Arkansas Administrative Code
Agency 016 - DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES
Division 20 - Division of County Operations
Rule 016.20.12-001 - Weatherization Assistance Program State Plan 2012 - 2013
Current through Register Vol. 49, No. 9, September, 2024
OVERVIEW
A. Background
Arkansas Department of Human Services, Division of County Operations, Office of Community Services (DHS) will administer the Low-Income Weatherization Assistance Program in compliance with Title IV, Energy Conservation and Production Act, as amended. DHS will administer the weatherization program in compliance with the applicable law, including regulations contained in 10 CFR Part 440 (issued February 1, 2002), and other procedures applicable to this regulation as the United States Department of Energy may prescribe for the administration of financial assistance. The plan is for a one year period beginning April 1, 2012 through March 31, 2013.
DHS will monitor subgrantee performance in an effort to increase production of weatherized units. Quarterly production reports and leveraging reports will be submitted to DOE on time.
All units weatherized using funds from DOE will comply with all requirements for a completed unit and will be reported to DOE.
The primary purpose of the weatherization program is to conserve energy. The only health and safety measures installed with DOE funds will be energy-related‖ health and safety measures. The state ensures that it will comply with the DOE prudent use‖ policy for health and safety funds.
B. General Funding
Arkansas has been advised that due to reduced appropriations from Congress, the funding formula has been revised and as a result Arkansas would not receive a funding allocation for the 2012 program year. However, DOE has taken into account that Arkansas has carry over from the 2011 program year in the amount of $2,013, 498; $3,673,488 in 2010 LIHEAP carry forward funds and $3,210,888 of new LIHEAP funds for a total of $8,897,874.
Arkansas will continue to provide funds to eligible subgrantees, based upon their compliance with all State and federal requirements and the successful completion of their Program Year 2011 budget allocation. The length of the program year will remain at 12 months. The Program Year will begin April 1, 2012 and end March 31, 2013.
C. Adjusted Average
The adjusted average of $6,769 will be in use for program year 2012. The ARRA average expenditure limit will remain at $6,500.
D. Funds for Administrative Purposes
The state uses 5% for administration. The subgrantees receiving less than $350,000 will be allowed to use 10% for administration.
E. Leveraged Resources
Sub grantees provide a variety of services for low-income clients as a part of their overall mission. As a result, they are adept at leveraging other resources to coordinate with weatherization services. Most put together a package of services to assist low-income clients with other housing and social service needs as part of providing Program services. DOE defines leveraging as the obtaining of additional program-
targeted non-federal cash or in-kind contributions as a result of the Weatherization Program-funded activities. The term packaging refers to the combining of two or more sources of funds in a weatherized dwelling unit to expand the scope of services to a low-income client.
The Program works with other agencies to improve benefits to low-income clients through coordination of other funds and programs where possible. The following initiatives are ongoing:
Arkansas Weatherization Program is expected to generate more than $2 million in utility investments during 2012.
Subgrantees are encouraged to access other federal and State housing funds that can be used along with Program funds to provide comprehensive weatherization services, and additional repair and rehabilitation work.
OCS promotes packaging of weatherization with other funding sources such as utilities, the local departments of social service and offices for aging, and federal Community Services Block Grants and Community Development Block Grants. These sources represent only some of the funding that is available for use in conjunction with the Program to provide more complete energy-related services to low-income clients.
Part of each allocation of LIHEAP funds received by the State is reserved for the Weatherization Assistance Program, administered by OCS.
The local agencies will use DOE resources to leverage with the Arkansas Weatherization Program.
F. Training and Technical Assistance
The state will use the DOE T/TA 2011 carry over funds to provide training and technical assistance to subgrantees and to monitor subgrantees.
G. Subgrantee Task Force
The Subgrantee Task Force is a forum open to sub grantee weatherization directors and staff. The Task Force provides opportunities for sub grantees to meet with their peers and OCS staff to discuss the status of the program and identify and resolve a variety of program concerns.
OCS plans to host three statewide Task Force meetings during the Program Year. The statewide meetings are open to all weatherization directors and the agenda for these meetings deal with issues of statewide scope and significance.
H. Application Package
The state will comply with E-Gov requirements as prescribed by DOE.
The Master file has been eliminated from the plan. The state, however, will keep relevant information on file.
The state does not use funds for Low-Cost/No-Cost. The state will use the MHEA and NEAT energy audits. These plans are kept on file but are not included in this plan.
The state will revise the budget to include carryover prior to June 30.
The source of labor is no longer required to be reported.
The Congressional Districts served by the various subgrantees are included in this plan. However, a breakdown of the percentage of funds going to the various districts is no longer required.
The production, as required by DOE, is included in this plan. There are no downsizing efforts this program year.
The potential energy savings are included in this plan.
The Training and Technical Assistance Plan is combined into one plan. A house may be re-weatherized if it was previously weatherized prior to September 30, 1994.
The annual application includes both DOE and LIHEAP funds. The weatherization program is exempt from the Davis-Bacon Act (wage rate requirements).
Subgrantees use DOE funds for leveraging purposes with the Arkansas Weatherization Program. Electric base load measures are included in the NEAT/MHEA Audits.
A list of PAC members is included in this plan.
A transcript is included in this plan. The state requires subgrantees and contractors to maintain adequate liability insurance and pollution occurrence insurance.
I. Public Hearing
The state conducts a public hearing in compliance with DOE requirements.
J. Training and Technical Assistance Plan
The Training and Technical Assistance Plan is included in this Annual File.
K. Client Education
In the course of performing an energy audit, the energy auditor is required to meet with a member of the household and complete the Client Education questionnaire. This questionnaire provides the auditor with information about the dwelling unit, the lifestyle of its occupants, and it can direct the auditor to areas where energy can be conserved. In addition, there are pertinent questions about previous health problems and occupancy practices that can lead the auditor to identify health and safety concerns. Once identified, these areas can be dealt with through various means ranging from client education, to corrective action through the weatherization work scope.
L. Program Evaluation
The Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) began conducting a national evaluation of the program in September 2010. The evaluation will assess a variety of program structures and options for program development. Arkansas will fully participate in the national evaluation. Additionally, Arkansas has contracted with the University of Arkansas at Little Rock to conduct an evaluation of the program and its impact on the state.
M. Grantee Program Oversight
Program services are delivered through a statewide network of local service providers, referred to as sub grantees. OCS requires that sub grantees follow sound internal management policies and provide skilled workmanship, high quality materials, and timely production of units. The performance of these sub grantees is evaluated on a continuing basis throughout the program year. Subgrantees include community action agencies, and one community-based not-for-profit organization. Under contract with OCS, sub grantees perform a number of services, including:
N. Energy Audit Criteria
Energy Audits
Weatherization sub grantees in Arkansas use the National Energy Audit (NEAT) to analyze building energy usage and set priorities for weatherization work in one- to four-family buildings. Arkansas will apply to DOE for Approval to use the Multi-Family National Energy Audit (NEAT) currently under development by DOE, in buildings with five (5) or more units. The Department of Energy recently reauthorized the NEAT audit platform.
Due to the lack of experience on the part of the state staff and the subgrantee network the DOE Project Officer has recommended that the state contract with an engineering firm to conduct the energy audit of any multi-family units that are weatherized.
O. Health and Safety
Health and Safety
OCS has developed and implemented protocols designed to identify and correct, where allowed by DOE rules, health and life safety concerns in dwelling units being weatherized. Up to ten (10%) percent of the cost of materials allocated to DOE Program funds will be used to mitigate energy-related health and safety problems. DOE funds will be used to assure that all dwelling units weatherized will receive smoke detectors and, where appropriate, carbon monoxide detectors.
The Health and Safety Plan is included in the Master File and in this Annual File. The plan has been amended to include DOE requirements regarding mold and mildew. Upon review by the DOE Project Officer the state was required to provide more detail in the plan.
P. Vehicle Purchases
The state will allow vehicle purchases with an acquisition price of $5,000 or more to be spread over the entire life of the vehicle and the number of homes served during that period.
Q. Policy Advisory Council
Pursuant to 10 CFR Part 440.17, Arkansas has established a Policy Advisory Council (PAC) to assist in the development and operation of the Program and provide advice in the development of the State Plan. The PAC is broadly representative of sub grantees, energy advocates, State agencies, and other organizations -including consumer groups - that represent low-income persons in Arkansas. PAC members are well-versed in energy and housing issues.
During the program year, the PAC will meet three times per year; once during the annual grant guidance, during the annual conference and during Weatherization Week. Agendas will cover a range of issues of concern to sub grantees, low-income clients, and program partners. OCS will provide updates on funding, program rules, coordination with other programs, and related issues at PAC meetings. In addition, at the annual conference the PAC will host a breakfast seminar on leveraging partnerships; and host a get to reception during Weatherization Week to raise statewide awareness of the program.
Meetings:
March 9, 2012 - Host Public Hearing on the 2013 State Plan
July 17, 2012 - Host Leveraging Partnership Breakfast and Policy Meeting
October 29, 2012 - Host Weatherization Week Reception and Policy Meeting
R. Reporting Requirements
The state will comply with the financial and program reporting requirements of DOE.
S. Reporting DOE Completed Units
The state will report all units to DOE that contain DOE funds. All units weatherized with DOE funds will comply with the DOE definition of a completed unit.
T. Financial Audits
Subgrantees may budget financial audit cost as a separate budget category.
U. Newly Legalized Aliens
The Immigration and Nationality Act made certain aliens legalized under the Immigration and Control Act of 1986 temporarily ineligible for weatherization assistance. The provisions of this law have expired. The only potential implications are those cases that were open while this law was in effect. Local agencies that are charitable and nonprofit are exempt from implementing new status verification requirements for nonqualified aliens. However, local government agencies must conduct status verification when serving nonqualified aliens.
V. Multi-Family Eligibility
The Department of Energy has advised states that a multi-family building may be weatherized if two-thirds of the units are eligible. Certain multi-family buildings with significant energy efficiency improvements or leverage resources require only one-half of the units to be eligible.
Currently Arkansas is not approved to weatherize multi-family properties. (The NEAT audit tool can not be used for properties which contain five or more units.) It is our intention to apply to DOE for approval of a multi-family audit tool for use in Arkansas. Arkansas will utilize the three lists posted in WPN 10-15 when beginning multi-family weatherization in the state. We will also utilize supplemental postings at
Finally, Arkansas does not have sufficient funds or technical expertise to undertake multi-family housing projects. When funding becomes available Arkansas will reserve a pool of funds and provide additional technical assistance to sub grantees to coordinate energy conservation measures in multi-family housing. This funding will be made available on a case by case basis in response to proposals received from the sub grantee network during the Program Year. No Program Year 2012 WAP funds are budgeted for this purpose.
W. Recovered Materials
Each subgrantee has a policy and procedure for using insulation composed of the highest percentage of recovered materials practical.
X. Rental Requirements
In accordance with DOE grant guidance to limit undue or excessive enhancement to the value of rental dwelling units, Arkansas requires subgrantees to solicit an investment in the weatherization work from building owners when assisting rental units. Owners who are not themselves eligible for Program assistance are required to invest in the cost of the weatherization services provided to their buildings. The minimum investment that owners must provide is 25% for buildings with fewer than 50 units, and 35% for buildings with 50 units or more. Subgrantees are required to set goals for rental unit completion, based on the proportion of low-income households in their service area. OCS provides training, technical assistance, and other support, including allowing subgrantees to prioritize tenants in rental units on waiting lists, to maximize inclusion of rental housing in the program.
