The IICRC continues to get the word out that certification credentials are key to locating and hiring professional restoration companies. Working through the IICRC Governmental Affairs Committee, Dan Bernazzani announced at the recent IICRC Certification Council meeting that the Maryland Attorney General’s office, People’s Insurance Counsel Division, has just published an official brochure advising their constituents to ask if restoration companies are IICRC Certified before deciding to hire them.
The IICRC Standards Committee reports that the next revision of the S500 Water Damage Restoration Standard has begun with the call for public comment. The S100 Carpet Cleaning Standard is in the final editing and review stages. The committee has also just started work on a new Carpet Installation Standard under the sponsorship of the Carpet & Rug Institute (CRI) and the World Floor Covering Association (WFCA).
Each time an IICRC Standard is revised or updated, it is important to keep a copy on file of the older editions. If your work is ever questioned, the edition of the Standard that was in effect when the restoration was performed is the version that applies.
Recently at the semiannual IICRC Board of Directors meeting, a new certification was approved in the area of “Commercial Drying Specialist.” The final details are being attended to in order to get the exams published and instructors approved so the classes can begin to be offered by the end of the year. This certification will focus on large commercial and catastrophic water-damage losses, a highly specialized field.
The IICRC Board of Directors is happy to announce the hiring of a new full-time President/CEO to lead the organization to the next level of efficiency and growth. Patrick Winters will be taking the position effective Aug. 1. Recent growth and expansion of the IICRC has made the job of president grow beyond what can be expected of a volunteer. Patrick will report to the IICRC Board of Directors, and will work to move the many IICRC projects forward on all fronts.
The IICRC trade show booths have been present at various conventions, conferences and events for the restoration and related industries. Included are Surfaces, Connections, PLRB, and various franchise events. You are invited to stop buy at any trade show you attend, “talk shop” and gather updated information from the IICRC representatives in the booth. While there, remember to sign in for continuing education credits (CECs). The latest editions of all the IICRC standards are also available for purchase from the booth allowing you save shipping and handling charges.
For more on the IICRC go to www.iicrc.org.
