CETA Edge: Innovation Award Announcement and CARB-SORE Update
Educate Clients and Enhance Your Business!
Working in the Heat Power Washers of North America Welcomes New and Returning Board Members!
Manufacturers’ Testing Methods
With the arrival of June, we have reached the halfway point of the calendar year. How has the year gone for you so far? Are you able to meet the goals you set for your business at the beginning of the year? Are you pursuing any new business opportunities or establishing a niche in a certain sector of the pressure washing industry? What material are you feeding yourself so that you can be better educated for your work in the industry? Do you have any plans to build your network of relationships? So many questions to consider, and the pages of this issue of Cleaner Times will assist you in providing answers to some of these questions, so don’t hesitate to dive right in.
On page 6 is an informative article on how to properly and effectively pressure wash log cabins. Care must be taken by maintaining a safe distance and proper psi when cleaning these log homes, and the pressure washer shouldn’t be the sole tool used to clean. Advice is provided for inspecting the cabin seals and chinking to make sure there will not be any water infiltration. Becoming an expert on construction methods and how the logs are joined is a vital aspect in understanding how best to clean log cabins.
Turn to page 12 to learn about the new Innovation Award from CETA. This is open to products that entered the market in 2024 or will enter the market by the end of this year. The winner will be honored at PowerClean 2025. To learn more about this new award, visit www.CETA.org
On page 16 Titan Pressure Cleaning in South Florida takes time to share why educating clients about a variety of pressure washing terms and facts about cleaning is such a vital responsibility and why they take time to do it.
For those who are members of the Pressure Washers of North America (PWNA), turn to page 26 so you can meet those new members serving on the board of directors as well as some who are continuing on in their services. Don’t forget to thank these men and women for dedicating their time, energy, and efforts to sharing their knowledge and paving the way for you.
Cleaner Times wishes you the best and hopes June is a month of many accomplishments.
Michael Hamline
mhamline@cleanertimes.com
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Ware • admin@cleanertimes.com
Phelps • joey@cleanertimes.com ACCOUNTING/CIRCULATION Tammy Hanner accounting@fcapgroup.com Cleaner Times (ISSN #1073-9602) is published monthly by
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Is the past prologue? William Shakespeare’s line from The Tempest is a favorite among those who suggest we have a solid idea where things are heading if we look at what’s already happened.
Seems reasonable. AI has not been around long, but we already know three things about it: It’s fast moving and unstoppable—and voracious.
Devouring numerical data and text alike, AI can collect, consolidate, and convey instantaneously. Take log homes. We looked for data on their number in the United States, and Gemini (the “experimental” AI tool from Google) returned in outline form information about popularity, types, companies that do construction, and factors would-be owners should weigh.
Every expert who goes on record with information should expect to become fodder for the hungry AI beast. (And we use “beast” in a neutral sense.)
For now, there is something unique about the voices of people who have done and are doing things in the real world. Let’s take advantage of it. Russell Cissell, founder of Extreme Solutions Inc. (Woodrich Brand) in
by Diane M. Calabrese
cleaning Log Cabins
Portage des Sioux, MO, gets us started with some of the basics. First, yes, there is a role for pressure washers when cleaning log homes.
“Keeping it dialed back to a safe psi is the key to safe use of a pressure washer on a log home,” says Cissell. That and maintaining a safe distance from the wood.
“There are certainly special considerations when using a power washer
on a log home,” says Cissell. They include “being sure the seals are good, chinking is intact, and there’s no water infiltration being most important.”
Cissell cautions that a contractor engaged in cleaning log homes must know the exact nature of the substrate. “There’s a difference between restoring log-shaped siding and taking on a true log home restoration,” he explains.
Yet there are similarities with more routine projects. “I would say, like with any exterior surface, the best recommendation is going to be clean early and clean often,” says Cissell.
“The more frequently you clean, the more gently you can clean effectively,” explains Cissell. “Specifically for log cabins, you want to clean any time there are significant signs of pollen outside.”
During—Blasting has been completed, and the windows were masked in preparation for the application of several different products designed to protect the house and promote the uniform application of the stain and top coats.
Pollen is a crucial indicator of potential trouble. “If you see pollen on your car, your outdoor furniture, or your barbecue grill, there’s a really good chance there’s going to be pollen on your logs; and that pollen over time will become a source for mold and mildew,” explains Cissell.
In fact, temporizing measures can be important between cleanings. “It’s best to just rinse the surface off anytime you see pollen outside,” says Cissell.
“Fundamentally, all exterior wood restoration and preservation projects are the same regardless of whether it’s a deck, fence, wood siding, or a log cabin,” explains Cissell. “Log cabins require the most expertise and the most care just due to the potential for water infiltration and concerns around chinking and making sure you have a good seal.
“But otherwise, the methods that you use, the chemicals involved, and the types of sealers that you could use on log cabins can be very similar to what you use on wood siding,” continues Cissell. And the similarity brings us to an important consideration for contractors.
The consideration is volume. Some contractors try adding log home cleaning but then find that the service does not offer enough return on investment. A big reason is there are too few homes in a region, and still the necessary chemicals must be on hand to complete the jobs.
The idyll of a home in a remote setting built from logs that have not been debarked exists, but that’s the exception.
So, too, is the exception that log home builders have a poetic idea about natural destruction and decay—
i.e. they want their structures to disintegrate. True, a few owners do hold tight to the concept of gradual reclamation by nature. But they will not be the individuals seeking cleaning services.
VARIATION
“Log homes are not universal per se in their construction, and that is because many are built by contractors that have only ever built one,” says Rod Rodriguez, president of See Dirt Run! Inc. in Germantown, MD. That means a contractor must know coatings that have been applied and the manufacturer’s instructions for maintenance.
Has the wood weathered and the coating failed? “Then cleaning is pretty straightforward,” says Rodriguez. Straightforward if other factors are in place, explains Rodriguez. Caulking
Photos courtesy of Rod Rodriguez and Beth Borrego of See Dirt Run! Inc.
between logs must be in good condition. And an interior inspection must be done to detect any leakage. In addition, window trim and applied trim facings should have been sealed. Caulking also must be in place under eaves/soffits with tongue and groove.
Then, there are doors. “Wood doors of any type installed on the home should be avoided unless one is including them in the quote,” says Rodriguez. If quoting to clean doors, remember they must be removed and allowed to dry thoroughly (to avoid swelling and misalignment when rehung), he adds.
The focus of the contractor must be to clean without introducing water damage. It’s a balancing project.
So, what about the utility of pressure washers? “A pressure washer can be used in the process, but the tool should not be the only source of cleaning,” says Rodriguez.
Moving ahead without an assessment leads to trouble. “The pressure
washer can blast the wood to create culling and a profile in the wood easiest identified as a ‘corduroy’ texture,” explains Rodriguez. As a result, buffing (sanding) might be required to restore the surface to its original look.
“Many logs are milled to have a smooth finish, and anything else is unacceptable to the homeowner,” says Rodriguez. He adds that professional contractors take exacting care to ensure the result is the one the homeowner expects.
Candor is a must when establishing parameters. “Many log homes have reached a condition of disrepair and neglect and need more than just the wash and recoat,” says Rodriguez. And given the opportunity, a contractor should emphasize the long-term savings achieved with regular maintenance.
Planning to offer home cleaning as a service? “Learn about the construction,” says Rodriguez. “A log home/ cabin is not just a vertical deck.”
Begin with learning about how the logs are joined. Construction methods are focused on “joining of each course of logs with mortise and tenon joints, cove setting, and splines to help bridge one log with the next,” explains Rodriguez.
“Most log homes have a membrane or sticky contact applied between the logs, but over time the pressure of the logs on top cause a lot of heat. This destroys the flexibility and sticking capabilities, resulting in water penetration between the courses into the interior—and worse, electrical [components] installed in the logs themselves,” says Rodriguez. And water penetration can cause serious trouble.
