Image via WikipediaIt seems to us that our lame duck Governor is doing all the nasty and dirty work before the incoming Governor has to. Between laying off state workers, firing the Commissioner of the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYS DEC), and now eliminating New York State's participation in Superfund, its to bad we can't get a tax cap in place, too. It concerns us how NYS DEC will be able to handle all the work that is scheduled for NYS. Between the Hudson River Dredging project, the Gowanus Canal and Newtown Creek just to mention a few. We need to make sure that Governor Patterson's obvious attack on the NYS DEC does not hamper or significantly hinder its ability to perform its functions in New York State.
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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Tuesday, November 09, 2010
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Floorings Affect on Indoor Air Quality
Mold growing on wood tacking under carpeting. |
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Friday, October 22, 2010
Bedbugs and Lice Make Comeback.
Image via WikipediaIt's interesting how certain news stories can just freak you out a bit. For some its blood, for others it could be molds. Well for me its bugs...in particular very small bugs. Like bedbugs and lice just really gets me itching. So when a story like the one in Newsday discussed the current bedbug and louse issue, it was all I could do to prevent myself from scratching like crazy. Recent news stories have bedbugs present at the Waldorf Astoria (where else would you stay if you visited New York City), at Lincoln Center (I guess they like ballet) and the Central Islip Library (they also like to read..or maybe they are really bookworms?). This shows that bedbugs have evolved, additional proof of this is that these bedbugs are
resistant to DDT and malathion, products used in the past to kill them. The article makes interesting reading and other articles have discussed how to avoid bedbugs while traveling or specifically discussed about bedbugs not being a public health emergency. The primary reason being that bedbugs are not known to spread disease. They just want to feed on us (ok, just writing that creeped me out...itch, itch, scratch, scratch).
resistant to DDT and malathion, products used in the past to kill them. The article makes interesting reading and other articles have discussed how to avoid bedbugs while traveling or specifically discussed about bedbugs not being a public health emergency. The primary reason being that bedbugs are not known to spread disease. They just want to feed on us (ok, just writing that creeped me out...itch, itch, scratch, scratch).
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- http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/bedbugs/DS00663
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Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Watertown Daily Times | Asbestos suspected in cellar of plaza
Code enforcement official (CEO) stops illegal asbestos removal work. This is a good sign that some CEOs are starting to learn the asbestos requirements and bodes well for the asbestos industry. Maybe we'll see less cheating, which will create more work for the asbestos industry.
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Friday, October 15, 2010
Federal jury finds Syracuse company guilty of mail fraud
Image via Wikipedia Federal jury finds Syracuse company guilty of mail fraud
We have discussed this asbestos air monitoring and laboratory consultant case in class. Follow the link which describes the guilty verdict against Certified Environmental Services (CES). Remember one of the more interesting points of this case was that two individual asbestos air monitors were indicted on their illegal work. Making them individually responsible for aiding and abetting the illegal work of the contractors. It will be interesting if this has an impact on the industry.
We have discussed this asbestos air monitoring and laboratory consultant case in class. Follow the link which describes the guilty verdict against Certified Environmental Services (CES). Remember one of the more interesting points of this case was that two individual asbestos air monitors were indicted on their illegal work. Making them individually responsible for aiding and abetting the illegal work of the contractors. It will be interesting if this has an impact on the industry.
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Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Carl Potter's Safety Code of Conduct
Scaffolding improperly installed missing mud sills, etc. |
Mr. Carl Potter is a safety speaker and his website is an excellant resource for information regarding occupational safety and health. We have received many of his articles and writings, and have always found them informative. To emphasize this point, please click on the title above to read his latest post regarding setting up a Safety Code of Conduct and the reason why employees typically don't follow safety rules. Our experience and discussions with many of you, has led us to the same conclusions. We agree with Mr. Potter come up with your own Safety Code of Conduct and decide to be safe when performing your work.
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Friday, October 08, 2010
EMLab P&K Products Division Blog Features - Proper Maintenance of Sampling Equipment
Anderson N-6 Bioaerosol Sampler. |
If you use or own indoor air quality equipment we recommend that you read EMLab P&K Products Division Blog. Click on the title of this blog post to read EMLAB P&K's blog post on the proper maintenance of air sampling equipment, such as the Anderson or A6 impact bioaerosol samplers, rotary vane high volume pumps, and Wallchek adapters. In addition, it discusses the importance of proper maintenance to sustain consistent sample collection. The blog reminds us that the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) recommends calibrating pumps before and after sample collection with variances not to exceed 5 to 10%. This calibration should be performed using a primary standard such as a bubble meter (1000 cubic centimeter bubble buret) or an electronic device such as the Dry Cal® DC-Lite Calibrator, Gilian® Gilibrator-2, and Bios Defender™. These primary standard must be traced to a National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) standard. It will keep your equipment running at peak condition.
