Thursday, March 4, 2010
Display Rental: Making The Right Choice
<p>If you plan on participating in events for your business, one of the things that you might want to consider is using a display rental instead of an exhibit purchase. This is often a good idea because it makes it much easier to trade up to newer models and designs, and you don’t have to worry about storage when you’re not out on the tradeshow circuit. <p> When it comes to your tradeshow booth, it’s important to choose well right from the start so that you don’t waste time or money. Fortunately, here are some relatively easy guidelines to follow: <p> Assessing Your Needs <p> First and foremost, you need to decide what it is that you’re looking for when it comes to your display rental. The type of business that you are in makes a big difference when it comes to this decision. If you are in the business of selling trendy novelty items, a flashy display with high-impact motion and graphics might be just the right thing. If you sell medical equipment, however, then something a little more subdued would be better. You want your booth to expand your company’s branding and target your key market, so taking the time to assess your needs is well worth it. <p> Finding Your Rental <p> Your next step is finding the leasing company that you want to do business with. This can be just as important as if you were buying your exhibit booth outright. Potential customers don't know if you are leasing your booth or if you own it, and you want to present your best. Write your preferences down, such as price range, design and function, contract details and return policy. Call around and ask questions based on your list. This will help you select the right resource partner. <p> Basic Care <p> Remember that your display rental does not belong to you, and that you should take extra care to return it in good condition. Keeping this in mind will help you be diligent about keeping it clean and protecting it from damage. Leasing companies expect some wear and tear, so don't get too stressed out about it; just use common sense. <p> When you follow these simple guidelines for finding and using your display rental, you can be sure that you're doing your part in getting the most out of your event. The potential boost in business and long-term exposure can make a big difference in your company's overall success. <p> If looking for a <a href="http://www.display-rental.com/default.asp">display rental</a> company that has been in the exhibit design and development business for over a decade, and prides itself on staying on the cutting edge of technology, hardware, and design visit <a href="http://www.display-rental.com">http://www.display-rental.com</a> <p> <p></p>
Contractors Take Note: The EPA’s New ‘Renovation, Repair and Painting’ Rule
Insurance agents may be more inclined to sell Pollution insurance in 2010 now that the 2008 EPA Lead Rule will become effective on April 22, 2010. Contractors performing work on buildings constructed before 1978 will be required to abide by the EPA Lead-Based Paint Renovation, Repair and Painting (RRP) Rule. The regulation creates more responsibility/awareness from the contractor in dealing with potentially hazardous areas. As a result, the contractor may incur more exposure to lead-based paint claims, which is excluded under most General Liability policies.
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<br>The RRP Rule is a federal EPA program that affects contractors, property managers, and others who disturb qualifying interior and exterior painted surfaces. Remodeling, maintenance, painting/surface preparation, window replacement, electrical, plumbing, and carpentry activities are subject to the program rules. Exceptions include emergency repair work, minor repair work that disturbs less than 6 square feet of paint per room, and housing declared lead free by a certified lead inspector. Types of properties affected by the program include pre-1978 schools, daycare centers, residential homes, and apartment buildings.*
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<br>Currently painters, electricians, GCs, carpenters, property managers, and maintenance contractors are being required to provide pre-renovation educational lead pamphlets to tenants, receive delivery confirmation, and post signs about the workplace.
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<br>Effective April 22, 2010, renovators must attend an eight-hour training course by an EPA approved training provider and the firms they work for must also be accredited. Training classes address dust and debris containment, restricting open flame burning, exhaust control for power tools and clean up procedures, record keeping, and other precautionary measures. The accreditation must be renewed every five years. Other state and local requirements may also apply and be more stringent.
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<br>Insurance Issues
<br>The EPA is broadening renovators' responsibilities beyond the scope of a general contractor and General Liability policy. While contractors always have a Pollution exposure, the new EPA requirements increase the risk for Pollution liability claims. The new rule requires renovators to perform lead testing, encapsulation, and cleaning activities. It also requires the contractor to educate property owners/residents about the dangers of lead and the work to be performed.
