AASP-MN News December 2014

December 2014

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CONTENTS Vol. 22 No. 12

AASP News is the official publication of the Alliance of Automotive Service Providers, Minnesota, Inc. 1970 Oakcrest Ave., Suite 102 • Roseville, MN 55113 Phone: 612-623-1110 • Fax: 612-623-1122 email: aasp@aaspmn.org • website: aaspmn.org. All rights reserved. To keep its readers better informed, AASP News allows its columnists to fully express their opinions. All views expressed are not necessarily those of the publication. AASP-MN News is published by Thomas Greco Publishing, Inc. Cover image, pg. 10, pg. 11 © www.thinkstockphoto.com.

AASP of Minnesota is an association of independently-owned automotive service businesses and industry suppliers dedicated to improving the state’s automotive service industry and the success of its members.

AASP-MN BOARD MEMBERS 2014 - 2015

ASSOCIATE DIVISION DIRECTOR’S MESSAGE ..............................6 Do You Make Money On Every Job?

by Kevin Martin, AASP-MN Associate Division Director LEGISLATIVE UPDATE ..........................................................7 Election Shakes Up State House Control

by Kevin Walli, AASP-MN Lobbyist

PRESIDENT Jerald Stiele

AASP-MN’s Race For Automotive Education Registration ................8

IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT Dan Sjolseth, AAM

LOCAL NEWS ....................................................................10

SECRETARY-TREASURER Tom Gleason COLLISION DIVISION DIRECTOR Joyce Weinhandl MECHANICAL DIVISION DIRECTOR Greg Kasel, AAM ASSOCIATE DIVISION DIRECTOR Kevin Martin COLLISION SEAT Mike Cox, AAM Jim Siegfried, AAM MECHANICAL SEAT Wayne Watson

STAFF EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Judell Anderson, CAE, AAM

AASP NATIONAL UPDATE ......................................................14 AASP-MN Provides Year-End Report at AASP National Board Meeting in Las Vegas INSURANCE I.Q. ................................................................15 Charitable Planning: Making More of Your Legacy

by CBIZ AIA MEET THE MEMBER ............................................................18 American Auto Body COMPLETE HEALTH, ENVIRONMENTAL & SAFETY SERVICES (C.H.E.S.S.).............21

Respirator Medicals - Again - and Aluminum

by Janet L. Keyes, CIH, C.H.E.S.S., Inc. CASH IN ON YOUR MEMBERSHIP!............................................22 Dorman Products

OFFICE ADMINISTRATOR Jodi Pillsbury MEMBERSHIP COORDINATOR Tom Kluver PUBLISHED BY: Thomas Greco Publishing, Inc. 244 Chestnut St., Suite 202 Nutley, NJ 07110 PHONE: 973-667-6922 • FAX: 973-235-1963 PUBLISHER: Thomas Greco (thomas@grecopublishing.com) DIRECTOR OF SALES: Alicia Figurelli (alicia@grecopublishing.com) MANAGING EDITOR: Jacquelyn Bauman (jacquelyn@grecopublishing.com) EDITOR: Joel Gausten (tgpjoel@verizon.net) ART DIRECTOR: Lea Velocci (lea@grecopublishing.com) OFFICE MANAGER: Sofia Cabrera (tgp4@verizon.net) www.grecopublishing.com

ADVERTISERS’ INDEX aaa Auto Salvage ......................................9 AmeriPride ................................................6 Buerkle Hyundai ........................................9 Choice Auto Rentals ..................................16 Dentsmart ..................................................15 Inver Grove Honda / Inver Grove Toyota..........4 Jack McClard ............................................20 Keystone....................................................17 Lowell’s PCE..............................................7 Maplewood Toyota ....................................16 Mercedes Benz of Maplewood ..................17 AASP News

Mills Parts Center......................................3 Morrie’s......................................................19 Motorwerks BMW......................................IBC Motorwerks Mini ......................................IBC MPA ............................................................................12-13 NAPA ........................................................20 Rosedale Chevrolet....................................3 Roseville Chrysler ....................................3 Straight & Square ......................................4 Toyota Group ............................................OBC West Bend Insurance ................................IFC December 2014 5

ASSOCIATE DIVISION DIRECTOR’S MESSAGE

Do You Make Money On Every Job?

by Kevin Martin, AASP-MN Associate Division Director

This past week, I had an opportunity to spend time with 20 shop owners attending a class on “Job Costing” out in the western part of our region.

The goal of the class was to explore the importance of job costing. Each job taken into a shop has its own unique set of circumstances and actions that are necessary to repair a vehicle back to pre-accident condition. Without job costing, a vehicle taken in can turn into a money loser if all costs are not tracked. The speaker, Randy Cahoy, had a number of resources and data he used as he facilitated the group discussion.