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Thursday, October 07, 2010
NYS Requires Crane Operator Certificate of Competence
With the new Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulation gradually going into effect, one of the more interesting parts of the regulation is the fact that the regulation does not pre-eminent state and local regulations.
Crane operators in New York State must realize in addition to complying with the new OSHA regulation, they must also comply with New York State requirements that requires them to get a Certificate of Competence. This requirement applies to all cranes having a manufacture’s maximum rated capacity exceeding five tons or over forty feet of boom length and to all tower cranes. This applies whether the crane is used for construction, demolition, or excavation work.
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Wednesday, October 06, 2010
ADA Construction Caught Illegally Mining Sand in Melville
Image via WikipediaA joint investigation between Huntington Code Enforcement Officials and New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYS DEC) found that ADA Construction Corp. had mined 6,000 cubic yards of raw sand and then dumped 8,000 cubic yards of solid waste to backfill the excavation behind Bagatelle Court in Melville, Long Island.
A separate inspection by the NYS DEC of ADA Construction Corp's Solid Waste Management Facility in Inwood found the site had exceeded its authorized storage limit. The NYS DEC inspection found 23,000 cubic yards of debris and the facility was only allowed to store 5,000 cubic yards (it was over its limit by 18,000 cubic yards).
ADA Construction Corp is owned by Anthony Frank Falcone, president, and his son, Anthony Vincent Falcone, also owner of Varatech Industries Inc., were found to be in violation of multiple state environmental conservation laws. The Falcones signed a consent order that required them to remove all of the solid waste from the Melville site, restore the illegal excavation with clean fill material, reduce the volume of material at its Inwood facility, and pay a $150,000 penalty.
A separate inspection by the NYS DEC of ADA Construction Corp's Solid Waste Management Facility in Inwood found the site had exceeded its authorized storage limit. The NYS DEC inspection found 23,000 cubic yards of debris and the facility was only allowed to store 5,000 cubic yards (it was over its limit by 18,000 cubic yards).
ADA Construction Corp is owned by Anthony Frank Falcone, president, and his son, Anthony Vincent Falcone, also owner of Varatech Industries Inc., were found to be in violation of multiple state environmental conservation laws. The Falcones signed a consent order that required them to remove all of the solid waste from the Melville site, restore the illegal excavation with clean fill material, reduce the volume of material at its Inwood facility, and pay a $150,000 penalty.
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Sunday, September 26, 2010
NYS Labor Department Issues Stop Work Order in Lockport
Image via WikipediaIt seems Mr. Scott Krzyzanowski, the owner of 89 Mill Street in Lockport, does not know New York State has one of the strictest asbestos regulations in the country. He has been told by the New York State Department of Labor numerous times to hire an asbestos contractor to cleanup the "eyesore" at 89 Mill Street, Lockport, NY. It appears he is ignoring the Department of Labor and they have issued a "Stop Work Order" on the project. If he continues to ignore the Department of Labor he will be subject to penalties and jail time. It looks like a showdown at the OK Corral will be happening. We will see who blinks first?
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Friday, September 24, 2010
Future Environment Designs Sponsors Asbestos Video
Future Environment Designs sponsored this video to assist with Keeping Your Family Safe by being aware about the dangers of Asbestos. Realize New York State and New York City asbestos regulations are some of the strongest in the country and both regulate residential asbestos isnpections, removal, and monitoring.
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Thursday, September 23, 2010
Monday, September 20, 2010
Gulf Oil Spill - Knowledge Gained.
Image by lumis via Flickr Just finished and posted the Summer 2010 Future Focus newsletter. I discuss the Gulf Oil Spill and knowledge gained on how the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) handled this emergency.
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Friday, September 17, 2010
9/11 Responder Helping First Responders And War Veterans Heal
Helping first responders heal from Long Island Business News on Vimeo.
John Sferazo, former 9/11 First Responder Ironworker, founded the non-profit organization American Greenlands Restoration. John Sferazo as a first responder knows what 9/11 first responders went through, he himself suffers from severe lung problems and post-tramautic stress syndrome. The American Greenlands Restoration uses 1,000 acres of land in Maine as a wildlife and nature retreat to help 9/11 first responders and veterans from the Iraq and Afganistan Wars sufferring from psychological and physical disabilities, heal through Nature Therapy. Just a warning the video is not very good. But you can hear the report all the same.
Thursday, September 16, 2010
Painting and Decorating Inc. Fined Again for Scaffold Violations
Painting & Decorating Inc. was in the news again for scaffold violations. The painting and stucco contractor continues to have problems properly erecting scaffolds and providing fall protection for its workers. The violations stem from two Kings Point, New York job sites.
