Future Environment OSH Asbestos Mold Supervisor Courses & Training

EPA and OSHA Have Interesting Timing for Asbestos Regulations

July 26, 2026 No Comments

As usual, summer is the busy season for the asbestos abatement industry. With most schools closed for the summer, this is the perfect time to do asbestos abatement work for the renovation, remodeling, or demolition work necessary. Interestingly, both the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) thought this would be the best time to ask for comments from the public and the industry about asbestos regulations. Also interesting is that OSHA is looking to reduce regulatory requirements while EPA is looking to create regulations. OSHA’s public comment period ends August 21, 2026, and EPA’s docket for public comments closes on August 24, 2026. OSHA Still Pushing Its Unpopular Asbestos Respirator Proposal OSHA’s proposed changes actually came out July 1, 2025, and that comment period closed on November 1, 2025, after an extension from the original closing date. As we discussed in our classes, the proposed changes are to reduce compliance burdens, allow for the use of more up-to-date technology, and improve the comprehensibility of the requirements for respiratory protection programs under the standards. Part of the intent of this proposal was also to better align these standards with OSHA’s respiratory protection standard. However, this proposal would significantly increase a worker’s exposure to asbestos. Just the elimination of the HEPA filter requirement would increase a worker’s exposure by 24,000 asbestos fibers in an 8-hour workday. For more information about these changes, see our blog post OSHA’s Proposed Asbestos Respirator Changes Raise Important Safety Concerns. On April 1 and May 19, 2026, OSHA consulted with the Advisory Committee and Construction Safety and Health (ACCSH) on the proposed changes to asbestos and the other changes they proposed for the chemicals (there are 16 chemicals) that have specific respiratory protection requirements like asbestos. If you review the meeting

Recognition, Innovation, and Continuing Our Mission to Educate

June 17, 2026 No Comments

As we move further into 2026, we are proud to share several exciting developments at Future Environment Designs Training Center (FEDTC) that reflect our continued commitment to training, innovation, and supporting environmental and safety professionals. This year has already brought significant recognition for our efforts, the launch of a new educational resource for asbestos inspectors, and opportunities to contribute to important industry discussions regarding indoor air quality and workforce development. Two Awards That Reflect Our Commitment to Excellence One of the most rewarding aspects of operating a business for nearly four decades is seeing your hard work recognized by others in the industry. We are pleased to announce that FEDTC has received two prestigious awards for 2026. Environmental Business Review’s Top Indoor Air Quality Services 2026 FEDTC was selected as one of Environmental Business Review’s Top Indoor Air Quality Services Providers for 2026. The recognition specifically highlights our innovative “At Your Convenience Service”, which was developed to address the real-world operational challenges faced by employers and workers in regulated industries. For years, we’ve recognized that training alone is not enough. Employers need workers who are ready to work, medically cleared, fit-tested, properly documented, and compliant with regulatory requirements. Our At Your Convenience Service was designed to bring these elements together into a single coordinated process. The service combines: Training and certification Respirator fit testing Medical evaluation coordination Documentation management Regulatory guidance Ongoing compliance support Rather than forcing employers to coordinate multiple vendors and schedules, the service provides a streamlined solution that helps workers stay compliant and job-ready. See what our client, Mr. Tom Watral of Watral Brothers, has to say about our service. Receiving this recognition validates what we’ve believed all along: the most effective training solutions address the entire compliance process, not just the classroom portion. CourseCheck 2026 Brilliance

Regulatory Updates, Industry Concerns, and Straight Talk from OSHA and NYSDOL – Day 3

May 22, 2026 No Comments

The third and final day of the Professional Abatement Contractors of New York (PACNY) 29th Annual Environmental Conference at the beautiful Turning Stone Resort Casino wrapped up another outstanding year of education, discussion, and industry networking. February 27, 2026, focused heavily on regulatory updates, owner expectations, compliance trends, and direct engagement with regulators — exactly the kind of practical information environmental professionals need to bring back to the field. Throughout the day, attendees gathered in the Mohawk Room for presentations. At the same time, the Oneida Room Vendor Exhibit Hall continued to serve as the hub for coffee breaks, networking, and conversations with exhibitors. PACNY once again demonstrated why this conference remains one of the most valuable environmental industry events in New York State. PACNY Leadership Opens the Day The morning began with remarks from PACNY President Kevin Hutton and PACNY Vice President Russell Vent, who discussed the current state of PACNY, ongoing industry initiatives, and the organization’s continued role in supporting environmental professionals throughout New York State. Their comments reflected both the growth of the organization and the evolving challenges facing the asbestos, remediation, and environmental consulting industries. “A Crystal Ball” Panel Brings Owner Perspectives Front and Center One of the most engaging discussions of the day was the panel presentation titled: “A Crystal Ball – What Owners and General Managers Want You To Know” The session was moderated by Bridget Ruane of C&S Companies and featured panelists representing multiple perspectives within the construction and environmental industry: James Riscica of C&S Technical Services, representing general contractors Sean Dollaway of C&S Companies, representing construction managers Conor Osterman of SUNY Upstate Medical University, representing owners and clients This panel generated substantial discussion because it addressed a growing frustration that many owners, construction managers, and contractors are experiencing regarding asbestos surveys and project

