Certification translates into lots of training, cleaner homes

Most professional cleaning companies require their technicians to have certification from industry-recognized certification firms.

These certification companies require the students to physically attend training and pass demanding exams before certification is issued to the technician. Most of these courses run three to five days in duration. During their course of study, the student must physically clean a room filled with furniture and personal items. These items are covered with soot and suffer from heat damage.

Students are taught what type of equipment and chemicals to use. Generally most certification firms require the student to have two to three years experience in the field before attending the class. My company requires our technicians to have two years experience and pass a company exam with 80 percent or better before I send them down for certification. The firm we use is the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning & Restoration.

The technician must have a working knowledge of wet vacuums, water claws, sump pumps, ultrasonic cleaning tanks, power tools, pressure sprayers, pump sprayers, thermal fogging machines, pressure washers, airless sprayers, various sanders, HEPA 500 air movers, moisture extractors, dehumidifiers, ladders, floor machines, generators, etc. Technicians must be able to wear personal protective equipment for long periods of time.

As an example, on every project that Northwest Executive and Environmental Services has restored, my technicians had to fully understand dehumidification in a fire-damaged environment.

Generally, water is used to extinguish the fire and, if left alone, has the potential to cause more damage to the building and effects than the fire.

The restoration professional has to create a positive drying environment so the building will dry fast and efficiently. Commercial dehumidifiers have the power and capability of removing water and moisture from drywall, plaster, interior paint, cement floors, carpet, insulation, and basements.

Drying time is reduced because the restorer adjusts the location and types of dehumidification as drying conditions change, if done correctly the results are exceptional and efficient. Along with dehumidification the restoration professional has to circulate air over and under surfaces, causing the moisture to evaporate into the air.

It is essential that the restoration professional understand relative humidity, temperature, vapor pressure and air movement; all of these conditions will effect how long it will take for the building to dry. Granted wet material can be removed, however if the building is not dry before the restoration begins, you could have created a much larger problem after the building has been put back together - mold.

If you would like to share a cleaning idea or concept with the reading audience, call Ed at NWEES (255-2266) or send them to Bonner County Daily Bee, 310 Church Street, Sandpoint, ID 83864, Attn: What Would Ed Do? For more information about Ed, check him out at NWEES.COM

Copy written by Edmond E. Madan, certified forensic, fire, flood, and mold inspection and remediation contractor. Ed is the chief executive officer of NWES, Inc.