Restoration Industry Association -- Educational Programs and Events

Value Propositions

One of the things that is really fun about association work is answering member question #1: “What do I get for my dues?”

Members do not get to see the inside story of what associations do for them. They don’t all get to participate in the meetings, work and debates that happen over many months to shape a professional consensus that results in an educational program, or a standard, or improved perception of the industry in the eyes of an important segment of the public.

Only a few members get to appreciate the value of free Technical Support, valued at $350 per consultation, from two of the world’s leading experts in textile cleaning and disaster restoration.

Those who attend RIA events learn the value of being able to network with the most successful cleaning and restoration business owners in the industry…a rather exclusive group that outclasses any other membership organization available to them in the industry.

People generally attend RIA events because of their reputation for being the highest quality education in the industry. The Educational Course Catalog pretty much tells the story of how members’ dues, along with the work of some dedicated volunteers, went into creating a year’s worth of top flight offerings. Then again, it may not have too much value if you let your competitors fill the classes rather than your own personnel.

Members appreciate the value of being able to enjoy the reflected credibility of being RIA members, of being able to display the RIA and Institute logos that only members are permitted to display. The RIA name means a lot, and it is worth a lot to members who use it to augment their credibility in the marketplace. Just a few days ago a former member rejoined the Association because he lost a potential client who had visited the RIA Website and decided to hire an RIA member. The client thought he would get a better result by using a company that was publicly pledged to the Association’s Code of Ethics. That’s a pretty good endorsement!

A few former members (and even some who have never been members) have inappropriately used RIA’s branding marks to advance their businesses in violation of the RIA’s Trademark Terms and Conditions. While we don’t know how they came to believe that RIA marks were public property, we do have an obligation to educate them that RIA’s brands are intended to benefit both members and the Association and that only members are authorized to use certain RIA branding marks. You can help by letting us know when you see a company using any RIA logo or credential when you know that they are not qualified to do so.

RIA packs a lot of value for members. While the value may be behind the scenes, it is always at work for you.

Don Manger

Executive Director

Breaking News

Freedom of Choice Bill Update

An Insurance Consumer Freedom of Choice Bill, H0520, has been introduced in the Idaho House of Representatives by Minority Leader Representative Wendy Jaquet (D-25A, Ketchum). Drafted in close consultation with RIA, H0520 seeks to codify fair trade practices in the way property insurers manage claims on behalf of their policyholders, such as:

Mandates full and timely disclosure to the policyholder at the time of a claim by an insurer concerning claims rights and procedures;

Requires timely payment by insurer upon completion and acceptance of insurance repairs;
Requires compliance with policyholder’s instructions concerning payment to contractors;
Requires disclosure of insurer’s business relationships with other service providers on the policyholder’s property claim;
Prohibits insurers from pressuring policyholders or contractors to act against personal or professional interest; and
Increases penalties assessable by the Insurance Department for violations by insurers.

H0520 is a bill with substance. More than a statement of acceptable practice, it includes many of the insurance industry’s most egregious practices under the state’s Unfair Claim Settlement Practices law, accompanied by more substantial penalties for those companies that flout the law.

The bill has been assigned to the Business Committee and is likely to be heard within the next three weeks. A full text of the bill can be found by clicking on the hyperlink text in the opening sentence of this item.

Illegal Adjusters Caught and Forced to Settle Activities

Following a cease-and-desist order issued in August of 2007 from the California Department of Insurance, a settlement was reached on Jan. 15th, 2008 with Insurance Commissioner Steve Poizner announcing that CEO Steve Slepcevic, Matthew Todd and Charlie R. Rose of Paramount Disaster Recovery, Inc. will collectively pay $200,000 in penalties, reimburse the State of California $75,000 for litigation costs, and refrain from operating as unlicensed insurance claims adjusters in California.

“I am pleased that we could take these unscrupulous characters out of the post-disaster marketplace,” stated Commissioner Poizner.

Air Quality Sciences Releases New Report on Indoor Cleaning Chemicals

In today's market, the cleaning industry is challenged to balance two goals: one creating effective cleaning products while protecting public health, and two not adding pollutants into the environment. Cleaning chemicals have been identified as sources of volatile organic compound (VOC) and particulate emissions, which can contribute to poor indoor air quality and trigger allergy and asthma attacks.

A new Air Quality Sciences (AQS) report, Cleaning Chemicals and Their Impact on Indoor Environments and Health discusses the importance of cleaning products in the green building movement and examines the various third-party certification programs that are used to ensure products are safe for both the outdoor and indoor environments.