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<br>A typical ISO GL policy usually excludes any meaningful Pollution coverage under exclusion "F" in the policy form. Most often a standard carrier will endorse an absolute pollution exclusion where they perceive heightened exposures. Stand alone Contractors Pollution Liability (CPL) policies are available for renovation contractors. The coverage provides third party bodily injury/property damage, defense, and remediation clean up coverage for their contracting operations.
<br>
<br>Many excess and surplus lines insurance companies are offering on both a claims made and occurrence basis. Minimum policy limits usually start at $1 million with premiums in the $2,500 - $4,000 range. While the intent of the policy may be the same, coverage can vary tremendously between carriers. Be sure to receive a specimen policy when determining which coverage to purchase.
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<br>Renovation contractors should not only be aware of the current EPA regulations, but also how their changes in operations affect their current insurance programs. It is the agent's responsibility to inform contractors of the added risk and need for additional insurance. For the most current information on the RRP Rule please visit the EPA website.
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<br>About the Author: Michael Tighe is a Senior Account Executive at Beacon Hill Associates, Inc., a wholesale insurance broker and program administrator, specializing in the placement of <a href="http://www.b-h-a.com" rel="nofollow">environmental insurance</a> and other specialty coverages such as <a href="http://www.b-h-a.com/cpl" rel="nofollow">CPL insurance</a> for agents nationwide. Beacon Hill Associates, Inc. can be found online at: B-H-A.com .
<br>
<br>
<br>The RRP Rule is a federal EPA program that affects contractors, property managers, and others who disturb qualifying interior and exterior painted surfaces. Remodeling, maintenance, painting/surface preparation, window replacement, electrical, plumbing, and carpentry activities are subject to the program rules. Exceptions include emergency repair work, minor repair work that disturbs less than 6 square feet of paint per room, and housing declared lead free by a certified lead inspector. Types of properties affected by the program include pre-1978 schools, daycare centers, residential homes, and apartment buildings.*
<br>
<br>Currently painters, electricians, GCs, carpenters, property managers, and maintenance contractors are being required to provide pre-renovation educational lead pamphlets to tenants, receive delivery confirmation, and post signs about the workplace.
<br>
<br>Effective April 22, 2010, renovators must attend an eight-hour training course by an EPA approved training provider and the firms they work for must also be accredited. Training classes address dust and debris containment, restricting open flame burning, exhaust control for power tools and clean up procedures, record keeping, and other precautionary measures. The accreditation must be renewed every five years. Other state and local requirements may also apply and be more stringent.
<br>
<br>Insurance Issues
<br>The EPA is broadening renovators' responsibilities beyond the scope of a general contractor and General Liability policy. While contractors always have a Pollution exposure, the new EPA requirements increase the risk for Pollution liability claims. The new rule requires renovators to perform lead testing, encapsulation, and cleaning activities. It also requires the contractor to educate property owners/residents about the dangers of lead and the work to be performed.
<br>
<br>A typical ISO GL policy usually excludes any meaningful Pollution coverage under exclusion "F" in the policy form. Most often a standard carrier will endorse an absolute pollution exclusion where they perceive heightened exposures. Stand alone Contractors Pollution Liability (CPL) policies are available for renovation contractors. The coverage provides third party bodily injury/property damage, defense, and remediation clean up coverage for their contracting operations.
<br>
<br>Many excess and surplus lines insurance companies are offering on both a claims made and occurrence basis. Minimum policy limits usually start at $1 million with premiums in the $2,500 - $4,000 range. While the intent of the policy may be the same, coverage can vary tremendously between carriers. Be sure to receive a specimen policy when determining which coverage to purchase.
<br>
<br>Renovation contractors should not only be aware of the current EPA regulations, but also how their changes in operations affect their current insurance programs. It is the agent's responsibility to inform contractors of the added risk and need for additional insurance. For the most current information on the RRP Rule please visit the EPA website.
<br>
<br>About the Author: Michael Tighe is a Senior Account Executive at Beacon Hill Associates, Inc., a wholesale insurance broker and program administrator, specializing in the placement of <a href="http://www.b-h-a.com" rel="nofollow">environmental insurance</a> and other specialty coverages such as <a href="http://www.b-h-a.com/cpl" rel="nofollow">CPL insurance</a> for agents nationwide. Beacon Hill Associates, Inc. can be found online at: B-H-A.com .
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