PACNY 29th Annual Environmental Conference Part Two – Day Two Recap

April 16, 2026 No Comments

Day Two of the Professional Abatement Contractors of New York (PACNY) 29th Annual Environmental Conference on February 26, 2026, at the Turning Stone Resort & Casino delivered a full schedule of technical presentations, regulatory updates, and practical field discussions, all complemented by strong engagement in the Vendor Exhibit Hall. With the morning sessions split between the Mohawk and Tuscarora Rooms, attendees could tailor their experience to their discipline and interests while still coming together throughout the day in the Oneida Room for networking, lunch, and the always-popular Happy Hour. Vendor Exhibit Hall Sets New Record Before diving into the sessions, it’s worth highlighting that this year’s Vendor Exhibit Hall, located in the Oneida Room, featured 32 vendors, setting a new conference record. This continues to reflect the industry’s growth and the importance of direct interaction among service providers, manufacturers, trainers, consultants, and contractors. The exhibit hall remained active throughout the day, especially during lunch and the closing Happy Hour, providing valuable opportunities to connect and discuss new products, services, and technologies. Morning Sessions – Mohawk Room “Lead-Based Paint Regulations: Recent Changes & Updated Standards” by Brad Arthur, PE – Arthur Engineering DPC. The day began with a regulatory-focused presentation on lead-based paint, where one of the more notable updates discussed was the shift away from using the term “clearance.” Instead, the industry is moving toward defined terminology using two distinct clearance-related levels: Work Completed Pre-Occupancy Brad also addressed the growing challenges associated with analytical methods at increasingly lower detection limits. The cost differences between methodologies were particularly eye-opening: Flame AA: approximately $4 per sample ICP: approximately $45 per sample This has significant implications for project budgeting and laboratory selection as regulatory thresholds continue to tighten. “The Science You Should Know” by Kevin Hutton – EAST Centers of NY. Kevin delivered a science-driven session reinforcing

PACNY 29th Annual Environmental Conference Returns to Three-Day Format at Turning Stone

March 19, 2026 No Comments

The Professional Abatement Contractors of New York (PACNY) 29th Annual Environmental Conference, held at the Turning Stone Resort & Casino, marked a strong return to a full three-day format, taking place February 25th, 26th, and 27th, 2026. The expanded schedule provided additional opportunities for education, collaboration, and industry engagement, beginning with the President’s Reception on the evening of February 25th. Early Afternoon Session: Technology, Design, and Industry Insight The conference officially opened on Wednesday with a timely and forward-looking presentation by Mark and Mike Gonzales, of Cornerstone Training Institute, titled: “The Emergence of AI, Robotics, Virtual Reality, and Modern Technologies in the Environmental Remediation Industry.” This was an excellent, highly relevant session that explored not only the availability of these technologies but also their active implementation across the environmental and remediation sectors. The discussion covered: Real-world applications of artificial intelligence and robotics The role of virtual reality in training and hazard simulation The benefits of increased efficiency, safety, and data collection The limitations and challenges that still exist with AI adoption A key takeaway was the growing role of advanced sensors and exoskeletons, which are now being used to assess hazards in real time and, in many cases, eliminate or significantly reduce worker exposure. The integration of these tools represents a meaningful step forward in both safety and productivity. Additionally, the use of drones equipped with 360-degree cameras continues to evolve, offering enhanced site assessments, documentation, and inspection capabilities—particularly in areas that are difficult or unsafe to access. The session struck a balanced tone, emphasizing both the promise of these technologies and the practical limitations the industry must still navigate. Late Afternoon Panel Discussion: The Criticality of Design Following a short break, the focus shifted from emerging technology to one of the foundational elements of our industry—project design. Benjamin Reddy

OSHA 300A Posting Requirements and 2026 Penalty Updates: What Employers Need to Know

