Monday, October 29, 2007
You Ask, We Answer...
"Urine Removal”
Q: I am doing a carpet cleaning job and the owner said that there were spots in the carpet that were visible in the evening when lights were on in the room that weren’t visible during daylight hours. Does this sound like urine stains to you?
A: In dealing with a discoloration like this or similar ones there are items you need to have on hand to identify what it is and then how to remove it if at all possible. Here are recommended components:
Urine Removal Components
Optical brightener residue under UV light
Urine residue under UV light
Urine detection with a moisture sensor
Optical Brightener Removal
There is nothing that can be done to remove it. Only repeated cleanings, foot traffic over time and exposure to sunlight can reduce the effect of an optical brightener. That’s why Duraclean no longer sells them or puts them into any of our solutions. As we mentioned, the optical brightener deposit, if old enough, may have already yellowed.
Urine Removal
It depends upon how old the urine is and how deep it is in the carpet/pad. Urine is very tenacious being protein in nature and doesn’t want to be easily released from the affected surface. Your best bet to remove urine (at the very least the odor causing residue that is likely down through the carpet and pad to the underlying subfloor) is to employ the Water Claw Spotlifter. You will be using the Spotlifter to force solution and water down to the subfloor by “pressing” (without the vacuum hose attached) and then “extracting” the solution and water by attaching the vacuum hose which is connected to a portable cabinet or truck mount unit.
Urinse application 
Q: I am doing a carpet cleaning job and the owner said that there were spots in the carpet that were visible in the evening when lights were on in the room that weren’t visible during daylight hours. Does this sound like urine stains to you?
A: In dealing with a discoloration like this or similar ones there are items you need to have on hand to identify what it is and then how to remove it if at all possible. Here are recommended components:
Urine Removal Components * Moisture sensor
* Ultraviolet light
* Paper towels
* Tweezers
* Paper or plastic cup
* Urinse Pre-spotter (original name: Urine Displacer)
* Bioenzyme Deodorant
* One or more measuring cups for mixed solutions
* Pitcher for rinse water
* Water Claw Spotlifter
* Extraction cabinet (portable or truck mount) with vacuum hose
Problem Diagnosis
Our initial response to this situation is that the spots may be from some kind of optical brightener. Its visibility to the naked eye changes with different wavelengths of light and the light source as well. This is a case where an ultraviolet light would be beneficial for identification. If it is an optical brightener from some kind of cleaner, it will glow a bluish purple. Many laundry detergents and some consumer cleaning products may have optical brighteners in them.
* Ultraviolet light
* Paper towels
* Tweezers
* Paper or plastic cup
* Urinse Pre-spotter (original name: Urine Displacer)
* Bioenzyme Deodorant
* One or more measuring cups for mixed solutions
* Pitcher for rinse water
* Water Claw Spotlifter
* Extraction cabinet (portable or truck mount) with vacuum hose
Problem Diagnosis
Our initial response to this situation is that the spots may be from some kind of optical brightener. Its visibility to the naked eye changes with different wavelengths of light and the light source as well. This is a case where an ultraviolet light would be beneficial for identification. If it is an optical brightener from some kind of cleaner, it will glow a bluish purple. Many laundry detergents and some consumer cleaning products may have optical brighteners in them.
Optical brightener residue under UV light If it is urine it will glow a yellowish color (although old optical brighteners can yellow over time as well).
Urine residue under UV lightWith Today’s carpet colors a slight color loss such as from urine is still a possibility where light source differences (natural or man-made) may accentuate it. Questions that may be asked of the customer include: Do you have some kind of pet, a child or an incontinent senior citizen that could be the source of urine stains? If not, then you can take urine out of the mix and it may well be discolored optical brightener. If, on the other hand, it appears that it might be urine from your questioning, then you can identify it in a couple of other ways besides using an ultraviolet light.