One such resource used and provided to those in attendance was information on www.DEGweb.org. DEG is short for

Database Enhancement Gateway. The DEG is an initiative developed to help improve the quality and accuracy of collision repair estimates, through proactive feedback from the collision repair industry and other “end users” to the Information Providers (IPs) that supply the databases for the various estimating products.

This is a great resource that should be added to every shop’s web favorites.

This tool offers features such as: • The ability to document (and often, get changes made to your estimating system) when you find repair procedures and times allowed for

continued on pg. 19

AASP-MN UPCOMING EVENTS January 13 - 15, 2015 13th Annual Race for Automotive Education ProKart Indoor Racing, Burnsville Contact: AASP-MN 612-623-1110 or aasp@aaspmn.org April 15-17, 2015 AASP-MN Annual Meeting & Convention Crowne Plaza Minneapolis West, Plymouth Contact: AASP-MN 612-623-1110 or aasp@aaspmn.org

For more information or to register, contact the AASP-MN Office at (612) 623-1110

OTHER UPCOMING EVENTS January 5, 2015 Part II Essential Diagnostic Techniques by Eric Ziegler Marriott Minneapolis Northeast, Brooklyn Center Contact: Automotive Seminars 920-866-9813 or autoseminars@centurytel.net January 6, 2015 Part II Essential Diagnostic Techniques by Eric Ziegler Dakota County Technical College, Rosemount Contact: Automotive Seminars 920-866-9813 or autoseminars@centurytel.net March 9, 2015 Domestic Vehicle Low Speed Bus Diagnostic Strategies Marriott Minneapolis Northeast, Brooklyn Center Contact: Automotive Seminars 920-866-9813 or autoseminars@centurytel.net March 9, 2015 Domestic Vehicle Low Speed Bus Diagnostic Strategies Dakota County Technical College, Rosemount Contact: Automotive Seminars 920-866-9813 or autoseminars@centurytel.net

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LEGISLATIVE UPDATE

Election Shakes Up State House Control The 2014 election returned Governor Mark Dayton to office for a second term; the Minnesota Senate was not up for election this year and our State Congressional Delegation remained unchanged with the exception of the Sixth district, where Tom Emmer replaced Michele Bachmann, who did not seek re-election.

The only major change in the Minnesota political landscape was Republicans regaining majority control of the State House. In particular, Republicans recaptured a significant number of rural House Districts.

Going into this election, the Democratic Farmer Labor party (DFL) held a 73 to 61 majority in the State House. After the election, Republicans now hold a 72 to 62 advantage in the House.

In legislative races, the adage, “to the victors go the spoils,” comes through with the majority voting for Speaker of the House, who, in turn, chooses the chair of all House Committees.

Change of House control means that Representative Joe Atkins (DFL-Inver Grove Heights) will not continue on as Chair of the

by Kevin Walli, AASP-MN Lobbyist

Commerce Committee. Over the years, Representative Atkins has authored a number of bills for AASP-MN. The likely Commerce Committee Chair will be Representative Joe Hoppe (R-Chaska). Representative Hoppe has been willing to listen to repair industry issues and concerns. We will obviously be meeting with him early on to discuss our issues, but the insurance industry has always worked closely with the Republican Caucus.

We will have to roll up our sleeves to make our arguments with the Republican leadership – including the new Chair and majority members of the House Commerce Committee.

AASP-MN members are encouraged to reach out to their newly-elected or re-elected legislators. Invite them over to your shop for a cup of coffee. The Association can help provide information for you to share with them about the issues the auto repair industry will be addressing during the 2015 Legislative Session.

Welcome New Members:

NOVEMBER 2014 Auto Fitness & Service Center Ramsey Johnson’s Supply Duluth Midwest Collision Faribault Onamia Service Center, Onamia Schumacher Goodyear, Fargo, ND Scott’s Auto Body, Shakopee TurboTim’s Anything Automotive Minneapolis West Side Auto Body & Boat Repair, Brainerd

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START YOUR ENGINES!

13th Annual Race for Automotive Education January 13, 14 & 15, 2015 6:30 - 9:00 pm ProKart Indoor Racing

14350 Rosemount Dr., Burnsville, MN 55306

A fundraiser to support the AASP-MN Automotive Education Fund...

Enhancing opportunities in automotive education through scholarships, program support and partnerships.

Start your engines!

Organize your team today. This event makes a great employee outing! The competition will consist of up to 12 teams each night with 5 members each and a crew chief.

These ain’t your daddy’s go karts!

