In the meantime, check out our most recent blog posts.
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…
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 …
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…
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…