First, you could use your moisture sensor. Urine never really totally dries whereas an optical brightener does dry. Residual urine salts act as a desiccant material that absorbs moisture from the air. Positioning the sensor in an area of urine will cause the sensor to beep and flash.
First, you could use your moisture sensor. Urine never really totally dries whereas an optical brightener does dry. Residual urine salts act as a desiccant material that absorbs moisture from the air. Positioning the sensor in an area of urine will cause the sensor to beep and flash.
Urine detection with a moisture sensorAn old trick used by carpet cleaners to identify urine presence is to moisten a folded white paper towel, tissue or napkin. Place it over the area in question.
Moistened paper towel on suspected urine area
Step on moistened towel 10-15 seconds
Use a tweezers to pick up the moistened towel, tissue or napkin and place it into a disposable paper or plastic cup.
Placing towel into a cup
Take a careful sniff. If it’s urine you’ll know. (It’s better to find out now rather than clean the whole carpet and then really smell the urine!)
Does it smell like urine?
Optical Brightener Removal
There is nothing that can be done to remove it. Only repeated cleanings, foot traffic over time and exposure to sunlight can reduce the effect of an optical brightener. That’s why Duraclean no longer sells them or puts them into any of our solutions. As we mentioned, the optical brightener deposit, if old enough, may have already yellowed.
Urine Removal
It depends upon how old the urine is and how deep it is in the carpet/pad. Urine is very tenacious being protein in nature and doesn’t want to be easily released from the affected surface. Your best bet to remove urine (at the very least the odor causing residue that is likely down through the carpet and pad to the underlying subfloor) is to employ the Water Claw Spotlifter. You will be using the Spotlifter to force solution and water down to the subfloor by “pressing” (without the vacuum hose attached) and then “extracting” the solution and water by attaching the vacuum hose which is connected to a portable cabinet or truck mount unit.
Water Claw Spotlifter
Urinse application 2) Pour enough so the Urinse will penetrate down to the subfloor and spread out. The urine contamination at the subfloor level will be larger than what is visible at the top of the carpet. Help force the Urinse into the pad and down to the subfloor by pressing downward with the Spotlifter.
Compressing the area with the Spotlifter
3) Allow about 10 minutes of dwell time.
4) Extract the Urinse with the Spotlifter.
Urinse Extraction
5) Pour plain water over the area.
Plain water rinse
6) Force it down to the subfloor by compressing the carpet and pad with the Spotlifter.
Compressing the area
7) Extract with the Spotlifter.
Extracting the area
8) Pour mixed Bioenzyme Deodorant on the area.
Bioenzyme Deodorant application
9) Force it down through the pad to the subfloor with the Spotlifter.
Compressing the Bioenzyme Deodorant application
10) Allow a minimum of 30 minutes of dwell time.
11) Extract the Bioenzyme Deodorant with the Spotlifter.
Bioenzyme Deodorant extraction
Optional: If you wish you can follow up with a clear water extraction using the Spotlifter. Then foam extract the carpet surface.
Multiple Urine Areas
If you have several areas with urine contamination you may want to move from area to area with the same steps such as first treat all areas through the Urinse step, rinse all areas and then treat all areas with the Bioenzyme Deodorant step and so on.
Light Contamination and Glue-Down Carpet
If the urine is present only in very small spots, then you can probably just treat them at the surface level with the Urinse and Bioenzyme Deodorant rather than the subsurface procedure detailed here. The same is true of glue-down carpet. You would eliminate the use of the Water Claw Spotlifter (which doesn’t work well on glue-down carpet) and saturate the carpet down to the subfloor with the solutions and plain water. Extraction steps are accomplished with a tool such as a wand or stair tool.
