FACS Insider Blog - Forensic Analytical Consulting Services' Environmental Health & Safety Blog

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)?

PCRA teams typically get those questions answered, but highly effective …

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 …

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 …

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 …

Cannabis Production & Manufacturing, Environmental Health & Safety Management

Cannabis Worker Safety: Equipment and Methods

Why be concerned about cannabis worker safety? There are approximately 211,000 workers legally employed by cannabis operations in the USA and 2018 sales of cannabis products reached almost $12 billion according to the Cannabis Jobs Count report by Leafly and Whitney Economics. 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, 33 states and the District of Columbia say marijuana is okay for medical use, 11 have declared it legal for recreational use, and …

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:

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,

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Cannabis Production & Manufacturing, Environmental Health & Safety Management

Protecting the Health of Cannabis Workers

According to the cannabis jobs report (2019), there are more people now working in legal cannabis operations than dental hygienists, coal miners, or textile workers. Jobs within the cannabis industry grew by 44 percent in 2018 over the prior year, pushing the current total cannabis workforce in the U.S. to about 211,000 in 2019. 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? The answer: Not yet. Widespread changes in marijuana legalization, leading to the rapid expansion of cannabis growing operations and cannabis …

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 …

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 …

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…

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…

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…

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:

Identification & Reporting. What triggers a case response action? The short

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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…

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…

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…

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…

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)…

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…

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…

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…

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:

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 3^rd 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

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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…

Construction/General Contractor, 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…

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:

Activity/work modification.
1. Eliminate in-person contact
2. Use barriers or other “engineered” controls to separate people
3. Modify behaviors to incorporate physical distancing, increased hand

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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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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:

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

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