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Healthy Buildings, Indoor Environmental Quality, Property Management
Air Sensor Technology and Indoor Air Quality
A direct result of the COVID-19 pandemic has been a heightened awareness of indoor environmental quality by both building occupants and property owners in the built environment. Direct-reading air quality instruments have long existed to monitor indoor air quality pollutants in real-time. Still, in recent years, advances in sensor technology have resulted in an expansion of air sensors in the indoor air quality market. Air sensors generally refer to a class of technology that provides relatively quick or instant air pollution measurements for a wide variety of air pollutants. The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) defines air sensors as “a…
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Environmental Health & Safety Management, Healthy Buildings, Indoor Environmental Quality, Property Management
What Should Be Included in an Emergency Response Plan Gap Analysis for Multifamily Properties?
Emergency response plans are an essential part of multifamily property management. When troubles present themselves (and they invariably will), the emergency response plan is the guide that can turn chaos into calm and deliberate action. The property management team that knows the plan and has practiced the plan is miles ahead of the team that isn’t sure what to do next. And in an emergency situation, every moment spent trying to decide how to proceed slows the response and potentially multiplies the loss.
FIRM Incident Response clients don’t just have a plan; they use the plan. They don’t refer to…
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Environmental Health & Safety Management, Healthy Buildings, Indoor Environmental Quality, Property Management
Turning Liability into Opportunity
We have all seen the headlines: bacterial outbreaks, chemical contamination, mold lurking behind walls. They are attention-getters that play upon our fear of the unknown and how it may harm us. This is the realm of environmental health, the study, and management of human health impacts arising from physical, chemical, and biological agents in our workplaces and communities. It is a field that continues to grow as we develop new technologies, learn more about the causes of diseases, and create greater access to information.
Property owners and managers often find themselves at ground zero of these issues, as it hosts…
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COVID-19, General Industrial Hygiene
Influenza and RSV Prevention: Don’t Let Your Guard Down
Don’t let your guard down quite yet. Not only is COVID still a threat to your health, cases of influenza and RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) are hospitalizing people at abnormally high rates. Those three — COVID, influenza, and RSV — are often collectively termed a “tripledemic.”
We’ve written extensively about COVID in previous articles. Here, we’ll address frequently asked questions about influenza and RSV. Our aim is to provide information you can use to help keep yourself, your family, and your employees or co-workers healthy and productive this winter.
What Is the Difference Between Flu and RSV?
Flu (influenza)…
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Healthy Buildings, Indoor Environmental Quality, Property Management
Green Building Certifications: Do You Need One?
How healthy is the building? Is the air and water quality in this building safe? Is ventilation adequate? Questions like these were gaining popularity prior to the COVID pandemic, but are now top of mind for anyone who works in or visits the space. Employers, employees, residents, management, visitors — all care about the health of the building.
Earlier building certification systems were focused on environmental responsibility and energy efficiency, hence the term “green building certification.” More recently, the focus of newer building certification systems have shifted towards occupant health and well-being.
Many property owners are seeking “green building certification”…
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Construction/General Contractor, Property Management
Multifamily Property Owners Can Benefit from the SB 721 Inspection
California multifamily property owners have until January 1, 2025 to complete the first inspection required under SB 721. That bill requires all exterior elevated elements (EEE) be examined for safety. Elements affected are those designed for human use that have a walking surface elevated more than six feet above ground and are constructed of load-bearing components made of wood or wood-based products. Examples are porches, decks, stairways, and balconies. Ongoing inspections will be required every six years.
SB 721 passed the California State Senate in September of 2018 in response to the tragic 2015 incident that took the lives of…
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Indoor Environmental Quality, Schools & Universities, Wildfire
Protecting Schools Against the Risks of Wildfire Smoke Particulate Matter
Wildfires are occurring more frequently than ever before, and the smoke from those fires is threatening the health of not only those who live near the fire but can adversely impact schools and communities hundreds of miles away.
Air quality degradation due to wildfire smoke often puts school administrators in the uncomfortable position of balancing the need to protect their students with the job of educating them. Each day the school is closed forces teachers to revamp their lesson plans and can draw a fresh round of criticism from parents and the public.
Wildfire smoke isn’t just a California or…
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Environmental Health & Safety Management, Indoor Environmental Quality, Property Management
Healthy Building Fundamentals: An Overview of the Process
The healthy building movement is not a new idea (it is decades old), but voices in support of a closer look at building health were amplified sharply by the COVID pandemic. Property owners who gave the healthy building concept little thought pre-pandemic are now taking a closer look — and for good reason: Building health is a primary factor in employee or occupant satisfaction and retention. Healthy buildings are in more demand now than ever before.
But what exactly is a “healthy building,” and why should you care? What determines whether or not a building makes the grade? If you’re…
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Environmental Health & Safety Management, Indoor Environmental Quality, Mold & Moisture, Property Management
How to Prevent Mold Growth on Rental Properties
Mold Growth Prevention on Rental Properties
Mold growth prevention and mold removal methods are two of the most frequent tenant-related issues faced by rental property owners and managers — both residential and commercial.
While proactive building maintenance and incident response procedures certainly play a critical role in keeping mold and mold-based problems from occurring, getting tenants on board as partners in the effort to prevent and control mold outbreaks is an often overlooked and undervalued tactic in the battle.
This article focuses on the tenant/management aspects of a mold prevention strategy that can not only stop mold from becoming a…
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Construction/General Contractor, COVID-19, Environmental Health & Safety Management, Hazardous Building Materials, Healthcare, Indoor Environmental Quality, Structure Fire, Wildfire
Fit Testing Respirators
Not only is fit testing required by OSHA, but — when done well — it provides assurance to workers that the employer is properly protecting their health in a potentially hazardous environment.
