NJWashingGuy

Guy, One of my main points in objecting to how this is being done is exactly this. As a result of a lack of curicculum that the ***** certs are being based off of how can one agree that this is a good thing to do. You agree that there is liability for the org in doing certs if they have a standard off of which the cert is based. In essence, the certs are now based off of some test that a group of guys who work together came up with. I cannot agree that they are all industry leaders and professionals but that is another point. Saying that there is not enough time for guys that volunteer their time is the reason the certs are this way only solidifies that these certs are not proper in the grand scheme of things. Something stinks here...... I think that the reason that this is being critiqued so much is the manner in which it is being done, its not a personal matter. You cannot preach professionalism and industry leadership and venture out on a half ***** certification program because the BOD believes that the concept of certifications, there needs to be more......

Guy, I sincerely hope that for the sake of you guys and the ***** that the questions in the youtube video are not what the testing is about. If it is, respectfully, I would reconsider pushing that certification forward until better material can be brought to bear.

One other thing to point out would be that one snow preparation event by a state, county, city or municipality is far wore than what a group of power washers could do in a year...........

I would love to see an answer to this, especially if they locked themselves into the statement of an exemption. Salt brine is more more corrosive than the 15% that we use for a lot of cleaning. For a testament to its corrosive ability, I would love to show a regulator a time shown event of leaving a piece of metal in a five gallon pail of the stuff and see how long it lasts. If that stuff is as strong as I believe, thy are gonna be hard pressed to make a good argument why it's allowed. In addition to that, the chemical properties are similar with salt as a main ingredient. Anyone else have more info on this type of thing being allowed??? it needs to be about the environment, not hypocracy!!

I have a question with respect to run off. The reason that I bring this up and maybe this is not the correct section, but it certainly applies to AHJ's with respect to these BMP's that we talk about. Many states, counties, cities and municipalities apply Salt Brine prior to snow storms as a way of "preventing" snow from icing onto road surfaces with the snow. When these brine trucks go out with their 2500 gallon tanks and run all over applying this to the roadways, at some point, this is going to end up going down the drain into the storm drains which lead back into the waterways of the states, counties, cities and municiaplities. Over a state, I would imagine that millions of gallons of this stuff is applied. How can an AHJ who applies this highly corrosive substance in mass quantities with Zero run off control to the roadways and eventually the waterways claim that a power washer is causing harm?? How can they enforce against someone what they are in direct violation of themselves?? This seems like what is good for the goose needs to be good for the gander. If not how can one take these people seriously??

I would like to think that I am prepared, if not "the group" is prepared. I am sure that no matter what comes along, there are always unexpected things that will happen and make you feel like you were not completely prepared. I don't wish these tragedy's on anyone, but if they happen, we can be there to help out.

What is a part timer, by definition, in the power washing industry?? Are part timers an important part of this industry?? Are YOU a full timer or a part timer?? Do part timers devalue this industry?? Is there a negative connotation to being a part timer? If so, why?? Does Ron need to run a benefit for part timers?? .......(taken from his offer in the Albany event thread...) Lets hear what the industry has to say.............

I bet that there are plenty of self proclaimed full timers that are actully washing part time. In essence, it is their only job, they just don't have enough to wash.

John, Could not have said it better myself. Mike

Landa, Hydrotek, Alkota are the big names. You need to think about what GPM and pressure you will be needing based on the work that you do, tank size etc. I will send you a pm.

Christopher, I recommend that you seek out a qualified holistic healer in your neck of the woods. The medical establishment wants you to be a repeat customer since they are in business. Once you go under the knife, you will never be the same. Just kidding. Seek out a good sports doctor since they understand the rigors of physical work and can comprehend that you need to get back to work in a short time but properly healed. Best of luck to you.

Congrats John.......... Best of Luck, enjoy that retirement trip to L.V. with Tony!

Just open your business and go for whatever work you see fit. I would also try to get some face time with the guy to get my money. You could try to ruin the guy if you wanted..... thats the only leverage you have to get paid. From what you describe, this guy shouldn't be in business long so whats the point of trying to hurt him......sounds like he is doing a great job of that on his own.....

Ron, let me know if your interested in the hot boxes that I have.....

I need to re-stock some wear items that get shot through the season. I always have some stuff for sale...... John, if your looking for a re-claim, I may have one available, are you looking for gas or electric?? I have a 16hp gas with roots blower 36 that should be coming back from the shop any day that had to have some electrical demons taken acre of. I also have a couple of hot skids I want to part with. Congrats on your impending retirement, I have been meaning to give you a call..... just been little busy with both jobs.

Call Jerry at Sirocco, he would know best since that is what he does.

Although the *****, much to the schagrin of its members, endorsed the BMP's as John T. indicated above, why would the PWNA make an announcement about both ORG's coming together on this without the permission of the *****?? This is plain wrong...... some heads should roll, there is way too much nonsense and drama in this industry. If Robert is the one pushing all of this, perhaps a vote should be taken to remove or Robert should be removed as the environmental chair of the *****, then he would not speak for the org..... then we can pick up the pieces and start over. And can someone please tell me that Robert doesn't still own the ***** and that he signed it all over after the Carlos fiasco??

I have washed and sealed many decks over the years, but never a Redwood one, I guess its a regional thing..... As luck would have it, I have to bid a Redwood deck on Monday. It is a referral from a contractor that sends work my way and his customer base is high end and somewhat picky. In speaking with the customer, he indicated that other contractors have messed up his deck twice in the last two years. Can someone recommend a nice stripper & neutralizer (if needed) for redwood? Can someone recommend a nice high end stain for redwood with an explanation of why its the best?? Can someone describe the process that they would use, including the psi that they would wash at?? Can someone post pics of a properly finished and stained redwood deck for reference material? You can also give me a call if you don't want to post all the details.. Thanks in advance, Mike

Please include me in on the computer prize giveaway...thanks, Mike.

I am unsure of a couple of things when it comes to the chemicals needed to do certain jobs properly: 1. A local chemical distributor sells Sodium Hydroxide liquid in 25% and 50% by weight in membrane and diaphram grade. Which one would be more suited for oil removal on concrete and general cleaning of masonry surfaces and as the main ingredient in a stripper for oil based wood care products? 2. This same distributor sells TSP in anhydrous form? Is this what I should be looking to use as the product for part of the Apple Sauce roof cleaning mixture? If anyone would like to share their formulas or if anyone would be willing to educate me I would appreciate it. Also if anyone does not want to post this info, you can PM me as well or call the business number, but I am working my other job tonight. I will try to call back from my cell phone. Thanks in advance for the help. Mike