ProKart features the world’s finest European karts, equipped with 6.5 HP Honda engines, reaching speeds of up to 40 mph!! State-ofthe-art computerized timing equipment adds a competitive edge to the total race experience.

All proceeds will benefit the AASP-MN Automotive Education Fund

When the final checkered flag waves and the adrenaline subsides, our goal is to raise $11,000 over the three nights. The majority of that money is earmarked to fund scholarships for students entering the second year of a two-year, NATEF-certified automotive program (collision or mechanical) in the state of Minnesota. Scholarship awards will be $1000 per student, and will be distributed in the fall of 2015.

REGISTRATION DEADLINE DECEMBER 20th!

----------------------------------------------------------------------------The race is on! Registrations will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. Race for Automotive Education is sure to be a sell-out event, so don’t delay – register today!

_____Team Sponsor $500 (Includes admission for 6, including team captain and 5 racers) Team Name:___________________________________________________ Team Captain:__________________________________ Address:______________________________________________City:___________________________Zip:____________________ Phone:_________________________Fax:_______________________email:_____________________________________________

Preferred Race Night:

_______Tuesday 1/13/15

_______Wednesday 1/14/15

_______Thursday 1/15/15

_____Race Sponsor $250 Racing is not in my blood, but I would like to support automotive students and programs in Minnesota (Includes admission for 2 spectators)

Sponsor Name:_______________________________________Company:________________________________________________ Address:_______________________________________City:__________________________Zip:____________________________ Phone:______________________Fax:____________________Email:___________________________________________________

Return with payment to: AASP-MN Automotive Education Fund 1970 Oakcrest Ave., Suite 102, Roseville, MN 55113 Phone: 612-623-1110 Fax: 612-623-1122

The AASP-MN Education Fund provides financial resources to support automotive students, enhance automotive programs and raise awareness of career opportunities in the independent automotive service industry.

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LOCAL NEWS Charlie Pearson most recently worked at aaa Auto Parts in Rosemount. Charlie passed away November 11 at the age of 41 after a courageous battle with melanoma. He is the son of Bob Pearson of Pearson Auto Body, Shakopee – a long-time member, friend, and Past President of AASP-MN.

Netzinger at the Eden Prairie campus, 952-995-1563 or mike. netzinger@hennepintech.edu.

Our Condolences…

Our sponsors play a key role in our organization. They support us. They provide us with extra resources that are needed to provide our members with exceptional programs, education and networking opportunities. They help us keep our costs and fees affordable.

Please acknowledge those companies that support us in this way.

A Final Shout-Out to Our 2014 Sponsors

Charlie Pearson

Patrick Schoonover, 14year-old son of AASP-MN member Mike Schoonover, Schoonover Bodyworks, Shoreview, died unexpectedly November 14 after collapsing during a hockey game in Brainerd. The cause of death has been determined as an undetected heart defect.

Patrick Schoonover AASP-MN would like to extend its sincere sympathy to the Pearson and Schoonover families.

Call for Nominations

Program Sponsors AASP National AkzoNobel Performance Coatings Auto Care Association Auto Value Parts Stores/APH Autoshop Solutions Bill Smith Foundation Carbench CARQUEST Dent Impressions Dentsmart PDR Keystone Automotive PPG Automotive Finishes WorldPac

The collision repair faculty at Hennepin Technical College is seeking help from local-area shops in providing students with internship opportunities. Internships expose students to meaningful learning experiences that enhance the relevance of what they are learning in the classroom today, while advancing the technical competency of our future auto body technicians.

The internship program runs 1/26/15 - 4/3/15 for the Brooklyn Park campus and 3/23/15 - 5/15/15 for the Eden Prairie campus.

If you are interested in helping a student get some hands-on experience in a real-world environment while gaining a little extra help around your shop, contact Tom Phillips at the Brooklyn Park campus, 763-488-2473 or tphillips@hennepintech.edu or Mike

Hospitality Sponsors 3M aaa Auto Parts AAA Minnesota/Iowa Aeromotive Services, Inc. AmeriPride Services AudaExplore Axalta Coating Systems BASF CBIZ AIA CCC Information Services Choice Auto Rental Dorman Products Hertz Corporation IDENTIFIX Inver Grove Ford Lincoln Keystone Automotive Lowell’s Performance Coatings Malco Products, Inc. Meadowbrook Insurance Midwest Parts Advantage Mitchell International Mitchell1 Noble Conservation Solutions Norton Automotive Aftermarket O’Reilly Auto Parts PAM’s Auto, Inc. Pro Paint Sherwin-Williams Suburban Chevrolet

AASP-MN is looking for automotive industry professionals who are interested in advancing the industry by serving in leadership positions on the Association’s Board of Directors and Advisory Committees.