Log homes subject to flooding, for instance, may become a fire hazard. “If building and electrical codes were not adhered to during construction, there could be substandard connections with the potential for danger,” explains Rodriguez.
Before—This is a cabin with a coating that has been applied incorrectly. The coating is too thick, causing it to not perform well and leading to rot problems with the log capping.
“We have had some log homes where the outlet filled behind with water—the weather seal failed around the box and caused the connection inside to begin sparking,” says Rodriguez. “There was no GFCI, ground-fault circuit interrupter, installed, and the breaker box was not responding by shutting off the circuit. It had to be done manually.”
Never forget that the rustic-looking log home is much more than a pile of logs. “It is a construction that contains electrical wiring, fasteners, and tie rods—for helping control contraction of the logs, elements for helping to seal out the weather and insects,” says Rodriguez.
A contractor who fails to absorb the intricacies of a log home structure could be open to liability by causing damage. No, the contractor is not liable for the construction. The builder is.
But the cleaning contractor must identify potential risks and determine not to encounter them. For instance, cleaning with water may not be an option. “There are dry methods that should be employed instead if the conditions are too great a risk for damage,” says Rodriguez.
Dry methods may apply in many situations. “They are also considered
if the log home has considerable rot issues or is susceptible due to construction and shrinking causing gaps in the chinking or caulk that would allow the water to get in between and exacerbate the issue,” explains Rodriguez.
COMMONALITIES?
A contractor has been cleaning cedar siding for a long time. Is a crossover to log homes simple?
“A pressure washer being used is the only commonality that comes to mind,” says Rodriguez. “Cedar siding has the issue of being lifted during the wash process, and the potential of it happening needs to be addressed.
“Cedar siding, whether it be lap or shingles, can have attrition due to failed or missing fasteners or the substructure becoming unsound due to damage from moisture retention or exposure from landscape elements and installed fixtures—AC units, pop-up sheds, etc.,” continues Rodriguez.
In contrast, explains Rodriguez, “Logs have the water intrusion through the many joints, corners, windows, doors, and log course [layers].” Proactive abatement requires investment of time and team members to install plastic draping, for example.
When builders have been scrupulous in attention to details for mitigating or eliminating water penetration, both cedar and log homes offer fewer challenges to cleaning contractors. Thus, assess the structure carefully before giving an estimate or setting expectations with the owner.
Cleaning log homes encompasses more activities than cleaning vinyl or siding. “Caulking and other insulative measures come into play much more frequently and need to be addressed either by repair or complete replacement,” says Rodriguez.
Log home cleaning takes a contractor deeply into the territory of home restoration specialist. ‘“Which skills are required to work on cleaning log homes?’ is the first question a contractor should ask before venturing into the service offering,” says Rodriguez. “There are many, including carpentry, construction, roofing, electrical, and— believe it or not—painting.” Gutter troughs and window frames may need to be painted after exposure to chemicals/cleaning.
The cleaning involves much more than eliminating soiling, explains Rodriguez. Previous coatings may have to be removed. Often new ones must be found because formulations change and products are discontinued due to things like regulatory compliance (see, for example, volatile organic compounds, VOCs).
Also, expect to encounter bad results from good intentions: Some homeowners were persuaded to paint log homes to “get longer durability and easier maintenance,” says Rodriguez. “The problem is many paints that have been applied are not permeable and hold water behind the coating, leading to massive rot issues and costly remedy.”
The paint can be removed with blasting media, explains Rodriguez. Then, a suitable coating—oil or acrylic—can be applied. “Solid colors are never suggested because they hide the condition of the wood, which needs to be monitored for changes and signs of possible issues.”
UNIQUENESS
Cleaning log homes means also taking on restoration work—a small amount at least and perhaps a lot. Take to heart what experts (with human voices) tell us.
“The niche trade of log home restoration is a class unto itself in the scope of other specialization that needs to be gained in order to provide the best service and develop a relationship of confidence with the owners of these log structures who enjoy the look and function they provide,” says Rodriguez. “The homes are cozy and relaxing to be in, which is the draw of their desire to have one.”
A comfortable retreat may be just the counterbalance for a time (ours) when we remain unsure whether the past is prologue, after all. Not the basic sort of cabin where our 16th president read by candlelight, but reminiscent enough of Abraham Lincoln’s environs to ease concerns.
There’s no doubt at all that ravenous AI will continue to ingest all that it can, as it aggregates and disseminates information. These homes reminiscent of an earlier age may require the knowledge and skills communicated by a lessartificial means. But with approximately 550,000 of them in the U.S., according to Gemini and the U.S. Census Bureau, it may be worth investigating. CT
After—All the work has been completed, and final touches were placed on the log capping after replacements had been made.
INNOVATION AWARD ANNOUNCEMENT AND CARB-SORE UPDATE
by Diane M. Calabrese
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Innovation is its own reward. It converts the possibilities—for doing things better, faster, and/ or more efficiently—to reality.
Even so, taking the time to recognize innovators invigorates everyone. “Look at what’s possible” is a sentiment that goes a long way to encouraging everyone to keep moving forward.
In 2025 the Cleaning Equipment Trade Association (CETA) introduces a new award to recognize an outstanding innovation from its ranks. Products that entered the market in 2024 and products that will enter the market by the end of 2025 are eligible for the award.
Not only will the winner of the award be honored at PowerClean® 2025 in Reno, Nevada (September 25–27), but entries from all contenders will be featured at the display booths of their respective manufacturers. A group of CETA distributors will serve as judges for the award. See the CETA.org website for instructions on how to submit entries.
SORE UPDATE
The short of it is that the California Air Resources Board (CARB) has designated a transition year—or a grace period, if one prefers. Enforcement of the small off-road engine rule (SORE) was to have begun this year. Unless there is a change of course by CARB, enforcement will instead begin January 1, 2026.
The fundamentals of SORE have been covered several times in the pages of this magazine and in this column as well. In the interest of clarity, we note that here we will cover the two dimensions of SORE. The first is what the rule means for the pressure washing industry. The second is the action in which CETA is engaged to obtain changes to the rule.
What does the rule mean to the industry? The best source of information on this question is the FAQ made available by CARB in January. The four-page PDF document (https://ww2. arb.ca.gov/sites/default/files/barcu/ regact/2021/sore21/carb_sore_faq.pdf)
THE EFFORTS BY CETA AND OTHERS HAVE BROUGHT SOME RESULTS ACROSS THE YEARS. FOR INSTANCE, MORE TIME WAS GRANTED TO MANUFACTURERS OF PRESSURE WASHERS TO COMPLY WITH SORE.
clarifies the delay in enforcement and the expectations for spark-engines less than or equal to 25 horsepower. (We urge everyone to read the document, which is done in frequentlyasked-questions format.)
Here we cull from the cited document the salient points. Full implementation of SORE will begin with the 2026 model year. Owners and
end users of older engines will not have to cease using them. CARB has developed a Manufacturers Advisory Correspondence (MAC) to explain to manufacturers how transition will occur.
The SORE rule aims to contribute to a future of zero-emission equipment (ZEE), but the future will be realized gradually as older equipment is retired and new, compliant equipment replaces it. Compliant
equipment will carry the CARBcertified designation.
“CARB has not committed funds to assist sole proprietors with the purchase of CARB-certified pressure washer equipment,” explains Gus Alexander, CEO of FNA Group in Pleasant Prairie, WI. However, the FAQ from CARB cited above does note that purchase assistance will be provided to as-yet unspecified sole proprietors. So, this is one of many issues still to be resolved.
CARB promotes ZEE equipment as not only better for the environment but also easier to maintain and lighter in weight (ergonomically sound). “However, affordability and run time along with recharging time are still in question for professional pressure washer operations,” says Alexander.