In particular, the report describes new testing methodology that gives cleaning product manufacturers a clear advantage to demonstrating that their products are safe and effective.

To learn more about AQS visit http://www.aqs.com/.

Bill Passed from House of Representatives to Senate

A meeting on homeowner’s insurance was conducted in November by the House of Representatives and is now being passed on to the Senate for action.

The Defense Act of 2007 would create a privately funded national backstop that would help state catastrophe funds such as the Florida Hurricane Catastrophe Fund. It would provide a stable and predictable source of coverage so homeowners affected can repair, rebuild and recover in the after effects of massive hurricanes, earthquakes and other catastrophic events.

Winter Weather causes Devastation for Locals

In January 2008, a winter storm caused devastation to the United Kingdom, Germany, Denmark, Norway and Sweden. The storm brought heavy snow and wind gusts ranging from almost 50 miles per hour to northern England and to almost 80 mph in Scotland, causing the countries to close down ports, roads and bridges.

The weather caused numerous accidents to occur and left approximately 25,000 homes without power.

From staff and wire reports.

RIA Briefs

Hotel Reservation Deadline Extended for RIA’s Annual

Convention & Exhibition

Attendees looking to make reservations for RIA’s 63rd Annual Convention & Exhibition taking place at the Gaylord Texan Resort and Convention Center on March 11-15 in Grapevine, Texas, has extended the deadline for hotel reservations. The new deadline is now February 18, 2008. To make your reservation, call 866-782-7897 or book it online at:

https://resweb.passkey.com/Resweb.do?mode=welcome_gi_new&
groupID=118435

Pre Convention Sessions

RIA's 63rd Annual Convention & Exhibition held on March 11 - 15, in Grapevine, Texas, will offer Pre-convention sessions on Wednesday, March 12, 2008, for the first 50 attendees registered. These sessions will cover the following topics:

Environmental Workshop: Hi-Impact Environment Issues focusing on confined spaces and the dangers workers can encounter. New research will be presented to the industry at this session.
Restoration Workshop: Introduction to Electronic Contents Restoration focusing on cleaning and techniques of electronics for residential/commercial losses and an overview of home theater restoration.
Textile Workshop: Going Green focusing on business owners wanting to learn more about Green Cleaning and Restoration.

Visit http://www.restorationindustry.org/programs/convention08/index.cfm to register.

Post Convention Session on Making the Leap: Taking Your Business to the Next Level

RIA’s 63rd Annual Convention & Exhibition will offer a Post-convention session on Saturday, March 15, 2008, for the first 50 attendees registered. It will address:

Signs, benchmarks, indicators and philosophies of taking a business to the next level
Steps taken by owners when laying the foundation
Business growth; planning, formulating infrastructure and people
Cost analysis of expansion
Case Studies

Visit http://www.restorationindustry.org/programs/convention08/index.cfm to register.

Women in the Industry

It’s no longer just a male dominated industry; more women are playing an active role in restoration. RIA is hosting its first ever, invitation-only, all female session, ‘Breaking the Boys’ Club Barrier’ on Thursday, March 13, 2008. While the cost is included in your convention registration, ladies are asked to register in advance since space is limited in the session. Please RSVP to Patti Harman, RIA Director of Communications, at pharman@restorationindustry.org.

http://www.restorationindustry.org/programs/convention08/index.cfm

Member Benefit Highlight: Technical Advice

Have you ever run into an issue that you just cannot solve and would like to consult with a knowledgeable industry expert? As an RIA member, you are entitled to two consultative sessions with RIA’s technical advisors, Steven M. Spivak, Ph.D., or Martin L. King, CR, ASA. Our advisors are experts in everything from textiles and fibers to fire damage repair and water loss issues.

So far this year this invaluable resource has helped members solve problems ranging from stain extraction from carpet fibers and eliminating odor from fire damaged objects, to mold remediation. The next time you need some consultative assistance, take advantage of this member benefit and contact the Restoration Industry Association at 443-878-1000.

Safely Out: Help for Those in Need

Safely Out is a part of Citizen Voice (a non-partisan, political entity) partnering with the American Red Cross and is a program designed to help those affected by catastrophic events, such as hurricanes, fires, earthquakes and more. Founded by Gary Deitrich and his wife Elyse, the program puts together kits for families to help them prepare an evacuation plan in case of an emergency.