OCS has established policies for collecting owner contributions, and a waiver process that subgrantees must follow for owners who cannot meet the required investment level. These policies are delineated in the Policies and Procedures Manual.
Y. Quality Assurance
A completed home, or unit, is a home in which 1) all weatherization measures have been installed according to NEAT/MHEA and work-orders, including any change orders, if applicable, and 2) the subgrantee, or its authorized representative, has conducted a final inspection and certified that the work has been completed in a professional manner, in accord with WAP work standards, and in accordance with 10 CF$ 440.
10 CFR Part 440.16(g) states that: No dwelling unit may be reported to DOE as completed until all weatherization materials have been installed and the subgrantee, or its representative, has performed a final inspection(s) including any mechanical work performed and certified that the work has been completed in a workmanlike manner and in accordance with the priority determined by the audit procedures.
No dwelling unit may be reported as a completed unit until it meets the above criteria. Before reporting a completed home, DHS/OCS requires all homes to pass a final inspection by subgrantees. Expenses associated with a home that fails a DHS/OCS inspection may be withheld from the subgrantee's subsequent reimbursement until the home passes.
OCS field staff visit subgrantees inspect a sample of the dwelling units that were weatherized (depending on the type of work performed) to ensure that the dwelling units reported have been completed in accordance with all State and federal program requirements. More detail on the monitoring process can be found in Section 5.
Z. Income Eligibility
The state will use 200 percent of poverty as the income eligibility level.
AA. Fuel Switching
DOE does not permit the general practice of fuel switching when replacing furnace and appliances.
BB. Refrigerators
The Department of Energy has authorized replacement of refrigerators based on energy usage. At a minimum the percent (10%) of all refrigerators must be metered during the energy audit. Any refrigerator replaced must have an SIR of 1.0 or greater in NEAT/MHEA. Existing refrigerator must be removed and disposed of according to EPA guidelines. All icemakers, stand-alone freezers and through the door water dispensers are not allowed on replacement refrigerators.
CC. Water Heaters
The replacement of electric water heaters is authorized under certain conditions, to be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Grant Application
Budget
Budget Information - Non Construction
Section A - Budget Summary |
||||||
Grant Program Function or Activity (a) |
Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Number (b) |
Estimated Unobligated Funds |
New or Revised Budget |
|||
Federal (c) |
Non-Federal (d) |
Federal (e) |
Non-federal (f) |
Total (g) |
||
1.DOE |
81.042 |
2,013,498 |
$ |
$2,013,498 |
||
2. |
||||||
3. |
||||||
4. |
||||||
5. Totals |
$ |
$2,013,498 |
||||
Section B - Budget Categories |
||||||
Grant Program, Function or Activity |
lotal (5) |
|||||
6. Object Class Categories |
(1) Grantee Administration |
(2) Subgrantee Administration |
(3) Grantee T&TA |
(4) Subgrantee T&TA |
||
a. Personnel |
$11,975 |
$ 95,093 |
$107,068 |
|||
b. Fringe Benefits |
3,377 |
19,970 |
23,347 |
|||
c. Travel |
500 |
15,000 |
15,500 |
|||
d. Equipment |
300 |
5,000 |
5,300 |
|||
e. Supplies |
300 |
5,000 |
5,300 |
|||
f. Contractual |
0 |
111,331 |
15,000 |
1,700,431 |
||
g. Construction |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|||
h. Other |
9,000 |
80,900 |
89,900 |
|||
i. Total Direct Charges (sum of 6a-6h) |
25,452 |
111,331 |
235,963 |
1,946,846 |
||
j. Indirect Charges |
10,600 |
10,000 |
20,600 |
|||
k. Totals (sum of 6i and 6j) |
$61,504 |
111,331 |
245,963 |
2,013,498 |
||
7. Program Income |
||||||
Section A - Budget Summary |
||||||
Grant Program Function or Activity (a) |
Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Number (b) |
Estimated Unobligated Funds |
New or Revised Budget |
|||
Federal (c) |
Non-Federal (d) |
Federal (e) |
Non-federal (f) |
Total (g) |
||
1. |
||||||
2. |
||||||
3. |
||||||
4. |
||||||
5. Totals |
||||||
Section B - Budget Categories |
||||||
Grant Program, Function or Activity |
Total (5) |
|||||
6. Object Class Categories |
(1) Program Operations |
(2) Health and Safety |
(3) Vehicles and Equipment |
(4) Liability Insurance |
||
a. Personnel |
||||||
b. Fringe Benefits |
||||||
c. Travel |
||||||
d. Equipment |
||||||
e. Supplies |
||||||
f. Contractual |
1,297,277 |
226,823 |
25,000 |
1,549,100 |
||
g. Construction |
||||||
h. Other |
||||||
i. Total Direct Charges (sum of 6a-6h) |
1,297,277 |
226,823 |
25,000 |
1,549,100 |
||
j. Indirect Charges |
||||||
k. Totals (sum of 6i and 6j) |
1,297,277 |
226,823 |
25,000 |
1,549,100 |
||
7. Program Income |
||||||
Section A - Budget Summary |
||||||
Grant Program Function or Activity (a) |
Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Number (b) |
Estimated Unobligated Funds |
New or Revised Budget |
|||
Federal (c) |
Non-Federal (d) |
Federal (e) |
Non-federal (f) |
Total (g) |
||
1. |
||||||
2. |
||||||
3. |
||||||
4. |
||||||
5. Totals |
||||||
Section B - Budget Categories |
||||||
Grant Program, Function or Activity |
Total (5) |
|||||
6. Object Class Categories |
(1) Leveraging |
(2) Financial Audits |
(3) |
(4) |
||
a. Personnel |
||||||
b. Fringe Benefits |
||||||
c. Travel |
||||||
d. Equipment |
||||||
e. Supplies |
||||||
f. Contractual |
0 |
25,000 |
25,000 |
|||
g. Construction |
||||||
h. Other |
||||||
i. Total Direct Charges (sum of 6a-6h) |
0 |
25,000 |
25,000 |
|||
j. Indirect Charges |
||||||
k. Totals (sum of 6i and 6j) |
0 |
25,000 |
25,000 |
|||
7. Program Income |
DOE 2011 CARRY-OVER FUNDS
AGENCY |
UNITS |
PS & M |
ADMINISTRATION |
TOTAL |
BRAD |
8 |
$ 50,895 |
$ 3,553 |
$ 54,448 |
CADC |
49 |
301,424 |
21,043 |
322,467 |
CAPCA |
12 |
75,166 |
5,248 |
80,414 |
CRDC |
30 |
187,068 |
13,060 |
200,128 |
C-SCDC |
11 |
66,585 |
4,649 |
71,234 |
CSO |
6 |
34,586 |
2,415 |
37,000 |
MCAEOC |
6 |
33,913 |
2,368 |
36,280 |
M-DCS |
12 |
73,433 |
5,127 |
78,559 |
NADC |
13 |
82,531 |
5,762 |
88,292 |
OHC |
21 |
129,995 |
9,075 |
139,071 |
OOI |
16 |
101,284 |
7,071 |
108,355 |
PB-JCEOC |
16 |
100,018 |
6,983 |
107,001 |
SEACAC |
14 |
85,926 |
5,999 |
91,924 |
SWADC |
19 |
116,391 |
8,126 |
124,516 |
UHDC |
25 |
155,486 |
10,855 |
166,341 |
TOTAL |
259 |
$ 1,594,700 |
$ 111,331 |
$ 1,706,031 |
*This formula incorporates $6,769 maximum average.
*No 2012 funding received. Arkansas will use 2011 Carry-over funds for 2012.
2012 LIHEAP ALLOCATIONS
AGENCY |
UNITS |
PS & M |
ADMINISTRATION |
TOTAL |
BRAD |
9 |
$ 57,204.68 |
$ 5,123.08 |
$62,327.76 |
CADC |
55 |
338,793.67 |
30,341.35 |
369,135.02 |
CAPCA |
14 |
84,485.12 |
7,566.24 |
92,051.36 |
CRDC |
34 |
210,260.14 |
18,830.27 |
229,090.41 |
C-SCDC |
12 |
74,840.18 |
6,702.46 |
81,542.64 |
CSO |
6 |
38,873.73 |
3,481.42 |
42,355.15 |
MCAEOC |
6 |
38,117.33 |
3,413.67 |
41,531.01 |
M-DCS |
13 |
82,536.77 |
7,391.75 |
89,928.52 |
NADC |
15 |
92,762.46 |
8,307.53 |
101,069.99 |
OHC |
24 |
146,111.67 |
13,085.32 |
159,196.99 |
OOI |
18 |
113,841.17 |
10,195.28 |
124,036.44 |
PB-JCEOC |
18 |
112,418.00 |
10,067.82 |
122,485.82 |
SEACAC |
16 |
96,578.49 |
8,649.28 |
105,227.77 |
SWADC |
21 |
130,820.64 |
11,715.91 |
142,536.55 |
UHDC |
28 |
174,763.30 |
15,651.28 |
190,414.58 |
TOTAL |
289 |
$1,792,407.35 |
$ 160,522.65 |
$ 1,952,930.00 |
*This formula incorporates $6,769 maximum average.
Pollution Occurrence Insurance - $63,000
Leveraging $65,000
State Administration $160,544
Sub grantee Administration $160,544
Client Education - $32,000
Capital Intensive - $1,000,000
2012 CAPITAL INTENSIVE EFFICIENCY ALLOCATION
AGENCY |
TOTAL FUNDING |
BRAD |
31,915 |
CADC |
189,016 |
CAPCA |
47,135 |
CRDC |
117,306 |
CSCDC |
41,754 |
CSO |
21,688 |
MCAEOC |
21,266 |
MDCS |
46,048 |
NADC |
51,753 |
OHC |
81,517 |
OOI |
63,513 |
PBJCEOC |
62,719 |
SEACAC |
53,882 |
SWADC |
72,986 |
UHDC |
97,502 |
TOTAL |
$ 1,000,000 |
ALLOCATION FORMULA
AGENCY |
HDD+CDD |
PERCENT HDD+CDD |
POVERTY% |
AVERAGE HDD+CDD AND POVERTY |
BRAD |
16168 |
4.2122 |
2.1709 |
3.1915 |
CADC |
59459 |
15.4906 |
22.3127 |
18.9016 |
CAPCA |
15365 |
4.003 |
5.4241 |
4.7135 |
CRDC |
41971 |
10.9345 |
12.5268 |
11.7306 |
CSCDC |
10699 |
2.7873 |
5.5636 |
4.1754 |
CSO |
4934 |
1.2849 |
3.0514 |
2.1688 |
MCAEOC |
5368 |
1.3997 |
2.854 |
2.1266 |
MDCS |
20438 |
5.3246 |
3.885 |
4.6048 |
NADC |
27098 |
7.0597 |
3.291 |
5.1753 |
OHC |
21753 |
5.6672 |
10.6363 |
8.1517 |
OOI |
32274 |
8.4082 |
4.2944 |
6.3513 |
PBJCEOC |
24872 |
6.4798 |
6.064 |
6.2719 |
SEACAC |
23727 |
6.1815 |
4.5949 |
5.3882 |
SWADC |
33904 |
8.8329 |
5.7643 |
7.2986 |
UHDC |
45807 |
11.9339 |
7.5666 |
9.7502 |
TOTAL |
383837 |
100 |
100 |
100 |
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY
BUDGET EXPLANATION FOR FORMULA GRANTS
Provide detailed information to support each Cost Category using this form. Cost breakdown estimates may be entered on this form or attach a breakdown of costs using your own format as Attachment A.
