good beginning with several courses almost fully booked in the first quarter.
Bergdorf Goodman Window
No sooner than the New Year of 2019 rings in, New York City will be going through several changes. The asbestos amendments to Title 15 will go into effect January 6, 2019, and the Indoor Allergen Rule goes into effect on January 16, 2019. In New York State before the New Year hits (December 31) the minimum wage will go up. In addition, don't forget to save the date for the Professional Abatement Contractors of New York's (PACNY) 23rd Annual Environmental Conference on February 27-28 & March 1, 2019, at Turning Stone Resort & Casino in Verona, New York. We will be your host for the February 27th, the proficiency day, where we will be discussing asbestos inspections/survey among other things. We hope to see you there! Again, we wish you a Merry Holidays & a Happy New Year!
Since January 1, 2016, New York State Department of Labor (NYSDOL) was designated the responsibility of enforcing the New York State Mold Law, Article 32 "Licensing of Mold Inspection, Assessment, and Remediation Specialists and Minimum Work Standards." Reading Article 32 is like reading stereo instructions (dating ourself on that one), somethings are very clear while others contradict each other, especially in the sections on the minimum work standards. Many people in the industry have said NYSDOL needs to write a rule that will clarify the law. We disagree, though the law is a little confusing, but it is very basic and simple. There is a saying we love "Be careful what you wish for, you might just get it." (Knowing ourselves, I'm probably misquoting it, but you get the jist) When regulators write rules they then have to go out for public comment and the next you know you get something that is really confusing and lengthy. On November 18, 2017, NYSDOL published two new fact sheets:
These two fact sheets are very well written and are perfect for providing to your clients to educate them on what to expect regarding the mold inspection/remediation process in New York State. Reviewing and discussing these fact sheets are one of the highlights of our mold refresher courses.
Moldy Wall in New Construction
The interesting fact sheet is the newest one, "What to Expect When You Hire a Mold Assessor and Mold Remediation Contractor". This fact sheet, in our opinion, actually clarifies some of the confusion with Article 32. The fact sheet was created and designed for the consumer. However, since it was created and designed by NYSDOL, it gives you insight into what NYSDOL expects from the Mold Assessment and Remediation process. These are some of the points we think the fact sheet clarifies:
The difference between a written passed clearance report and a final status report.
Can you write a passed clearance report if the underlying cause (if known) is not corrected?
The responsibilities of the mold assessor.
The responsibilities of the mold remediation contractor.
The use of disinfectants, biocides, and antimicrobial coatings.
What happens if a post-remediation assessment is not wanted?
Those of you who took our initial courses or attended one of our presentations at Professional Abatement Contractors of New York (PACNY) or at the Environmental Information Association (EIA), we discussed what we saw as potential liabilities in the law regarding the above issues. This new fact sheet actually clarifies these points without writing any further rules. It provides the mold industry with a guideline of what a client should expect when they hire a Mold Assessor or Mold Remediation Contractor. We look forward to discussing this with you and seeing if you agree.
The theme for this year's annual fishing derby was definitely quantity. On July 12, 2017 we attended the Professional Abatement Contractors of New York's (PACNY's) 4th Annual Pro-AmFishing Tournament (Derby). This year, Future Environment Designs had its own boat called "Catchin Hell" piloted by Captain Tom and First Mate Mike. There were 10 boats that went out of Point Breeze at Oak Orchard Creek to fish Lake Ontario. A big THANK YOU to PACNY and Darrin Yehl for again sponsoring this Tournament (Derby), giving us more opportunities to get together and network. Here was this year's lineup of PACNY members and the boats they were on:
Paradigm Environmental on the Free Spirit
NRC on the Intimidator
Sessler on the Rusty Lure
Catch'N'Hell T-shirt on First Mate Mike
As usual, the day started out beautifully with a nice sunrise over Lake Ontario. We started loading the boats around 5:50 in the morning. PACNY's Darren Yehl organized the event and did a fantastic job. Everybody was ready for the shotgun start at or about 6:30. We stay out on the lake till around noon. Then come to shore for the weigh-in, a catered buffet lunch at the Black North Inn (which is always fantastic), and awarding of the trophies/prizes. As many of you know, we are a beer enthusiast and the Scotch Ale, by Rohrbach Brewing Company, available at the Black North Inn is fantastic. Definitely one of the pleasures of the catered buffet lunch (see our reviews of this beer on Untappd). This year's winners were:
Dival for the Box & Big Fish
We had a great time and was entertained by social media's busting on us for the size of our catch compared with our wife's catch. But all in all, we caught 8 King Salmon and 2 Rainbow Trout which was the most fish we've caught over the 4 years. Though we were in last place for the box (3 largest fish) and the biggest fish, we came home with a lot of fish for curing and eating, so it was a successful and fun trip, again! It was great having our own boat and we plan on hosting our own boat next year. If you think you would be interested send us an email so we can start making plans. The Tournament (derby) is always on a Wednesday and usually the second or third one in July. We're already looking forward to next year's fishing!
Future Environment Designs is happy to announce that New York State Department of Labor has approved our Mold Refresher training course. This course which will allow Mold Abatement Workers, Mold Abatement Supervisors, Mold Remediation Contractors, and Mold Assessment Contractors & Individuals to renew their license with New York State and continue offering mold services. The course is an four hour course with a 15 minute break. Individuals enrolled in the course will be expected to enhance the learning experience by sharing information regarding their experience in the past two years.
Mold Post-Assessment Clearance
We will be adding dates to our schedule at Future Environment Design's website now that we are approved to offer these courses. As usual you can contact us to set up the Mold Refresher classes under our training "At Your Convenience" service. Look forward to seeing you in class.
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.