Painting & Decorating Inc. was issued eight willful citations with $200,000 in fines for not fully planking scaffolds, providing an access ladder, ensuring scaffolds rested on base plates and providing fall protection at both locations. Six serious citations with $5,200 in fines were issued for missing railings, toeboards and bracing at both job sites. Painting & Decorating was issued one repeat citation carrying a $20,000 fine for not training workers on scaffold assembly and work. The citation is a repeat offense for Painting & Decorating who had similar violations in 2007 and 2008. In 2008, Painting & Decorating received seven citations from OSHA worth $147,000.
OSHA issued Painting & Decorating, Inc a total of 15 citations worth $225,200 in fines for these two jobsites in Kings Point, New York. The contracting firm has 15 business days from receipt of its citations and proposed penalties to comply, meet with OSHA’s area director or contest the findings before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.
Proper scaffold construction starts on the ground in the first bay. If the first bay is plumb and level, the rest of scaffold will follow. |
Painting & Decorating Inc. was issued eight willful citations with $200,000 in fines for not fully planking scaffolds, providing an access ladder, ensuring scaffolds rested on base plates and providing fall protection at both locations. Six serious citations with $5,200 in fines were issued for missing railings, toeboards and bracing at both job sites. Painting & Decorating was issued one repeat citation carrying a $20,000 fine for not training workers on scaffold assembly and work. The citation is a repeat offense for Painting & Decorating who had similar violations in 2007 and 2008. In 2008, Painting & Decorating received seven citations from OSHA worth $147,000.
OSHA issued Painting & Decorating, Inc a total of 15 citations worth $225,200 in fines for these two jobsites in Kings Point, New York. The contracting firm has 15 business days from receipt of its citations and proposed penalties to comply, meet with OSHA’s area director or contest the findings before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.
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Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Future Environment Designs sponsors PCB video
In addition, to sponsoring this video to assist with Keeping Your Family Safe by being aware about Poly-Chlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs). We want you to be aware that New York Communities for Change is calling on the New York City Board of Education to test all schools for possible PCB contamination and devise an aggressive plan for remediation. After watching the video click on the title to learn more about New York Communities for Change's demand.
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Saturday, September 11, 2010
Long Overdue Increase in OSHA Inspections
Construction Sign Postings in Rome, Italy. Workers are required to wear gloves, hard hat, work boots, and a full body harness on this work site. |
14 deaths per day is the statistics of the day. How can the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) consider itself successful with a statistic like that? It is long overdue for OSHA to increase the number of inspections and the number of violations it issues. There are companies who have never seen an OSHA inspection and they have been in business for over 50 years. We did a training class where one worker had caustic burns on his hands and three workers were diagnosed with silicosis. The company had never been inspected by OSHA. Until OSHA actually gets serious about performing the number of inspections necessary to prevent injuries, statistics such as 14 deaths per day will continue to be common place. The link shows a video of a worker for Cintas, handling the clearing of a blockage the way he was taught to clear blockage. Though the company says it didn't know this was going on, the question is how did they think the blockage was being cleared considering they did not teach the workers a different procedure to clear the blockage. Again another situation where the accident could have been prevented and the life of a worker saved.
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Wednesday, September 08, 2010
Confined Space Entry Mistakes Caused Tarrytown Tragedy?
OSHA has specific requirements and rules before entering confined spaces. Air testing and training are part of the requirements. |
The death of two men in Tarrytown are still being investigated, however, indications are that the men died when they entered into a sewer system manhole and were overcome by the gases or the lack of air in the area. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the New York State Department of Labor under Public Employee Safety and Health (PESH) both regulate entries into confined spaces. These entries require a permit system which is the equivalent of a checklist that is required to be completed by a supervisor before anyone enters the confined space. One of the most important parts of the checklist is the requirement to test the air in the space before entry to determine the contaminants in the space. As outsiders looking in, we could assume oxygen deficiency, methane, and hydrogen sulfide at least. All three should have been tested before entry was made. News reports already have told us the space was deficient of oxygen (14%), normal air has 21% oxygen. Future Environment Designs performs confined space entry training and we train workers that at 14% workers would experience increased respiration and poor judgment. We also train workers that the attendant should never make an entry (for rescue or any other purpose) until they are relieved by another attendant. Our condolences go out to the family and the community of these workers. It is a shame that this accident could have been prevented.
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OSHA Publishes Final Rule On Cranes And Derricks In Construction
Crane in Venice, Italy. FED's training at your convenience will travel to where you need the training. |
Some people would say its about time the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) revised the Cranes and Derricks in Construction standard. The last standard was issued in 1971 and considering in 2007 a number of crane accidents happened across the country including the two crane accidents that happened in New York City. It is not surprising that OSHA finally finished the standard. The rule becomes effective in 90 days after August 9, 2010. Significant requirements in this new rule include: a pre-erection inspection of tower crane parts; use of synthetic slings in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions during assembly/disassembly work; assessment of ground conditions; qualification or certification of crane operators; and procedures for working in the vicinity of power lines.