February 23, 2026 No Comments

It’s time once again to focus on an important requirement from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). Employers with 10 or more employees are required to post the OSHA 300A Summary of Work-Related Injuries and Illnesses from February 1 through April 30, 2026. This annual posting reflects injury and illness data from calendar year 2025 and ensures transparency for employees regarding workplace safety performance. If you need guidance in completing the OSHA 300A form, we’ve got resources to help you out. We partnered with Keevily Spero & Whitelaw to create a webinar that walks you through the steps for both the OSHA 300 and 300A forms. You can find the webinar on our YouTube Channel or watch the video below. In addition to posting, many employers are required to electronically submit their OSHA 300A data by March 2, 2026. Let’s break this down. OSHA 300A Form – Posting Requirements The OSHA 300A form summarizes the injury and illness data recorded throughout the year on the OSHA 300 Log. It provides totals for: Total cases Cases with days away from work Cases with job transfer or restriction Recordable injuries and illnesses by category Total number of days away or restricted Establishment information and annual average employment Covered employers must ensure that the 300 Log is completed as the year progresses and that totals are accurately calculated at year-end for the 300A summary. The OSHA 300A must: Be certified by a company executive Be posted in a conspicuous location where employee notices are normally placed Remain posted from February 1 through April 30 Be retained for five years Be updated if new recordable information becomes available Electronic Submission – March 2, 2026 Deadline OSHA’s electronic reporting rule requires certain establishments to submit injury and illness data through the OSHA Injury Tracking Application

Update of Dust and Debris Sampling in New York State: What Asbestos Inspectors Need to Know

January 26, 2026 No Comments

On July 16, 2016, we blogged about “Asbestos Dust Sampling in New York State,” since that post had over 1,550 views and will be ten years old this year. We thought we should update the post. In addition, we were honored to be asked by Dr. Martin Rutstein to join him and Mr. Marc Rutstein in presenting at the 2026 Professional Abatement Contractors of New York (PACNY) 29th Annual Environmental Conference. Our presentation is titled “Asbestos in Settled Dust – Is it a Valid Method in a Consultant’s Toolbox?” We look forward to seeing you at the conference and discussing this issue. This issue is typically discussed in our asbestos inspector and designer classes, so many of you already know some of the issues. These discussions are necessary because this is an area where misunderstandings, improper sampling, and incorrect laboratory analysis can lead to serious regulatory, financial, and legal consequences for building owners, contractors, and consultants alike (Dr. Martin Rutstein & Marc Rutstein will be discussing recent case histories). Under New York State Department of Labor (NYSDOL) Industrial Code Rule 56, dust and debris are specifically identified as suspect miscellaneous asbestos-containing materials (ACM). This means that any debris or dust that is visually assessed by an asbestos inspector must be treated and handled as ACM and assumed to be asbestos-containing until bulk sampling and analysis demonstrate otherwise. The inevitable question that follows is a practical one: How do you collect bulk samples of debris and dust? Scrape Sampling and NYSDOH ELAP Method 198.1 The most straightforward method is to physically collect the debris or dust by scraping it into an asbestos sample bag using a knife, scraper, or business card. This collected material can then be submitted for analysis using the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) Environmental Laboratory

Asbestos Floor Tile Debate Results

July 12, 2017 9 Comments

… … … This debate regarding asbestos floor tiles started at the Professional Abatement Contractors of New York’s (PACNY’s) 2017 Environmental Conference. At the conference,

New York State Mold Licensing & Minimum Standards Law Is Signed By Governor Cuomo

February 7, 2015 7:39 am

On January 29, 2015 Governor Andrew Cuomo signed New York State Senate Bill S3667D-2013 which will create Article 32 to the Labor Law. This article

When Do Asbestos Certificates (Hard Cards) Expire Under COVID-19? New Update: No more extensions!

April 24, 2021 7:30 pm

… … … This question is the overwhelming number one question we at Future Environment Designs (FEDTC) are being asked at this time. So, to answer this question we must remember that there are two agencies that regulate asbestos licensing and training. The license (companies are licensed; individuals get certificates) or more appropriately the asbestos certificate (hard card) is issued by the New York State Department of Labor (NYSDOL). This certificate expires annually on the last day of your birth month. Currently, NYSDOL is enforcing expiration dates on certificates. You may continue to work with your existing cards as long as it is not expired.

NYS Department of Labor Publishes Two New Mold Fact Sheets

November 21, 2017 7:03 pm

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

AHERA Bulk Sampling Rules and Other Requirements that Apply to Asbestos Surveys.

July 11, 2022 9:35 am

In 2008, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) responded to a question by the New York State Department of Labor (NYSDOL) regarding the minimum number