For example, the COVID pandemic created an unprecedented need for healthcare staff to wear respirators during patient care. Entering a room where you know a COVID patient is critically ill can cause even the most experienced employee to feel fearful and reluctant. When that same staff member is confident in their protective equipment, including their assigned respirator, the anxiety level drops.
Fit testing confirms that the chosen respirator …
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Environmental Health & Safety Management, Indoor Environmental Quality, Mold & Moisture, Schools & Universities
Mold in Classrooms and Other IEQ Problems in Schools
Schools are ground zero for indoor environmental quality (IEQ) concerns. Asbestos, lead, mold, PCBs, and many other issues become especially sensitive when classrooms or other student-occupied spaces are involved.
FACS experts are often asked to do more than develop a plan for the abatement of hazardous materials. The schools we serve depend on our IEQ experts to answer the many questions posed by parents, teachers, school administrators, and others.
My aim here is to briefly describe the process FACS teams follow to help our clients understand the issues at hand. It is crucial that response team leaders know how to…
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Construction/General Contractor, Hazardous Building Materials
Asbestos in Construction Materials Testing: Critical Information
Here’s something many people who should know … don’t know: Agencies that approve building and demolition permits require property owners to either presume asbestos is present in the construction materials or to conduct construction materials testing for asbestos to prove it is not.
Despite the seriousness of the matter — potential fines, loss of time, and maybe even getting named in a lawsuit or claim — the erroneous belief that asbestos in construction materials is a non-issue catches owners and building contractors in an uncomfortable net every year.
But hasn’t asbestos been banned for decades now?
The truth is that…
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Environmental Health & Safety Management, Wildfire
Oregon Adopts New Heat and Wildfire Smoke Rules
Oregon OSHA recently published two new rules to protect workers from the effects of excessive exposure to heat and wildfire smoke. Both will require certain preparatory actions from employers.
In this article, we’ll summarize the new Oregon OSHA requirements and alert Oregon businesses of the importance of developing a strategy for compliance with the regulations. Noncompliance can expose employees to unnecessary danger and result in fines and/or adverse legal actions.
Components of the new Oregon OSHA rule for heat exposure
The heat rule became effective June 15, 2022. It applies to both indoor and outdoor workplaces and activates when the…
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Waterborne Pathogens
Recent Updates to AIHA Legionella Guidelines
If you’re concerned about water quality monitoring, water management plans, how to sample building water after prolonged closures, or Legionella prevention, here’s some welcome news: the American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA) released an updated edition of their “Recognition, Evaluation, and Control of Legionella in Building Water Systems” guide.
The AIHA is one of the leading industry best-practice sources used not only by FACS industrial hygienists, but by industrial hygienists across the globe. Whether your primary responsibility is Legionella in hospitals or you’re a small business that wants to protect your employees and customers from Legionella and other waterborne pathogens, this…
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Environmental Health & Safety Management, Schools & Universities
Are CO2 Sensors Now Required in All California Classrooms?
In January of 2021, the California Division of the State Architect issued Bulletin IR N-2 stating that “As of January 1, 2021, all existing classrooms must be equipped with a carbon dioxide (CO2) monitoring device meeting all of Section 1625.”
The Section 1625 reference is to the California Public Utilities Code (PUC) Article 3, Chapter 6.7, the “School Reopening Ventilation and Energy Efficiency Verification and Repair Program.”
Those two documents understandably stirred up a whirl of controversy: Are all California K-12 classrooms now required to install CO2 monitors?
First glance at the issue would confirm …
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Construction/General Contractor, Hazardous Building Materials, Property Management
How Recent Changes to RRP Rules Affect Property Management
Renovation, repair, and painting (RRP) rules were created by the EPA to protect building occupants and workers from the hazard of “lead poisoning.” Other federal and local bodies are also concerned about the dangers of lead in construction, making it all more important to be aware of the pertinent regulations before beginning a project in a pre-1978 structure.
Fines and potential legal liability for not adhering to RRP rules can be severe. Staying current with changes to the regulations is especially important to property managers and owners, and recent changes to the law are focused on property management companies (PMCs).…
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COVID-19, General Industrial Hygiene
Safe Summer Travel and Vaccine Booster Updates – FACS COVID-19 Update – Summer 2022
As we head into another summer with COVID-19, the US is experiencing a swell in case numbers after many have spent more than two years confined and yearning for that white sandy beach vacation. Despite the increase in cases, many people are eager to put their heightened stress levels behind them and make their travel dreams a reality this summer. Though public health restrictions have loosened throughout the country, the risk of COVID-19 spreading throughout communities is still present, as evidenced by the rise in case rates and hospitalizations in May and June (shown in the graph below from John…
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COVID-19, Wildfire
Wildfire Smoke Regulations and the COVID Epidemic
One Cal/OSHA COVID-19 regulation (3205) requires employers to maximize outside air ventilation to prevent the spread of the virus. Another Cal/OSHA mandate (5141.1) requires minimum exposure to outside air. Which rule should a facilities manager follow? How can you protect employees from the potentially harmful effects of smoke from wildfire, continue to combat COVID, and still maintain production?
Businesses already impacted by the COVID epidemic get dealt a double blow when the Air Quality Index (AQI) numbers begin climbing. It’s tough enough to keep a building well-ventilated under normal conditions. Combine the COVID virus with wildfire smoke, and the situation …
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Healthcare, Waterborne Pathogens
Complying with The Joint Commission’s New Water Management Standard
Did you know that on January 1, 2022, The Joint Commission’s new water management standard for healthcare facilities went into effect? This new standard (EC.02.05.02, EPs 1 through 4) supersedes the previous version (EC.02.05.01, EP 14) which “addressed the need for healthcare organizations to minimize pathogenic biological agents in cooling towers, domestic hot- and cold-water systems, and other aerosolizing water systems”. This previous standard did not provide clear guidance on how to achieve this, which has allowed building owners to broadly define and interpret the standard themselves. This and the need for further improvement in quality and safety in …
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Hazardous Building Materials, Schools & Universities, Waterborne Pathogens
Lead Water Testing for Schools: What’s Coming Down the Pipe?
