Site management includes proper
storage of fuels and other potentially toxic supplies. Fuel tanks require
secondary containment for rupture control and a safe low-traffic location.
Other potential toxins need proper containment and inventory control.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) will remind you of
these requirements if you fail to comply.
Environmental awareness is critical to avoiding problems:
* Roofing. When roofs leak, mold grows in the affected area frequently because
wet, dark, cooler areas promote mold growth. When performing repairs, always
check for mold. Take pictures of any suspicious growth and show the owner.
Contractors are often blamed for mold after the repair when common sense might
suggest the mold occurred during the leak. But the time for remediation is
before new materials are installed. Check for mold. Any large black or white
stain should be sampled and tested by trained mold inspectors. Don't take a chance
with mold.
* Equipment. When diesel equipment is used around an area which has or had
heating oil storage tanks, any leak can be attributed to the contractor. Check
the soil in the area where work is to be performed. Does it smell like heating
oil? Does it look stained? Is there any evidence of overfilling the tank? Get
samples and send them to a laboratory for testing before the project starts.
* Avoid toxic products. The green product industry has blossomed over the past
few years. The products have nearly the same efficacy of traditional
formulations, and have the benefit of not creating long-term problems for the
owner.
Think environment before a job starts. What is already there which needs
documentation as an existing condition?
These conditions may be an opportunity to increase the contract, but they will
certainly be a point of contention if not documented properly.