The foregoing concludes the first dimension of the SORE issue. Now, the second issue: What are CETA and other professional groups doing to try to exact changes to the SORE regulation to ensure compliance is feasible?
CETA is working with representatives in the U.S. Congress, officials at the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and other professional groups to try to seek changes to the rule. It is also supporting the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI) in its lawsuit to overturn the implementation of the rule.
Since 2020 CETA has known that the rule for small off-road engines from CARB in the Golden State would have implications for everyone. That’s because the rule will eventually have to be met by any manufacturer that wants to sell equipment (new or used) in California.
More than affecting sales, though, the CARB rules are serving as a template in other states (e.g., Maryland, Massachusetts, and Virginia). EPA cedes environmental regulation in California to the state because its standards are deemed so stringent.
The efforts by CETA and others have brought some results across the years. For instance, more time was granted to manufacturers of pressure washers to comply with SORE. (The current deadline for pressure washers to comply with the zero emissions standard is model year 2028.)
Discussion of SORE and efforts to obtain adjustments to the rule will be an important component of the September meeting in Reno. And in the realm of positive thinking and significant breakthroughs, the CETA Innovation Award may bring forth changes that will help—or eventually help—meet regulations that aim to reduce emissions CT
CLIENTS AND EDUCATE ENHANCE YOUR
BUSINESS!
by Sarah Brickman
THE IMPORTANCE OF EXTERIOR CLEANING FOR HOMES AND BUSINESSES
As professionals in the exterior cleaning industry, we understand the critical importance of maintaining the clean exterior of a property. This includes various services such as landscaping, pressure washing, window cleaning, roofing, painting, pool cleaning, and porter services among others. While it may seem obvious to us, many clients do not prioritize cleaning and often overlook it as an essential expense. Frequently our services are only sought during emergencies or extreme cases rather than for regular maintenance aimed at preserving property value, appearance, and safety. To bridge this gap it’s imperative that we reflect on just how little we knew before our training and years of experience.
EDUCATING CLIENTS IS KEY
When we launched Titan Pressure Washing in South Florida, I was initially uninformed about the “why,” “how,” and “when” of our services, like many of our clients. As operations manager I recognized the need to expand my knowledge. In other words, I had a lot to learn! Over the years we have leveraged educational resources, such as those provided by PWNA, to enhance our understanding and practices. Despite the experience of our owner, Casey Wyatt, who has been in the field for over 15 years, the industry’s equipment, technology, acceptable practices, and chemicals continue to evolve significantly . It is essential not only to educate ourselves and our staff but also equally vital to inform our clients.
Many clients mistakenly confuse dirt with mold or oxidation with dust, and they remain unaware of the potential damage caused by neglecting their property. At Titan we believe every client should be empowered with the facts to make informed decisions regarding the services they require. We always advise clients,
“Whether you choose us or a competitor, understand the facts and make an informed decision based on your property’s unique needs.” This approach fosters respect and appreciation as clients recognize the importance of understanding both the benefits of our services and the risks associated with neglect. The exterior of a property is continually subjected to harsh environmental elements—rain, sun, dirt, mold, mildew, algae, pollen, pollution, and animal waste. Over time these not only diminish curb appeal but can also damage surfaces and shorten the lifespan of a property’s exterior. This is where exterior service contractors offer valuable solutions.
Clients often inquire, “Are you licensed and insured?” This is an excellent opportunity to educate potential clients about licensing requirements and insurance coverage in our state. While regulations differ from one state to another, what remains the same is clients frequently assume that all industries are strictly regulated and require specific training and oversight by state or local agencies. Many are unaware that several cleaning industries operate with minimal regulation, which can lead to significant issues for property owners. It’s often reminiscent of the Wild Wild West, a free for all leading to issues at many properties as a result.
OUR CLIENT EDUCATION INCLUDES THE FOLLOWING:
• Licensing and Insurance Coverage
• Training and Experience vs. Only Experience
• Recognizing Established Professionals vs. Fly-By-Night Operators
• Acceptable vs. Negligent Cleaning Methods
• Procedures for Safeguarding Client Property
• Cost Comparison for Cleaning vs. Repair (if another contractor causes damage)
• Recommended Areas for Immediate vs. Future Cleaning
• How the Environment and Organic Materials Affect Their Property
• Visual Demonstrations and Further Education Through Our Social Media Channels
Understanding your industry is crucial for successful business operations. Equally important is helping clients comprehend how and why to protect their property effectively.
EXPERIENCES INFLUENCE OUR CLIENTS
Below I will share our experiences that can influence various industries and provide insight from our clients’ perspectives on what matters when selecting contractors for their properties.
• Clean Vehicles. Several clients informed us they chose Titan specifically because they noticed our clean trucks on the road. They observed the organization and the absence of dirt and mud, which led them to conclude that if we take such care with our vehicles, we will similarly treat their properties with care leaving them pristine as well. Presentation is vital in every aspect of business.
• Time for Cleaning Again? A long-term client recently received a notification from their HOA demanding a roof cleaning. Upon evaluation, we determined that cleaning was not yet necessary, but we offered to communicate our expert opinion to the HOA if that would assist. It turns out that the HOA sends these letters automatically, regardless of necessity. Consequently, we saved our client over $700! He expressed his gratitude, and we scheduled a future reassessment. Upholding integrity is crucial for maintaining longterm client relationships.
• No Lift? No Problem! A few years ago we were contracted to clean a three-story hotel roof after a contractor declined to complete substantial work that they believed required a lift and was excluded
in the contract’s fine print. After assessing the project, our team creatively executed the cleaning without needing a lift, thereby establishing a long-term partnership with the hotel! Innovative problem-solving can set you apart from competitors.
• Unmet Expectations. During a bidding process for a large HOA project, a negative comment was made regarding the current contractor. Recognizing an opportunity, we engaged in dialogue about unmet expectations and were given a chance to demonstrate our capabilities with a test spot. We have retained the contract ever since! Identifying and addressing client needs can significantly impact outcomes.
• What Makes Sense? Many clients inquire about services that may not make financial sense for their properties. At Titan we assist clients in determining what is genuinely necessary and help them avoid unnecessary expenditures. By guiding clients on when to save and when to invest, we cultivate loyalty and encourage referrals as we do not take advantage of their trust.
• Community Involvement. Titan is actively involved in community events and has served as an ambassador for the local Chamber of Commerce for three years. This engagement differentiates us from transient businesses that evade accountability for any property damage. Our commitment to the community reassures clients of our reliability.
• A Clear Message. Our motto at Titan is “We Call Back, We Show Up, We Do It Right!” Our clients state that this is a primary reason they choose us. These fundamental practices have diminished in many businesses today, and clients are taking note. The message conveyed through your advertising is crucial—what impression are you leaving with potential clients?
RAISING THE BAR IN OUR INDUSTRY
At Titan our mission is to elevate expectations within our industry. While clients often seek low prices, they also anticipate issues such as roof leaks, plant damage, chemical odors, and subpar service experiences. With such low expectations, it can be challenging for clients to trust that we will provide a vastly different experience from their previous contractors. By delivering thorough, professional
services without complications, we strive to prove to our clients the distinct advantages of choosing Titan. We challenge future clients to Experience the Titan Difference for themselves! Regardless of whether your business is well established or newly launched, we hope this article serves as a reminder of the significance of client education in enhancing customer relationships within any industry CT
by Diane M. Calabrese
WORKING IN THE
Boiler rooms and foundries tested the mettle of men—and they were almost all men, to a one—who worked in very hot conditions. Risks were taken in stride. Were you hot? Find a way to cope. Things change.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) opened its doors on April 28, 1971, after being established by the OSH Act in 1970 under President Nixon. The Act acknowledged that despite the determination and grit of workers, there were significant ways that safety on the job could be improved.