School lead water testing…we did that already, didn’t we? Yes, but there are signs indicating there is more to come. The voluntary program launched by the State Water Resources Control Board in 2017 formally ended in July of 2019. However, recent legislation requires testing lead in water for all licensed Child Care Centers (CCCs) in California that were constructed before January 1, 2010 (see our previous article for a closer look at this legislation). These requirements are quite different and more involved than the prior school’s testing program. While these requirements currently only apply to licensed CCCs (many of which …
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Hazardous Building Materials, Schools & Universities, Waterborne Pathogens
Review of Lead in Water Testing Requirements for California Childcare Centers
Lead in drinking water presents very real public health risks, especially for children. In children, lead exposure can cause damage to the brain and nervous system, slowed growth and development, learning and behavior problems, and hearing and speech problems. No safe level of lead exposure in children has been identified. The latest round in the battle to get the lead out has landed with the California Department of Social Services (DSS) Provider Information Notice (PIN) Summary 21-21-CCP. This notice and associated procedures require all licensed Child Care Centers (CCCs) in California that were constructed before January 1, 2010, to …
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Construction/General Contractor, Environmental Health & Safety Management, Hazardous Building Materials
Construction Site Safety Blind Spots
Projects need to be completed within the budget and on time. That pressure can contribute to overlooking risks and a failure to recognize or correct unsafe conditions. The consequences of succumbing to that pressure are real and can sometimes be catastrophic to the lives of workers and their families. Fatalities in construction occupations rose six percent in 2019 — the highest gain since 2007. Occupational injuries claimed the lives of 5,333 and injured or sickened 2.8 million workers in 2019. The National Safety Council (NSC) estimated the 2019 economic loss of work-related deaths and injuries was approximately $171 billion.
In …
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Environmental Health & Safety Management, Hazardous Building Materials
Managing Waterborne Pathogen Risks During Hospital Construction
All demolition, construction, and renovation activities in healthcare facilities — whether planned or unplanned — require a pre-construction risk assessment (PCRA). Some guidance documents refer to this procedure as an “Infection Control Risk Assessment” (ICRA). The Joint Commission’s Environment of Care Standard establishes the framework.
Certain concerns tend to get the most attention during renovation projects in occupied facilities:
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- Which patients or services will be impacted?
- How much dust will be generated?
- How long will the project take?
- What is the potential impact to utility systems performance (e.g. HVAC, plumbing)?
Environmental Health & Safety Management, Hazardous Building Materials, Schools & Universities
Have Schools Forgotten About AHERA?
Here’s an amazing fact: Many people — even those who occupy decision-making positions in school districts — have no idea what AHERA is, what is required of the school district to comply, the current status of their schools’ reports, or how to comply with AHERA in a cost-effective manner.
Chances are high that you’re either someone who needs to know about AHERA, or you can think of someone in your school district who should know about AHERA.
A report by Senator Ed Markey in December, 2015, warned that two-thirds of states surveyed “reported having schools that contain asbestos, most of …
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Construction/General Contractor
Silica in Construction, 3 Years Later: What We’ve Learned
OSHA announced the final rule concerning worker protection from occupational exposures to respirable crystalline silica in March of 2016. Enforcement of the standard began in September of 2017.
That rule provides two options for compliance: Employers can either assess exposure and implement controls on a task-by-task basis to ensure exposure falls below the permissible exposure limit (PEL) or use the engineering and work practice controls listed in Table 1 of the standard.
On August 15, 2019, OSHA released a request for information (RFI) to help the agency assess the effectiveness of the existing standards and seek comments on how it …
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Waterborne Pathogens
Legionella Treatment: Approaches to Disinfection
Prompted by the abundance of news coverage around COVID-19, a public radio station in Illinois recently broadcast a story about another threat to public health — one that’s often overlooked: 569 cases of Legionnaires’ Disease (Legionellosis) were reported in the state of Illinois alone in 2019. 43 of those patients died.
Nationwide, there were almost 10,000 cases of Legionnaires’ disease confirmed by health departments in 2018, but it is suspected that many other incidences of Legionella infection went unreported. In fact, some experts estimate that between 70,000 and 100,000 individuals may be affected by Legionellosis in the United States each …
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Cannabis Production & Manufacturing, Environmental Health & Safety Management
Cannabis Worker Safety: Equipment and Methods
Why be concerned about cannabis worker safety?
There are approximately 428,000 workers legally employed by cannabis operations in the USA, and 2021 sales of cannabis products reached nearly $25 billion according to the most recent Cannabis Jobs Report by Leafly.
A BDS Analytics study says 2027 worldwide sales will reach $57 billion — with the lion’s share of revenue coming from North America.
Even though the federal government still classifies cannabis as a controlled substance, 37 states and the District of Columbia say marijuana is okay for medical use, 21 have declared it legal for recreational use, and 10 have…
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General Industrial Hygiene, Schools & Universities
The Rising Danger of Fentanyl on Campus
What are the biggest threats colleges and universities face today? You might mention rising tuition rates or the effects of the COVID-19 crisis on classroom teaching – but there’s something else creeping onto campuses at an alarming rate.
Much too often, we’re hearing stories like these:
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- The Los Angeles Police Department stepped in during the fall of 2019 to help administrators at USC determine whether opiate overdose might be a common link in the deaths of nine students at the university.
- Early last year, the parents of Madeline Globe announced they were going public with the story of their daughter,
Cannabis Production & Manufacturing, Environmental Health & Safety Management
Protecting the Health of Cannabis Workers
*Updated November 2022 to reflect up-to-date figures and information.