Weatherization Program Administrator Budget Specialist Grants Analyst (3)
Weatherization Program Administrator supervises staff, develops annual grant, develops grant guidance, provides technical assistance to subgrantees, reviews subgrantee contracts.
Budget Specialist Assist in the development and management of the subgrant program operations budget.
Grants Analyst monitors performance of weatherization subgrantees. The Grants Analyst will also assist with the states two training centers, cooridinating hands-on training, develops the statewide training plan, review subgrantees for compliance with policies/procedures.
No
Position/PersonTimeXRate=Total
Weatherization Program Administrator |
30% |
$15,032 |
$15,032 |
|
Budget Specialist |
30% |
$10,247 |
$10,247 |
|
Grants Analyst |
100% |
$42,968 |
$42,968 |
|
Grants Analyst |
100% |
$58,491 |
$38,600 |
|
Grant Analyst |
100% |
$33,387 |
$33,387 |
|
FICA Match |
7.650% |
$ 4,858 |
$ 4,415 |
$ 8,523 |
Retirement |
10.000% |
6,350 |
-0- |
11,140 |
Unemployment |
.089% |
57 |
51 |
100 |
Tax |
||||
Workers Comp |
2.000% |
1,270 |
1,154 |
2,228 |
Insurance |
$285 per |
|||
employee x 12 months |
3,420 |
3,420 |
10,260 |
|
Sub-Total |
$15,955 |
$ 9,040 |
$32,251 |
|
TOTAL |
=57,246 |
N/A
T & TA - $8,500 for office purchases for stationary and other office supplies Admin - $10,500 for office purchases for stationary and other office supplies
Provide the information below for new proposed subrecipients and subcontractors. For ongoing subcontractors and subrecipients, if this information is provided elsewhere in the application, it does not have to be restated here, but please indicate the document and page numbers where it can be found.
Information is provided elsewhere in the application. See Pages 37-38
* For example-Competitive, Historical, Quote, Catalog
Admin - Costs are for telephone service charge, credit card purchases and subscriptions,
publications and books and for audit costs - $4,000; prior purchase.
T/TA - Costs are for freight expenses, printing, advertisements, equipment maintenance, rent of copier, office space rent, telephone, credit card purchases, and subscriptions - $3,500; prior purchase.
The state uses a cost allocation formula that has been approved by the Department of Energy.
Weatherization Subgrantee Network
OFFICE OF COMMUNITY SERVICES ARKANSAS WEATHERIZATION SUBGRANTEES
Agency & Contact Information |
Counties Served |
|
BRAD |
Mr. James Jansen, Executive Director |
Clay |
Black River Area Development Corp. |
Lawrence |
|
1403 Hospital Drive |
Randolph |
|
Pocahontas, Arkansas 72455-3847 |
||
Telephone: (870) 892-5219 |
||
FAX: (870) 892-0707 |
||
E-Mail: jjansen@bradcorp.org |
||
Mr. Kris Rose, Weatherization Director |
||
Telephone: (870) 892-4547 Ext. 254 |
||
Cell: (870) 378-4756 |
||
E-Mail: krose@bradcorp.org |
||
Financial: Ms. Debbie Shannon |
||
Telephone: (870) 892-5219 Ext. 229 |
||
E-Mail: dshannon@bradcorp.org |
||
CADC |
Mr. Larry Cogburn, Executive Director |
Calhoun |
Central Arkansas Development Council |
Clark |
|
321 Edison Avenue |
Columbia |
|
Post Office Box 580 |
Dallas |
|
Benton, Arkansas 72018-0580 |
Hot Spring |
|
Telephone: (LR) (501) 315-1121 |
Lonoke |
|
Telephone: (Benton) (501) 778-1133 |
Montgomery |
|
Cell: (501) 776-7306 |
Ouachita |
|
Fax: (501) 778-9120 |
Pike |
|
E-Mail: lcogburn@cadc.com |
Pulaski |
|
Also E-Mail: lblair@cadc.com |
Saline |
|
Union |
||
Ms. Beverly Palmer, Weatherization Coordinator |
||
Telephone: (501)776-8446 or (501)776-9612 |
||
E-Mail: bpalmer@cadc.com |
||
Financial: Mr. James White, Financial Manager |
||
E-Mail: jwhite@cadc.com |
CAPCA |
Mr. Archie Musselman, Executive Director |
Cleburne |
Community Action Program for Central |
Faulkner |
|
Arkansas, Inc. |
White |
|
707 Robins Street, Suite 118 |
||
Conway, Arkansas 72034-6517 |
||
Telephone: (501) 329-3891 |
||
Cell: (501) 269-9307 |
||
FAX: (501) 329-9247 |
||
E-Mail: archie.musselman@capcainc.org |
||
Ms. Melissa McWilliams, Weatherization |
||
Telephone: (501) 329-3891 Ext. 122 |
||
E-Mail: Melissa.mcwilliams@capcainc.org |
||
Financial: Mr. Jim Chandler, Fiscal Officer |
||
E-Mail: jim.chandler@capcainc.org |
||
CRDC |
Mr. Troy Branscum, Executive Director |
Craighead |
Crowley's Ridge Development Council |
Crittenden |
|
Post Office Box 16720 |
Cross |
|
2401 Fox Meadow Lane |
Greene |
|
Jonesboro, Arkansas 72403-6711 |
Jackson |
|
Telephone: (870) 802-7100 ext. 113 |
Poinsett |
|
Cell: (870) 919-5135 |
St. Francis |
|
FAX: (870) 935-0291 |
Woodruff |
|
E-Mail: troybranscum@crdcnea.com |
||
Mr. Kenny Gunn, Weatherization Director |
||
Telephone: (870) 802-7100 Ext. 120 |
||
Cell: (870) 974-2824 |
||
FAX: (870) 935-0291 |
||
E-Mail: kennygunn@crdcnea.com |
||
Financial: Ms. Rhonda Gillis, Chief Financial Officer |
||
Telephone: (870) 802-7100 Ext. 115 |
||
Cell: (870) 275-0021 |
||
E-Mail: rgillis@crdcnea.com |
||
C-SCDC |
Mr. Mark Whitmer, Executive Director |
Crawford |
Crawford-Sebastian Community Development Council, Inc. |
Sebastian |
|
4831 Armour Street |
||
Post Office Box 4069 |
||
Fort Smith, Arkansas 72914 |
||
Telephone: (479) 785-2303 Ext. 107 |
||
FAX: (479) 785-2341 |
||
E-Mail: mwhitmer@cscdccaa.org |
||
Ms. Debbie Biggs, Weatherization Director |
||
Telephone: (479) 785-2303 Ext. 110 |
||
E-Mail: dbiggs@cscdccaa.org |
||
Financial: Ms. Sally Fisher |
||
Telephone: (479) 785-2303 Ext. 104 |
||
E-Mail: sfisher@cscdccaa.org |
CSO |
Mr. Leon Massey, Executive Director |
Garland |
Community Services Office, Inc. |
||
600 West Grand Avenue |
||
Post Office Box 1175 |
||
Hot Springs, Arkansas 71901-1175 |
||
Telephone: (501) 624-5724 |
||
FAX: (501) 624-1645 |
||
E-Mail: lemass@csohs.org |
||
Ms. Deaseree Cole, Weatherization |
||
Telephone: (501) 624-5724 |
||
E-Mail: dcolecsohs@yahoo.com |
||
Financial: Mr. Joe Evans |
||
Telephone: (501) 624-5724 |
||
E-Mail: joejwe3@gmail.com |
||
MCAEOC |
Mr. Sam Scruggs, Executive Director |
Mississippi |
Mississippi County, Arkansas Economic |
||
Opportunity Commission, Inc. |
||
1400 North Division |
||
Post Office Drawer 1289 |
||
Blytheville, Arkansas 72316-1289 |
||
Telephone: (870) 776-1054 |
||
FAX: (870) 776-1875 or 776-1567 |
||
E-Mail: Sam.Scruggs@sbcglobal.net |
||
Mr. Clark Phillips, Weatherization Director |
||
E-mail: clarkphillipswx@yahoo.com |
||
Financial: Ms. Lavelle Wells |
||
E-Mail: lavelle.wells@sbcglobal.net |
||
M-DCS |
Ms. Margaret Staub, Executive Director |
Lee |
Mid-Delta Community Services, Inc. |
Monroe |
|
610 S. Biscoe, Post Office Box 745 |
Phillips |
|
Helena, Arkansas 72342-0745 |
Prairie |
|
Telephone: (870) 338-6406 |
||
FAX: (870) 338-3629 |
||
E-Mail: mmstaub@suddenlinkmail.com |
||
Mr. Brandon Millwood, Weatherization Director |
||
1125 N. Columbia |
||
Helena, Arkansas |
||
Send mail to PO Box above |
||
Telephone: (870) 338-3411 |
||
FAX: (870) 338-3629 |
||
E-Mail: bmillwood@suddenlinkmail.com |
||
Financial: Mr. Jacob Bright |
||
Telephone: 870-338-6406 (Ext 1019) |
||
E-Mail: j.bright@suddenlinkmail.com |
NADC |
Mr. Brad Cummings |
Fulton |
Northcentral Arkansas Development Council, Inc. |
Independence |
|
550 9th Street |
Izard |
|
Post Office Box 3349 |
Sharp |
|
Batesville, Arkansas 72503-3349 |
Stone |
|
Telephone: (870) 793-5765 |
||
FAX: (870) 793-2167 |
||
E-Mail: bcummings@nadcinc.org |
||
Mike Neal, Weatherization Director |
||
Telephone: (870) 793-5765 (Ext 240) |
||
E-Mail: mneal@nadcinc.org |
||
Financial: Ms. Nancy Phillips, Finance Officer |
||
E-Mail: nadc_nancy@yahoo.com (Underscore nadc_nancy) |
||
OHC |
Ms. Karen Jennings, Acting Executive Director |
Benton |
Office of Human Concern, Inc. |
Carroll |
|
506 East Spruce Street |
Madison |
|
Post Office Box 778 (mail address only) |
Washington |
|
Rogers, Arkansas 72757-0778 |
||
Telephone: (479) 636-7301 (Ext 109) |
||
FAX: (479) 636-7312 |
||
E-Mail: kjennings@eohc.org |
||
Weatherization Office |
||
Ms. Jerrie Dutton, Weatherization Director |
||
2810 N Second Street |
||
Post Office Box 778 (mail address only) |
||
Rogers, AR |
||
Telephone: (479) 636-4194 |
||
Fax: (479) 631-3945 |
||
E-Mail: jdutton@eohc.org |
||
Financial: Ms. Karen Jennings (ARRA reporting) |
||
E-Mail: kjennings@eohc.org |
OOI |
Mr. Richard Toby‖ Atkinson, Executive Director |
Baxter |
Ozark Opportunities, Inc. |
Boone |
|
701 East Prospect 72602 (Delivery Address Only) |
Marion |
|
Post Office Box 1400 |
Newton |
|
Harrison, Arkansas 72602-1400 |
Searcy |
|
Telephone: (870) 741-9406 ext. 235 |
Van Buren |
|
FAX: (870) 741-0924 |
||
E-Mail: exdirooi@windstream.net |
||
Mr. Randy McCallister, Weatherization Director |
||
200 W. Nome (Delivery Address Only) |
||
PO Box 306 |
||
Marshall AR 72650 |
||
Telephone: (870) 448-2010 |
||
FAX: (870) 448-2018 |
||
E-mail: ooiwxdr@windstream.net |
||
Financial: Ms. Shirley Richesin |
||
Telephone: (870) 741-9406 Ext. 229 |
||
