Duraclean Journal of Marketing, Management and Technical Topics

• November 26 & 27 - closed for Thanksgiving holiday.
• November 30 - December 3 - we will be taking inventory. You may place orders during this time but shipping will not resume until December 4.
• December 24 & 25 - closed for the Christmas holiday.

Labels: Announcements

Labels: Announcements, Equipment, Financing

Fabricrafter Fiber Washers Critical to Foam Tool Performance

One of the main problems that can occur with a Fabricrafter upholstery foam tool is an internal leak of the solution line system. That often is a result of the twisting back and forth of the tool's head which will loosen up the connection of the solution line into the solution valve. (The solution line is shown here.)

In addition, over time through wear and exposure to moisture the fiber washer that is used between the solution line and solution valve can break down leading to some solution leakage. (The replacement fiber washer is also shown here.) It only takes a small leak to significantly reduce the solution flow coming out of the tool!

Although not as critical as the solution line connection, the air hose leading into the solution valve also has a fiber washer.

We recommend that every time you remove the solution or air hose from the solution valve that y0u replace the fiber washer with a new one.

For the first time you can now purchase the fiber washer as follows:

#9670 - Gasket, Fiber Washer

It sells for $.45 each, a minimum quantity of 2 must be ordered.

Labels: Equipment, Fabricrafter, Technical

Cold Comfort—and Safety

The following article is a condensation from the "Safety News Alert" newsletter from BLR (http://www.blr.com). It reminds us that cold weather is coming—and may have already arrived in some parts of the country—Are you prepared?

Cold Conditions and Prevention

Winter adds its own hazards to your regular safety concerns, so get your workers ready to continue to work safely in winter weather by training them to recognize and protect against its hazards.

How cold is too cold? According to OSHA, cold stress can occur when the body is unable to warm itself. This can lead to tissue damage and possibly death.

Four factors contribute to cold stress:

• Cold air temperatures


• High velocity air movement


• Dampness of the air


• Contact with cold water or surfaces
  

A cold environment forces the body to work harder to maintain its temperature. Cold air, water, and snow all draw heat from the body. OSHA points out that while below-freezing conditions and inadequate protection can bring about cold stress, problems can also occur with much higher temperatures, even in the 50s, when coupled with rain and wind.

The most common cold-induced problems are hypothermia, frostbite, and trench foot. Hypothermia occurs when body heat is lost faster than it can be replaced. When the core body temperature drops from the normal 98.6°F to around 95°F, symptoms generally begin. The person may begin to shiver and stomp the feet in order to generate heat. Workers may lose coordination, experience slurred speech, and fumble with items in their hands. The skin will likely be pale and cold. As the body temperature falls, symptoms will worsen, and shivering will stop. At a body temperature of below 85°F, severe hypothermia will develop, and the person may become unconscious; at 78°F, death can occur. Treatment depends on the severity of the hypothermia.

Frostbite occurs when the skin actually freezes and loses water. In severe cases, amputation of the frostbitten area may be required. Frostbite usually affects the extremities. The affected body part will be cold, tingling, stinging, or aching, followed by numbness. The skin turns red in color, then purple, then white, and is cold to the touch. In severe cases, there may be blisters.

Trench foot, or immersion foot, is caused when the feet are immersed in cold water at temperatures above freezing for long periods of time. It is similar to frostbite, but is considered less severe. Symptoms include tingling, itching, or a burning sensation.

OSHA recommends that you train workers to take these precautions:

• Wear at least three layers of clothing: an outer layer, such as Gortex, to break the wind, a middle layer of down or wool to absorb sweat and provide insulation and an inner layer of cotton or synthetic weave to allow ventilation.


• Wear a hat. Considerable heat escapes the body from the head.


• Keep a change of dry clothing available in case work clothes become wet.


• Wear loose rather than tight clothing for better ventilation.
  

Follow work practices, including:

• Drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration.


• Schedule work during the warmer parts of the day.


• Take breaks out of the cold.


• Work in pairs.


• Avoid fatigue.


• Consume warm, high-calorie food.
  

Why It Matters...
Cold conditions add hazards to normal safety concerns on the job.
It’s not just low temperatures, but also wind and water that workers need to be warned about. For example, when the air temperature of wind is 40°F (4°C) and its velocity is 35 mph, exposed skin receives conditions equivalent to the still-air temperature being 11°F (-11°C).

NOTE: Wet conditions also increase the hazards of cold temperatures beyond the actual thermometer reading.

Labels: Cold Weather, Safety Management

Restoration Tag Line Announced

Duraclean announces a new tag line in keeping with the “Flower Fresh” tradition. The standard tag line “Flower Fresh” cleaning for homes and businesses has been in use for decades. As the scope of services provided by Duraclean franchisees has changed over the years a need for a new tag line has been voiced.