According to the cannabis jobs report (2022), there are more people now working in legal cannabis operations than there are dental hygienists, insurance salespeople, or textile workers. Jobs within the cannabis industry grew by 33 percent in 2021 over the prior year, pushing the current total cannabis workforce in the U.S. to over 428,000 in 2022. Cannabis now generates about $25 billion in annual revenue.
Cannabis employment is rising sharply. However, are the workers flocking to the industry being provided the training and equipment they need for protection against on-the-job hazards? …
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Hazardous Building Materials, Schools & Universities, Waterborne Pathogens
Lead in School Drinking Water: Are Students at Risk?
You’re attending an event at a public school, and you’re thirsty. Your choices are to buy a soft drink from the machine or refill your empty water container at the drinking fountain in the hallway. You’d prefer a cold bottle of spring water, but that selection is sold out.
Question: Would you have any fear at all about the safety of the water in the school fountain? You’ll probably want to run the water a little before you use it, and you surely wouldn’t place your mouth over the outlet — but you’re at a public school. The water is …
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General Industrial Hygiene, Incident Response, Mold & Moisture, Property Management
Trends in Multi-Family Property Maintenance During the Pandemic
Multi-family apartment communities have always presented unique challenges to the people who own them, work at them, and live in them, but the COVID-19 pandemic created situational difficulties on a scale most of us have never before witnessed.
FACS works with multi-family management teams nationwide, so we’re positioned to not only help staff navigate the normal maintenance issues but advise them on how to respond to special problems brought about by the virus.
Our aim is to share knowledge the FACS team has gathered during these trying times in the hope that the observations we’ve made will give owners and …
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COVID-19, General Industrial Hygiene
Home (Alone?) for the Holidays – Tips for Safer Family Gatherings this Holiday Season – FACS COVID-19 Update #18
While many of us endured the disappointment of significantly limited gatherings over Thanksgiving, the case rates are climbing. We are heading into the holidays where friends and family get-togethers are even more important and are often for extended periods of time. Thanksgiving dinners are usually limited to a few hours together, while Christmas gatherings could have family members traveling greater distances and staying overnight for extended periods. The best way to eliminate the risk of infections, by having everyone stay in their own homes, is likely to be more than disappointing. So what, if any, are the alternatives? In this…
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COVID-19, General Industrial Hygiene
When Disasters Collide – FACS COVID-19 Update #17
While in the continued grip of a global pandemic and the need for the public to follow significant preventative measures, the US is faced with the onset of other natural disasters. On the West Coast and along the Continental Divide there are a rash of wildfires that have erupted this month, and on the East and Gulf Coasts hurricanes and severe weather storms have threatened several states. The steps taken to prevent injury or worse during these events may not always be in perfect alignment with the COVID-19 preventative measures. Social distancing becomes a challenge when people are evacuated to…
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Wildfire
Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS) and Wildfire Smoke Preparation Planning
Wildfire preparation plans are essential for helping staff at schools, hospitals, and other commercial buildings prepare for smoke intrusion and other complications that may arise from wildland fires, but they often fall short on covering something that can be just as critical: power outages.
Last year’s fire season in California provided real-life examples of the tremendous impact an extended power loss can deliver to communities. A major take-away was that power blackouts can occur as a precaution during heavy winds, even when there are no fires nearby and the threat doesn’t seem to exist. Many people and businesses were not…
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COVID-19, General Industrial Hygiene
Getting a Handle on COVID-19 Case Response – FACS Update #16
As more businesses reopen and the number of cases of COVID-19 climb in the community, organizations are having to navigate the challenges, twists and turns of managing a proper response to a known or suspected case. In this discussion we talk about the fundamentals of case response in non-healthcare settings and some of the lessons learned from the front line which can inform the development of an effective and efficient response protocol.
Case Response Fundamentals
A COVID-19 case response protocol can be broken down into five basic steps:
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- Identification & Reporting. What triggers a case response action? The short
COVID-19, General Industrial Hygiene
Six Months of COVID-19 – What Have We Learned? – FACS Update #15
While some may wonder where the time has gone, others may feel like they have been stuck in a continual time loop, living the same day repeatedly with no end in sight. What started in late 2019 and moved around the globe rapidly in early 2020 has now entered a new, less than desirable stage as we head into summer.
Our access to information has been extraordinary. Numerous public health-focused websites have become go-to sources for information, we get regular reports containing volumes of data, and public health sites provide many recommendations and guidance. In the US, Federal, State and…
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COVID-19, General Industrial Hygiene
Why Six Feet and How Close is Too Close? – FACS Update #14
Physical distancing, also commonly referred to as “social distancing,” is defined as keeping space between yourself and other people outside of your home. To practice physical distancing, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends staying at least six (6) feet apart from other people. The World Health Organization recommends at least 1 meter (approximately 3 feet). But where do these numbers come from? Why six feet? Why three feet? And why the differing opinions among the public health agencies?
The primary mode of transmission for COVID-19 is through close contact from person-to-person. This occurs when an infected person…
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COVID-19, General Industrial Hygiene
Remember What Used to Concern Us? – Health and Safety in the Workplace during COVID-19 and Returning to Work – FACS Update #13
While the country is preparing to return to work, COVID-19 safety is on everyone’s mind. Various national and local public health organizations have developed return to work protocols to assist in allowing workers to return to work and do so safely with regard to COVID-19. However, as we implement these new protocols, we must consider how they impact other health and safety concerns. The following are a list of health and safety issues to consider.
Heat Illness
While we try to maintain physical distancing, it tends to prove quite difficult, particularly in high traffic or public interior spaces. To assist…
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COVID-19, General Industrial Hygiene
To Modify or Not to Modify, that is the Question – Building Ventilation Systems and COVID-19 – FACS Update #12
The main transmission routes for SARS-CoV-2 are direct contact or respiratory droplets (aerosols) during close contact (within 6 feet for 15 minutes) with an infected person. However, according to an early release CDC report due out this July, whether SARS-CoV-2 can be transmitted by aerosols remains controversial.