Included in the kit is a door hanger which indicates whether or not someone is in ‘need of help’ or ‘safely out’ of a structure, a refrigerator magnet to store pertinent information, a bag to store needed medication and materials, and information sheets on what to do in the event of a crisis.

Each kit can be purchased for $10 by going to www.citizenvoice.org, clicking on the Safely Out link, and following the directions. The kits can be used as a marketing and education tool in your local area or donated back to Safely Out for distribution in other areas.

Ring Marks and Discoloration from Spot Remover Chemicals

By Steven M. Spivak, Ph.D.

Mysterious ring marks or slight but permanent discolorations on carpet, rugs or upholstery can occur using certain spot removers on light colored wool, silk and nylon fibers. Chemical solvents used as grease removers, a compatible co-solvent with water, are formulated in some do-it-yourself and professional spot and stain removers. The specific ingredient referred to is 2-butoxyethanol, which is listed on the packaging or shown in the product’s MSDS sheet.

Found in the popular WD-40 “Spot Shot Carpet Stain Remover” and various others, the product labeling may state: “Note! Do not use on silks, light colored wools, fabrics marked ‘dry clean only,’ or on non-colorfast fabrics… Do not allow spray to dry on fabric or carpet!” A key to avoiding ring marks or discoloration is to rinse and extract, or rinse and immediately blot up all residues promptly after usage. Although having used such products successfully, some field reports confirm 2-butoxyethanol possibly creates its own marking on certain light colored textiles.

Steven M. Spivak, Ph.D., is an RIA technical advisor.

Marketing Savvy

Networking Tips for Conventions/Conferences

By Casey Geisler

Networking is a broad term used to describe making new contacts with others or simply promoting your own business. Essentially, networking is marketing yourself to the public and there are certain tools of the trade to keep in mind when networking, specifically while at conventions and conferences.

What networking means may differ from person to person, so adjust your approach accordingly.
No one is unimportant, even if they are not your target contact. Others will observe your interactions and failure to treat everyone the same may result in losing potential contacts as well as respect.
Networking can happen at anytime and place, and often happens when you least expect it.
Follow up with your contacts. Do not abuse your relationship, but don’t let them forget about you.
Most importantly, be yourself. Everyone wants to present their best side, but do not be a fake. People can tell who is being genuine and who isn’t, and will treat you accordingly.

Networking is an effective way to not only advance your position, but also to learn more about your trade. Be open to new ideas and have fun while you are at conventions and conferences, and those contacts you make will last.

Casey Geisler is RIA’s communications specialist.

Here’s a look at what’s coming in the March 2008 issue of RIA’s award-winning magazine, Cleaning & Restoration.

Top Tips for Legal Employment Interviews

By Randi Klein Hyatt, Esq.

An applicant’s qualifications are only the starting point to a hiring decision, and it’s often the less quantifiable factors that are more important than the hard skills. This means the hiring process, particularly the written employment application and the job interview, should address topics other than the job description and the candidate’s resume.

Asbestos Update: What Contractors Should Know

By Stephen Masek

As cleaning and restoration contractors have learned the hard way, almost every contractor working on existing buildings is in the asbestos business, like it or not. Simple steps explained through this article such as obtaining quality asbestos surveys, collecting and managing exposure assessment data help replace worries over asbestos liability.

Recruiting: The Ultimate Game of Survivor

By Bob Schultz, MIRM, CSP

The two most important things any owner or senior management person can be doing on any given day are to increase revenue and decrease cost without sacrificing quality. Recruiting, hiring, training and coaching a world-class team is a giant step in the right direction to increasing profitable revenue.

Building Brand Awareness – Part 3

By Keri Jones

In this final article on brand image two additional laws will be introduced to help you launch your brand: The Law of Publicity and the Law of Advertising. When introducing your brand through advertising, your company will be in the minds of consumers and the publicity will help them remember your company when they need your specialty service.

Fall Conference Recap – Part 2

By Patricia L. Harman

Ethics, the laws of thermodynamics, marketing strategies, the pricing and drying Donnybrooks and the state of the restoration industry in the U.K. were just a few of the topics tackled during the RIA Fall Conference.