Today, as it closes in on 55 years of existence, the purview of OSHA is expansive. Codifying common sense is much of what the administration does—all
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with the goal of making workplaces as safe as possible.
Moreover, OSHA offers fact sheets and training tools to keep everyone in the workplace focused on safety. We
will look at some of the guidance offered, but let’s begin with some direct talk from a veteran member of our industry. What about establishing a heat threshold above which work stops or
is paused? “I really try to leave it up to the individual person to know his limits,” says Doug Rucker, owner of the Doug Rucker Store and the affiliated Clean and Green Solutions in Porter, TX.
“I strongly encourage team members to pay attention to how they are feeling and heed warning signs they may feel or see in a coworker,” explains Rucker. “In the heat of the summer, most of our big jobs start as early as possible—8 a.m. or earlier—and will end by 3 p m if needed.”
There’s some built-in flexibility because of the nature of the work, says Rucker. “These types of jobs are scheduled for multiple days anyway, and so I just add an extra day if needed. I also encourage multiple breaks throughout the day as well.”
Does Rucker give any specific recommendations to his employees who will be tackling jobs on hot days? “Start drinking water as early as possible. A pinch of Celtic salt [a sea salt]
Photo by
Chernetska
two to three times a day with water will help a lot.”
Rucker gives employees not only suggestions about doing but also suggestions about not doing. “Coffee, energy drinks, and anything with caffeine should be avoided not only in the morning but throughout the day.”
Of course, mitigation of the risks of working in heat involves more than just exposure to a hot environment. In combination with heat, chemical use on the jobsite may produce potential hazards.
“In my opinion, soft washing and the use of strong bleach mixes—like for roof cleaning—is the worst during hot weather,” say Rucker. “PPE [personal protective equipment] is vital at all times, but most certainly when performing this service. The fumes and off-gassing are really elevated during the hottest days and hours. A proper mask helps with this.”
The method of encouraging workers, counting on them to bring their own good sense and education in
safety to the jobsite, is the one that OSHA sanctions. No employer can monitor all of their employees.
Countering complacency by educating the individual worker sums up the approach of OSHA. Supervisors/owners bear the responsibility for ensuring employees know how to reduce the risks of working in hot conditions.
Supervisors/owners also bear the responsibility for determining that individuals who work in heat have the physical constitution that allows them to do so. For all the advances that have taken place in industry over the last 54 years, there are still many jobs that keep employees active in a hot environment.
Power-washing contractors are among such individuals. So are roofing and road surfacing crews and many more.
READINESS
According to OSHA the most outdoor fatalities attributable to working in heat occur in the first few days of
the advent of hot weather. A significant contributor to the risky period is lack of acclimatization.
If the average daytime temperature suddenly swings from 45 F to 80 F, employees may still be dressing for cooler conditions (clothes too bulky) and unaware that they are overheating (unaware because the sudden increase in temperature after a long cold spell can feel quite good).
The human body does build up its tolerance to heat (and to cold) with consistent exposure. But in the first few days of exposure to heat, the body’s thermostat has not yet reached a new set point. (OSHA reports that 50 to 70 percent of fatalities related to heat occur during the first few days of working in a suddenly warmer environment.)
Complacency about conditions that have changed is also a factor. In addition to OSHA, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) at the CDC [Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention] also offers abundant information on the effects of heat on the human body.
Among the NIOSH reminders are those about how a given temperature is only one variable in determining the risk to workers from heat. For instance, perspiration stands as a physiological mechanism for cooling the body if the moisture can easily evaporate. On humid days evaporation slows.
Thus, humidity adds to the toll that heat extracts from workers. So, too, does direct sunlight and the absence of air movement.
Direct sunlight poses other risks to the skin and eyes. Taking steps to reduce the risks—sunscreen and dark glasses—and working out of the most direct sun as much as possible should be part of the repertoire on hot days.
The safest work environment is the one in which each employee knows safe practices and follows them. Yet new hires may be a bit hazy even after good training. And when life issues
distract an employee, things can happen.
As such, OSHA takes the position that prevention ultimately becomes the responsibility of supervisors/owners. That includes monitoring the combination of factors that can add to heat stress on hot days and, if necessary, calling off work for the day. And at the most basic level it means that provisions must be made in heat for rest, shaded recesses, and fluid intake.
The OSHA document titled “Protecting Workers from the Effects of Heat” available at OSHA.gov is as good a seven-page reference guide as can be had. For one, it begins with a primer on how to recognize and respond to heat-related illness.
Each employee should be able to recognize the signs of a fellow worker who is succumbing to heat stress. Symptoms of heat stress include muddled speech or behavior, and much worse (seizures, fainting, etc.). And employees should know what to do in response.
Each employee also must give a truthful account to his or her employer about any factors that could increase susceptibility to heat. For instance, certain medications may elevate risk. (Obesity, alcohol, and drug use also elevate risk.)
There are myriad ways to sum up reminders about how to work safely in heat. But the summaries hinge on two fundamentals: Workers must be trained. And workers must internalize their training.
Knowledge is the antidote to complacency, and complacency is generally where difficulties begin. “I’ll just work a little longer because I can take more heat, even though I’m sweating profusely and feeling a bit queasy” is an all-too familiar (and dangerous) complacent statement.
OSHA should not have to codify that if it seems like rest or shade or water is needed, it is. Working in heat? Common sense should be trusted and the OSHA recommendations followed . CT
The Power Washers of North America (PWNA) is proud to announce its newly appointed and returning board members for the upcoming term. These dedicated professionals bring a wealth of experience and passion to the pressure washing industry, ensuring the continued growth and success of PWNA.
NEW BOARD MEMBERS
We are excited to welcome new board members who have stepped up to serve the industry. Their fresh perspectives and commitment to
excellence will strengthen our mission to provide safety, compliance, and technical training for pressure washing professionals.
RAMON BURKE, BOARD MEMBER
South East Drone Works
Ramon Burke, cofounder of Spray Wash Exterior Cleaning, LLC, has played a significant role in shaping the cleaning industry in the Southeast. In response to the 2009 recession, he started with a simple Home Depot pressure washer, knocking on doors to support his family.
Ramon Burke
by
PWNA
His determination and entrepreneurial spirit led to the growth of Spray Wash into a premier provider of exterior cleaning services, including soft washing, pressure washing, and specialized cleaning for roofs, warehouses, and coolers. With expertise in high-access projects using lifts, cranes, and rope techniques, Spray Wash became a leader in the industry, ultimately reaching over $1.3 million in production before being acquired by Krystal Klean under the FleetWash umbrella in 2021.
Following the sale of Spray Wash, Ramon transitioned into the retail
sector by operating a Power Wash Store franchise from 2021 to 2024 but soon realized his passion remained in hands-on cleaning. Returning to the field, he is now spearheading a new venture, South East Drone Works, which aims to transform the industry using cutting-edge drone technology. His goal is to enhance safety and efficiency for cleaning companies by providing innovative solutions for high-access and challenging cleaning tasks. Through this venture, Ramon continues his legacy of innovation and leadership, striving to advance the industry’s
professional standards while reducing operational risks.
HEATH KING, BOARD MEMBER
Quality Pressure Washing
Heath King, founder and owner of Quality Pressure Washing and Cleaning Services LLC, established the company in March 1997 with a modest investment—a $450 Sears Craftsman pressure washer mounted on a 5x10 trailer towed by a Chevrolet Lumina. While pursuing his college education, Heath balanced his studies with residential house washing and janitorial
Photo by iStockphoto.com/STILLFX
services for a local drug store. From the beginning he recognized the importance of building strong relationships with repeat customers, a principle that would shape the company’s future.
