Executive Housekeeping Today - March 2008 - (Page 20)

Mold Issues (continued from page 4) Mold and Money For the hotel properties that were lucky enough to have only minimal damage after Hurricane Katrina, there was great relief that they may soon reopen their doors and be back in business. However, the aftermath of the storm presented new unexpected challenges, even for those structures that experienced minimal damage. Many of these facilities soon realized they had mold contamination. Certain kinds of mold contamination can quickly lead to the shutdown of income-producing properties, such as hotels, restaurants, and other facilities, and hotels are considered the most vulnerable. Instead of reopening, many properties remained closed because of mold, only to discover yet another new challenge awaiting them: Their insurance coverage may not include restoration coverage due to mold contamination. Some insurers have eliminated mold coverage from their standard policies, while many others stopped offering service to states with damp, warm climates that are susceptible to high rates of mold, such as the areas affected by Hurricane Katrina. Depending on the amount of contamination, and because mold remediation requires skilled, welltrained workers with highly-efficient equipment, the costs can be high. Fortunately, these costs pale in comparison to major reconstruction and, if restoration work is done properly, a facility can re-open in a matter of weeks, instead of months or years. reduce carpet cleaning’s impact on the environment. Regardless of whether or not a cleaner is using Green products, a critical component of Green cleaning is when the least amount of chemical is used to achieve satisfactory results. Additionally, some newer lowmoisture extractors also have topmounted vacuum systems, similar to the restoration equipment mentioned earlier. This improves moisture recovery and helps carpets dry in just a few hours or less. Housekeeping professionals should also examine the wands used in carpet extraction. Historically, the main difference between wands is how heavy they are and how many jets they have—one, two, or as many as five. Recently, however, some wands have been redesigned, making the wand lighter and using new designs that help smooth out the airflow through the wand. The result is improved airflow and more effective cleaning and moisture removal. Mold is not disappearing or becoming less of a problem than in the past. What may be changing, however, is that new technologies have emerged that make removing and preventing mold problems more practical. These technologies, along with proper staff training, helps keep mold in check. Facilities that utilize these technologies and properly train workers can ensure ongoing business and help maintain the health of their guests and staff, all the while holding lawsuits and liabilities to a minimum. Renewal Guidelines for C.E.H./R.E.H. Holders You have two options: 1) Eligible renewing holders of the C.E.H. or R.E.H. designation may elect to take the proctored certification exam as a part of their renewal of their designation every three (3) years, or 2) Eligible renewing holders of the C.E.H. or R.E.H. designation must be able to demonstrate 30 (3.0) contact hours of participation within a three (3) year time period of continuing professional education in categories defined by I.E.H.A. in order to attain renewal of designation. One (1) contact hour is described as 60 minutes of continuous educational training. Chapters will be responsible for providing CEU certificates to all in attendance when a seminar is held, rather than submitting a list of those designation holders that attended. Each designation holder must maintain all of his/her certificates for submittal prior to his/her renewal date. For a complete listing of the subjects in which CEUs can be received, please contact the I.E.H.A. Education Department at (800) 200-6342. W Bruce Korodi is Director of Sales Development for U.S. Products, manufacturers of professional floor, carpet, and restoration cleaning equipment. He may be reached at bkorodi@aol.com. Log on! www.ieha.org 20 Executive Housekeeping Today/March 2008 http://www.ieha.org

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Executive Housekeeping Today - March 2008

Executive Housekeeping Today - March 2008 Contents Executive Corner Mold Issues: Restoration and Prevention Mold Removal with Steam Vapor: Study Validates New Technology Frugal Housekeeper Executive Housekeeping Today Virtual Magazine is a Big Hit with Readers! Executive Profile The Green Scene 2008 Convention Information Inside the Industry Product Highlights New Members Joint IEHA/ISSA Members Advertisers' Index Calendar of Events Inside I.E.H.A. What I.E.H.A. Has Done For Me

Executive Housekeeping Today - March 2008

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