E-Mail: srichesin@windstream.net |
||
PB-JCEOC |
Mr. David Knight, Executive Director |
Arkansas |
Pine Bluff-Jefferson County Economic |
Cleveland |
|
Opportunities Commission, Inc. |
Grant |
|
Post Office Box 7228 (Mail Address Only) |
Jefferson |
|
817 S. Cherry Street |
Lincoln |
|
Pine Bluff, Arkansas 71611-7228 |
||
Telephone: (870) 536-0046 |
||
FAX: (870) 535-7558 |
||
E-Mail: dknight@pbjceoc.org |
||
Ms. Amy Bryant, Weatherization Director |
||
Telephone: (870) 536-0046 |
||
Fax: (870) 535-7558 |
||
E-mail: abryant@pbjceoc.org |
||
Financial: Mr. Roger Luttrell |
||
Phone: (870) 536-0046 Ext 117 |
||
E-mail rluttrell@pbjceoc.org |
SEACAC |
Mr. Larry Henderson, Executive Director |
Ashley |
Southeast Arkansas Community Action Corporation |
Bradley |
|
1208 Myrtle |
Chicot |
|
Post Office Box 312 |
Desha |
|
Warren, Arkansas 71671-0312 |
Drew |
|
Telephone: (870) 226-2668 |
||
FAX: (870) 226-5637 |
||
E-Mail: larry.henderson@seacac.com |
||
barbara.rice@seacac.com |
||
Ms. Betty Forrest, Weatherization Director |
||
914 E. Church St. |
||
Warren, Arkansas 71671 |
||
Telephone: (870) 226-2923 |
||
FAX: (870) 226-2952 |
||
E-Mail: betty.forrest@seacac.com |
||
Financial: Ms. Alethea Dallas, Financial Director |
||
Telephone: (870) 226-2923 |
||
E-Mail: adallas@seacac.com |
||
SWADC |
Mr. I. Donald Nelson, Executive Director |
Hempstead |
Southwest Arkansas Development Council, Inc. |
Howard |
|
3902 Sanderson Lane |
Lafayette |
|
Texarkana, Arkansas 71854-2516 |
Little River |
|
Telephone: (870) 773-5504 |
Miller |
|
FAX: (870) 772-6540 |
Nevada |
|
E-mail: donaldnelson@cableone.net |
Sevier |
|
Mr. Stephen O. Harris, Weatherization Director |
||
Weatherization Office |
||
1600 Arkansas Blvd., Suite 112 |
||
Texarkana, Arkansas (71854) |
||
Telephone: (870) 774-1664 |
||
FAX: (870) 774-1668 |
||
E-Mail: Stephenharris@cableone.net |
||
Financial: Mr. Joe Dike |
||
Telephone: (870) 773-5504 |
||
FAX: (903) 628-4067 |
||
E-mail: joedikecpa@valornet.com |
UHDC |
Ms. Patricia Atkinson, Executive Director |
Conway |
Universal Housing Development Corporation |
Franklin |
|
301 E. Third St. |
Johnson |
|
Post Office Box 846 |
Logan |
|
Russellville, Arkansas 72801-0846 |
Perry |
|
Telephone: (479) 968-5001 |
Polk |
|
FAX: (479) 968-5002 |
Pope |
|
E-Mail: pat@uhdc.net |
Scott |
|
universalhousing@uhdc.net |
Yell |
|
Mr. Loyd Collins, Weatherization Director |
||
E-Mail: loyd@uhdc.net |
||
Financial: Ms. Kim Vogt, Accountant |
||
E-Mail: kimv@uhdc.net |
CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT 1
AGENCIES |
COUNTIES |
BLACK RIVER AREA DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION (BRAD) 1403 HOSPITAL DRIVE POCAHONTAS, ARKANSAS 72455 JIM JANSEN, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR (870) 892-5219 |
CLAY LAWRENCE RANDOLPH |
CENTRAL ARKANSAS DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL (CADC) 722 EDISON AVENUE POST OFFICE BOX 580 BENTON, ARKANSAS 72018-0580 LARRY COGBURN, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR (501) 315-1121 |
LONOKE |
COMMUNITY ACTION PROGRAM FOR CENTRAL ARKANSAS, INC. (CAPCA) 707 ROBINS STREET, SUITE 118 CONWAY, ARKANSAS 72034-6517 ARCHIE MUSSELMAN, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR (501) 329-3891 |
CLEBURNE |
CROWLEY'S RIDGE DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL (CRDC) 2801 FOX MEADOW LANE POST OFFICE BOX 16720 JONESBORO, ARKANSAS 72403-6711 TROY BRANSCUM, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR (870) 802-7100 |
CRAIGHEAD CRITTENDEN CROSS GREENE JACKSON POINSETT ST. FRANCIS WOODRUFF |
MID-DELTA COMMUNITY SERVICES, INC. (M-DCS) POST OFFICE DRAWER 745 HELENA, ARKANSAS 72342-0745 MARGARET STAUB, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR TELEPHONE: (870) 338-6406 |
LEE MONROE PHILLIPS PRAIRIE |
MISSISSIPPI COUNTY, ARKANSAS ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY COMMISSION, INC. (MCAEOC) 1400 NORTH DIVISION POST OFFICE DRAWER 1289 BLYTHEVILLE, ARKANSAS 72316-1289 SAM SCRUGGS, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR (870) 776-1054 |
MISSISSIPPI |
NORTHCENTRAL ARKANAS DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL, INC. (NADC) 550 9TH STREET POST OFFICE BOX 3349 BATESVILLE, ARKANSAS 72503-3349 BRAD CUMMINGS, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR (870) 793-5765 |
FULTON INDEPENDENCE IZARD SHARP STONE |
OZARK OPPORTUNITIES, INC. (OOI) 701 EAST PROSPECT POST OFFICE BOX 1400 HARRISON, ARKANSAS 72601-1400 RICHARD ATKINSON, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR (870) 741-9406 |
SEARCY |
PINE BLUFF-JEFFERSON COUNTY ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITIES COMMISSION, INC. (PB-JCEOC) 817 CHERRY STREET POST OFFICE BOX 7228 PINE BLUFF, ARKANSAS 71611-7228 DAVID KNIGHT, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR (870) 536-0046 |
ARKANSAS |
CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT 2
AGENCIES |
COUNTIES |
CENTRAL ARKANSAS DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL (CADC) 321 EDISON AVENUE POST OFFICE BOX 580 BENTON, ARKANSAS 72018-0580 LARRY COGBURN, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR (501) 315-1121 |
SALINE |
COMMUNITY ACTION PROGRAM FOR CENTRAL ARKANSAS, INC. (CAPCA) 707 ROBINS STREET, SUITE 118 ARCHIE MUSSELMAN, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR CONWAY, ARKANAS 72034-6517 (501) 329-3891 |
FAULKNER WHITE |
CENTRAL ARKANSAS DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL 5620 WEST 12TH STREET STE 9 LITTLE ROCK, ARKANSAS 72204 LARRY COGBURN, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR (501) 603-0909 |
PULASKI |
OZARK OPPORTUNITIES, INC. (OOI) 701 EAST PROSPECT POST OFFICE BOX 1400 HARRISON, ARKANSAS 72602-1400 RICHARD ATKINSON EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR (870) 741-9406 |
VAN BUREN |
UNIVERSAL HOUSING DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION (UHDC) 301 EAST THIRD STREET POST OFFICE BOX 846 RUSSELLVILLE, ARKANSAS 72801-0846 PATRICIA ATKINSON, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR (501) 968-5001 |
CONWAY YELL PERRY |
CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT 3
AGENCIES |
COUNTIES |
CRAWFORD-SEBASTIAN COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL, INC. (C-SCDC) 4831 ARMOUR STREET POST OFFICE BOX 4069 FORT SMITH, ARKANSAS 72914 MARK WHITMER, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR (501) 785-2303 |
CRAWFORD SEBASTIAN |
OFFICE OF HUMAN CONCERN, INC. (OHC) 506 EAST SPRUCE STREET POST OFFICE BOX 778 ROGERS, ARKANSAS 72757-0778 KAREN JENNINGS, ACTING EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR (501) 636-7301 |
BENTON CARROLL MADISON WASHINGTON |
OZARK OPPORTUNITIES, INC. (OOI) 701 EAST PROSPECT POST OFFICE BOX 1400 HARRISON, ARKANSAS 72602-1400 RICHARD ATKINSON, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR (501) 741-9406 |
BAXTER BOONE MARION NEWTON |
UNIVERSAL HOUSING DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION (UHDC) 301 EAST THIRD STREET POST OFFICE BOX 846 RUSSELLVILLE, ARKANSAS 72601-0846 PATRICIA ATKINSON, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR (501) 968-5001 |
FRANKLIN JOHNSON LOGAN POLK POPE SCOTT |
CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT 4
AGENCIES |
COUNTIES |
CENTRAL ARKANSAS DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL (CADC) 321 EDISON AVENUE POST OFFICE BOX 580 BENTON, ARKANSAS 72018-0580 LARRY COGBURN, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR (501) 315-1121 |
CALHOUN CLARK COLUMBIA DALLAS HOT SPRING OUACHITA MONTGOMERY PIKE UNION |
COMMUNITY SERVICES OFFICE, INC. (CSO) 600 WEST GRAND POST OFFICE BOX 1175 HOT SPRINGS, ARKANSAS 71901-1175 LEON MASSEY, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR (501) 624-5724 |
GARLAND |
PINE BLUFF-JEFFERSON COUNTY ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITIES COMMISSION, INC. (PB-JCEOC) 817 SOUTH CHERRY STREET POST OFFICE BOX 7228 PINE BLUFF, ARKANSAS 71611-7228 DAVID KNIGHT, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR (870) 536-0046 |
CLEVELAND JEFFERSON LINCOLN GRANT |
SOUTHEAST ARKANSAS COMMUNITY ACTION CORPORATION (SEACAC) 1208 MYRTLE STREET POST OFFICE BOX 312 WARREN, ARKANSAS 71671-0312 LARRY HENDERSON, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR (870) 226-2668 |
ASHLEY BRADLEY CHICOT DESHA DREW |
SOUTHWEST ARKANSAS DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL (SWADC) 3902 SANDERSON LANE TEXARKANA, ARKANSAS 71854-2516 I. DONALD NELSON, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR (870) 773-5504 |
HEMPSTEAD HOWARD LAFAYETTE LITTLE RIVER MILLER NEVADA SEVIER |
Production Schedule
Energy Savings
Energy Savings
An estimate of the amount of energy to be conserved.
The fuel analysis is representative of the typical unit weatherized by each of the subgrantees. The analysis provides the data regarding energy conservation.