The following discussion will try to shed some light on what can be a complicated question. Should any special steps be implemented for a building’s heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC) system in buildings during various stages of occupancy? This question is asked more frequently as we start to move from community-wide stay…
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COVID-19, General Industrial Hygiene
Can the Mask and Gloves I am Wearing to Protect Myself and Others Actually Do Harm?: FACS Update #11
While the primary way that COVID-19 is thought to spread is directly from person to person, it may be possible that a person can become infected by touching a surface or an object that has the virus on it and then touching their own mouth, nose or eyes. This person-to-surface-to-person cross-contamination and subsequent spread of COVID-19 is possible but is something we can prevent by following a few simple strategies.
Take steps to ensure everyone adheres to appropriate cough etiquette, routine cleaning and disinfection of frequently touched surfaces. Clean your hands well and often. Post visual alerts (e.g., signs, posters)…
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COVID-19, General Industrial Hygiene
COVID-19 Testing in the Workplace: What You Should Know (And Do): FACS Update #10
This week’s COVID-19 Response Update is a featured piece written by our medical consulting partner, Cogency. For more information on medical testing in the workplace to ensure a safe return-to-work program, contact the Cogency team today.
Diagnostic and surveillance testing for COVID-19 provide important information for physicians and public health professionals. This includes guiding recommendations that promote safety and health for both individuals and the larger population.
How should we apply this to the workplace? The Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) general duty clause states that “employers should furnish a workplace that is free from recognized hazards.” So, the…
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COVID-19, General Industrial Hygiene
Surface Disinfection in the Age of COVID-19: The Good, the Bad and the U…(Underinformed): FACS Update #9
SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, is thought to spread mainly through direct transmission from person-to-person. However, we are still learning about how it is spread and there are concerns of indirect transmission (person-to-surface-to-person). Because of the anticipated potential for indirect transmission, cleaning and disinfection to reduce risks related to COVID-19 (the illness caused by the SARS-CoV-2 Coronavirus) is a ubiquitous recommendation and a service that has become in high demand. The following is one example recommendation taken from the COVID-19 Industry Guidance prepared by the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) and Cal OSHA. “Perform thorough cleaning on high…
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COVID-19, General Industrial Hygiene
Understanding Environmental Sampling for the Novel Coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2): FACS Update #8
The world of the novel Coronavirus continues to change rapidly. As shelter in place orders are lifted and the important decision to re-occupy is made, the need to provide assurance that indoor environment is safe to re-occupy becomes more necessary. And demand for environmental testing is on the rise. Not only is the demand for environmental testing growing, but the number of companies, laboratories and other organizations offering testing has increased. Email inboxes are being flooded and advertisements providing information about COVID-19 or offers to clean, disinfect and test seem ubiquitous these days. But sampling can be complicated, costly and…
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COVID-19, General Industrial Hygiene
COVID-19: Leaving the Shelter and Getting Back to Business Safely: FACS Update #7
As we begin looking to lift shelter in place restrictions, organizations are confronted with figuring out how to adjust to the “new normal” of operating safely in the presence of COVID-19. This starts with recognizing the purpose behind the effort:
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- Protect People. Help prevent employees, customers, and other stakeholders from contracting COVID-19, and in doing so protect the greater public health.
- Protect Resources. Help minimize liabilities related to worker’s compensation claims and 3rd party litigation by showing appropriate diligence in controlling COVID-19 risks.
- Protect Reputation. Help support business continuity by instilling confidence within customers, stakeholders, and local public health
COVID-19, General Industrial Hygiene
Understanding the Distinctions Between Respirators, Surgical Masks, and Cloth Face Coverings: FACS Update #6
Public Health organizations, such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), United States Department of Defense (DoD), and many local or state public health departments, have recently made recommendations or released guidance on the use of cloth face coverings by individuals when in public settings to slow the spread of COVID-19 illness where other social distancing and hygiene measures are difficult to maintain, particularly in areas where significant community-transmission has been documented. These recommendations may have been perceived by many as contradicting the statements previously made by CDC that face masks/coverings were only necessary for people who were…
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Construction/General Contractor, COVID-19, Hazardous Building Materials
Maintaining Asbestos & Lead Certifications during COVID-19 “Shelter-in-Place” Restrictions
Although the shelter-in-place order is still in effect in the state of California, Cal-OSHA & CDPH will not be extending lead and asbestos certification deadlines. Refresher trainings and renewal applications will still need to be completed before your certifications expire in order to maintain your status.
The challenge: how do you complete training with shelter-in-place restrictions?
The good news is that both accrediting agencies are now allowing refresher courses for these certifications to be held online, at least while the State of Emergency restrictions remain in effect. These refreshers can be one of two types; live virtual trainings or pre-programmed…
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COVID-19, General Industrial Hygiene
COVID-19 Frequently Asked Questions: FACS Update #5
What should employers and building owners/managers be doing to protect employees and other stakeholders from COVID-19?
The first thing to do is to be aware of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) guidance. The CDC has specific guidance for businesses and retirement/independent living properties, and other facilities.
Secondly, you want to have a written infection prevention plan in place that goes along with the CDC guidance. There are three major fundamentals of prevention that we look for:
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- Activity/work modification.
- Eliminate in-person contact
- Use barriers or other “engineered” controls to separate people
- Modify behaviors to incorporate physical distancing, increased hand
COVID-19, General Industrial Hygiene
Validating Cleaning Efficacy for Removal of SARS-CoV-2: FACS Update #4
The number of COVID-19 cases in America continues to rise. So have questions regarding keeping families, co-workers and the general public safe. Public health organizations such as World Health Organization (WHO) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provide recommendations for cleaning and disinfection related to the virus responsible for COVID-19 infections, SARS-CoV-2. But there is a lack of information regarding how to validate that cleaning and disinfection efforts were effective. Stakeholders want proof the work done made the environment safe. Investigators and restoration contractors alike wrestle with the options and opinions but there is a lack of consensus…
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COVID-19, General Industrial Hygiene
Planning to Reopen an Unoccupied Building – Considerations for Your COVID-19 Safety Plan: FACS Update #3
Shelter-in-place orders, social distancing, working from home, and other epidemic response guidelines implemented on the Federal and State levels can result in secondary issues in commercial buildings such as offices, restaurants, and businesses that may have been vacant or minimally occupied for extended periods of time (i.e., more than a few days). Need for additional building space to provide temporary housing or medical care is also a concern during significant public health emergencies.