Labels: Deodorization, Pet Odor, Technical, Training, Urine, You Ask We Answer
# posted by Unknown @ 12:04 PM
Former Franchisee/Employee
Hank Hakewill: Duraclean Loses a Devoted Friend
Those franchisees who were in the Duraclean system from 1973 through 1995 will likely remember Hank Hakewill. Hank started out in the Duraclean system as a franchisee in the Deerfield, Illinois area until he sold his business in 1984 for his first “retirement.” In November, 1985 he joined Duraclean Headquarters’ staff and remained a fixture there until the end of 1995 when he retired for good. Hank’s family notified Duraclean that he passed away in Maine with his family in attendance after a short bought with cancer on March 31 of this year. He was 88 years old. His wife Trudy passed away on June 28 at the age of 86.
While an employee at Duraclean Hank as International Development Manager provided telephone technical support and helped Duraclean meet OSHA compliance on Right-to-Know safety issues. He worked on writing new and revising current Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs), product labels and safety programs including the Duraclean Container Labels & Material Safety Sheets booklet and the 3 Part Right-to-Know Training Program. Hank also worked closely with International franchisee prospects on potential sales and then subsequent support for them after the sale.
We never saw Hank without a smile on his face, a kind word or a story to tell which often revolved around his family activities. He and Trudy will be greatly missed.
Those franchisees who were in the Duraclean system from 1973 through 1995 will likely remember Hank Hakewill. Hank started out in the Duraclean system as a franchisee in the Deerfield, Illinois area until he sold his business in 1984 for his first “retirement.” In November, 1985 he joined Duraclean Headquarters’ staff and remained a fixture there until the end of 1995 when he retired for good. Hank’s family notified Duraclean that he passed away in Maine with his family in attendance after a short bought with cancer on March 31 of this year. He was 88 years old. His wife Trudy passed away on June 28 at the age of 86.
While an employee at Duraclean Hank as International Development Manager provided telephone technical support and helped Duraclean meet OSHA compliance on Right-to-Know safety issues. He worked on writing new and revising current Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs), product labels and safety programs including the Duraclean Container Labels & Material Safety Sheets booklet and the 3 Part Right-to-Know Training Program. Hank also worked closely with International franchisee prospects on potential sales and then subsequent support for them after the sale.
We never saw Hank without a smile on his face, a kind word or a story to tell which often revolved around his family activities. He and Trudy will be greatly missed.
Labels: Announcements, Hakewill, Obituary
# posted by Unknown @ 12:03 PM
Duraclean Website File Downloads
755 Duraclean Website File Downloads
Information that can be directly downloaded from Duraclean’s website continues to be revised and added to. Often Duraclean Central is asked by franchisees about the availability of Duraclean forms, artwork, etc., because they are unaware that they currently exist 24/7 on our website www.duracleanfranchise.com. You can click on the link for “Downloads” and currently find six categories you can choose from to access the files.
Anti-Allergen Brochures, Logo (5 files)
All files support the ResponsibleCare Anti-Allergen program which highlights mattress cleaning that greatly reduces symptoms for allergy sufferers. The brochure examples are in full color .pdf files for your review. The actual brochures may be ordered through Duraclean Central.
NOTE: You can obtain a “how-to” ResponsibleCare DVD or VHS tape. You can order as follows: #3353-DVD or #3353-Video.
Duraclean Documents, Logos, Files, Art (50 files)
This section includes Duraclean logos, international service symbols, restoration and mold remediation authorization forms, water damage and mold remediation personnel job descriptions, franchise qualifications booklet, and website download links to Adobe Acrobat and WinZip.
OSHA Quick Cards (26 files)
The cards are taken directly from OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration). Each card addresses a specific safety-related topic in addition to suggestions on what to do. They are a good review and training source.
Safety Compliance Files (125 files)
This is the fastest expanding Downloads section. Inclusion of these specific files is based on materials that will allow you to comply with OSHA 29 CFR 1910 (dealing with your place of business and work) and OSHA 29 CFR 1926 (dealing with working at the jobsite). These files also allow you to satisfy safety document suggestions as put forth for “contractors” in IICRC S500 Standard and Reference for Professional Water Damage and IICRC S520 Standard and Reference Guide for Professional Mold Remediation.
