An RIA Conference (Restorers Industry Association) was held in Atlanta, Georgia (USA) last month (March 2010). It included vendors from America, England and Canada show casing the latest and greatest in restorative technology. These included (to name a few) : heat drying systems, low amp drying equipment with keeping high cfm’s, ducting systems, bio sprayers, hand held bio systems.
Heat is coming to Australia, allowing greater success to dry down those hard to reach areas. There will also be new ducting systems to assist in the drying program. New odour control measures are soon coming to help to fight the battle against odours.
We will also be getting new machinery to help to remove those hard to remove odours including smoke smells, bacteria smells, urine etc. In the past, ozone machines where the greatest aid to try to combat these odours. Ozone is a poisonous o3 molecule produced to attach itself to the odour molecule then after 20mins would destroy itself and return to o2 (oxygen). The only problem is that whilst in the o3 form, ozone is dangerous to humans, animals and rubber. Also while in an o3 form, it has the ability to bleach any acid dyed material if wet. Hydroxyl technology is the answer. Hydroxyls naturally produced from the sun have no harmful side effects. A hydrogen atom bound with an oxygen atom forms the hydroxyl.
We gained further information from scientists and other industry professionals at the RIA. Further education gained from classes put on by the RIA committee help realign and set new standards for every restorator, big or small. Scientists from labs are testing new chemicals and practises to help further the industry and allow the opportunity for salvage and loss prevention to save on demolitions, replacements etc.
Courses included : Cleaning for health – Appling the concepts, Ethical people + Ethical Dealings = Ethical Operations, Legal Developments in Heath and Safety, Green and Sustainable Cleaning, Cleaning high-value oriental rugs after sewage, Rugs and carpets you’re sure to get into trouble when cleaning, The unknown hazards – Are you protected? and The science and business of sanitizing.
The RIA allows different professionals from all over the world to come together to share ideas and discuss new and exciting formulations and stories to help move this great industry forward with no boundaries on whether that person runs a one man van or a multi national company.
April 12, 2010
Fire Damage Restoration, Mould Removal, Other Restoration Services, Water Damage Restoration