According to the Coalition Against Insurance Fraud (CAIF) the highest home foreclosures were in the states of Nevada, Colorado, California, Michigan, Florida, Ohio, Georgia, Arizona, Connecticut, and Indiana. As a result, the coalition encouraged insurers to remain wary of homeowners' insurance claims because homeowners may resort to arson to relieve themselves of mortgages. Anecdotal evidence in California indicated mortgage-related arsons rose 50 percent in 2006, with damages totaling $909 million, and authorities in Houston, Texas, noted that one man painted racial slurs on his home before setting it afire in order to claim it was a racial incident. It is unclear whether this arson-related fraud uptick is just a trend. Insurance Information Institute President and Chief Economist Robert Hartwig says the insurance sector has not seen a rise in arson among subprime mortgage holders, but the possibility is there.
(Web Link)
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"Addressing IAQ"
Sustainable Facility (02/01/08) Vol. 33, No. 1, P. 16; Gatland, Stan

There are numerous potential threats to indoor air quality (IAQ) in a building--examples are mold, moisture, dust, and volatile organic compounds, as well as poorly designed HVAC systems. It is a good idea to proactively use building science principles to prevent or correct such IAQ issues, writes Stan Gatland, manager of building science technology for CertainTeed Corp.'s Insulation Group. For moisture management, quality insulation assemblies in unoccupied spaces should include a breathable vapor retarder, which will minimize excess moisture and improve the building's thermal performance. Meanwhile, a good HVAC system should be energy-efficient, with well-sealed ductwork that when possible is located in conditioned or semi-conditioned spaces. HVAC systems should be designed for proper exhaust ventilation and moisture removal, and the best leak-free, moisture managing performance can be achieved with either sheet-metal ducts with fiberglass insulation and duct wrap or with fiberglass duct board ducts, all with enhanced surfaces when possible. After installing the HVAC system, a regular maintenance schedule should be kept, regardless of whether the ductwork is internally insulated or made of bare sheet metal. Many architects and engineers began recommending preventive maintenance for proper HVAC system operation.
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The type of chemicals used by carpet cleaning professionals and whether agitation is needed to remove soils depends on the dye used in the carpet. Most carpets in commercial properties are pre-dyed using the solution method, in which a pigment is added to the melted polymer prior to extrusion, while most residential carpets are post-dyed using the continuous dye method, in which the carpet is sent through an uninterrupted dye system. The color of olefin carpets is locked in via solution dyeing, and the color of these carpets is not lost regardless of the chemicals used to clean them. Nylon carpets that are solution-dyed lack dye sites and can stain as a result, and acid-dyed wools are most vulnerable to color loss. Cleaning professionals need to be careful with polyester carpets, as chlorine bleach will result in color loss. Most manufactured carpets do not bleed, but cleaning professionals should keep in mind that print-dyed carpets tend to lose color more easily than others. They also should remember that red dye is so unstable that the color bleeds when moisture is applied and fades in the sun.
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The U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) investigations indicate insurers' hurricane claims handling should be under greater regulatory scrutiny from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The GAO stated insurers need to conduct better examinations of hurricane-damaged properties, especially those damaged by wind and water. GAO also found that FEMA's handling of claims for the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) were not as diligent as expected. The report highlighted the need for stricter licensing for insurers at the state level and improved training for insurance adjusters. U.S. Rep. Spencer Baucus (R-Ala.) said federal and state lawmakers should work together to ensure the NFIP is administered correctly. The GAO report did not, however, uncover any evidence that the insurance industry steered claims from traditional homeowners' policies to the NFIP. Congress continues to examine the reauthorization of the NFIP, which was $17.3 billion in debt after the 2005 hurricane season.
(Web Link)
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There are concerns about the impact of air purifiers on indoor air quality, with some experts insisting they produce ozone. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency considers ozone a toxic gas that can cause lung damage, asthma symptoms, and even death. The air purifiers in question are ozone generators, which release ozone as a means of eliminating airborne contaminants, and ionizers, which facilitate the capture and removal of airborne contaminants by giving an electric charge to particles in the air. While manufacturers of these devices insist they are safe, one company says they should be used in unoccupied rooms to avoid breathing in high concentrations of ozone. Ozone limits for air purifiers have not been imposed by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, but the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has set a safe level of 50 parts per billion that most ion-generator companies follow on a voluntary basis. However, the California Air Resources Board says ozone levels associated with most ozone generators range from 250 parts per billion to 500 parts per billion. The concerns do not relate to ozone alone, as research published in the Environmental Science and Technology journal in 2006 indicates that formaldehyde and other dangerous chemicals are produced when ozone comes in contact with carpet cleaning chemicals and cooking-oil residue.
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In Oklahoma, legislation proposed by state Sen. Roger Ballenger (D-Okmulgee), co-chair of the Senate Public Safety and Homeland Security Committee, would force apartment property owners to clean up former methamphetamine labs. According to Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics public information officer Mark Woodward, apartment owners are currently not required to disclose that meth was manufactured inside the property. Meth production leaves behind chemical residue on various surfaces within a residence, resulting in eye and skin irritation and respiratory problems, among other conditions. Without such a law on the books, Woodward says occupants may never know about the presence of these chemicals, and there is no certification process to indicate that a home was cleaned and tested to ensure the removal of all contaminants. Under the bill, apartment owners would be required to cover the costs of remediation. However, they can take the parties responsible for contamination to court to recover damages.
(Web Link)