As these orders are gradually lifted, businesses come back online, and workers begin to return to work, or when occupying previously vacated buildings for surge capacity support…
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COVID-19, General Industrial Hygiene
Key Considerations for Your COVID-19 Safety Plan: FACS Update #2
The COVID-19 pandemic is in full swing, and even with the current emergency public health measures to reduce the spread of the virus, it is expected to be of concern for an extended period of time. Organizations must prepare for the near-term impacts, but also for a “new normal” of how to include protecting their people and stakeholders while continuing to conduct business with this threat.
The environmental health and medical experts at FACS and Cogency have been continuously reviewing the latest data and providing guidance to clients as they develop infection prevention plans to address immediate challenges and to…
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COVID-19, General Industrial Hygiene
COVID-19 Response: FACS Update
We are providing this communication to inform FACS clients of what we are doing as a company to address the current COVID-19 pandemic caused by the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2. It is our plan to provide updates as needed, and at least weekly, during this event.
COVID-19 FACS Expert Team
We have formed a FACS expert team to provide leadership on this issue. They are continuously reviewing the latest data and guideline revisions on this issue to keep our team and clients up to speed with the best science and right perspective on addressing the pandemic.
Sources of Guidance & Information…
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Healthcare
Reducing Risks in Healthcare Occupations
When you visit someone in the hospital, you may take extra care to wash your hands when entering and leaving the building. You are probably also more aware of the surfaces you touch while inside, and you may even be concerned about the cleanliness of your shoes when you get home. Those are normal precautions that occur to most people who have cause to enter a healthcare facility.
If visitors are rightfully concerned about health risks in hospitals and clinics, though, consider the predicament faced by medical personnel: They show up for work and attend dutifully to their jobs in…
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Hazardous Building Materials
PCB Screening Surprises: Don’t Get Caught Unaware
Are you concerned about the new PCB screening requirement affecting building demolitions in the San Francisco Bay area? If you’re a commercial building owner or building construction contractor, you should be — even if you don’t operate in California.
In an effort to reduce the amount of polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) pollutants entering San Francisco Bay, the Bay Area Stormwater Management Agencies Association (BASMAA) studied the issue and developed runoff curtailment guidelines for their members.
Anyone wishing to demolish a building in much of the San Francisco Bay Area must now determine whether a structure covered under the new rule is…
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Mold & Moisture
Mold Control Added to Colorado Residential Rules
Colorado law now includes mold and dampness control as a warrant of habitability requirement. That change is part of the Colorado Residential Tenants Health and Safety Act (HB 19-170). The new rule also shortens the time landlords are given to respond to tenant complaints related to the livability of residential properties.
The move immediately drew two major concerns from property managers and owners:
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- How do the new warrant of habitability regulations affect the management of my Colorado residential rental properties?
- Do the new warrant of habitability regulations signal issues I should be concerned about for residential rental properties outside of
Construction/General Contractor, Hazardous Building Materials
California Lead in Construction Rules Are Changing Soon
These Changes Will Affect Every General Contractor, Trade Contractor, Maintenance Team, and Custodial Crew in California
Cal/OSHA has been working for over eight years to revise its Lead in Construction (8 CCR 1532.1) and Lead in General Industry standards (8 CCR 5198).
The current laws were essentially copied from federal regulations and have been in place since 1979. With the signing of California SB 83 and California AB 35 by Governor Newsome, significant new requirements for worker protection and training are set to be issued in September of 2020. If the changes to Cal/OSHA are adopted …
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Hazardous Building Materials
New EPA Lead Hazard Standards Will Soon Apply
Owners and managers of child-occupied buildings constructed prior to 1978 will soon face more stringent lead hazard reduction requirements from the EPA. The move is meant to help lower the risk of childhood lead exposure and curb the various physical disorders lead can cause.
In this article, we’ll provide an FAQ overview of the final rule and cover the steps FACS environmental scientists recommend facilities managers to take in preparation. The reduction of childhood lead exposure is an EPA priority. Managers of HUD facilities and other child-occupied structures should begin planning now to make sure they are in compliance with…
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Wildfire
California Protection from Wildfire Smoke: An Overview
Are you prepared for a wildfire smoke emergency?
If you’re a California employer, monitoring air quality and taking action to protect the health of your employees against high levels of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) during wildfires is no longer an option. You’re now required by law to take certain actions, unless you qualify for an exemption (see below).
If you’re not a California employer, this information is still pertinent and valuable. The time invested in preparation now can save you huge headaches in the future.
Here’s the news:
The California Occupational Safety and Health Standards Board used an emergency action…
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Wildfire
Wildfire Planning for Business: Prepare, Respond, Recover
Despite regular tips and pleas from the United States Forest Service and other agencies, wildfires still happen and wildfire planning is still needed.
Whether ignited by a careless camper or a lightning storm, it’s 100 percent certain that forests are going to burn, highways are going to be closed, and people are going to suffer the effects of the smoke, heat, and flames wildfires produce.
It happens, without fail, every year.
It’s impossible to predict where the next wildfire will start or which cities will be affected. We don’t know how many acres will burn or how many homes and…
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Construction/General Contractor
The Hidden Factor That Can Sink a Construction Project
Put yourself in this situation:
Excavation is underway at the construction site when a recently-hired laborer complains of an “odd smell” in the air. Nobody else on the crew senses anything unusual, so work continues.