NOTE: Failure to have safety programs and documentation in place could lead to significant OHSA fines and/or lawsuits.
One of the first steps to get into compliance is to have written safety plans. The related web files are in Word format so you can personalize them in a relatively short period of time. Once you have done that, put them in a central location. You can also advertise the fact that you have written safety plans in place which may be a specified requirement in jobs for which you are bidding. Additional safety files include checklists, audits, quizzes (with answer keys), trainer’s notes, handouts, forms, exercises and
information on specific topics.
Secondary Container Labels (68 files)
Recently OSHA imposed a large fine on a California company for distributing a repackaged anti-microbial to customers without proper labeling. Although giving customers an anti-microbial isn’t a good idea in the first place the fact that the label was improper was the breaking point. This repackaged product is what is called a “secondary container” which, by definition, is a non-manufacturer original receptacle into which a manufacturer’s product is poured, mixed and/or stored. There web files are for commonly used products that are put into other containers and then used. Among other things each label has any hazardous ingredients listed, how the product was diluted and personal safety information in regard to exposure and first aid procedures. The related files can be downloaded, saved and printed out for relabeling the containers.
Water Damage Restoration Documents (9 files)
These files include inspection documentation, reference charts and formulas for equipment selection, all of which are critical in justifying your decisions and charges for a water restoration job.
Service Photo Files (472)
Photo files are segregated into 472various service areas. They are ideal for insertion into PowerPoint presentations for your service personnel as well as for insurance and real estate agents. When inserted into PowerPoint, these files will appear crystal clear.
These files are not primarily designed to be used in advertisement pieces since many of them have small file sizes. If there are some images you do wish to use for advertising pieces, check with your local graphics service business, newspaper, etc., and they can tell you how well they will reproduce. You can e-mail them the files for their inspection.
This special “Downloads” section is intended to be ever evolving. More photos will be added in the future so make sure to check periodically to see what’s new!
Information that can be directly downloaded from Duraclean’s website continues to be revised and added to. Often Duraclean Central is asked by franchisees about the availability of Duraclean forms, artwork, etc., because they are unaware that they currently exist 24/7 on our website www.duracleanfranchise.com. You can click on the link for “Downloads” and currently find six categories you can choose from to access the files.
Anti-Allergen Brochures, Logo (5 files)
All files support the ResponsibleCare Anti-Allergen program which highlights mattress cleaning that greatly reduces symptoms for allergy sufferers. The brochure examples are in full color .pdf files for your review. The actual brochures may be ordered through Duraclean Central.
NOTE: You can obtain a “how-to” ResponsibleCare DVD or VHS tape. You can order as follows: #3353-DVD or #3353-Video.
Duraclean Documents, Logos, Files, Art (50 files)
This section includes Duraclean logos, international service symbols, restoration and mold remediation authorization forms, water damage and mold remediation personnel job descriptions, franchise qualifications booklet, and website download links to Adobe Acrobat and WinZip.
OSHA Quick Cards (26 files)
The cards are taken directly from OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration). Each card addresses a specific safety-related topic in addition to suggestions on what to do. They are a good review and training source.
Safety Compliance Files (125 files)
This is the fastest expanding Downloads section. Inclusion of these specific files is based on materials that will allow you to comply with OSHA 29 CFR 1910 (dealing with your place of business and work) and OSHA 29 CFR 1926 (dealing with working at the jobsite). These files also allow you to satisfy safety document suggestions as put forth for “contractors” in IICRC S500 Standard and Reference for Professional Water Damage and IICRC S520 Standard and Reference Guide for Professional Mold Remediation.
NOTE: Failure to have safety programs and documentation in place could lead to significant OHSA fines and/or lawsuits.
One of the first steps to get into compliance is to have written safety plans. The related web files are in Word format so you can personalize them in a relatively short period of time. Once you have done that, put them in a central location. You can also advertise the fact that you have written safety plans in place which may be a specified requirement in jobs for which you are bidding. Additional safety files include checklists, audits, quizzes (with answer keys), trainer’s notes, handouts, forms, exercises and
information on specific topics.