A number of positions will be open on the Collision, Mechanical and Associate Advisory Committees, as well as the Government/Regulatory Affairs and Education/Training Committees.

There will also be two seats open on the AASP-MN Board of Directors - one collision and one mechanical.

If you have a personal interest, or would like to nominate someone else, contact the Nominating Committee Chair Dan Sjolseth, Superior Service Center, at 651-454-5522 or the AASPMN office at 612-623-1110 or 800-852-9071. Nominations must be received by December 31, 2014.

Internship Sites Needed

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HAVE A SAFE AND HAPPY HOLIDAY SEASON !

SAVE THE DATE! AASP-MN Annual Meeting & Convention April 15-17, 2015 Crowne Plaza Minneapolis West Plymouth, MN

Jerald Stiele, Hopkins Auto Body, President

AASP-MN BOARD OF DIRECTORS & STAFF: Tom Gleason, Pro-Tech Auto & Truck, Secretary/Treasurer

Dan Sjolseth, AAM, Superior Service Center, Immediate Past President Kevin Martin, PPG Industries, Associate Division Director

Watch for details as they become available in future issues of AASP News and on the Association’s website, www.aaspmn.org.

WHAT’S WRONG WITH THIS PICTURE?

Greg Kasel, AAM, Downtown Tire & Auto, Mechanical Division Director Joyce Weinhandl, Twin City Auto Body, Collision Division Director

Mike Cox, AAM, Ed’s Collision & Glass, Collision Seat

Wayne Watson, Auto Works Diagnostics & Repair, Mechanical Seat Jim Siegfried, AAM, Crystal Lake Automotive, Collision Seat Judell Anderson, AAM, Executive Director Kevin Walli, Lobbyist

Jodi Pillsbury, Office Manager

Tom Kluver, Membership Coordinator

Answer: Welding with no protection against sparks or ultraviolet radiation other than his welding helmet.

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AASP NATIONAL UPDATE

AASP-MN Provides Year-End Report at AASP National Board Meeting in Las Vegas On Wednesday, November 5, the Alliance of Automotive Service Providers (AASP) held its fall Board meeting at the Westgate Hotel & Casino in conjunction with the 2014 SEMA Show. With participation from a total of nine affiliate associations, the meeting provided a rundown of activities in each geographic area as well as important announcements on industry focuses, accomplishments and initiatives.

Benefit provider United Fire Group (UFG) kicked off the meeting by providing an update on the company’s successful program with AASP. UFG has been offered as a benefit to AASP members since 2013, providing enhanced business property/casualty insurance coverage with discounts and dividend opportunities. As of October 1, UFG filings for the AASP National program have been approved in 16 states.

Following a report from AASP-PA Board member Greg McVicker on his recently-founded initiative, www.TalentMonger.com (described on the site as “a career marketplace that connects collision shop owners with local, qualified technicians”), Aaron Lowe of the Auto Care Association (formerly the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association [AAIA]) presented an overview of the organization’s endeavors relating to telematics in vehicles (from both the diagnostic and driver/end-user aspects).

“Our contention is that the driver - the owner of the vehicle should have control of the data collected on their vehicle,” Lowe explained. “Right now, the manufacturer controls all of that data.”

The Auto Care Association is devoting time and resources to educate the industry on how they can connect to their customers with this information, and is gearing up for an eventual legislative push to return data control to vehicle owners. “The main goal is to work together to try and develop technical solutions for the telematics issue,” he said.

AASP-MN shared its activity throughout 2014 in the affiliate reports section of the meeting, noting an all-time-high membership record in 2014 with an impressive 96-percent member retention rate. The Association is also showing a consistent effort on attracting and retaining a future workforce, and to that end is working with Assessment Associates International (AAI) to conduct a study that will help members identify applicants who are most likely to become long-term employees. The initiative will consider factors including safety, reliability and efficiency in its analysis, and will also identify weaknesses in current staff members so that employers may address these issues with the employee to find a resolution.

AASP-MN was also instrumental in promoting the careers of future technicians, distributing $15,000 in scholarships for post-secondary vocational students.

“Our Board meetings offer an opportunity for valuable faceto-face interaction,” notes AASP National President, Bruce Tschida, a former AASP-MN president. “Not only are we afforded the ability to learn important information from our partnering vendors and organizations, but we also have the chance to connect as affiliates under a greater umbrella to share our strengths and challenges both on the local and national level. It’s a great conversation and helps us work together for the good of the industry at large.”