The next day, the employee calls in sick with a severe headache. He says he’s afraid it’s related to whatever he was breathing on the job site, and he’s going to see a doctor “to get it checked out.”
The following morning, safety inspectors from OSHA and the EPA show up to investigate. They want to see the Health and Safety Plan. They want to…
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Waterborne Pathogens
Legionella & Legionnaires’ Disease – Frequently Asked Questions
Legionella & Legionnaires’ Disease are environmental health issues that FACS experts often receive questions about. Given that Legionella was discovered less than 50 years ago and is a relatively “young” subject among environmental health issues, there are lots of questions to be asked.
On March 5th, 2019, FACS’ Legionella Expert Megan Canright, MPH, CIH, partnered with the TASA Group to host a webinar on the introduction to Legionella. While TASA’s audience is primarily attorneys, this webinar covered many of the basic principles around Legionella and provided information useful to many.
FACS received many questions about Legionella & Legionnaires’…
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Construction/General Contractor, Hazardous Building Materials
5 Essential Benefits of the Pre-Project Hazardous Materials Inspection and Survey
Here’s a scenario we see happen far too often:
A frantic client calls FACS. The work plan for a restoration project didn’t mention hazardous materials, but the crew found asbestos contamination.
Work cannot continue without clearance by a certified hazardous materials consultant, and for the client … each hour of delay means money lost.
Now what?
When hazards are unexpectedly found post-contract, the work schedule gets thrown off, expenses mount, and failure to properly address the danger may even result in legal action.
The party who wins most from the situation is the contractor, who can justifiably charge a premium…
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Construction/General Contractor, Hazardous Building Materials
PCB Assessments Required for Building Demolitions: Important Changes to Note
Beginning July 1, 2019, property owners, demolition contractors, real estate developers, and anyone planning to demolish a structure built or remodeled between January 1, 1950 and December 31, 1980 in the San Francisco Bay Area will face stringent new permit requirements aimed at reducing the amount of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) entering San Francisco Bay.
These new regulations affect demolition activities involving structures built during that period (excepting wood frame buildings and single-family residential homes) in Alameda, Contra Costa, San Mateo, and Santa Clara counties, as well as the cities of Vallejo, Fairfield, and Suisun City.
In this article, we’ll describe…
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Construction/General Contractor, General Industrial Hygiene, Hazardous Building Materials, Healthcare, Hospitality, Property Management
When Is an Asbestos Survey Required?
You could save yourself hundreds of thousands of dollars by getting this right.
True or False:
The U.S. completely banned the use of asbestos in building materials in 1989. That means any commercial building constructed in 1990 or later poses no asbestos risk. Consequently, you don’t need to worry about getting an asbestos survey prior to renovation or restoration projects on buildings erected in the past 30 years – right? False.
The “asbestos is no longer used” myth potentially exposes commercial property owners to fines of $25,000 per day when they unwittingly disturb materials containing asbestos. Falling for the lie…
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The U.S. completely banned the use of asbestos in building materials in 1989. That means any commercial building constructed in 1990 or later poses no asbestos risk. Consequently, you don’t need to worry about getting an asbestos survey prior to renovation or restoration projects on buildings erected in the past 30 years – right? False.
The “asbestos is no longer used” myth potentially exposes commercial property owners to fines of $25,000 per day when they unwittingly disturb materials containing asbestos. Falling for the lie…
Environmental Health & Safety Management, Mold & Moisture, Property Management
7 Steps to a Mold and Moisture Plan for Property Management
Property managers are paid to keep occupants happy and facilities on track. Throw in a recurrent “black mold” problem, water damage from a leaking pipe, or a full-blown flood and mold growth emergency … and the property manager’s job can seem overwhelming.
That’s why strategic planning is crucial. With a properly thought-out plan in place, a mold and moisture crisis can become considerably less stressful. You’re prepared with a logical sequence of predetermined actions that help you deal with the situation calmly and effectively.
The simple seven-step plan outlined below can also minimize the loss of revenue from facilities downtime,…
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Structure Fire, Wildfire
Fire Legal Liability: Who Is Responsible When Business Structures Are Involved?
Fire legal liability is an issue companies and organizations often try to avoid facing head on. We hope you don’t follow that lead.
The truth about fire legal liability can be a tough pill to swallow.
Here’s the truth: Your business is at risk of fire liability litigation – even if you didn’t start the fire.
Let’s look at why that is and what you can do to protect your company’s reputation and assets against one of nature’s scariest events: fire.
How You Can Be Held Liable for a Fire You Didn’t Start
We all know a company that starts …
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Environmental Health & Safety Management
How to Avoid a Cal/OSHA IIPP Violation
California employees enjoy rights and protections not available to workers in other states. A U.S. News and World Report study placed California in the lead for the title of “Best State for Worker Rights.”
That’s the good news.
California employers know that great achievements do not come cheaply, however. They are subject to some of the toughest labor laws in the nation. Companies that fail to follow those mandates are vulnerable to stiff fines, increased fees related to workers’ compensation, and cash-draining legal entanglements.
The California Division of Occupational Safety (Cal/OSHA) enforces the standards that protect workers in the state.…
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Waterborne Pathogens
Legionnaires’ Disease Prevention and Control
A brief account of the first Legionnaires’ disease crisis:
On July 27th, three days after returning home from the 1976 American Legion convention in Philadelphia, Ray Brennan died of what appeared to be a heart attack. Within days, four other Legionnaires had passed away. By August 9th, the death count was at 27.1
Three of those who died were patients of Dr. Ernest Campbell. He noted a common thread – all were Legionnaires who had attended the state convention – and notified the Pennsylvania Department of Health.