As demand for his services grew, Heath expanded into specialized areas such as commercial fleet washing, industrial cleaning, restaurant sanitation,
and flat surface cleaning. His dedication to quality and consistency helped transform the business into a regional leader. Today Quality Pressure Washing has a team of 25 professionals and a fleet of eight service trucks serving clients across North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia. The company remains committed to excellence, ensuring that every job upholds the core values it was founded on.
BOB GRUETZMACHER, INDUSTRY PARTNER BOARD MEMBER
Pressure Pro/Nilfisk
Bob Gruetzmacher has dedicated over 42 years to the power washing industry, beginning in 1983 when he transitioned from career recruiting to sales & service manager for Delco in Houston. Over the years he held various roles, including regional sales manager for multi-state areas. He has worked for Clarke Industries/ Alto US from 1992 to 1999, Hydrotek
US from 2000 to 2013, and then Pressure Pro/Nilfisk from 2014 to the present, following Nilfisk’s acquisition in 2015. His passion for the industry has been evident through his commitment to supporting family-owned distributorships and his active participation in the Power Washers of North America (PWNA) conventions since 2008.
Beyond his professional career, Bob is dedicated to volunteer work, particularly in historic site preservation and community service. In 2011 alongside his wife Cindie and with the support of his employer, he organized a team to clean a historic site for its 175th anniversary, a project that took three days and was a great success. He has since contributed to other similar preservation efforts and spent years bringing joy as Santa Claus at nursing home Christmas parties. With a background in education, Bob’s passion for teaching and mentoring has driven his advocacy for training, ethical business practices, and environmental awareness within the power washing industry. He remains committed to serving and elevating the industry through his work with PWNA.
RETURNING BOARD MEMBERS
We also extend our gratitude to our returning board members who have demonstrated unwavering dedication to PWNA and the industry as a whole. Their continued service
Heath King
Bob Gruetzmacher
ensures consistency and progress in our initiatives.
JIM PASTERNAK, PWNA VICE PRESIDENT
NorthEast Power Washing LLC
Jim Pasternak, vice president, has been a dedicated professional in the
power washing industry since 2007. Starting with roof cleaning, he quickly recognized the industry’s potential and expanded his expertise in 2010, rebranding his business as NorthEast Power Washing LLC. Since then his company has grown exponentially, serving both residential and commercial clients with a fleet of advanced trucks designed for efficiency. Always looking to innovate, Jim aims to build Connecticut’s first all-electric power washing truck, aligning his business with sustainability and cutting-edge technology.
Beyond his business, Jim is passionate about supporting the industry and giving back to the community. A PWNA board member since 2012, he has played a key role in mentoring new business owners, advancing industry standards, and fostering collaboration among professionals. His growth mindset drives his success, whether through implementing new systems, reducing costs, motivating his team, or developing innovative
marketing strategies—all while maintaining a strong commitment to customer satisfaction.
MIKE DINGLER, PWNA TREASURER
Firehouse Pressure Washing
Mike Dingler is the owner of Firehouse Pressure Washing, based
Jim Pasternak
Mike Dingler
in Peachtree City, GA. With over 25 years of experience in the exterior cleaning industry, Mike’s journey began in 1995 when he started washing homes for his father’s painting business. A second-generation entrepreneur, he has combined his deep industry knowledge with a strong work ethic to build a thriving company specializing in residential exterior cleaning.
Before fully dedicating himself to his business, Mike served as a full-time firefighter/paramedic for 10 years and a volunteer firefighter/ medic for seven years. His extensive field experience includes being on site at over 20,000 job sites, giving him a comprehensive understanding of the industry. Under his leadership Firehouse Pressure Washing has grown from a small operation into a full-scale company with a dedicated staff and fleet, known for delivering high-quality service and expertise in the field.
PAUL LARAMEE, BOARD MEMBER
Exquisite Finishes Inc.
Paul Laramee founded Exquisite Finishes Inc. in 1989 at just 21 years old, starting with a single van in his hometown of Warwick, Rhode Island. His vision and dedication have allowed the business to thrive for over two decades. Twenty-four years later
Exquisite Finishes has grown to include three mobile units and a team of six employees, providing high-quality power washing services across Rhode Island, Connecticut, and Massachusetts. The company specializes in flat surface cleaning for sidewalks and parking garages, commercial building exteriors, residential siding and deck restoration, truck fleet washing, and graffiti removal.
Committed to continuous growth, Paul remains focused on expanding his company while staying at the forefront of industry advancements. He actively pursues ongoing education and refines his business to ensure top-tier service and efficiency. His dedication to quality and customer satisfaction has solidified Exquisite Finishes as a trusted name in professional power washing.
RYAN MCGOWAN, BOARD MEMBER
Simple Clean LLC
Ryan McGowan is the owner-operator of Simple Clean LLC Power Washing Services, a well-respected business in southeastern Pennsylvania. With over 17 years in the industry, he launched his company in 2017, specializing in residential power washing while also having experience in deck restoration and commercial work. Still actively working in the field, Ryan enjoys the hands-on
Paul Laramee
Ryan McGowan
aspect of the business and the flexibility it provides. A passionate entrepreneur, he takes pride in mentoring others, values local networking, and maintains a strong work-life balance as a husband and father.
Ryan is deeply committed to business growth and self-sufficiency, handling key areas like digital marketing, business strategy, and equipment maintenance himself to accelerate progress and reduce costs. A PWNA-certified contractor, he stays ahead of industry trends and continuously refines his skills. As a PWNA board member, Ryan looks forward to contributing to marketing and outreach initiatives that support the organization’s mission of education and training.
THE VALUE OF SERVING ON THE PWNA BOARD
Serving on the PWNA board of directors is more than just a leadership
role—it is an opportunity to give back to an industry that has provided so much to its professionals. Board members play a crucial role in the following ways by shaping the future of pressure washing:
• Advocating for industry standards and best practices
• Providing valuable education and training resources
• Supporting networking and growth opportunities for businesses
• Promoting safety and compliance to enhance the industry’s reputation
GIVING BACK TO THE INDUSTRY
The pressure washing industry thrives on the commitment and collaboration of its professionals. By serving on the board, these individuals dedicate their time and expertise to making a lasting impact. Their leadership helps elevate the
profession, ensuring that businesses continue to operate at the highest levels of efficiency and integrity.
LOOKING AHEAD
With a strong team of board members leading the way, PWNA remains committed to fostering innovation, education, and advocacy in the pressure washing industry. We look forward to the valuable contributions of our new and returning board members and their efforts to propel the industry forward.
We invite all members to engage with the PWNA board, participate in initiatives, and support the mission of empowering pressure washing professionals nationwide.
Congratulations to all our board members—thank you for your dedication and service!
For more information about the Power Washers of North America visit www.PWNA.org. CT
by Diane M. Calabrese
MANUFACTURERS’ TESTING METHODS
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Try this: Where’s the nearest fire hydrant? We guess many of our readers can answer that question in an instant. That’s as it should be.
Even in a digital world, it’s good to be able to give an assist to firefighters should state-of-the-art technical communications cease operation. Then, it’s just a matter of responders hooking a hose to the hydrant as fast as possible, turning a valve, and getting the water flowing.
Or is it?
If the hydrant has not undergone rigorous testing during and after manufacturing, there is no guarantee it will function as it should. Most municipalities have detailed protocols for testing hydrants (and sprinkler systems) on a regular basis.
But the first test of any equipment begins at the site of its manufacturer. Just how do manufacturers test their equipment?
“PA has a dual approach to the testing methods,” says Davide Rizzi, technical sales with P.A. Spa in Rubiera, Italy. “We defer to European technical standards, mainly for safety tests, but we also developed our own testing procedures in order to maintain and control functionality, durability, and sturdiness.”
And the tests do not end when the product is ready for use. “These tests are carried out not only during the development of any new item but also periodically to test the life span of older items to keep quality under control,” explains Rizzi.