DOE PROGRAM |
AMOUNT |
LINE |
Total DOE State Weatherization Allocation |
$2,013,498 |
(a) |
Total Cost associated with Administration, T&TA, Financial and Energy Audits or 15% of allocation |
$245,963 |
(b) |
Subtract the amount entered in line (b) from Line (a), for total Federal (DOE) funds available to weatherize homes |
$1,767,535 |
(c) |
State Average Cost per Home or National WAP Program Year Average Cost per Home (i.e., PY2007-$2,885*) |
$ 6,157 |
(d) |
Total Estimated Homes to be Weatherized |
259 |
(e) |
Multiply (e) by 30.5 MBTU** for total Annual Estimated Energy Savings resulting from DOE appropriated funds |
7,900 |
(f) |
ALL FUNDING SOURCES |
||
Total funds (e.g., DOE-WAP, State, Leveraged, LIHEAP, and other non-Federal sources of funds used by the State to weatherize homes |
$6,884,376 |
(g) |
Total cost associated with the administration of Weatherization funds or 15% of total funds available to weatherize homes |
$1,032,656 |
(h) |
Subtract the amount entered in line (h) from line (g), for total funds available to weatherize homes |
$5,851,720 |
(i) |
State Average Cost per Home or Nation WAP Program Year Average Cost per Home (i.e., PY2009 - $3,055*) |
$ 6,943 |
(j) |
Total Estimated Homes to be Weatherized |
843 |
(k) |
Multiply (k) by 30.5 MBTU** for total Annual Estimated Energy Savings resulting from all funding sources |
25,712 |
(l) |
TRAINING AND TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE
Arkansas is supportive of the development of a green workforce to meet the challenges posed by climate change, constraints on energy supply, high energy prices, and expansion of the energy efficiency and alternative energy industries.
The increasing technical requirements of the Weatherization Program require a consistent standard for sub grantee staff qualifications, to ensure a minimum level of competence in program operations. In Program Year 2012 OCS requires course work designed to lead to certification, for weatherization staff performing energy audits and installing conservation measures be taken by March 31, 2013. OCS will continue to phase in new requirements over time, to allow existing staff adequate opportunity to obtain required training and skills.
Arkansas has been actively engaged in the development of two training centers, in coordination with Arkansas Energy Office using the Department of Energy (DOE) Standardized Training Curriculum for the Weatherization Network.
In order to implement this system, the WAP Workforce must have uniform job classifications. These job classifications are based upon the standardized work spefications developed by DOE to ensure a level of competency for weatherization workers in various job positions.
Job Classifications consist of
* Weatherization Installer/Technician: Installs weatherization materials on the homes;
* Weatherization Inspector: Conducts Final Inspections;
* Weatherization Crew Chief: Serves as leader of a crew of Weatherization Installers/Technicians;
* Energy Auditor: Conducts the actual audit of the home and writes up specifications;
* Weatherization Contractor: Contracts with the subgrantee to install weatherization measures on the home.
OCS realizes that each agency will not have staffing at the level indicated and that staff often perform dual roles. In Arkansas the Weatherization Director functions as the program manager. At some sub grant agencies, the Weatherization Director and the Energy Auditor perform duties of the Weatherization Inspector. In your plan you are asked to indicate the role of each staff person (i.e. Energy Auditor/Weatherization Inspector; Weatherization Director/Weatherization Inspector). In addition to the above job classifications, OCS requires the addition of a Client Education Specialist. The duties of this person can be performed by the Energy Auditor or Weatherization Director.
The Office of Community Services utilizes the Weatherization Training Centers located on the campuses of Pulaski Technical College in Little Rock and the Northwest Arkansas Community College in Rogers, Arkansas for training purposes. Arkansas will require all weatherization staff at the subgrantee level to become certified once the certification process is finalized. These centers will be devoted primarily to Weatherization training, but would also be available to support training of dislocated workers and would further the State's Green Jobs efforts. Costs of developing these centers have been paid with Recovery Act funds.
New contractors must attend the Contractors Workshop. This workshop will be conducted at the Weatherization Training Centers.
Subgrantees will be allowed to attend Arkansas training facilities only. This policy is necessary due to substantially decreased funding for WAP beginning April 1, 2012 and the need to sustain Arkansas Weatherization Training Centers. Any out-of-state travel must be justified and approved by OCS prior to travel.
GRANT GUIDANCE
Minority Woman Owned Business Enterprise Workshop (MWBE)
March 7, 2012
The state Weatherization Assistance Program staff will provide information to minority and woman owned vendors on how to access the program.
March 9, 2012
State weatherization manager will provide information on the changes that will be mandatory for the new program year.
Arkansas has scheduled the following opportunities for training:
WAP ANNUAL TRAINING CONFERENCE
July 17 - 20, 2012
Various new subject matter, as well as updated information will be taught that are directly related to new requirements from DOE (i.e. regional, national conferences & other related sources).
FALLS SKILLS TRAINING
October 29 - 31, 2012
Weatherization personnel come together in state wide hands on training. This allows everyone to participate in a wide array of skilled demonstrations needed to professionally show how to‖
perform the different tasks needed on each unit.
WAP MONITORING APPROACH
The Office of Community Services (OCS) receives funding from the Department of Energy (DOE) to implement the Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP). The program is designed to increase the energy efficiency of dwellings owned or occupied by low-moderate income persons, reduce their total residential expenditures, and improve their health and safety, especially low-income persons who are particularly vulnerable such as the elderly, persons with disabilities, families with children, high residential energy users, and households with high energy burden.
OCS subcontracts with Community Action Agencies (CAA's) to implement the program at the local level. OCS subcontracts with fifteen (15) Community Action Agencies (CAA's) and one housing corporation to implement the program at the local level. The WAP has been in existence for over thirty (30) years and has two (2) Program Monitors (PM) to provide program over site. This year the program is adding a Budget Specialist and an additional Program Monitor to form the financial staff for the program.
The Program Monitors will alternate assigned agencies each year. The attached Organizational Chart will serve to illustrate the flow of operations within OCS. All staff report to the Program Manager.
Each Program Monitor will follow the monitoring protocol listed below which in addition to desk reviews will require an onsite visit to the agency every three months.
The Budget Specialist will develop the subgrantee operations budget and will manage the financial workbooks.
Subgrantee Desktop Reviews
Subgrantees will be monitored via standardized, periodic desktop monitoring. Desktop program evaluations examine subgrantee reports to assess progress and determine compliance with OCS Financial Reporting requirements. The PM will review the WAP-03, WAP-04. The PM will determine if production goals have been met and if the LIHEAP statistical data is captured and input is in the correct columns and matches the cumulative total. The PM will also review the Financial Workbook and Invoice electronically prior to submitting an invoice for payment. During this review the Funds Received page will be reviewed to ensure the subgrantee entered all funds received during the report month additionally, the PM will review the purchase order in AASIS to ensure that funds are available to pay the invoice and will record the total funds received in the financial workbook. After conducting the desk review, the PM will then schedule a monitoring visit to the agency. As a result of the desk the PM will:
* Identify any deficiencies in reporting such as delinquent reports. Where discrepancies exist between planned activities and actual accomplishments reported, the Monitor will follow-up with the subgrantee to determine causes and propose solutions that will correct the discrepancy. These findings will be reported to the Program Manager.
* Identify both major and minor problems that require resolution, such as significant staffing changes or excessive employee turnover. This information will be provided to the Program Manager. Together with Program Monitors, they will also identify and implement corrective actions.
Onsite Monitoring
Program Monitors will visit each subgrantee every three months. After the initial visit during which a full report will be developed, the Program Monitor will conduct follow up visits during which the focus will be on technical monitoring. A Training and Technical Assistance report will be submitted after each technical monitoring. A full report will be developed at the end of each quarter.
Onsite monitoring visits will occur at subgrantee agencies and work sites. Monitors will review a representative sampling of customer files at the agency to determine that proper documentation of service delivery is maintained and that quality control inspections are being performed on each home. In addition, Monitors will:
* Review prior findings to determine existing deficiencies or areas of concern and determine whether those issues have been resolved.
* Inspect up to 25 percent (25%) of homes at various stages of weatherization. Within the 25 percent (25%), at least ten percent (10%) must have a quality control inspector to determine the quality of workmanship and appropriateness of service delivered by the subgrantee.
* Inspect 25 percent (25%) of client files (which could be the same as files used for home/field review) to ensure compliance with DOE rules.
* Client files should include, but are not limited to: application, income-documentation, copy of utilities (for high energy burden qualification), contractor contracts; work orders, inventory in and out sheets, receipts, appropriate WAP forms, SHPO letter (if applicable), waiver letters (if applicable) BP testing (if applicable), BCJOS, before and after photographs, testing results, etc.
* Interview WAP sub-grantee staff and clients to determine whether all tests were performed and appropriate measures installed on each unit.
* Verify that each home/client met program eligibility guidelines.
* Verify that each home received a Final Inspection conducted by the subgrantee before the home was reported to the OCS as complete.
* Track expenditures from purchase to inventory to installation on the unit.
* Submit a written report to the Team Leader who will review it and submit it to the Program Manager. After review by the Program Manager, the report will be finalized and submitted to the Assistant Director for signature.
On Site Fiscal Review
During the quarterly monitoring visit, Program Monitors will examine previous subgrantee invoices and expenditure reports and verify that they match the agency general ledger. A sample of payments will be examined to verify the existence of documentation that supports the charges, that payments were made to vendors and that payments are allowable under program rules and regulations.
The books and records for any program activities allocated to or charged back to the WAP funds are also subject to review by the Program Monitor. If the Program Monitor notes a problem with allocations or charge backs, the findings will be noted in the report. If training and technical assistance is warranted, it will be provided to the subgrantee. Subsequent visits by the Program Monitor will verify that the problem has been corrected or that additional action is necessary.
OCS WAP MONITORING PROCEDURE -
Using the Monitoring Instrument, review the following areas:
» File documentation, including income verification
» Compliance with state & federal regulations
» Compliance with state weatherization assistance program specifications
» Completed project inspection
» Performance testing of homes
» Inventory control
» Health & safety inspection
» Audit results
» Resource accountability
» Work quality
»Fiscal controls
Who to meet with:
» Agency Coordinator
»Fiscal Officer
»Crew members
»Participants
Routine Program Evaluation Outline:
Field Test Detail
Inspection of completed houses, with the accompaniment of the local agency auditor/inspector, provides an opportunity to provide on-site technical assistance. Various installation techniques, quality control issues, or test procedures may be discussed during the course of performing the inspection.
Diagnostic testing is performed, including blower-door tests, combustion safety tests, and duct leakage tests. The test results are compared with those noted in the participant file.
Set-up values of the NEAT/MHEA audit are checked to ensure they are current and accurate, that staff is proficient in the use of the NEAT/MHEA audit, and that it is used as directed by OCS.
**Exemplary practices, successful approaches, or creative ideas in the operation of the local program will be identified and noted.**
Crew Health and Safety procedures will be checked for compliance with OCS Health and Safety Plan as contained in the DOE State Plan.
At the conclusion of the monitor's visit, an exit conference will be conducted with the Program Coordinator and the Executive Director. If there are deficiencies, a recommended course of action will be agreed upon.
Every effort will be made to complete and mail a final report to the Executive Director and Program Coordinator within one week of the monitor visit. The agency will submit a written response providing assurance that identified problems are resolved in a timely manner and documented.
Reference Material
Technical procedures adopted for the weatherization program, include:
* Blower Door and Air Sealing Procedures, which are used to determine a baseline goal for directing air-sealing work of the building envelope.