Recently the new tag line “Flower Fresh” Restoration and Cleaning Services was approved by Duraclean.

Decals can be ordered to update the side of your van or box truck. They can be ordered with the word Duraclean or independently.

• Item # 3132 "Duraclean" and "Flower Fresh Cleaning.." Decals. Tag line for side of full sized cargo van. $85.25 each.
• Item # 3172 "Duraclean" and "Flower Fresh Restoration.." Decals. Tag line for side of full sized cargo van. $85.25 each.
• Item # 3173 DECAL, RESTORATION TAG LINE: "Flower Fresh” Restoration and Cleaning Services for side of full sized cargo van. 4.625" x 98" in Duraclean blue. $36.15 each.
• Item # 3175 DECAL, CLEANING TAG LINE: "Flower Fresh” cleaning for homes and businesses for side of full sized cargo van in Duraclean blue. $36.15 each.
  

Order before December 15th and save 20%...

place your order today, on line at

http://www.duracleanfranchise.com/

or call 800-251-7070

Labels: Announcements, Marketing, Vehicle Signage

Labels: Duralizer, Replacement Parts

“Restoration News” Newsletter Program




















The “Restoration News” newsletters are three stand alone sequential series about water damage restoration, fire damage restoration and mold remediation that can be sent (or hand delivered) to insurance agents and adjusters, property managers and realtors. They inform your audience as to what is involved in the initial damage and then how to deal with the situations.


Recently fire damage restoration and mold remediation newsletters were added to the franchisee website. You can access these newsletters by clicking on the following link: http://www.duracleanfranchise.com/downloads/downloads.htm. Scroll down to the “Newsletters” heading and click on it to find more information about the newsletter program, newsletter content and how you can market it.

Labels: Announcements, Fire Damage Restoration, Marketing, Mold Remediation, Newsletters, Restoration, Water Damage Restoration

How to Lower High Blood Pressure Risks in the Workplace

The following article is a condensation from the "Safety News Alert" newsletter from BLR (http://www.blr.com). According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), almost one-fifth of people who have high blood pressure don’t know they have it. And, because doctor visits for high blood pressure-related maladies top 44 million a year, it makes good health and business sense to educate your workers about the dangers of hypertension—and about how they can take the pressure off.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), almost one-fifth of people who have high blood pressure don’t know they have it. And, because doctor visits for high blood pressure-related maladies top 44 million a year, it makes good health and business sense to educate your workers about the dangers of hypertension — and about how they can take the pressure off.


High blood pressure is called "the silent killer" because people who have it rarely show any signs of disease. Sometimes it will cause frequent headaches or nosebleeds, but usually there will be no symptoms at all. So let your workers know that the risk factors for having high blood pressure include:

• A family history of high blood pressure
• African-American ancestry
• Diabetes
• Being overweight
• Smoking

Again, reiterate to workers that even if they don't have any of these risk factors, there is still a chance they could have high blood pressure. Encourage them to have their blood pressure checked often. Untreated high blood pressure can cause damage to several areas of the human body.

This includes:

• The brain — Arteries can rupture, causing stroke or death.
• The kidneys — Kidneys clean the blood. If blood flow to the kidneys is reduced, impurities in the blood can build up in the body and damage other organs.
• The eyes — Damage to the arteries in the eyes can lead to blindness.
• The heart — High blood pressure is a constant strain on the heart and can result in a heart attack.
• The arteries — Pressure on the artery walls can cause them to thicken in what is called "hardening of the arteries" or arteriosclerosis.
  

Even with effective education, some of your workers may develop high blood pressure. Encourage them to consult with their physician on the many ways they can take the pressure off and better manage their health.

Here are some options:

• Reduce sodium intake. Sodium, found in table salt and many processed foods including canned soups, increases blood pressure, so read all food labels and put down that salt shaker!
• Maintain a healthy weight. People 20 percent or more over their ideal weight have a greater risk of developing high blood pressure. Sometimes, weight loss alone will bring blood pressure back to normal.
• Exercise. Regular exercise reduces blood pressure and helps in weight loss. Walking for 20 minutes 3 or 4 times a week is a good practice.
• Avoid stress. Prolonged stress constricts the blood vessels and makes the heart work harder. Use relaxation techniques to reduce stress.
• Don't use alcohol to relax. It can cause high blood pressure or make it harder to control.
• Stop smoking. Not only will it help prevent high blood pressure, but other diseases as well. Smoking and high blood pressure are a dangerous combination.

Labels: employees, Safety Management