Secondary Container Labels (68 files)
Recently OSHA imposed a large fine on a California company for distributing a repackaged anti-microbial to customers without proper labeling. Although giving customers an anti-microbial isn’t a good idea in the first place the fact that the label was improper was the breaking point. This repackaged product is what is called a “secondary container” which, by definition, is a non-manufacturer original receptacle into which a manufacturer’s product is poured, mixed and/or stored. There web files are for commonly used products that are put into other containers and then used. Among other things each label has any hazardous ingredients listed, how the product was diluted and personal safety information in regard to exposure and first aid procedures. The related files can be downloaded, saved and printed out for relabeling the containers.
Water Damage Restoration Documents (9 files)
These files include inspection documentation, reference charts and formulas for equipment selection, all of which are critical in justifying your decisions and charges for a water restoration job.
Service Photo Files (472)
Photo files are segregated into 472various service areas. They are ideal for insertion into PowerPoint presentations for your service personnel as well as for insurance and real estate agents. When inserted into PowerPoint, these files will appear crystal clear.
These files are not primarily designed to be used in advertisement pieces since many of them have small file sizes. If there are some images you do wish to use for advertising pieces, check with your local graphics service business, newspaper, etc., and they can tell you how well they will reproduce. You can e-mail them the files for their inspection.
This special “Downloads” section is intended to be ever evolving. More photos will be added in the future so make sure to check periodically to see what’s new!
Labels: Documents, Downloads, Duraclean Logos, Forms, Safety Compliance, Website
# posted by Unknown @ 12:03 PM
Mold Clearance Protocols
Not All Mold Clearance Protocols Are the Same!!!
Normal Protocol
A couple of situations were recently brought to the attention to Duraclean Central that break the “mold” in regard to clearance procedures in mold remediation projects. Normally, “clearance,” the verification that mold spore levels are at safe levels, usually involves several common factors. First, and most obvious, is that is no visible mold left. This is a fairly easy one to confirm. Second, one or more tests are performed to confirm actual remaining spore counts. Surface tests by an industrial hygienist of items such as drywall, ductwork and carpet may be done through lift tape, swabs or vacuuming of the surface where the spores may go into a spore trap or onto a slide. Acceptable levels as a result of the lab results are determined by the industrial hygienist since there are no “safe” levels established by the EPA. Air sample tests may be conducted comparing inside air to outside air. This is done with a vacuum type system. What an industrial hygienist looks for, in general, is that there are lower spore counts of the various mold types in the structure compared to outside and that there are no mold types that are in the structure that aren’t outside. Following are two surprising examples that deviate from this standard.
Unusual Protocols
The first situation involves a large structure that was heavily water and then mold damaged as a result of exposure to a hurricane. The lengthy remediation protocol by the industrial hygienist gives very specific directions in regard to containment, demolition and cleanup. The clearance protocol, on the other hand, is very simplistic: no visible mold remaining. No surface tests, no air tests. The other variant in the remediation process outside of the clearance portion is that if any additional problems are found outside of the protocol, then they should be brought to the attention of the owners who will accept or reject the additional work. The industrial hygienist won’t be part of the variance where, usually, they will authorize a change type order and a revision of the project protocol.
The second situation involves a home where the residents complained about being sick. When they saw mold in the attic they contacted an industrial hygienist. As part of the inspection mold was also found in the HVAC system. The owners had a remediation company come out and clean the attic surfaces, then apply Kilz to the surface. Note: Kilz makes no claim as to its effectiveness in dealing with mold and has no EPA registration. The only advantage is that it does cover discoloration and is much less expensive to apply than Fosters or Fiberlock encapsulants. The company replaced the HVAC system. Within a short time after the completion of the project the residents complained again about feeling sick.