* Duct Pressure Test Procedures are the standards by which to measure the effectiveness of the HVAC system. The pre- and post weatherization test information is required to be collected and recorded in each client file.
* The Combustion Safety Test Procedures establish worst-case depressurization, spillage, flue draft, carbon monoxide, as well as a visual inspection. This procedure also contains safety thresholds. These tests must be performed and recorded, at a minimum, at the time of audit and final inspection. The test report form is to be completed on all homes that contain combustion appliances and maintained in the participant file.
Evaluation Tools and Equipment
The following tools and equipment will be used by Program Monitor to help determine satisfactory work performance:
Levels of Agency Performance
As a result of the monitoring process, the Program Monitor will assess the subgrantee and assign a level of performance based upon the categories listed below:
Exemplary: Exceeds program expectations. Program is visionary, excels in all program aspects, highly responsive and innovative. Files are complete, organized and accurate. Administrative systems are good models for the entire network. Service delivery routinely exceeds targets and goals. Material installation consistently meets standards. Workmanship is good quality.
Stable: Meets program expectations. Activities are generally accurate, effective, organized, sound, proficient, and proactive. Good administration systems. Files are generally complete, organized and accurate. Overall program delivery is effective and sound. Staff is proficient in diagnostics. Material installation consistently meets standards. Workmanship is good quality.
Vulnerable: Noncompliance issues. Sometimes meets program expectations. Marginal administrative systems exist. File information inconsistent. Overall program delivery has gaps. Diagnostics are inadequate. Material installation sometimes meets standards. Workmanship is inconsistent.
At-Risk: Frequently does not meet program expectations. Inadequate, poor, substandard, incomplete, or deficient documentation exist. There is poor communication between state and agency staff Inadequate administrative systems exist. Files are incomplete or inaccurate. Overall program delivery is substandard. Diagnostic work is deficient. Material installation and/or workmanship do not meet program standards.
Levels of Agency Performance and Program Evaluation (PE) Frequency High Performance or Exemplary Agencies
By way of monitoring review, an exemplary agency demonstrates performance that meets or exceeds expectations in the following areas:
* No Health and Safety finding as identified in previous monitoring report.
* No procedural findings related to program rules, and policies and procedures.
* No findings related to weatherization in the annual agency audit.
* Provides comprehensive services utilizing the latest building science and renewable technology, in a cost-effective manner in accordance with State of Arkansas Weatherization Assistance Program guidelines.
* Agency unit production is high relative to funding.
* Agency routinely exceeds monthly production goals.
* Few incomplete or pending units at month end.
* Agency staff routinely attends OCS trainings and obtain required certifications in a timely way.
* No "at-risk" elements are found in any major category.
During the Arkansas Weatherization Assistance Program's Annual Conference, Agencies that have met or exceeded expectation in performance and production are recognized among their peers and presented a trophy of excellence. Nominations and a review committee make this determination. The review committee uses the set of criteria and point system to select the winners.
The Program Monitor will determine whether this standard is met during the final visit.
Stable Agency PerformanceOCS expects every agency to meet this standard of performance:
* Compliance with major program requirements, such as, lead-based paint procedures, cost allocation plan/indirect rate, required contractor information.
* No more than one program specific finding in the annual audit.
* No more than one fiscal specific finding in the annual audit.
* Staff well trained in performance of specific job duties.
* Complete and organized files.
* Sufficiently detailed scopes of work.
* NEAT/MHEA documentation is current and consistent with billing.
* Staff proficient in use NEAT/MHEA software.
* Evidence NEAT/MHEA is run with actual and true pre-post data (including costs).
Vulnerable Agency PerformanceAgency's performance is deficient in some or all of the following levels of performance:
* Compliance with major program requirements, such as, lead-based paint procedures, cost allocation plan/indirect rate, required contractor information.
* No more than one program specific finding in the annual audit.
* No more than one fiscal specific finding in the annual audit.
* Staff well trained in performance of specific job duties.
* Complete and organized files.
* Complete scopes of work
* NEAT/MHEA documentation is current and consistent with billing.
* Staff proficient in its use
* Evidence NEAT/MHEA is used with actual and true pre-post data (including costs).
At-Risk Agency Elements
At-Risk Agency Elements
t-risk agencies may be identified as a result of a variety of factors that may include:
Performance Findings Correction Process
Leveraging Activities
Identifying new sources of funds for WAP in Arkansas is a priority. Utilizing Economic Opportunity Studies, the Recovery Act Weatherization Leveraged Partnerships and Performance Assistance Project, is planned. Interest in selling carbon credits, as pioneered by Maine WAP, is high.
PAC
The Policy Advisory Council (PAC) will meet three (3) times per year. Leveraging responsibilities specified in PAC by-laws include: (Article I, Section 4)"
Weatherization 2015
The manager of Arkansas' WAP is a member of Weatherization 2015‖ committee. Formed by NASCSP, this group will meet for a 15-month period to address WAP funding issues.
Arkansas Weatherization Program (AWP)
Arkansas has a model utility program, developed through the Arkanas Public Service Commission. Seven (7) natural gas and electric utilities around the state contribute funds to offset partial costs of energy audits and certain weatherization measures for eligible clients. The fifteen (15) agencies implementing WAP in Arkansas submit billing information for reimbursement by AWP. This program is contracted through the largest WAP agency in Arkansas.
* OCS would prefer to administer AWP but enabling legislation and computer upgrades would be required in order to take this program to the state level.
* OCS makes a grant of $65,000 to Arkansas Association of Community Action Agencies (AACAA) to coordinate this program with the Public Service Commission.
* 100% participation in AWP by all fifteen (15) WAP agencies at the beginning of program year 2013 (April 1, 2012) is OCS goal for AWP.
For-profit weatherization
As a priority, Arkansas encourages individual WAP agencies to develop capabilities to weatherize non-DOE houses. DOE vehicles, equipment, and staff used for weatherizing non-income eligible houses must be assigned a cost which is paid with non-DOE funds. Prior to implementing such a program, each agency must have OCS approval of its plan. Some Arkansas utility companies provide funds to assist their utility customers in realizing this opportunity for weatherizing their homes.
Coordinated work
As a priority, Arkansas encourages coordinated work agreements between its WAP agencies and other energy and housing resources, such as Rural Development, HUD, Federal Home Loan Bank, State Energy Office, Good Neighbor. The Arkansas Sub grantee Operations Manual provides guidance in structuring coordinated work plans and allows clients to be served out of turn on the prioritized waiting list when such leveraged resources are available.
Arkansas Policy Advisory Council Meetings
Pursuant to 10 CFR Part 440.17, the Office of Community Services (OCS) has established a Policy Advisory Council (PAC) to assist in the development and operation of the Weatherization Assistance Program and provide advice in the development of the State Plan. The PAC is broadly representative of sub grantees, energy advocates, State agencies, and other organizations - including consumer groups - that represent low-income persons in Arkansas. PAC members are well-versed in energy and housing issues.
The PAC members are involved in weatherization activities such as training and Weatherization day activities and leveraging funds. Entergy Arkansas (Electric Utility) is represented on the PAC and funds some weatherization activities of subgrantees each year. The State Energy Office is represented on the PAC and provides client education material for weatherization clients. Rural Development is represented on the PAC and provides funding to some weatherization subgrantees for housing rehabilitation.
For program year 2012, we are asking the PAC to assist with program development by hosting a Leveraging Partnership Breakfast during the Annual Training Conference and to help promote the program by hosting a reception during Weatherization Week to raise statewide awareness of the program.
Listed below are the dates that have been scheduled for the events referenced above:
Meetings:
March 9, 2012 - Host Public Hearing on the 2013 State Plan
July 17, 2012 - Host Leveraging Partnership Breakfast and Policy Meeting
October 29, 2012 - Host Weatherization Week Reception and Policy Meeting
WEATHERIZATION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM POLICY ADVISORY COUNCIL MEMBERS
TERM OF SERVICE
NAME/ADDRESS/PHONE |
GROUP/ ORGANIZATION REPRESENTED |
EXPIR. DATE |
Thomas E. Green Post Office Box 1437/S330 Little Rock, AR 72203 Phone: (501) 682-8715 |
Office of Community Services Ex-Officio |
N/A |
Position to be Filled Main Stream 300 South Rodney Parham Rd Ste 5 Little Rock, AR 72205-4774 Phone: FAX: E-Mail: |
Elderly and Individuals with Disabilities |
1/13 |
Brad Cummings, Executive Director Northcentral Arkansas Development Council 550 9th Street PO Box 3349 Phone: (870) 793-5765 FAX: (870) 793-2167 E-Mail: bcummings@nadcinc.org |
Weatherization Subgrantee CAA Executive Director |
1/13 |
Beverly Palmer Weatherization Director Central Arkansas Development Council Post Office Box 580 Benton, Arkansas 72018 Phone: (501) 315-1121 FAX: (501) 778-9120 E-Mail: bpalmer@cadc.com |
Weatherization Director |
1/13 |
Mark Whitmer, Chair Weatherization Director Crawford-Sebastian Community Development Council, Inc. 4831 Armour Street Post Office Box 4069 Fort Smith, AR 72914 Phone: (479) 785-2303 FAX: (479) 785-2341 E-Mail: mwhitmer@cscdccaa.org |
At Large Position |
1/13 |
Scott Hamilton Director Arkansas Energy Office 900 West Capitol Little Rock, AR 72201 Phone: (501) 682-7560 E-Mail: shamilton@arkansasedc.com |
At Large Position |
1/13 |
Position to be Filled Director of Community Development 7500 Cantrell Road Little Rock, AR 72207 Phone: FAX: E-Mail: |
At Large Position |
1/13 |
Kenny Gunn, Weatherization Dir. Crowley's Ridge Development Council, Inc. Post Office Box 16720 Jonesboro, Arkansas 72403-1497 Phone: (870) 802-7100 ext. 120 E-Mail: kennygunn@crdcnea.com |
At Large Position |
1/13 |
Melissa McWilliams Weatherization Director Community Action Program for Central Arkansas, Inc. 707 Robins Street, Suite 118 Conway Arkansas 72034-6517 Phone: (501) 329-3891 Ext. 122 FAX: (501) 329-9247 E-Mail: Melissa.mcwilliams@capcainc.org |
At Large Position |
1/13 |
Position to be Filled CenterPoint/ARKLA P.O. Box 751 Little Rock, AR 72203 Phone: FAX: E-Mail: |
Public Utilities |
1/13 |
Patricia Atkinson Universal Housing Development Council 301 Third Street Post Office Box 846 Russellville, AR 72801-0846 Phone: (479) 968-5001 FAX: (479) 568-5002 E-Mail: pat@uhdc.net |
Housing |
1/13 |
Jay Hartman Manager - Customer Operations Support ENTERGY - Arkansas PO Box 551 (A-9LA-1D) Little Rock, AR 72203 Phone: (501) 396-4932 FAX: (501) 396-4330 E-mail: hartma@entergy.com |
Public Utilities |
1/13 |
Jane Todd Public Service Commission Post Office Box C-400 Little Rock, AR 72203 Phone: (501) 682-5988 FAX: (501) 682-5882 E-Mail: janie_gray@psc.state.ar.us (This e-mail address has an underscore betwee |
Public Service Commission n first and last name) |
1/13 |
Lawrence McCullough Rural Development USDA Service Center Federal Building, Room 3416 700 West Capitol Avenue Little Rock, AR 72201-3225 Phone: (501) 301-3205 FAX: (501) 301-3290 E-Mail: Lawrence.mccullough@ar.usda.gov |
Housing |
1/13 |
ARTICLE I THE COUNCIL
The name of the Council shall be the Arkansas Weatherization Policy Advisory Council (PAC).
