This issue of NYSWDA's newsletter will focus on issues addressed at the National Weatherization Conference in Phoenix, Arizona, August 18-21

NYSWDA staff presented a session on our NY OSHA Lead (Negative Initial Determination) NID process.  As you know when the process is completed crews will be exempt from having to wear the half masks and Tyvek suits when performing LSW practices.  DOE expressed serious interest in our process and perhaps our data and model will be used by other states.  Click Here for Power Point Presentation by James and Earl at the National Conference in Arizona 

Some of the issues that came out at the conference were:

• All agencies are required by DOE to carry POI insurance
• Sub-contractors also need to carry POI insurance or be named on the agencies policy.  This becomes a huge issue for small rural agencies using mom & pop subs.
• Sub-contractors must be lead trained, follow LSW practices, and be using HEPA vacs etc
• With 65 agencies and perhaps up to 200 sub-contractors, New York will have to be split with several Roxanners if we go with NASCSP's policy. 
• HUD is attempting to force WAP to do "lead clearance testing" after completion and use DOE funds for this.  DOE is strongly fighting this issue

Continued in next column

Pollution Occurrence Insurance (POI).

POI insurance was the hot topic, addressed in several presentations at the conference.  As you know DOE requires that all local agencies carry adequate liability insurance but most general liability policies do not cover environmental pollutants such as lead. 

You may recall that NYSCAA procured a bid on this insurance 2 years ago, prior to 9/11 for the network.  NYSWDA recently went out to bid again for POI insurance but as of the due date 8/21/2003 we have not had a response, (the insurance industry has changed a great deal since 9/11).  We are following up with brokers as to why they did not respond and one broker has asked for an extension.  We will keep the network posted as to whether NY can find a Roxanner to cover the network.

At the conference Bob Adams from NASCSP presented the policy they have worked on for over a year.  NASCSP has obtained a national policy through BC Environmental Insurance Brokers.  For frequently asked question on this policy visit this page on the WapTac website -  http://www.waptac.org/sp.asp?id=1988#limits

   Bob Adams will be doing a presentation on the POI Insurances Issues at the Sept NYSCAA/NYSWDA training conference on Long Island.

We have something lined up for everyone -

• Air-sealing training brought to you by the staff of Zero Draft
• Combustion issues by Bacharach plus bring your testers for calibration right at the conference
• OSHA training (see sidebar)
• Lead updates from James
• Multi-family training for staff
• Presentations by Bob Adams from NASCSP on POI Insurance

MULTI Family Training for Admin. Assistants, WAP Directors, and other Admin Staff

We had several requests for training on Multi Family issues.  We have responded with a track on Outreach and Marketing which will be presented by Olga Souto from CEC and Barry Seebachan from the Bronx Shepherds Restoration Corp.  In addition David Hepinstall will also do a track Wed. afternoon on integrating multi family into WAP.  Session will include info on tracking, intake, landlord negotiation, and how multi family units differ from working with single family units and how your program can make administrative modification needed.

These tracks were designed for upstate agencies doing Multi Family Units.  Please support this training by sending your intake and data entry people.

Insurance Issues:  Cost Containment Strategies

By attending this session, participants will:

• Learn about the components of risk management assessment and how risk is translated into liability coverage;

Continued in next column

• Learn about the various liability products available, what each product covers and does not cover, and whether certain protections are necessary or useful when providing Weatherization services; and,
• Discuss the current Pollution Occurrence Insurance policies and potential mold and mildew liability issues, and provide insight into the future of this insurance trend.

 Presenter:  Robert Adams, National Association for State Community Services Programs,

OSHA Training

Septembers’ Professional Development conference promises to offer you opportunities that you won’t want to miss.  At Long Island’s conference you will be able to meet John Caldarelli and Maureen Moynihan-Fradkin from OSHA and learn about OSHA’s new direction.  They will present OSHA’s new Alliance program designed to create partnerships that offer assistance, guidance, and direction, rather than strictly enforcement.  John and Maureen are both former Enforcement Officers so they will be able to answer any questions you have regarding your Safety and Health Program. What’s in a S & H Program?  How do I start one? Anything from asbestos to XRF analyzer safety.  They are there to help

Space is limited, make your reservations today

There will be a NYSWDA general membership luncheon on the 17th at 12PM.  All are invited

CONFERENCE INFORMATION

September Professional Development Conference ~ September 16 - 18, 2003
Sheraton Long Island, Smithtown, NY

Click Here for Online Registration

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