The many components to testing— safety, structural integrity, etc.— require focused attention. “Our company has an R&D department employing five people,” says Rizzi. “The R&D manager ensures that all the required tests are carried out following standard procedure and collects all data by means of a dedicated quality software.”
In the United States, third-party testing offers validation of in-house assessment. And some companies are
ISO 9001 certified. Attainment of the certification amplifies quality assurance methods taken in-house.
“Our company is ISO 9001 certified,” says Rizzi. “This European certification requires that we maintain a well-developed quality system; therefore, we do not need a third party to verify the results of our tests.”
Testing criteria all aim at the same goal. It is to ensure an effective, safe, quality product. By committing to testing in-house and by third parties, a manufacturer demonstrates exceptional care.
“Both the tests required by the European standards and those required by our internal quality policy concern safety, structural integrity, and efficacy of the products,” explains Rizzi. “We also have internal standards concerning durability stating that every new product must pass a life test carried out in our dedicated testing facility at its maximum operating conditions.”
ISO [International Organization for Standards], ISO.org, emphasizes harmonization of evaluation criteria. Manufacturers that meet ISO criteria have disclosed sufficient information about their processes and measures to ensure outcomes (in the product and in the testing of it) can be both trusted and easily compared with products in the same class or category.
In the realm that exists somewhere between in-house testing and international harmonization of testing, there are groups that focus on specific components of products (e.g., electrical). And there are industry associations that establish standards for the products in their industry.
For example, the Cleaning Equipment Trade Association (CETA) developed the CPC-100 performance standard for pressure washers. The CPC-100 designation indicates a pressure washer has been tested and meets the specifications used to advertise it.
A machine that bears the CPC-100 label has undergone uniform testing and rating alongside other pressure washers. CPC-100 provides a uniform
method of testing and rating pressure washers. It allows purchasers to easily make a side-by-side comparison of machines.
To be CETA CPC-100 certified a pressure washer must meet four major criteria: actual pressure in the equipment must be at least 90 percent of the advertised pressure; measured flow must be at least 90 percent of the advertised flow; if gas-engine powered, the engine must operate at 85 percent of its maximum capacity or less; and if powered by an electric motor, the motor must not exceed the amperage on the name plate, including the service factor, while supplying plus or minus 10 percent of the name plate voltage.
Additional CPC-100 criteria include deviation allowances for nozzles, gauges, and testing accuracy. The standard also establishes how ratings for gpm and psi will be assessed.
QUALITY FIRST
The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST.gov) was established in 1901. It is a division of the U.S. Department of Commerce.
The purpose of the NIST is to promote safety in outcomes, including manufacturing. In fact, some text at the NIST website got us thinking about fire hydrants. A scenario is recounted there about the Great Baltimore fire of 1904 that destroyed 1500 structures. Although there was plenty of response to the fire that burned for more than a day, the nonuniformity of hoses meant that not all hoses could fit the hydrants.
The mismatched hose diameters taught everyone a valuable lesson. Thus, a good outcome from a calamitous event.
A significant reason for standardization is that it facilitates not only connections (in some cases) but comparisons. For standardization to be reliable, the tools for inspection and monitoring must also be tested.
Section 820.72 (Inspection, measuring, and test equipment) of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR, eCFR) spells out the expectations for
MANUFACTURERS IN 2025 CONFRONT MORE CHALLENGES THAN PERHAPS AT ANY TIME IN THE PAST. THEY CANNOT SIMPLY MAKE A PRODUCT AND STAND BEHIND IT. THEY MUST MEET
THE EXPECTATIONS OF ANY REGULATOR DEEMED
TO HAVE
THE AUTHORITY TO IMPOSE RULES. AND RULES CHANGE FREQUENTLY OR AT LEAST ARE AMENDED FREQUENTLY. MOREOVER, SOMETIMES A PROMISED CHANGE DRAGS ON AND ON, AND THE MANUFACTURER IS LEFT IN THE IN-BETWEEN WORLD OF THE EXISTING STANDARD AND WHAT’S ON THE HORIZON.
manufacturers. For one, manufacturers must have procedures to ensure test equipment itself is routinely calibrated and inspected. Maintenance of test equipment is paramount to ensuring the tests of products are valid. The manufacturer must document which calibration standards it is using (from international standards or another sanctioned source), and calibration methods must be retained. (The records do not have to be affixed to every piece of equipment used in testing, but they must be readily available.)
Of course, while manufacturers are testing their calibration tools and testing their products, they also must comply with process safety management (PSM) standards and recognized and generally accepted good engineering practices (RAGAGEP) requirements from OSHA.
[An aside given as we write in mid-April while debate about tariffs rages. It’s worth remembering that it is not just differences in wages that account for lower-cost products exiting factories in some countries. It is also the absence of many regulations.]
In 20 CFR (eCFR) 1919.19, the PSM standard, the use of RAGAGEP is referenced. How? These things must comply with RAGAGEP: all equipment used in PSM processes, equipment used in tests of mechanical integrity, and inspection and test frequency for equipment.
Like all government standards, there’s a mix of latitude and thus ambiguity in determining what constitutes a “generally accepted good engineering practice.” What follows are some examples that OSHA gives.
Adhering to widely accepted codes, such as those from NFPA [National Fire Protection Association]—e.g., life safety and electric—fulfills RAGAGEP. Following consensus documents, such as those from ASME [American Society of Mechanical Engineers] and ANSI [American National Standards Institute], also fulfills the requirement.
OSHA also recognizes non-consensus engineering documents that come from specific industries as meeting
RAGAGEP expectations. And it recognizes standards developed in house. Internal standards would be looked on favorably by OSHA when they are better at addressing process safety management than any existing other document, including consensus.
Manufacturers strive for quality. In getting to that endpoint, they must meet all regulatory requirements— requirements for worker safety by OSHA but also any regulating body
that deems itself to have purview. EPA [Environmental Protection Agency] may also leap, for instance, with its own concerns about compliance with RAGAGEP when older processes change. A change in a process may equate with a change in risk to the environment (as well as to workers).
So, how do manufacturers decide which way to proceed with testing? Do they gravitate toward international harmonization, consensus, inhouse, or a combination? Most use some combination of approaches because no single approach covers the full territory of products being made.
For instance, the NFPA (NFPA.org) has developed more than 300 consensus codes and standards. The organization is just one of the nongovernment organizations (NGOs) that inform the work of regulators.
Manufacturers in 2025 confront more challenges than perhaps at any time in the past. They cannot simply make a product and stand behind it. They must meet the expectations of any regulator deemed to have the authority to impose rules.
And rules change frequently or at least are amended frequently. Moreover, sometimes a promised change drags on and on, and the manufacturer is left in the in-between world of the existing standard and what’s on the horizon.
A good example of a languishing change is the long-anticipated effective date (it was to be March 21, 2021) for transition from UL 1776 to UL 60335-2-79. The anticipated 603352-79 had some new requirements like the 96-hour endurance testing by a third party such as UL, CSA, ETL, or a nationally recognized testing laboratory (NRTL).
Some manufacturers completed the transition. Others did not. It’s definitely a situation in flux given that at this juncture manufacturers may use UL 1776 or UL 60335-2-79.
Testing products in 2025—to everyone’s satisfaction—is not easy. And it’s a lot more complicated than matching the diameters of hoses CT
by Diane M. Calabrese
“ chemical saf ety
The good, the bad, and the ugly”—a catchy phrase.
More’s the pity that it does not apply to chemicals or anything else.
Chemicals must be evaluated in context. Elemental sodium is incendiary. Sodium united with chlorine as salt takes on an innocuous—and endlessly useful—form.
