Friday, October 15, 2010

Antimicrobial Pesticide Applicator License required in St. Paul Minnesota

Antimicrobial Pesticide Applicator License

St. Paul, Minnesota

This new license is only applicable to Minnesota but we may want to look for similar legislation to come to the West Coast soon. Given the Federal FIFRA regulation currently in place, this is bound to happen...

According to a recent press release in St. Paul, MN - The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) announced it has updated the Antimicrobial Pesticide Use category of Commercial and Noncommercial Pesticide Applicator Licenses to include indoor mold mitigation and remediation.

To view the press release on the Cleaning and Maintenance Management Online website follow this link: http://www.cmmonline.com/news.asp?N_ID=76336

Examples of pesticide application stated in the release that require an Antimicrobial Pesticide Applicator License include the for-hire application of antimicrobial pesticides during moisture and mold remediation due to flooding, long-term indoor water leaks or below-ground water infiltration; maintenance and cleaning of HVAC systems to control bacteria and mold; and maintenance and cleaning of cooling towers to control bacteria, fungi, algae and mollusks.

According to the release, the Minnesota Pesticide Control Law required that any person in Minnesota applying a pesticide for-hire must obtain a Commercial Pesticide Applicator License from MDA.

The release also noted, to receive this license, an applicator must complete an application and pass certification examination in both the Antimicrobial Pesticide and Core categories, by passing the exams the applicator shows they have met the minimum qualifications to apply antimicrobial pesticides in a legal, effective, safe and environmentally sound manner. Licenses are issued for the calendar year and must be renewed annually.

For more information follow these links:

Friday, October 8, 2010

CRA Members helping to re-build San Bruno

A few weeks ago, a massive gas explosion erupted in San Bruno, after a neighborhood gas pipe ruptured. CRA Members arrived promptly on the scene to help rebuild after the explosion and fire destroyed nearly 50 homes.



FRSTeam

"FRSTeam has been a main provider for soft goods restoration in San Bruno since the days immediately following the incident. We have worked with restorers and insurance companies to service the homeowners affected by the disaster. Our home office in Hayward moved into Catastrophe mode and ramped up resources to handle the surge of volume. We handled a large volume of claims and maintained all of the service deliverables that our brand is known for. We were extremely proud of the way our staff responded to the needs of the people of San Bruno – helping to put lives back together in that community."




Anderson Group International

"Anderson Group International has had the privilege to work side by side with P.G. & E. and assist in the rebuild of the San Bruno community. Due to the tremendous loss with the accident in San Bruno, many families have been displaced and are slowly trying to get back to normalcy before the accident happened. AGI is currently working on several homes in the neighborhood of San Bruno with services ranging from smoke and odor remediation and structure cleaning. AGI's focus in San Bruno was to conduct full interior cleaning, with contents and structural needs, roof inspections, foundation inspections and chimney inspections. With strict EPA policies regarding lead based paint handling, AGI has been working in conjunction with Restoration Consultants to develop a protocol in regards to following the EPA policies on lead based paint removal in that area."



"When Restoration Management Company arrived to the scene of the San Bruno explosion we immediately began assisting both the homeowners and PG&E in every way possible. RMC’s initial emergency response consisted of providing snacks, waters and lunches for homeowners and other responding agencies. We worked around the clock to set-up of an on-site office and staging area. A dedicated staff was assigned to assist and handle all inquiries which resulted from the San Bruno Explosion. 130+ residences were inspected and cleaned to various degrees. Damage ranged from exterior soot clean-up to complete pack-outs, fire restoration and asbestos abatement. As we continue to assist the victims through this devastating time, we at Restoration Management Company extend our prayers and well wishes to all those affected and the entire San Bruno community."



"We extend our deepest condolences to the families affected by the San Bruno explosion and fire, especially those who lost loved ones or sustained injuries. Four Star has been on site the last two days at the relief center donating time and labor to assist, unload donations, distribute relief supplies to needy families..., toys to children and offering our services with victims and our insurance carrier partners."
(Posted 9/12/2010)








CRA extends its condolences to those affected by the explosion and fire.

CRA Members are ready to respond to any catastrophe in the California, Nevada, and Arizona regions. For information on CRA Members in your area, visit the Member Profiles section of the CRA website.

Thursday, October 7, 2010

CRA's Newest Members

CRA would like to introduce our newest members:

JoAnn Copperud with RGA Environmental, Inc.
James Milne with On The Spot Restoration
Rob Johnston with West Coast Restoration Services, Inc.
Dave Dahlin with West Coast Restoration Contractors, Inc.
Warren Hart with High Point Salvage
Jack Corry with Puroclean Restoration Services
William Jones with JJR Restoration Inc. DBA ServPro of Chico & Lake Almanor
Tim Kassen with American Technologies, Inc.
Ivan Funes with Restoration Management
Jim Morris with Aptos Carpet Cleaning & Upholstery
Rick Schutt with DRI, Inc.
Ross Driscoll with Driscoll and Driscoll
Tom Contreras with Bewley's Cleaning
Jim Nicholas with FRSTeam
Anthony Youngblood with Quality Clean, LLC
Richard Hooper with All Seasons Restorations, Inc.
Frank Najafi with Aardvark Property Hazard Analysis, Co.



Don't forget, you can search for a cleaning and restoration professional in your area on the Member Profile section of the CRA website.






Thank you to all of our members. We're happy to have you as part of our team!

Wednesday, October 6, 2010

CRA's Hospitality Event & Connections Convention





The Cleaning and Restoration Association attended the Connections Convention & Trade show at the Las Vegas Hilton from September 29th through October 1st and it was a huge success! We were able to meet with many of our members. The event gave us a chance to talk about improving our industry and to learn more about what our members are passionate about changing in the industry. CRA also held a hospitality event on Thursday, September 30th, where we were able to get together with almost 40 of our members and guests. As a result of Connections Convention, CRA has added 11 new members to the membership list so far. CRA is looking forward to hosting another hospitality event next year.

We want to thank all of you who stopped by the CRA booth. You are an essential part of our association and without you we wouldn't be where we are today.

Hope to see all of you again soon!