The purpose of the PAC shall be to promote the full development and utilization of the State's weatherization resources.
The PAC shall be appointed by the Office of Community Services' Assistant Director in consultation with the State Weatherization Directors and PAC, consistent with federal regulations. Membership shall consist of no more than fifteen members representing the following groups or organizations:
CAA Executive Director Weatherization Directors (2)
-Financial Institutions
-Liquid Petroleum Gas Board
-Health Department Plumbing Inspector
-Fire Marshall
-Other
The term of office of PAC members shall be for three years and may be appointed to serve consecutive terms. Appointments shall be made during the regular meeting of the first quarter of the calendar year.
Members missing three consecutive regular meetings without cause, as determined by the total PAC membership, will be replaced at the next regular meeting of the PAC.
The PAC shall serve in an advisory capacity and will function as follows:
ARTICLE II OFFICERS
The Nominating Committee shall present a slate of officers in advance of the voting meeting. Additional nominations may be made from the floor. From this slate, the nominee receiving the majority vote shall be the officer.
Chairperson: The Chairperson shall preside at all meetings of the PAC and perform all such services as are usually performed by the Chairperson of an organization and shall perform such duties as may be requested by the PAC and shall be ex-officio member of all committees except the Nominating Committee.
Vice Chairperson: The Vice Chairperson shall discharge the duties of the Chairperson in the absence of the Chairperson or in the event of his inability to act.
ARTICLE III PAC MEETINGS
The PAC shall meet on the fourth Tuesday of the third month of each quarter or at other times as specified by the Chairperson.
The Chairperson may call special meetings of the PAC as required. Upon receipt of written request from a majority of members of the PAC, the Chairperson shall call a special meeting of the PAC to convene within ten days.
Five members of the PAC shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business.
All actions of the PAC shall be determined by a majority vote of the members present and voting, except the adoption and amendment of the By-laws which shall be by a two-thirds vote of the members present. Proxy voting shall be allowed by persons authorized to attend and represent a member of the PAC.
The Chairperson and the Assistant Director of the Office of Community Services or designee shall be responsible for ordering the business of the PAC.
Robert Rules of Order shall govern the procedures of the PAC.
ARTICLE IV COMMITTEES
ARTICLE V BY-LAWS AMENDMENT PROCEDURES
The By-laws may be amended at any regular meeting of the PAC by a two-thirds vote of the members present, provided that the proposed amendment has been submitted in writing and made available to all members at least two weeks prior to the meeting at which a vote is taken.
THE ARKANSAS WEATHERIZATION POLICY ADVISORY
HOLIDAY INN PRESIDENTIAL CENTER
INTERSTATE 30
LITTLE ROCK, AR 72203
JANUARY 21,20, 2011
10:00-11:00 A.M.
IN THE MATTER OF:
WEATHERIZATION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM PUBLIC HEARING
CHANGE AS REQUIRED APPEARANCES:
MS. BEVERLY PALMER PAC MEMBER
MS. PATRICIA ATKINSON PAC MEMBER
MS. MARTIE NORTH PAC MEMBER
MR. WILLIAM TAFT WILSON PAC MEMBER
MR. THOMAS GREEN PAC MEMBER
MS. JANE GRAY-TODD PAC MEMBER
MS. DORIS WRIGHT, STATE WEATHERIZATION PROGRAM MANAGER,ARKANSAS OFFICE
OF COMMUNITY SERVICES, DHS
PUBLIC ATTENDEES:
I N D E X
Page
Opening Comments by Mr. Thomas Green ........ 73
Report by Ms. Doris Wright .............. 73
Public Questions/Comments .............. 75
EXHIBITS
WEATHERIZATION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
PUBLIC HEARING
JANUARY 21, 2011
Doris Wright:Good morning, my name is Doris Wright, Weatherizaton Program
Manager at the Arkansas Department of Human Services, Office of Community Services. My purpose here today is to conduct a public hearing on the 2011-2012 Weatherization Assistance Program State Plan. We propose a one year plan.
The department has proposed an allocation of $1,622,100 from the United States Department of Energy funds and $3,362558 from the Home Energy Assistance Program funds for FY 10. Carryover is estimated at $2,891,103.
The annual file is submitted to DOE and master file is updated as appropriate at the Department of Human Services. There may be changes in reporting requirements if there are changes required by the Department of Energy.
Grantees are expected to achieve a rate of production and expenditures that will result in all weatherization funds being spent by the end of the each year.
Training and technical assistance will be provided in the following areas on an as needed basis: Management and Administration, Basic Skills, Contract Training, Consumer Education, Leveraging, Rules and Regulations, National Energy Audit, Mobile Home Energy Audit, and Management Information System.
The following trainings have been tentatively scheduled:
Minority and Woman-Owned Business Enterprises January 20, 2011
Grant Guidance: January 21, 2011
Annual Training Conference: July 13-15, 2011
Skills Training: October 6-7, 2011
With the development of the Weatherization Training Center, OCS will require all subgrantee personnel engaged in weatherization work to become certified. The curriculum leading to certification will be based upon DOE guidance. The Weatherization Training Center will be used for general skills training provided annually and additional training needs as determined by monitoring visits and monthly reports. Attendance by appropriate subgrantee personnel is required at all trainings. The effectiveness of state training will be evaluated annually. Attendance at training includes regional and national training sessions provided.
The state compares productivity by use of monthly reports. These reports are compiled and shared with subgrantees annually. It is estimated the 45 percent of the training and technical assistance funds will be used for monitoring activities. Other funds will also be used for monitoring activities.
Weatherization services will be provided in all 75 counties in Arkansas by 15 subgrantees.
Funds for Indian tribes are taken from state allocations. However, Arkansas has no Indian tribes at this time.
Approximately 212 units will be weatherized with Department of Energy funds and approximately 379 units will be weatherized with Home Energy Assistance Program funds.
The state is requiring the use of the blower door on all units. Subgrantees receiving less than $350,000 will receive ten percent of the United States Department of Energy funds for administration. Home Energy Assistance Program funds are limited to five percent for administration.
The state proposes up to $65,000 for leveraging using Home Energy Assistance funds; up to $62,000 for Pollution Control Insurance and $32,000 for Client Education will be transferred to the ARRA budget. Funds will be used to weatherize homes if not expended for leveraging, and pollution control insurance and Client Education.
Children are included in the priority system. Children are defined to be dependents under the age of 18 who are full-time students in a secondary school or equivalent technical or vocational training who may be reasonably expected to complete the program before reaching age 19.
The financial audit, liability insurance and health and safety, Capital Intensive Efficiency and T&TA will continue to be separate budget items.
Program income is defined as any funds earned from non-federal sources during the course of performing weatherization work. The income generated must be used to complete additional houses in accordance with program rules.
Each subgrantee is required to have a policy on procurement of building insulation products and materials containing recovered materials in compliance with federal and state requirements.
All low-income Weatherization Assistance Program subgrantees completing renovation work on pre-1978 housing are subject to the provisions of a federal regulation that requires them to give a notification to the occupants of the housing about the potential hazards of lead base paint. The renovators are required to give occupants a copy of the Environmental Protection Agency booklet Renovate Right - Important Lead Hazard Information for Families, Child Care Providers and Schools‖ at least seven days prior to the start of work. This requirement applies only to those homes covered by the Environmental Protection Agency rule. A house may be reweatherized if it was previously weatherized prior to September 30, 1994.
The state will continue to have a Policy Advisory Council as opposed to having a commission.
The Department of Energy has authorized replacement of refrigerators, electric water heaters, and cook stoves under certain conditions. The maximum average per unit for 2011 will be $6,500.
The Health and Safety plan includes mold and mildew. This includes a training plan, client certification form, walk-away policy and checklist.
The expenditure limit for Health and Safety measures is 20% of the average per dwelling unit cost.
The Arkansas Department of Human Services is in compliance with Titles VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act and operates, manages and delivers services without regard to age, religion, disability, political affiliation, veteran status, sex, race, color, or national origin. If you need this material in a different format, such as large print, contact our Americans with Disabilities Act Coordinator at (501) 682-8922 voice, or (501) 682-8820 TDD.
Written comments may be submitted by 4:30 p.m., February 22th to:
Thomas E. Green, Assistant Director Office of Community Services P.O. Box 1437, Slot S-330 Little Rock, AR 72203-1437
This ends the public hearing. Are there any public comments regarding this hearing?
Adjustments to On-Line Information
The maximum average per unit cost for FY 2012 is $6,769 per unit.
The state will use 200% of the poverty guidelines as the eligibility criteria. The Department of Energy definition of income will be used.
The expenditure limit for Health and Safety measures is 15% of the average per unit cost.
Arkansas will comply with Section 106 of 16 U.S.C. 470 the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA).
Arkansas will implement the National Standards for Weatherization work and the companion set of Knowledge, skills and attributes for the workforce involved in the resientional energy efficiency retrofit industry.
Miscellaneous
Energy Audit: Arkansas uses NEAT for stick built homes and MHEA for mobile homes.
Success Stories: Arkansas will report success stories using the DOE prescribed format.
Financial Audits: The State office and each subgrantee has a Single Agency Audit in compliance with Circular A-133.
Reporting: Arkansas will comply with all of DOE's reporting requirements.
Historic Preservation: The Office of Community Services will notify the Arkansas Office of Historic Preservation prior to weatherizing any unit 50 years old or older.
Assurances and Certifications
DOE F 1600. 5 OMB Control No. 1910- 0400 (08-94) All Other Editions Are Obsolete
U.S. Department of Energy
Assurance of Compliance
Nondiscrimination in Federally Assisted Programs
OMB Burden Disclosure Statement
Public reporting burden for this collection of information is estimated to average 15 minutes per response, including the time for reviewing instructions, searching existing data sources, gathering and maintaining the data needed, and completing and reviewing the collection of information. Send comments regarding this burden estimate or any other aspect of this collection of information, including suggestions for reducing this burden, to Office of Information Resources Management Policy, Plans, and Oversight, Records Management Division, HR-422 - GTN, Paperwork Reduction Project (1910-0400), U.S. Department of Energy, 1000 Independence Avenue, S.W., Washington, DC 20585; and to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), Paperwork Reduction Project (1910-0400), Washington, DC 20585.
Arkansas Department of Human Services (Hereinafter called "the Applicant") HEREBY AGREES to comply with Title VI of the Civil
Rights Act of 1 964 ( Pub. L. 88-352), Section 1 6 of the Federal Energy Administration Act of 1 974 ( Pub. L. 93-275), Section 401 of the Energy Reorganization Act of 1 974 ( Pub. L. 93-438), Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1 972, as amended, ( Pub. L. 92-31 8, Pub. L. 93-568, and Pub. L. 94-482), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 ( Pub. L. 93-11 2), the Age Discrimination Act of 1 977 ( Pub. L. 94-1 35), Title VIII of the Civil Rights Act of 1 968 ( Pub. L. 90-284), the Department of Energy Organization Act of 1 977 ( Pub. L. 95-9 1), the Energy Conservation and Production Act of 1 976, as amended, ( Pub. L. 94-385) and Title 1 0, Code of Federal Regulations, Part 1 040 . In accordance with the above laws and regulations issued pursuant thereto, the Applicant agrees to assure that no person in the United States shall, on the ground of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be otherwise subjected do discrimination under any program or activity in which the Applicant receives Federal assistance from the Department of Energy.
