X-ray Device Makes Scrubbing Rugs Clean a Spotless Effort

If “pulling the rug out from under” means suddenly withdrawing support and assistance, then NASA is pretty good at “putting the rug under” when it comes to offering technical support and assistance to private industry. In the case of a new X-ray fluorescence (XRF) sensor featuring enhancements compliments of NASA, the Space Agency not only provided the rug, but helped give private industry a means to ensure it keeps clean.

This sensor, utilized by NASA to read chemical bar codes concealed by paint and other coatings, perform on-the-spot chemical analyses in field conditions, and detect difficult-to-identify contaminants, has found another use as a tool that can measure how much soil is removed from household and commercial carpets.

The original technology was developed in 2002 to conduct quality control for critical aluminum alloy parts destined for the space shuttle. Evaluation of these parts is critical for the Space Agency, as any signs of contamination, corrosion, or material deviation could compromise a shuttle mission.

Preventing Knee Injuries and Disorders in Carpet Layers

The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) requests assistance in preventing knee injuries and disorders among carpet layers. These workers frequently report bursitis of the knee, fluid buildup requiring knee aspiration (knee taps), skin infections of the knee, and a variety of knee symptoms that are caused by frequent kneeling on hard surfaces and use of the knee kicker for stretching wall-to-wall carpet.

Although kneeling cannot be eliminated, carpet layers should wear protective knee pads whenever kneeling on hard surfaces. In addition, they should use the power stretcher--a safe alternative to the knee kicker that does not use the knee. Employers should ensure that each carpet layer is trained in the proficient use of the power stretcher and that a sufficient number of these devices are available to each crew of carpet installers.

NIOSH requests that the recommendations in this Alert be brought to the attention of carpet layers and contractors by the following individuals: employers of carpet layers (such as building contractors and carpet retailers), trade union representatives, instructors at carpet installation schools, manufacturers and dealers of carpet and carpet-stretching devices, editors of appropriate trade journals, and safety and health officials.

Fabrics - Use and Display

* Wearing heirloom clothing always introduces the risk of rips or stains. If you must wear it, avoid antiperspirants and makeup.

* Wear cotton gloves to handle heirloom fabrics. Move the fabrics on a support or in their boxes.

* Do not smoke, drink or eat near your garments. The fabric will absorb the smoke, and consequently the smell. Drips and crumbs will attract insects.

* Display fabrics flat or hung at an angle to reduce pull. When you bring your textiles out into the light, keep the light low and the occasion brief.

Ten Things You Should Know About Mold

1. Potential health effects and symptoms associated with mold exposures include allergic reactions, asthma, and other respiratory complaints.
2. There is no practical way to eliminate all mold and mold spores in the indoor environment; the way to control indoor mold growth is to control moisture.
3. If mold is a problem in your home or school, you must clean up the mold and eliminate sources of moisture.
4. Fix the source of the water problem or leak to prevent mold growth.
5. Reduce indoor humidity (to 30-60% ) to decrease mold growth by: venting bathrooms, dryers, and other moisture-generating sources to the outside; using air conditioners and de-humidifiers; increasing ventilation; and using exhaust fans whenever cooking, dishwashing, and cleaning.
6. Clean and dry any damp or wet building materials and furnishings within 24-48 hours to prevent mold growth.
7. Clean mold off hard surfaces with water and detergent, and dry completely. Absorbent materials such as ceiling tiles, that are moldy, may need to be replaced.
8. Prevent condensation: Reduce the potential for condensation on cold surfaces (i.e., windows, piping, exterior walls, roof, or floors) by adding insulation.
9. In areas where there is a perpetual moisture problem, do not install carpeting (i.e., by drinking fountains, by classroom sinks, or on concrete floors with leaks or frequent condensation).
10. Molds can be found almost anywhere; they can grow on virtually any substance, providing moisture is present. There are molds that can grow on wood, paper, carpet, and foods.

Rugs Job prospects

In addition to employment growth, job openings are expected for carpet, floor, and tile installers and finishers because of the need to replace workers who leave the occupation. The strenuous nature of the work leads to high replacement needs because many of these workers do not stay in the occupation long.

Few openings will arise for vinyl and linoleum floor installers because the number of these jobs is comparatively small and because homeowners can increasingly take advantage of easy application products, such as self-adhesive vinyl tiles.

Employment of carpet, floor, and tile installers and finishers is slightly less sensitive to changes in construction activity than most other construction occupations because much of the work involves replacing worn carpet and other flooring in existing buildings. However, workers in these trades may still experience periods of unemployment when the overall level of construction falls. On the other hand, shortages of these workers may occur in some areas during peak periods of building activity.

Conditions of carpet

Carpet, floor, and tile installers and finishers generally work indoors and regular daytime hours. However, when carpet installers recarpet stores or offices, they may work evenings and weekends to avoid disturbing customers or employees. Installers and finishers usually work under better conditions than most other construction workers. By the time workers install carpets, flooring, or tile in a new structure, most construction has been completed and the work area is relatively clean and uncluttered. Installing these materials is labor intensive; workers spend much of their time bending, kneeling, and reaching—activities that require endurance. Carpet installers frequently lift heavy rolls of carpet and may move heavy furniture. Safety regulations may require that they wear kneepads or safety goggles when using certain tools.

Although workers are subject to cuts from tools or materials, falls from ladders, and strained muscles, the occupation is not as hazardous as some other construction occupations.

Government Purchasers Roll Out the Green Carpet

When you hear California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger bragging about the state's green carpet, he is not referring to the color. He is instead praising the high performance environmental features incorporated into every square foot of carpet California has bought since September 2006.

Each year, California buys 12 million square feet of carpet, enough to cover 47 miles of four-lane highway. Last year, the state began requiring manufactures to meet the new California Gold environmentally preferable carpet standard. The standard includes an extensive variety of environmental requirements covering indoor air quality, hazardous-materials content, recycled- and bio-based content, and dozens of related criteria.

There are currently six companies with 13 California Gold or Platinum certified products available in a wide variety of styles and colors. According to Dan Burgoyne, the Sustainability Manager for California's Department of General Services, California is not paying any additional cost for the more environmentally preferable carpets.