The AASP spring Board meeting has been scheduled for March 20, 2015, to be held in conjunction with AASP/NJ’s NORTHEAST® 2015 Automotive Services Show. For more information on AASP National, please visit www.autoserviceproviders.com.

Right: AASP-MN former President and current National President Bruce Tschida; Below: Attendees of the Fall 2014 AASP National Board meeting. (photos by Joel Gausten)

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INSURANCE I.Q.

By CBIZ AIA

Charitable Planning: Making More of Your Legacy Many affluent individuals have charitable organizations they support with time, money or both throughout their life. Most people who are charitably inclined also desire to continue that support when they are no longer here. Life insurance can be an important tool in helping to maximize the amount you leave to charity, while still ensuring that the needs of your family members are being met.

Using Life Insurance to Give More There are several ways to leverage life insurance in order to maximize a gift. Life insurance may be used as an outright gift, or as part of a broader wealth transfer strategy. The three main ways to make a charitable gift using just life insurance are: • Naming the charity as owner and beneficiary of the life insurance policy. This strategy is used if the donor wants to receive an income tax deduction for his or her gift of premium. In this case, the donor gifts cash to the charity, which the charity then uses to pay the life insurance premium.

• Naming the donor as owner and the charity as the beneficiary. In this case, the owner would pay the policy premiums and the charity would receive the death benefit; however, the donor would not be able to take a deduction on the premiums. This may be appropriate for donors with a high cash-value policy they wish to use while they are living but whom do not need the death benefit.

• The donor transfers an existing policy to the charity. This strategy may be useful if the insured has an existing policy they no longer need.

The donor could take a tax deduction on the transfer, but it would be limited to the fair market value of the policy.

Life insurance also may be combined with more comprehensive charitable planning techniques to provide for a worthy cause and offset a tax burden. When life insurance is placed inside an Irrevocable Life Insurance Trust (ILIT) and combined with a charitable trust such as a Charitable Lead Trust (CLT), Charitable Remainder Trust (CRT) or Charitable Unit Trust (CRUT), you may be able to efficiently: • Diversify a concentrated stock position to increase income and minimize capital gains taxes; • Reduce a taxable estate while preserving wealth for your family; • Lessen tax burdens when income is high due to a bonus or sale of a company; and • Reposition an asset that is subject to double or triple taxation inside an estate, such as a deferred annuity or IRA.

There are many benefits of using life insurance along with a charitable giving plan. Your CBIZ tax and life insurance professionals can help you design a plan that fits your needs. For more information, contact Dennis Begley at DPBegley@CBIZAIA.com.

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MEET THE MEMBER

American Auto Body, Brooklyn Park Matthew Feehan Member Since: 2006 American Auto Body was founded by my parents in 1979 and I took it over from them in 2006. Obviously, growing up in the business and having my parents as an influence definitely helped. I found it enjoyable as a kid to tinker with my pedal bikes and four wheelers and, as it turns out, I was pretty good at it. I went to school around the corner in Brooklyn Park at North Hennepin Technical College.

How did you get involved in the automotive repair industry?

As of right now there are 12 people involved in my business, including myself. I’m very blessed to have an entire team that is absolutely awesome.

Some of us have worked together for some time and some are newer. Over the years, I’ve worked with a number of different teams that have had superstars and amazing people, but none of them have meshed together as well as the team I have now. You can work a lifetime, trying to find people who believe what you believe and you just hope that you’re able to recognize their significance in your life. I am lucky to be able to realize how important these people are to me.

Tell us a little bit about your organization.

We are relentless in providing a high-value experience to our customers and our insurance partners. It is amazing to me the amount of people we’ve been able to help, sometimes in a short window of time, and that we’re able to make sure these people don’t feel displaced for long. The willingness of this team to do whatever it takes to help people includes staying late to get the car done so they get home for the soccer game, or working twice as hard to make sure the car is back in time to get them out for the holidays. They are always going the extra mile and I am so happy to be a part of this team.

What makes you proudest about your company?

It’s so easy to toss out numbers for this: The hours per day, our cycle time or the fact that we rank in the top couple percent in the country. And don’t get me wrong, I am proud of these things. But there’s so much more that goes into it than that. It’s somewhat healthy to build around a philosophy of high achievement, but it can also cause stress as well. I think my best accomplishment is my ability to slow down and enjoy what’s happening around me as it’s happening – living in the moment. And I believe in the idea that, how you are anywhere is how you are everywhere. I try and live this way in both my personal and my professional life. And of course, without question one of my biggest accomplishments is my family: My wife and kid. Plus, when it comes to my business, it’s a huge accomplishment to find people who are generous and who give as much as they can. When it all comes down to it, the numbers are points on the board and at the end of the game, that’s all they are. Really, it is all about the little things, like notes and thank you letters we get from customers and insurance companies for going the extra mile. These are the things that energize you. Otherwise it’s just a long, drawn out life. If you live off of the little things,

What has been your best accomplishment?