Another industrial hygienist came onto the scene. First, he specified removal of the roof. He didn’t believe in soda or ice blasting saying that it was the worst thing to do so although the residents thought that the problem was caused by the application of the Kilz, he felt the best thing was the roof removal. Note: soda and ice blasting is widely accepted as a means to remove mold from surfaces. He also recommended that all cloth furnishings be discarded, other furnishings temporarily removed and all surfaces be cleaned. Once that was accomplished he proposed that the people move in and that the furnishings be gradually reintroduced to ensure that if anything that was potentially causing the sick reaction with the residents could be readily identified. If the structure and contents were totally reintroduced without a problem, then the job site was considered to pass clearance.
At times you may find the most unusual protocols specified. The important thing to note that you are not performing protocol that you know to be wrong, not in compliance with EPA and the IICRC S520 mold standards. Otherwise, just follow the protocol as specified.
Normal Protocol
A couple of situations were recently brought to the attention to Duraclean Central that break the “mold” in regard to clearance procedures in mold remediation projects. Normally, “clearance,” the verification that mold spore levels are at safe levels, usually involves several common factors. First, and most obvious, is that is no visible mold left. This is a fairly easy one to confirm. Second, one or more tests are performed to confirm actual remaining spore counts. Surface tests by an industrial hygienist of items such as drywall, ductwork and carpet may be done through lift tape, swabs or vacuuming of the surface where the spores may go into a spore trap or onto a slide. Acceptable levels as a result of the lab results are determined by the industrial hygienist since there are no “safe” levels established by the EPA. Air sample tests may be conducted comparing inside air to outside air. This is done with a vacuum type system. What an industrial hygienist looks for, in general, is that there are lower spore counts of the various mold types in the structure compared to outside and that there are no mold types that are in the structure that aren’t outside. Following are two surprising examples that deviate from this standard.
Unusual Protocols
The first situation involves a large structure that was heavily water and then mold damaged as a result of exposure to a hurricane. The lengthy remediation protocol by the industrial hygienist gives very specific directions in regard to containment, demolition and cleanup. The clearance protocol, on the other hand, is very simplistic: no visible mold remaining. No surface tests, no air tests. The other variant in the remediation process outside of the clearance portion is that if any additional problems are found outside of the protocol, then they should be brought to the attention of the owners who will accept or reject the additional work. The industrial hygienist won’t be part of the variance where, usually, they will authorize a change type order and a revision of the project protocol.
The second situation involves a home where the residents complained about being sick. When they saw mold in the attic they contacted an industrial hygienist. As part of the inspection mold was also found in the HVAC system. The owners had a remediation company come out and clean the attic surfaces, then apply Kilz to the surface. Note: Kilz makes no claim as to its effectiveness in dealing with mold and has no EPA registration. The only advantage is that it does cover discoloration and is much less expensive to apply than Fosters or Fiberlock encapsulants. The company replaced the HVAC system. Within a short time after the completion of the project the residents complained again about feeling sick.
Another industrial hygienist came onto the scene. First, he specified removal of the roof. He didn’t believe in soda or ice blasting saying that it was the worst thing to do so although the residents thought that the problem was caused by the application of the Kilz, he felt the best thing was the roof removal. Note: soda and ice blasting is widely accepted as a means to remove mold from surfaces. He also recommended that all cloth furnishings be discarded, other furnishings temporarily removed and all surfaces be cleaned. Once that was accomplished he proposed that the people move in and that the furnishings be gradually reintroduced to ensure that if anything that was potentially causing the sick reaction with the residents could be readily identified. If the structure and contents were totally reintroduced without a problem, then the job site was considered to pass clearance.
At times you may find the most unusual protocols specified. The important thing to note that you are not performing protocol that you know to be wrong, not in compliance with EPA and the IICRC S520 mold standards. Otherwise, just follow the protocol as specified.
Labels: IICRC S520, Mold, Protocol, Technical
# posted by Unknown @ 12:01 PM
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