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The Government Accountability Office (GAO) will be releasing a report regarding the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) and how insurers handle claims for homes damaged by both wind and flood. The report is expected to focus on the dealings of insurers who sell both flood and wind insurance to the same homeowner, which GAO officials previously questioned. The NFIP is set to expire without congressional reauthorization, and it is heavily bogged down in debt. Since Hurricane Katrina, insurers, such as Allstate Corp. and State Farm, have been embroiled in the "wind vs. water" debate in the court system. The U.S. House and Senate have competing proposals to reform the NFIP, which allows 90 private insurance firms to act on behalf of the government and collect premiums that are given to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Government involvement helps shore up the flood risk insurance market since many traditional homeowners' policies only cover wind damage. The House bill extends the life of the NFIP, but also calls for the program to offer wind damage insurance as an add-on. The Senate bill does not include wind coverage and would extend the bill for five years.
(Web Link)
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The science building on the campus of Concord University in Athens, W.V., was recently closed for mercury cleanup. The toxic chemical was frequently used in experiments in the 1960s, and school officials are unsure how long the beads of mercury sat behind molding. Norwell, Mass.-based Clean Harbor was hired to remove the mercury, as well as replace light bulbs, electrical switches, thermometers, and barometers. According to Concord University interim vice president and academic dean Stephen Rowe, "It's mostly low levels, but it's detectable. When you detect it, you have to clean it. The levels we are finding are about one microgram or less … [the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health] recommends that the residential cleanup level be one microgram or less." Cleaning professionals typically check for the presence of asbestos, among other chemicals, prior to removing walls and floors. However, mercury monitoring in campus buildings is not mandated by federal or state law. Glenville State College underwent a mercury remediation project in 2006, and professor Joe Evans says mercury exposure is a possibility for students who frequent science buildings that have been in use for several decades.
(Web Link)
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According to the Insurance Services Office Inc.'s Property Claim Services unit, U.S. property-casualty insurance firms sustained $6.5 billion in catastrophe losses last year, with $1.23 billion in California alone, with $1.1 billion of the losses related to the wildfire in San Diego County. Minnesota registered $747 million in claims, while Texas estimated its catastrophe claims at $677 million. In 2007, PCS recorded 23 catastrophes, which caused over $25 million in insured property losses. About 721,000 of the 1.18 million claims filed for last year's catastrophes generated $4.4 billion in losses for personal lines. Commercial lines claims reached $1.3 billion, and vehicle claims totaled about $800 million.
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Cleaning specialists can expand their services and boost revenue by offering fabric protectors for carpets and upholstery. Most fabric protectors contain fluorochemicals that repel water and oil, and experts insist they must be applied in accordance with the manufacturer's directions to work effectively. Cleaning professionals need to be aware of the difference between stain resistance, meaning that stains are blocked when the chemical fills up the fiber's dye sites, and fabric protection, in which chemicals are applied to the surface of the fiber to prevent soil penetration. Upholstery that is sensitive to water should be treated with solvent-carried protectors to minimize dye migration.
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There are many ways to clean surfaces, including physical abrasion--which removes tough stains but scratches surfaces and cannot get rid of soils in pores or crevices--and the use of detergents or solvents--which can be harmful to humans, the environment, and certain surfaces. A third option, steam, eliminate soils and has long been used for sterilization. One drawback to steam cleaning is the need for an energy source, but experts say it is offset by the fact that steam and energy combined are effective at removing soils from nooks, crevices, and pores without scrubbing or applying chemicals. After chemical residues are removed from surfaces and embedded soils are eliminated, surfaces can be disinfected with liquid disinfectants containing sodium hypocholorite, quaternary ammonium compounds, or phenols or by applying steam, which breaks down the fatty cellular membranes of bacteria and fungi. Research by Antimicrobial Test Laboratories, Nelson Labs, and Microbiotest indicate that portable steam vapor systems kill microorganisms at a faster rate than chemical disinfectants.
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Carpet cleaning professionals surveyed by CM/Cleanfax magazine said reliability and ease of use are their top priorities when selecting a truckmount. While they expressed concerns about making payments during slow business periods, respondents were more concerned about being able to fix problems on their own, avoiding expensive and time-consuming trips to the repair shop. Performance also was deemed important, and those cleaning professionals polled by the magazine underscored the importance of having control over heat, pressure, and vacuum strength. "The design must provide consistent heat, and part of the solution is a system that circulates the water that ultimately enters the heat exchange system when cleaning begins. If the system keeps the water hot going into the exchanger, we avoid heat spikes and maintain a steady temperature," says Vlad Kratser of Aero Tech Manufacturing.
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Research reveals that textiles, including clothes and curtains, comprise 23 percent of a home's contents, and insurers are increasingly looking to save money in the event of property damage by paying for restoration instead of replacement. When textile restoration is handled by a trained, efficient professional, insurers can save up to 80 percent. In the past, damaged textiles were handled by the local dry cleaner, with no way to keep track of the items and their condition. Today, textile restoration firms provide on-site inventories, photographic documentation, ozone rooms, customized cleaning, and non-salvageable lists. Policyholders and adjusters typically meet with a "first responder," who explains the entire textile restoration process before the room-by-room inventory begins. Homeowners must sign various forms detailing the items removed for restoration, their condition, and what items cannot be restored. Textile restoration specialists generally use boilers, customized washers, ozone chambers, and other equipment to restore items. Furthermore, they must understand the dry cleaning process and the effect of solvents on various fabrics. For instance, they would not use solvents on hand-wash-only garments with beads, and they would take special care with silks and wools to prevent color loss or shrinkage.
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"Care for Your Air"
Cleaning & Maintenance Management (01/08) Vol. 45, No. 1, Jansik, Dave