But surely there are chemicals— everything is ultimately a chemical in
elemental or compound form—that are only good. Perhaps not, if the chemical is in the wrong place at the wrong time, such as a supply of oxygen enhancing a fire. And then there’s water intoxication among those who imbibe too much.
Chemical safety begins and ends where all safe practices do: paying attention to details while immersed in an activity.
Our industry does not use as many chemicals as many others. But transport, storage, labeling, and correct
use all come into play. Safe use of chemicals, then, is about more than a dilution or a compound choice.
It is about not overlooking anything. For instance, consider disposal.
“Disposal is one of the most overlooked dimensions to safe chemical use,” says Linda Chambers, brand and sales manager at GCE/Soap Warehouse Brand in Norcross, GA. “Most chemicals should not just be tossed in the garbage or poured down a drain, even a sewer drain.”
So where do we look to find the guide for proper disposal? That’s tricky.
“Unfortunately, SDSs [safety data sheets] are not that helpful as most just list in Section 13, ‘Dispose in accordance with all applicable regulations. May be subject to disposal regulations: U.S. EPA 40 CFR 261. Hazardous Waste Number(s): D002,’ which is not very helpful,” explains Chambers.
But the how-to of disposal is not the only puzzle. “Another issue is cost,” says Chambers.
“To properly dispose of chemicals, companies usually have to pay a specialized service company to come and pick up for disposal, which can be expensive if only small amounts are occasionally needed and not a monthly service,” explains Chambers. That’s just one part of the cost.
“There are usually volume minimums that must be met to get a pickup,” says Chambers. Fully understanding the difficulties in disposal, she has ventured to help contractors.
“I have suggested and looked into having a company do a monthly pickup as a vendor at our location for our contractor customers like battery stores or auto-supply stores do for their customers,” explains Chambers. “We have spoken to our contractor customers, but they were not interested in paying even a small fee per gallon for us to even try the service.”
Chambers laments that the strategy she suggested had no takers. “I wish
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I knew some way to motivate service contractors to do the right thing when disposing of expired, unwanted, or contaminated chemicals when the situation arises.”
Of course, Chambers hopes—as we all do—that contractors are doing the right thing and using an appropriate disposal system. There are many training programs in the safe use of chemicals available. Thus, the guidance is there for the taking.
Which training programs would Chambers recommend? “The PWNA has online training classes at PWNA. org —Chemical Safety for $49. Our company does a few classes during the year, the ABCs of Chemicals and Chemical Safety and Spill Kits; these are free with a $25 deposit you get back on the day of class to use to buy product in our store. The Power Wash Academy also has an online Chemical Safety Class for $49.”
We cite the prices (always subject to change) only to emphasize the
modest investment needed to obtain expert assistance with the ins and outs of chemical safety. Moreover, the instructional offerings Chambers cites are just a sampling of educational choices available.
LEADING THE WAY
In one sense our industry leads the way in chemical safety. Extracting the most cleaning work from water— pressurized, heated, or steamed— reduces the need for chemicals. That means fewer chemicals with which to deal.
OSHA envisions the elimination and reduction of chemicals in the workplace, particularly outrightly hazardous chemicals, as a boon to worker wellbeing. And it offers a toolkit on the subject (see https://www. osha.gov/safer-chemicals).
The OSHA toolkit emphasizes a thoughtful approach. For example, a company should frequently review its chemical use. How can more be done
with less, or can a switch to a less troublesome chemical be made?
There is no question that exposure to certain chemicals causes health problems, which may result in fatalities. According to OSHA, illnesses tied to exposure to chemicals on the job approach 200,000 each year. And then, there are the deaths: 50,000 annually.
While OSHA aims to partner with employers to minimize exposure to chemicals, NIOSH [National Institute for Safety and Health] aims to make it as simple as possible to understand the nature and the risks of specific chemicals. As such, it now has available (open access) one of the finest retrieval tools for information about chemicals we have ever seen. (See https://www.cdc.gov/ niosh/chemicals/about/index.html to get started.)
In addition to its own NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards (in website, pdf, mobile formats), NIOSH
links to the International Chemical Safety Card (ICSC) database.
The ICSC database can be queried by the name of a chemical, the CAS [Chemical Abstracts Service] number for a chemical, the UN number for a chemical, or the ICSC number. A query can also be entered with a text string.
(See https://chemicalsafety.ilo.org/ dyn/icsc/showcard.listCards3?p_ lang=en. This writer chose English
among the many languages offered for ICSC database users.)
The test query we entered was “sodium hypochlorite” (by name). In return, we were offered two choices of cards—one for less than a 10 percent solution of sodium hypochlorite and one for a more than 10 percent solution. Storage (separated from acids, cool and dark place, original container), safety precautions (protective eyewear, no eating or drinking
when using), and first aid are among the inclusive and lucidly tabulated returns on the card.
CLARITY
OSHA is not the only regulator interested in chemical safety. In addition to NIOSH at CDC, there is the EPA [Environmental Protection Agency]. For all the information regulators provide, there is a great deal left to the discretion of the chemical’s user—take the example again of “proper disposal.”
Where to begin? Don’t do anything stupid, such as using an unlabeled container or an unsuitable container to store a chemical. Many a chemical should only be stored in its original container. We assume that members of our industry never fall into the justthis-once trap of ignoring a protocol for storage or labeling.
Beyond meticulous attention in transport, storage (including shelving), and disposal, a business owner must ensure risks posed to employees from workplace chemicals are communicated. That is the essence of OSHA’s workplace hazard communication standard (HCS). Hazard designation is based on assessment of permissible exposure limits (PELs). Note that in California, many PELs are lower than national numbers and they supersede their federal counterparts.
In addition to PELs, there are RELs— “R” for recommended, which NIOSH develops. They are almost always lower than PELs. (In the exposure limit lexicon, there are still other entries, which take into account things such as shortterm and time-weighted exposure).
Although a one-time use of a chemical may not require a respirator, the cumulative effect of many short uses may dictate the use of respirator. Chemical safety requires a realistic approach, one in which the risks are known and mitigated.
Know the chemical—shelf life, risks (in use, storage, transport and disposal)—and always choose the least harsh chemical for the job. And keep up to date on options (and expectations) CT
WORKERS HELP OR HEADACHE?
by Mark E. Battersby
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Workers have long been the key to surviving past economic downturns. Employers have turned to independent contractors to avoid payroll taxes; they have hired family members; they have experienced fraud; and more, so much more. Fortunately, among the potential pitfalls exacerbated by our economy are a number of cost-cutting moves and tax savings that can help attract and retain economical workers.
First, of course, every employer that hires workers must verify the employment and identity of all employees hired. Both the pressure cleaning operation and the employee must complete the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) “Employment Eligibility Verification,” form I-9.
Employers are required to maintain completed I-9 forms for three years after the hiring date or one year after the employment ends, whichever is later. Keep in mind that for I-9 paperwork violations, the penalties range from $281 to $2,789 for the first offense for substantive violations or uncorrected technical errors.
VERIFY AND VERIFY
Helping to avoid or reduce the fines that increasingly result from poor hiring practices is E-Verify, a Web-based system through which employers electronically confirm the employment eligibility of their employees.
Administered by the USCIS and Social Security Administration (SSA), E-Verify aids employers in confirming the eligibility of employees to work in the U.S. Employers verify the identity and employment eligibility of newly hired employees by electronically matching information given by employees on form I-9.
If E-Verify does not confirm an employee’s eligibility to work in the U.S., an employer can terminate employment with no civil or criminal penalty.
THE COST OF UNLAWFUL EMPLOYMENT
Not too surprisingly, employers also face penalties for hiring undocumented workers. Those penalties can include civil fines and potentially criminal prosecution.
Civil penalties for a first offense can range from $375 to $1,600 per unauthorized worker, depending on the frequency and severity of past violations. A pattern or practice of knowingly hiring undocumented workers can lead to fines of up to $3,000 per worker and/or imprisonment for up to six months.
