the Professional Abatement Contractors of New York (PACNY) environmental conference at the Turning Stone Casino in Verona, NY started with the Technical Sessions. The day started with opening remarks from
Sean Hart, of Energy & Environment, President of PACNY and Deb Sanscrainte,
of Aramsco, the Conference Chair. This
year’s Technical Session seemed much more intense & focused with a lot of
good information presented. The
presentations kicked off with Dr. Martin Rutstein, of Ecological Consulting
& Management Services, discussing “Talc with Tremolite & Other
Amphiboles.” Discussed the issues of talc contaminated with asbestos or
silica and the potential for diseases correlated to talc related asbestosis,
silicosis or talcosis. Dr. Rutstein’s
presentations are always entertaining and are eye opening in regards to the
science of geology. The next presenter was
Mr. Tom Laubenthal, of The Environmental Institute (a division of ATC Group
Services) discussing “Using ASTM E2356 Standard Practice for Comprehensive
Building Surveys”. Mr. Laubenthal’s
discussion brought up interesting points regarding the use of Safety Data
Sheets (SDS) and Architect/Engineer Certifications of no asbestos containing
materials used as part of the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA’s)
Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA) and its applicability for the
purposes of a “thorough inspection” under the EPA’s National Emission
Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAPS). After Mr. Laubenthal’s presentation, we took
a break to wander the Vendor Exhibit Hall and meet with some of the vendors
like Grayling/ILC Dover (glovebags, etc.) and AMA Analytical (laboratory services).
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| Mr. Ed Stuber, of Galson Laboratories |
We returned from the
break for Mr. Ed Stuber’s, of Galson Laboratories, update on the
“Occupational Safety and Health Administration‘s (OSHA’s) Silica
regulation.” One of the key points
of his presentation is that the silica standard is no longer a moving
target. Previously, the standard was
based on a formula. The current standard
has a set permissible exposure limit (PEL) of 50 micrograms per cubic meter and
a set action level of 25 micrograms per cubic meter. In additions, it is very important to ensure
you see the lab’s proficiency testing data because labs that analyze silica
samples have till June 23, 2018 to comply with the OSHA standard. Dr. Chris Goulah, of EMSL Analytical,
presented on “Legionella“. The
presentation was on the New York City outbreak in 2015 and the regulations created by New
York City (NYC) and New York State (NYS) to protect against Legionella. Dr.
Goulah’s presentation noted that Legionnaires’ Disease is on the rise since 2000 and that most cases are the result of exposure to Legionella asssociated with building water systems (potable & non-potable). Mr. Jim Redmond, of Associated General Contractors of NYS, gave us a “Regulatory Update on OSHA.” Mr. Redmonds discussed the electronic submission of injuries and illnesses (goes into effect on July 1, 2017 for more information visit OSHA’s website) and construction industry citations based on the multi-employer work-site policy (creating, exposing, correcting, & controlling). We then broke for the buffet lunch and another stroll through the Exhibit Hall and meet vendors like DiVal Safety Equipment and Frederico Demolition.
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| Brent Kynoch of EIA |
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| Mr. Cole Stanton, of Fiberlock Technologies, and Mr. Fred Schauf, of Spectrum Environmental |
- Remediators perform own assessments/final inspections
- Mold Remediation Plans are incomplete:
- No quantities per work area
- No Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) mentioned
- EPA registered biocides etc. without specifying a product
- No method for remediation, only “industry standards”
- No cost estimate
- Non NYSDOL licensed assessors provide the inspection/assessment.
- Real Estate agents are assessing and preparing Mold Remediation Plans for properties they are listing (does not appear to violate Article 32, it does appear to violate their code of ethics.)
- Mold remediators are still providing homeowners with checklist used as assessment and mold remediation plan
- and/or, No Mold Remediation Work Plans provided.
- Training Quality needs significant improvement:
- Incorrect information presented, such as: asbestos testing is not necessary as mold takes precedence over asbestos containing materials; a check list by the homeowner is OK; sampling is required; biocides are preferable to removal.
- Classes last less than 5 hours a day
- Mold assessment classes being taught by teachers without mold experience.
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| Vendor Reception in the Exhibit Hall |
That ended the Technical Sessions on day 2. The Vendor Reception in the Exhibit Hall started, where further networking with the vendors and the attendees continued. It was a very informative day 2 and the amount of information was fantastic. Looking forward to day 3 and our presentation. Thank you to the Long Island contingent that attended the conference this year.
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| Part of the Long Island Contingent that Attended This Year |
Related articles:
PACNY’s Environmental Conference – Day 1 – And So It Begins!(futureenv.blogspot.com)
NYC’s Legionnaire Outbreak Over, Leading to New Requirements for Building Owners.(futureenv.blogspot.com)
NYC Legionnaires’ outbreak up to 10 dead, 100 diagnosed(newsday.com)
OSHA slams co. after 2 men died(bostonherald.com)
asbestos
mold
lead
indoor air quality
occupational safety and health
occupational safety
OSHA
EPA
asbestos consulting
OSHA consulting
indoor air quality consulting
Long Island