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I believe you can smile more and frown less.

How long have you been a member of AASPMN and what inspired you to join?

As a company, we’ve been members for a long time. For me, I’ve been a member ever since I purchased the business eight years ago. My parents were members when they owned the shop so it just made sense to me to join as well.

What is the best advice you have ever received that is worth sharing?

I’ve been fortunate to have had a lot of great mentors who shortened my learning curve and helped me get where I am today, so this is a big question. One of the best pieces of advice I ever received is: The willingness to do what others aren’t willing to do is what sets you apart. Do today what others don’t to have tomorrow what others won’t. What is most important is being intentional with your direction in life. We’ve been given the dignity of choice in life. There are too many times we go from one year to the next without making many changes. The choice to keep moving forward is what makes life exciting. You have to cultivate a desire for something that gets you up early and keeps you up late. If you’re not growing, you’re decaying. Be better today than you were yesterday.

I want to thank everyone who saw something in me before I was able to see anything within myself. If they read this, they’ll know who they are. I want to thank the people who encouraged me to live outside of my comfort zone. Those people are truly special.

Is there anyone you’d like to thank?

ASSOCIATE DIVISION DIRECTOR’S MESSAGE continued from pg. 6

work performed are inaccurate.

• Beneficial tools and resources under the “Get Educated” tab. Here, you can find tools, such as a chart for OEM bumper covers. The site gives written documentation on which bumper covers are shipped raw and which covers are shipped with a primer. Imagine the value that this brings to the shop.

• For the technician: - He/she can know before ever starting on the job what will be required to prep and paint the cover.

• For the estimator: - They have documentation to provide their insurance partner in order to request additional time for the increased time and work needed in prepping raw plastic.

This website provides several tools that shops will find beneficial in having the ability to get paid for work performed. I would encourage all AASPMN members to take time to peruse the web site.

2015 AUTOMOTIVE AFTERMARKET CALENDARS

Catalogs and order forms now available by contacting the AASP-MN office at: (612) 623-1110 or (800) 852-9071 AASP News

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COMPLETE HEALTH, ENVIRONMENTAL & SAFETY SERVICES (C.H.E.S.S.)

By Janet L. Keyes, CIH, C.H.E.S.S., Inc.

Respirator Medicals - AGAIN and Aluminum First, a correction from our last article. Our article on respirator use incorrectly stated that anyone who uses a paper type of dust mask (a filtering facepiece,) needs to have had medical approval. For voluntary use of N95 filtering facepieces (dust masks), you need to give employees Appendix D to OSHA’s respirator standard, but there are no other requirements. If you require use of dust masks or cartridge respirators, medical approval is needed. If employees voluntarily use any type of respirator other than dust masks, medical approval is needed.

Confused? Call us.

Additionally, we strongly recommend getting the medical approval as soon as someone is hired (or better, as part of a preemployment physical). What if you discover, after an employee has been painting for years, that they can’t wear a respirator?

Is it because of work done for you? Or is it a longstanding problem, beginning well before they began in your employment? It can be very difficult to tell. If you screen for respirator health when you hire, at least you know you aren’t buying a problem.

Aluminum It doesn’t take a crystal ball to predict that your future includes servicing cars with aluminum bodies. Aluminum isn’t any more of a health hazard than steel. Breathing the dust has been shown to cause coughing and shortness of breath and, in rats, scarring of the lungs, but that’s at pretty high concentrations. There’s speculation that it can damage the nervous system – but the evidence for that isn’t as clear as it is, for example, for the toluene in lacquer thinner.

You’ll notice more problems when you weld on aluminum because welding on aluminum produces ozone in much higher amounts than welding on steel. Ozone is a very strong respiratory irritant, causing coughing, wheezing and a feeling of tightness in the chest. Local exhaust ventilation is the best way to trap the ozone and welding fumes. If that isn’t adequate, welders may need to use respirators that are able to remove ozone (P100 filters with charcoal).

Ozone isn’t the only concern with aluminum work, though.

Unlike steel, aluminum dust or shavings catch fire.

The Department of Transportation classifies aluminum dust as a flammable solid. If it gets wet, it gives off highly flammable hydrogen gas. Mixing aluminum with rusted steel creates thermite; heating that mixture results in a rapid chemical reaction so hot that it is used to weld railroad tracks together.