Investigators first suspected “swine flu,” a recently identified type of influenza. Plans…
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Structure Fire
The Dangers of Structure Fires
Structure fire (fire involving the structural components of a building) can be a devastating and catastrophic life event. Fire events can range from minor smoke events (e.g., burning food) to complete burning and destruction of a property. Following a fire event, property owners, insurance companies and neighboring residents are generally looking for answers to questions such as: What is damaged? Is it safe to return to my home? Are my belongings salvageable? In instances where physical damage (e.g., burned materials) is not observed, answering these questions may be difficult.
What is the Smoke Composed of?
A structure fire can create…
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Hospitality
Hospitality Exposure: Synthetic Opioid Production and Use
The production of Methamphetamines and the processing of Opioids are becoming more and more prevalent in the Hospitality industry. Easy access, privacy and the ability to manufacture or package drugs quickly, has lead to increased exposure to toxic chemicals for hotel workers and guests.
The purpose of this article is to review the impact of the opioid crisis, specifically synthetic opioids such as fentanyl and its analogues on the environmental health and safety of facilities in the hospitality industry, and how to appropriately manage them.
Synthetic Opioids & Their Potency
Synthetic opioids, such as non-pharmaceutical fentanyl, are extremely potent compared…
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General Industrial Hygiene
Tomorrowland: 5 Global Megatrends & How they’re Shaping the Future of Environmental Health
History has shown that predicting the headline grabbing environmental health issues of tomorrow can be difficult. However, we can glean insights into some of the challenges likely to emerge by looking at large scale trends impacting people and businesses around the globe. Anticipating these challenges can help risk managers, business owners and environmental professionals begin to prepare for what is coming down the road.
Peering into this crystal ball and mapping a pathway forward has been the central focus of the AIHA’s “Content Portfolio Advisory Group”. FACS has had the honor of being able to participate as a volunteer on…
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Community Giving Programs
Community Giving Programs
Supporting ‘cycle of giving’ helps us achieve high employee and client satisfaction
At FACS, we wholeheartedly believe in the importance of community giving. So much so, that we’ve made it part of the company’s character from the outset.
As a company whose business is helping to protect public health, we’ve always put people first, and many of our operating principles are founded in the values of giving back to the community. And while most businesses can talk about their commitment to their communities, I think FACS’ commitment goes further than most. In my experience, an important ingredient of employee satisfaction…
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Property Management, Structure Fire, Wildfire
Wildfire Smoke and its Impact on Your Home
Massive wildfires continue to devastate the west coast and are expected to increase as we enter fire season. These wildfires cause millions of dollars in damage, neighborhood displacement, and emotional distress for property owners and occupants. In the wake of this destruction, many property owners, insurance companies, and neighboring residents are looking for answers. Has my home been impacted? What needs to be cleaned? Is it safe for me to clean it myself?…
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Incident Response
FACS Incident Response Management
With FIRM, eliminate stress & waste from unplanned incidents.
It is hard to react quickly and efficiently when problems arise. There are so many things to coordinate and stakeholders want their spaces cleaned up and operational as quickly as possible. The pressure mounts as impacts from the damage may not be fully understood and the response action evolves.…
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Healthcare
CMS, ASHRAE 188 and my hospital: What are the next steps?
Developing a designated water management program team is job no. 1
With the nationwide incidence of Legionella on a steady rise since 2000, ASHRAE has published ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 188-2015 for reducing the risk of bacterial growth in facilities’ water systems.
Legionella, the cause of Legionnaires’ Disease (LD), an often deadly type of pneumonia (as well as Pontiac Fever), most often affects those in certain risk groups: persons who are over age 50, are smokers, or who have underlying medical conditions such as chronic lung disease or suppressed immune systems.
Outbreaks of Legionnaires’ Disease occur when the respiratory system is infected…
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Healthcare
5 Ways to Achieve Better Outcomes When a Family Member is Hospitalized
There are few things more stressful for you, or a friend or loved one, than to be admitted to a hospital. From when we’re very young, these cold, sprawling buildings carry the stigma of being a scary place where even scarier things happen – and it’s not easy to shake these feelings, even as adults.
Today, there’s a new reason for the “fear factor”: Changes in healthcare, skyrocketing hospitalization costs, a feeling of isolation from doctors and nurses – and yes, even an enhanced awareness of hospital-acquired infections – all conspire to send anxiety and stress levels soaring.
Yet, the…
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Incident Response
Are you really ready for the unexpected?
When you have a loss over your deductible, your insurance carrier will typically take over and provide you with expert incident management teams; consultants, and remediation and construction professionals. This gives you the power of their relationships/pricing models and very few of the headaches.
What happens if your losses are below your deductible or is one that you would prefer to fix outside of your insurance provider relationships? They happen more frequently and are typically more difficult to manage. They can drain you of time, money and resources.
There is an answer. Forensic Analytical Consulting Services Incident Response Management solution…
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Wildfire
Wildfire Smoke Awareness
Brush and Forest Fires
This is a difficult time for many in the Southwest United States as we witness the devastation and damage of the raging wildfires. At Forensic Analytical Consulting Services (FACS), our passion is protecting the health of people, families, communities and the environment through assessment, education and prevention. As such, we hope you find the following information and resources beneficial.
Wildfire Pollutants and Health Effects
Smoke is made up of a complex mixture of gases, vapors and fine particles (i.e., soot) produced when wood and other organic matter burn. Among the substances found are gases from partially…
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Wildfire
Wildfire Smoke Environmental Health Bulletin
Brush and Forest Fires
This is a difficult time for many in the Southwest United States as we witness the devastation and damage of the raging wildfires. At Forensic Analytical Consulting Services (FACS), our passion is protecting the health of people, families, communities and the environment through assessment, education and prevention. As such, we hope you find the following information and resources beneficial.
Wildfire Pollutants and Health Effects
Smoke is made up of a complex mixture of gases, vapors and fine particles (i.e., soot) produced when wood and other organic matter burn. Among the substances found are gases from partially…
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