Several provisions have been modified from the proposed rule. For example:
- Employers must comply with local and state operator licensing requirements which meet the minimum criteria specified in § 1926.1427.
- Employers must pay for certification or qualification of their currently uncertified or unqualified operators.
- Written certification tests may be administered in any language understood by the operator candidate.
- When employers with employees qualified for power transmission and distribution are working in accordance with the power transmission and distribution standard (§ 1910.269), that employer will be considered in compliance with this final rule's requirements for working around power lines.
- Employers must use a qualified rigger for rigging operations during assembly/disassembly.
- Employers must perform a pre-erection inspection of tower cranes.
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Wednesday, September 01, 2010
NYS Mold Task Force Report Open For Comments
Stachybotrys chartrum (toxic mold) growing inside the wall. |
Comments can be submitted in writing to:
Michelle Lavigne
Bureau of Toxic Substances Assessment
Flanigan Square Room 330
547 River Street
Troy, NY 12280
Questions: (518) 402-7820 or 1-800-458-1158
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Brand You: Engage Your Brain
For years, I've been a big fan of Tom Peters. His book "In Search of Excellance" should be a standard business book for anyone going into business and "Thriving on Chaos" probably applies today as much as when it was written. It seems to me he just gets better with age. This segment from his new book, gives you insights on how to engage your client, audience, etc.
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Saturday, August 21, 2010
EPA Calls Formaldehyde a Carcinogen
Image via WikipediaIn the July 2010 issue of Indoor Environment Connections, Mr. Tom Scarlett writes about the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issuing a draft report that concludes that inhaling formaldehyde is definitely a human carcinogen. Formaldehyde is widely used in products and can be found in many indoor environments, like the temporary trailers that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) bought. It has been widely published that those temporary trailers had such significant levels of formaldehyde in the indoor air they could not use them as temporary housing for the Hurricane Katrina victims. In addition, the new study also linked increased incidence of asthma to formaldehyde exposure. Needless to say EPA's determination will cause increased regulation of formaldehyde in air. The next steps for this report is for it to be reviewed by an expert panel convened by the National Academy of Sciences. EPA will then use the review and any comments from the public to complete the Health Assessment for Formaldehyde.
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Wednesday, August 18, 2010
NIOSH Publishes Results of Investigation Into Deutsche Bank Fire
Image via WikipediaOn August 18, 2007, two firefighters lost their lives while attempting to put out a fire in the former Deutsche Bank building. This fire has had a significant impact on the construction and the asbestos abatement industries. Recently revised asbestos regulations were the results of suggested changes by a special committee, set-up by Mayor Bloomberg, to specifically investigate the city agency failings and fixed them. The National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) typically investigates fires that lead to the loss of life of firefighters. The purpose is to assist fire departments across the country in reducing fatalities and injuries to firefighters. NIOSH's investigative report is 44 pages long and determined the following "key contributing factors to this incident included: delayed notification of the fire by building construction personnel, inoperable standpipe and sprinkler systems (published in several news articles), delay in establishing water supply, inaccurate information about standpipe, unique building conditions with both asbestos abatement and deconstruction occurring simultaneously, extreme fire behavior, uncontrolled fire rapidly progressing and extending below the fire floor, blocked stairwells preventing fire fighter access and egress, maze-like interior conditions from partitions and construction debris, heavy smoke conditions causing numerous fire fighters to become lost or disoriented, failure of fire fighters to always don SCBAs inside structure and to replenish air cylinders, communications overwhelmed with numerous Mayday and urgent radio transmissions, and lack of crew integrity."
The report also includes several recommendations, and alot of information regarding what happened including a timeline. So what started the fire? A burning cigarette discarded by a construction employee in the decontamination shower area on the 17th floor. Read the report for more information.
The report also includes several recommendations, and alot of information regarding what happened including a timeline. So what started the fire? A burning cigarette discarded by a construction employee in the decontamination shower area on the 17th floor. Read the report for more information.
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Friday, July 30, 2010
W. R. Grace To Pay For Asbestos Cleanup in Easthampton, MA.
Image via Wikipedia
W.R. Grace and Company leased a facility in Easthampton, Massachusetts where they produced zonolite attic insulation and fireproofing. This facility received vermiculite that was mined in Libby, MT which is known to be contaminated with tremolite asbestos. WR Grace and the owner of the property Oldon Limited Partnership agreed to pay an estimated $833,000 to cleanup the site and reimburse the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for past cleanup costs of $72, 537 as recently reported by Environmental Protection (click on title to see the full article). Related articles by Zemanta
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