If aluminum does catch on fire, your usual ABC fire extinguishers won’t be of any use. Instead, you need a Class D extinguisher or a big pile of sand to smother the fire. And putting out the fire requires a different technique than putting out an oily rag fire.

Because of the fire hazard, aluminum requires some special precautions.

Don’t mix dusts from aluminum and steel. Don’t use the same grinders on both metals. If you grind some rust off of a part and follow it up by grinding aluminum, you create thermite. Add a spark from grinding, and you’ll have an explosion.

It might be a small blast if you only have some residual dust on the grinder, but you don’t want to risk that. Dedicate grinders, buffers and sanders to work with aluminum. Mark them so they aren’t used on steel.

For the same reason, use a dedicated dust collector for aluminum. Your ordinary central vacuum system isn’t designed for the flammability of aluminum. Dust can settle in the ductwork and hoses, providing good conditions for a combustible dust explosion. Wet dust collectors, which trap the dust in water, are considered much safer. But you can’t just use any commercial dust collector or vacuum - it has to be specifically approved for use with combustible metals.

Don’t leave your full wet collector in a poorly-ventilated area. Remember that aluminum plus water produces hydrogen, which ignites very easily. Portable vacuums designed for aluminum may have built-in hydrogen vents, but those don’t do any good if the gas accumulates outside the vacuum.

Clean out the vacuum each day and then put the waste outside in a closed, metal container. The NFPA standard for combustible metals advises mixing it with sand or another nonreactive material (such as clay cat litter) in a ratio of one part metal dust to five parts sand, to make it safe to handle. If it’s relatively uncontaminated, you may be able to recycle it.

Practice good housekeeping. Keep the areas where aluminum dust can be created cleaned up. Do not use compressed air to blow the dust around. You can use nonconductive tools, brooms with soft, natural bristles, or scoops.

Train your employees on the hazards of aluminum. They need to know what housekeeping measures to follow. Make sure they know what to do in case of an aluminum dust fire, because it isn’t fought the same way as other fires.

Aluminum is the most common metal on earth, and the most commonly used nonferrous metal. Thousands of companies work with it routinely. The auto repair industry can benefit from their experience to work with it safely.

If you have questions about working with aluminum, welding, chemical exposures, OSHA inspections, OSHA grants, or other safety or environmental issues, contact CHESS at 651481-9787; toll free at 877-482-4377, or via email at carkey@chess-safety.com. CHESS specializes in helping small to medium sized business with occupational health and safety issues. We have been providing services to the automotive industry for more than 20 years.

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CASH IN ON YOUR MEMBERSHIP!

Dorman Products AASP has partnered with Dorman Products to develop an exclusive offering. As an AASP member, you are eligible to receive the following benefits: Product Reimbursement • New to the Aftermarket qualified ideas are eligible for compensation • If you come across a part not available in the aftermarket (Dealer Only), contact us at the number below. A qualified part is failure prone and exclusively available from the OE Dealer • Benefits the service dealer and the automotive aftermarket • Shipping and receiving are handled by Dorman

Service Dealer Guide • AASP Branded Service Dealer guides • Inform service dealers about New to the Aftermarket • Provide options for technicians to use re-engineered money saving kits

Dedicated Tech Line • Toll Free 1-800 number dedicated for AASP members: 800-868-5777 ext. 5330 • Assist with installation and specifications • Also can assist with non-Dorman related calls

Try-On Program • This program ensures quality products and complete kits • We offer new parts and pay for all the labor associated with installation • Great way to become more involved with our R&D team

For more information on this program, visit www.dorman products.com or call Lester Kovacs at (800) 868-5777 ext. 5329.

AASP-MN MEMBER BENEFIT PROGRAMS WORKERS’ COMP INSURANCE Meadowbrook Insurance Group Contact: Dennis Spindler 763-549-2238 / dspindler@cbizaia.com Up-front scheduled credit makes Meadowbrook one of the most competitive programs around for Worker‘s Compensation insurance. In addition, members are eligible to receive an annual dividend based on the group’s loss ratio. For more information, log on to www.wcpolicy.com/aaspmn.

PROPERTY/LIABILITY INSURANCE CBIZ AIA Contact: Dennis Spindler 763-549-2238 / dspindler@cbizaia.com CBIZ AIA will present AASP-MN members with quotes from multiple carriers for property/liability insurance and members can choose the program that best fits their situation. As an added bonus, CBIZ AIA will offer members an exclusive 10% discount on their property/liability insurance premiums.

EMPLOYEE BENEFITS CBIZ AIA Contact: Dennis Begley 763-549-2260 CBIZ AIA will provide AASP-MN member with quotes from multiple carriers for life insurance, health insurance, long-term care and disability insurance.