Experts say high-efficiency vacuums play a big role in reaching optimal indoor air quality (IAQ) levels. Building managers would be wise to institute Team Cleaning, in which staff are separated into groups that handle light duty, vacuuming, restroom cleanup, or utility tasks. Experts say such an approach can successfully lower dust on hard floors by 50 percent and fungal spores by 90 percent, in addition to a significant drop in levels of dust on carpets. Vacuums should feature high-powered suction and filtration systems, with HEPA-level filtration vacuums eliminating 99.97 percent of particles at least 0.3 microns in size. Cleaning professionals have access to micro cloth filters, dome filters, exhaust filters, and filters with as many as eight layers, and experts underscore the importance of emptying and cleaning them on a regular basis.
(Web Link)
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Margate, Fla.-based AA Trauma Cleaning Service has handled crime scene cleanup for 12 years. Joan Dougherty founded the company after a relative passed away at home, and law enforcement told her there was no company in existence to help clean the property. Dougherty carries a license to transport biomedical waste, and she wears a respirator and other gear when tackling scenes involving bodily fluids. To remove odors from properties, a suppression product is sprayed after biohazards are eliminated. According to Dougherty, "What you are not seeing is what you should be concerned with. You have to capture blood and outflow that can migrate. It can get trapped under a seal plate [that supports wall studs] or wick up into base molding and drywall." In addition to crime scenes, the company has handled cases of sewage back flow, anthrax contamination, mold, hoarding, and norovirus infections on cruise ships.
(Web Link)
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Carpets in high-traffic areas tend to be the most soiled, and cleaning professionals must take several steps to restore the appearance of the carpet. More water and solvent-soluble soils are present when high-quality vacuums are used on the carpet on a regular basis, and more insoluble soils are present when inferior-vacuums are used infrequently. In high-traffic areas, the soils tend to be embedded in the carpet, and cleaning professionals must take care to prevent detergents from losing their strength before the soils are removed. They cannot rely solely on presprays, nor can they apply large amounts of detergent because wicking and over-wetting will occur. Experts recommend they use a carpet rake, brush, or a rotary or cylindrical agitation machine to ensure the cleaning solution moves deep into the carpet pile and adequately mixes with the soils. If the carpet has a gray appearance, cleaning professionals should use oxygen boosters to remove oily soils, and high Ph preconditioners should be applied as well. Post-encapsulation treatments also can be used to get rid of gray areas.
(Web Link)
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