The USCIS does not automatically forgive unauthorized employment, but there are exceptions. Unauthorized employment can be forgiven if the employer is an immediate relative (a spouse, child under 21, or parent) of a U.S. citizen applying for a green card. Additionally, for some employment-based green card applicants, unauthorized employment may be forgiven if it was within 180 days since their last lawful admission.
EMPLOYMENT TAXES
Unpaid employment taxes, those amounts withheld from employees, represent nearly 70 percent of all revenue collected by the IRS. The pressure washing business is required to withhold those so-called “trust fund” taxes— income taxes, Social Security taxes, and Medicare taxes—from the wages of an employee, and failure to withhold or pay them over is a serious issue with the IRS.
The Trust fund recovery penalty (TFRP) is assessed when a business doesn’t withhold and pay over payroll taxes from their employees’ paychecks. The penalty is 100 percent of the withheld taxes, and the IRS can hold a variety of individuals accountable, not just businesses.
Section 530 of the Revenue Act of 1978 concerns itself with controversies involving whether individuals are employees for purposes of employment taxes and was originally created to provide relief for taxpayers who are involved in worker classification issues. This brings up the controversial issue of who is and who isn’t an independent contractor in the eyes of the IRS.
INDEPENDENT CONTRACTORS
Many pressure washing businesses prefer labeling workers as independent contractors because they are not subject to minimum wage, overtime pay, or the payroll tax withholding requirements. Workers prefer the independent contractor label for the freedom it offers. However,
misclassification of employees as independent contractors can lead to retroactive benefit payments, fines, and penalties.
The IRS’s general rule says an individual is an independent contractor if the payer has the right to control or direct only the result of the work, not what will be done and how it will be done. In other words, someone is not an independent contractor if they perform services that can be controlled by an employer (what and how it will be done). This applies even if the individual is given freedom of action. What matters is that the employer has the legal right to control the details of how the services are performed.
For workers the positives of being classified as an employee include better wage stability, overtime protections, and the possibility of receving benefits such as health insurance or a retirement plan. It also means workers will get unemployment insurance if they lose their jobs.
The downsides for those working as employees include reduced flexibility in work schedules and less opportunity to work for multiple employers.
Avoiding the high cost of misclassification, there is the IRS’s voluntary classification settlement program (VCSP). VCSP provides partial relief from federal employment taxes for eligible taxpayers that agree to treat workers as employees.
OVERTIME
The federal overtime provisions are contained in the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). Unless exempt, employees covered by the Act must receive overtime pay for hours worked over 40 in a workweek at a rate not less than time and one-half their regular rates of pay. There is no limit in the Act on the number of hours employees aged 16 and older may work in any workweek. The FLSA does not require overtime pay for work on Saturdays, Sundays, holidays, or regular days of rest, unless overtime is worked on such days.
Individuals who are properly classified as executive, administrative, or professional employees are considered “exempt employees,” while all “non exempt” must be paid at least the minimum wage and overtime after 40 hours worked in a week. After a failed attempt to increase the minimum threshold for overtime exemption, it has reverted to $35,568 per year ($484 per week). Employees earning below this threshold are generally entitled to overtime pay.
KEEPING IT IN THE FAMILY
Many pressure cleaning businesses are run jointly by spouses, and profits are usually shared. Under the tax rules, they may be partners regardless of whether they have a formal partnership agreement. Thus, the income should be reported as a partnership on form 1065.
If operated as a joint venture, a business jointly owned by a married couple who both materially participate in the business, the spouses can choose not to treat the joint venture as a partnership by making a qualified joint venture election.
When both spouses do more than minor work for a pressure washing business operated as an LLC, they are required
to be on the payroll and receive a reasonable wage for the work performed. In other words a spouse can’t simply be added as a member to avoid paying a fair wage or to save money on payroll taxes.
Employing the children of the pressure cleaning business’s owners or operators could save a sizeable amount. The wages are, of course, deductible by the business. The children are entitled to claim a standard deduction of $15,000 for 2025, meaning that earnings up to that amount, and if they have no other income, is not taxable.
While payments made to any child under age 21 aren’t subject to the Federal Unemployment Tax Act (FUTA), it’s a similar story for payments made by a pressure cleaning business operating as a sole proprietorship or a partnership in which each partner is a parent of the child. These aren’t subject to Social Security and Medicare taxes.
Payments made by a pressure cleaning business operating as other than a sole proprietorship or partnership are however subject to income tax withholding, regardless of the child’s age as well as subject to FICA and Medicare, which reduces the benefit only slightly.
Good recordkeeping is a necessity when it comes to their hours, and the amount paid should be in line with other employees doing similar work.
POTENTIAL PAYROLL PITFALLS
Bonuses and raises are usually not directly substituted. In many situations a pressure cleaning business can’t avoid raising wages to keep competitive with other employers. Bonuses, on the other hand, are a way of compensating employees for a good year without becoming locked into a higher wage structure.
Bonuses can vary with business conditions and can be eliminated in poor years. A raise could negatively affect the business if it suffers a reversal or economic conditions worsen.
And beware of those labor laws, both state and federal. One employer gave workers exempt for the overtime payment restrictions paid time off to deal with a snowstorm. The employer later asked them to work an equal amount of time for free to make up for the time off.
Not too surprisingly the state labor department said the employer had to pay the employees for the time worked. The paid time off couldn’t be used to offset time worked.
BEWARE
How is the pressure washing business coping with the seemingly never-ending minimum wage increases and the skyrocketing cost of workers? Will the operation be caught as the IRS, the DOL, and other agencies, federal and state, continue their campaigns to properly classify workers as employees or independent contractors? Most importantly, will the pressure cleaning business avoid the onerous payroll tax penalties and fines?
Keeping an eye on developments, good records, and professional assistance may be the answer CT
ZONE 1
American Waterworks, Inc. 13250 Weidner St. Pacoima, CA 91331 818-252-0706
www.americanwaterworks.net
Custom trailer system sales & service.
Nor Cal Pressure Washer Equipment
250-G S. Maple Ave. S. San Francisco, CA 94080 (866) 554-6601
www.norcalpressurewash.com
Hydro Tek Sales & Service, Industrial/Commercial.
Pacific Bay Equipment 609 G Street Modesto, CA 95354 (209) 578-3925/fax (209) 578-3120
www.pacificbayequipment.com
SF Bay area: 28301 Industrial Blvd. Hayward, CA 94545
ZONE 4
Pressure Systems, Inc.
1646 E. Jefferson Street Phoenix, AZ 85034 (602) 253-9579
www.pressuresystemsinc.com Experience Makes a Difference. Working With Water & Finding Solutions Since 1965.
Superior Cleaning Equipment
4422 E. University Dr. Phoenix, AZ 85034 602-257-1357 sceclean.com
ZONE 5
American Cleaning Systems 5261 W. 42nd St. Odessa, TX 79764 (800) 205-7797
www.amcleaning.net
Pressure Washers, Soaps, Degreasers, Hot Shot
Alklean Industries, Inc. 2111 Catalina Dr. Pasadena, TX 77503 (281) 479-5966 www.alklean.com
Hotsy, Mi-T-M, Hydro Tek, Alkota, KEW, Alto, plus many more. POWERWASH.COM 2313 Cold Springs Rd. Fort Worth, TX 76106 (800) 433-2113 www.Powerwash.com
Pressure Washer Sales & Service, Parts, Chemicals. River City Pressure Cleaning Equipment 7306 NE Loop 410 San Antonio, TX 78219
Dyne Power Packs: 772-332-1662. Kärcher North America: 303738-2400; www.kaercher.com/us. Pressure Systems Innovations: 561-249-2830; https://pressure systemsinnovations.com.