UNIFORM & LINEN SUPPLIES AmeriPride Services Contact: Jim Dillon 651-955-1398 • Fax: 952-738-3318 jim.dillon@ameripride.com Discounted pricing to members on rental of uniforms, entrance mats, shop rags, etc. Purchases are also discounted. Members receive annual rebate equal to 10% of their business with AmeriPride each year.

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CREDIT CARD PROCESSING Association BankCard Services Contact: Mac Hardin 952-933-2026 • Fax: 952-933-4595 mach@retailfinancialservices.biz Competitive rates for AASP-MN members. Terminals and printers sold at cost. Monthly rental of equipment is also available.

INDUSTRIAL & PAPER PRODUCTS Wipers & Wipes, Inc. Contact: Dennis Julson Phone: 651-486-4866 Fax: 651-486-4859 Discounts on industrial supplies and paper products.

Free, next-day delivery is available in the metro area.

Shipping free to outstate members with $100 purchase.

WEBSITE AND INTERNET MARKETING SOLUTIONS Net Driven Contact: Jon Napoli 218-623-7351 / 218-310-7285 Net Driven is a market leader in website and internet marketing solutions designed exclusively for the automotive industry. Net Driven assists independent tire and automotive industry dealers who are looking to increase revenue by selling more tires, service, and wheels. AASP-MN members who choose Net Driven are eligible for a $500 discount off their 1st year setup fees. For more information, contact Jon Napoli.

Stormlogix Contact: Paul Switzer 732-364-1156 / paul.switzer@stormlogix.com Stormlogix extends a discount on its website packages to AASP members. Costs can be spread out over 6 months.

TECHNICAL INFORMATION HOTLINE IDENTIFIX Phone: 800-288-6220 Fax: 651-633-2188 Members enjoy discounted prices on the industry’s #1 technical information hotline. One free call is extended to all first-time AASP-MN member callers.

BUSINESS FORMS/CALENDARS AASP-MN Contact: Jodi Pillsbury Phone: 612-623-1110 or toll free 800-852-9071 Fax: 612-623-1122 / jodi@aaspmn.org Discount rate on printed business forms and calendars.

SHOP SERVICES Summit Software & Mobile Solutions Contact: Frank Terlep 888-377-2661 / fterlep@summitsoftwaresolutions.com.

Website: www.emarketingsherpas.com AASP members receive a $50 discount on their annual e-Marketplace subscription, a digital marketing system that includes mobile phone apps and a complete customer service, sales, marketing, advertising and communication platform.

INFORMATION PROVIDERS Mitchell1 Contact: Mitchell1 Representative Phone: 888-724-6742 x 6986 AASP members are eligible for special Mitchell 1 information and management programs at significant discounts. For more information, log onto www.mitchell1.com or contact the Mitchell 1 representative at 888-724-6742, X6986.

Mitchell International Contact: Mitchell International Representative Phone: 800-238-9111 AASP members receive a 15% discount on any Mitchell RepairCenter TechAdvisor package. Visit http://repaircenter.mitchell.com/Catalog/OEM Repair.aspx for more information.

AASP News

PAYROLL PROCESSING CBIZ Payroll Contact: Bob Willbanks 612-298-1176 / bwillbanks@cbiz.com Members receive 20% discount off standard payroll products and services (excluding 401k). Members who switch prior to June 30 will receive first month of payroll processing free.

CHECK GUARANTEE SERVICES Certegy Check Services Contact: Heather Ellis 952-240-5017 / heather.ellis@fisglobal.com Discount rate of .75% to AASP-MN members. Use existing credit card terminal. Fast claim payments.

BUSINESS COACHING 180BIZ 540-833-2014 / info@180biz.com Website: www.180biz.com 180BIZ offers BUSINESS COACHING to AASP members at a steep 20% discount! One Eighty Business Solutions LLC (180BIZ) has been helping shop owners increase profits and car count while decreasing stress since 2003.

AASP members receive a discount on very affordable oneon-one coaching plans without long-term commitments and complicated contracts. 180BIZ offiers a risk-free trial of their services. To learn more, please call or email us, or visit our website.

REPLACEMENT PARTS Dorman Products Phone: 800-868-5777, ext. 5329 Website: www.dormanproducts.com AASP members receive insider information, special access and other perks from Dorman Products, a leading supplier of dealer “exclusive” automotive replacement parts.

LEGAL CONSULTATION Fryberger, Buchanan, Smith & Frederick Phone: 800-496-6789 Fax: 218-725-6800 Members receive free, over-the-phone legal assessment and consultation (some restrictions apply) with an attorney who specializes in the area of law that is the subject of the call.

AASP News

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