Applicability and Period of Obligation
In the case of any service, financial aid, covered employment, equipment, property, or structure provided, leased, or improved with Federal assistance extended to the Applicant by the Department of Energy, this assurance obligates the Applicant for the period during which Federal assistance is extended. In the case of any transfer of such service, financial aid, equipment, property, or structure, this assurance obligates the transferee for the period during which Federal assistance is extended. If any personal property is so provided. this assurance obligates the Applicant for the period during which it retains ownership or possession of the property. In all other cases, this assurance obligates the Applicant for the period during which the Federal assistance is extended to the Applicant by the Department of Energy.
Employment Practices
Where a primary objective of the Federal assistance is to provide employment or where the Applicant's employment practices affect the delivery of services in programs or activities resulting from Federal assistance extended by the Department, the Applicant agrees not to - discriminate on the ground of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability, in its employment practices. Such employment practices may include, but are not limited to, recruitment, advertising, hiring, layoff or termination, promotion, demotion, transfer, rates of pay, training an d participation in upward mobility programs; or other forms of compensation and use of facilities.
Subrecipient Assurance
The Applicant shall require any individual, organization, or other entity with whom it subcontracts, subgrants, or subleases for the purpose of providing any service, financial aid, equipment, property, or structure to comply with laws and regulations cited above. To this end, the subrecipient shall be required to sign a written assurance form; however, the obligation of both recipient and subrecipient to ensure compliance is not relieved by the collection or submission of written assurance forms.
Data Collection and Access to Records
The Applicant agrees to compile and maintain information pertaining to programs or activities developed as a result of the Applicant's receipt of Federal assistance from the Department of Energy. Such information shall include, but is not limited to the following:
ll Other Editions Are Obsolete
The Applicant agrees to submit requested data to the Department of Energy regarding programs and activities developed by the Applicant from the use of Federal assistance funds extended by the Department of Energy. Facilities of the Applicant (including the physical plants, buildings, or other structures) and all records, books, accounts, and other sources of information pertinent to the Applicant's compliance with the civil rights laws shall be made available for inspection during normal business hours of request of an officer or employee of the Department of Energy specifically authorized to make such inspections. Instructions in this regard will be provided by the Director, Office of Civil Rights, U.S. Department of Energy.
This assurance is given in consideration of and for the purpose of obtaining any and all Federal grants, loans, contracts (excluding procurement contracts), property, discounts or other Federal assistance extended after the date hereof, to the Applicants by the Department of Energy, including installment payments on account after such data of application for Federal assistance which are approved before such date. The Applicant recognizes and agrees that such Federal assistance will be extended in reliance upon the representations and agreements made in this assurance, and that the United States shall have the right to seek judicial enforcement of this assurance. This assurance is binding on the Applicant, the successors, transferees, and assignees, as well as the person(s) whose signatures appear below and who are authorized to sign this assurance on behalf of the Applicant.
Applicant Certification
The Applicant certifies that it has complied, or that, within 90 days of the date of the grant, it will comply with all applicable requirements of 1 0 C.F.R. § 1040.5 (a copy will be furnished to the Applicant upon written request to DOE).
Designated Responsible Employee
Bernard Pighee, Administrator (501) 682-7955
Name and Title (Printed or Typed) Telephone Number
______________________________________ ____________________________________
Signature Date
_Arkansas Department of Human Services (501) 682-8715
Applicant's Name Telephone Number
Post Office Box 1437/S330 ________________________________________
Address: Date
Little Rock, Arkansas 72203-1437
Authorized Official:
President, Chief Executive Officer or Authorized Designee
Thomas E. Green, Assistant Director (501) 682-8715
Name and Title (Printed or Typed) Telephone Number
_______________________________________________ ___________________________________________
Signature Date
CERTIFICATIONS REGARDING LOBBYING, DEBARMENT, SUSPENSION AND OTHER
RESPONSIBILITY MATTERS; AND DRUG-FREE WORKPLACE REQUIREMENTS
Applications should refer to the regulations cited below to determine the certification to which they are required to attest. Applicants should also review the instructions for certification included in the regulations before completing this form. Signature of this form provides for compliance with certification requirements under 34 CFR
Part 82, "New Restrictions on Lobbying," and 34 CFR Pad 85, "Government-wide Debarment and Suspension (Nonprocurement) and Government-wide Requirements or Drug-Free Workplace (Grants)." The certifications shall be treated as a material representation of fact upon which reliance will be placed when the Department of Energy determines to award the covered transaction, grant, or cooperative agreement.
The undersigned certifies, to the best of his or her knowledge and belief that:
This certification is a material representation of fact upon which reliance was placed when this transaction was made or entered into. Submission of this certification is a prerequisite for making or entering into this transaction imposed by section 1352, title 3 1, U.S. Code. Any person who fails to file the required certification shall be subject to a civil penalty of not less than $10,000 and not more than $100,000 for each such failure.
____________________________________________________
RESPONSIBILITY MATTERS
____________________________________________________
This certification is required by the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988 ( Pub. L. 100-690, Title V, Subtitle D) and is implemented through additions to the Debarment and Suspension regulations, published in the Federal Register on January 31, 1989, and May 25, 1990.
ALTERNAT E I
(GRANTEES OTHER THAN INDIVIDUALS)
performance of work done in connection with the specific grant:
Place of Performance.
(Street address,city county, state. zip code)
Office of Community Services____________
7th & Main Streets, Pulaski County___________
Little Rock, Arkansas 72201_____________
Check if there are workplaces on file that are not identified here
Applicant organizations which am described in section 501(cX4) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 and engage in lobbying activities after December 31, 1995, shall not be eligible for the receipt of Federal funds constituting an award, grant, or loan. Section 501(cX4) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 covers:
Civic leagues or organizations not organized for profit but operated exclusively for the promotion of social welfare, or local associations of employees, the membership of which is limited to the employees of a designated person or persons in a particular municipality, and the net earnings of which are devoted exclusively to charitable, educational or recreational purposes.
As set forth in the Lobbying Disclosure Act of 1995 ( Public Law 10465, December 19, 1995), as amended ["Simpson-Craig Amendment,‖ see Section 129 of The Balanced Budget Downpayment Art I (Public Law 104-99, January 26, 1996)], lobbyinq activities is defined broadly. (See section 3 of the Act.)
The undersigned certifies, to the best of his or her knowledge and better that: it IS NOT an organization described in section 50 1 (cX4) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986; OR that it IS an organization described in section 50 1 (cX4) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, whid4 after December 31, 1995, HAS NOT engaged in any lobbying activities as defined in the Lobbying Disclosure Act of 1995, as amended.
ALTERNATE II (GRANTEES WHO ARE INDIVIDUALS)
________number(s) of each affected grant.________________________________
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE PRE-AWARD INFORMATION SHEET
Grantee: Arkansas Office of Community Services
Grant No.: DEFG44-02R410841 Amendment No.:
() A university or other institution of higher education or an organization of the type described in Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 (26 USC 501(c)) and exempt from taxation under Section 501 (a) of the Internal Revenue Code (26 USC 501(a)); or
() An organization of the type described in Section 501(c)(4) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 (26 USC 501(c)) and exempt from taxation under Section 501 (a) of the Internal Revenue Code (26 USC 501(a)); or
() A nonprofit scientific or educational organization qualified under a State nonprofit organization statute. Please identify the statute.
() A small business concern as defined at Section 2 of Public Law 85-536 (15 USC 632) and implementing regulations of the administrator of the Small Business Administration.
(X) None of the above.
Recipients who have checked NONE OF THE ABOVE have the right to request, in advance or within 30 days after execution of the grant, in accordance with applicable statutes and DOE Procurement Regulation (9.9109-6) a waiver of all or any part of the rights of the United States in Subject Inventions. If the grantee intends to request a waiver to such invention rights pursuant to DOE PR 99.109-6, please indicate:
() I intend to request an advance waiver in accordance with DOE PR 9-9.109-6.
(X) I do not intend to request an advance waiver.
A. 2. RIGHTS IN PROPOSAL DATA
It is DOE policy for a grant award based on a proposal that, in consideration of the award, the Government shall obtain unlimited rights in the technical data contained in the proposal unless the grantee marks those portions of the technical information which he asserts as "proprietary data" or specifies those portions of such technical data which are not directly related to or will not be utilized in the work to be funded under the grant. Accordingly, please indicate:
(X) No restrictions on Government rights in the proposal technical data; or
() The following identified technical data is proprietary or is not directly related to or will not be utilized in the work to be funded under the grant:
______________________________________________________
______________________________________________________
A.3 IDENTIFICATION OF TECHNICAL DATA WHICH IS PROPRIETARY
The Rights in Technical Data clause proposed to be used for this grant may not permit the utilization of proprietary data in the grant work or, if the use of proprietary data is permitted, may not be adequate to meet programmatic require-ments. Use of data which is proprietary may, prevent you from meeting, the data requirements of the grant (including delivery of data). Your attention is particularly drawn to the use of LICENSED COMPUTER SOFTWARE.
Please indicate that you have reviewed the requirements in the technical scope of work and to the best of your knowledge:
(X) No proprietary data will be utilized in the grant work.
() Proprietary data as follows will be utilized in the grant work:
________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
() No LICENSED COMPUTER SOFTWARE will be utilized in the grant work.
(X) LICENSED COMPUTER SOFTWARE as follows will be utilized in the grant work:
Microsoft Word for Windows, Windows 98, Microsoft Office 97, Excel, and Word Perfect
The Recipient is a:
() Individual
() Partnership
(X) State or Local Government
() Joint Venture
If the Recipient does not have an Internal Revenue Service (IRS) assigned Employer Identification.
Number (EIN), Grantee SSN is _________________________ . (See block 5 of Grant Application,
Standard Form 424.)
Grantee DUNS Number is 71-0422536 . For assistance in obtaining a DUNS Number, call DUNN
& Bradstreet at 1-800-333 -0505. The officer should be prepared to provide the following information to DUNN & Bradstreet:
In accordance with 10 CFR 1040, the recipient is required to appoint a person as the Affirmative Action Officer to be responsible for Civil Rights matters. The person you appoint should be knowledgeable of 10CFR 1040, Nondiscrimination in Federally Assisted Programs. You are also responsible for prominently displaying reasonable numbers of Civil Rights posters at your facility. A copy of 10 CFR 1040 can be found at
_Doris Wright__ has been appointed as the Affirmative Action Officer and has familiarized himself/herself with 10 CFR 1040 . DOE Civil Rights posters have been displayed prominently and in reasonable numbers at our facility.
Organization Name Office of Community Services Phone: _(501) 682-8729 _ and address P.O. Box 1437/Slot S330__ Fax: _(501) 682-6736__
Little Rock, Arkansas 72203 E-mail: Doris Wright@arkansas.gov
I certify that the above information is complete and accurate to the best of my knowledge.
__________________________________________
__________________
Signature Date
Thomas E. Green, Assistant Director Name and Title of Authorized Representative
Energy Audit Plan
DOE F I325S (8-89) EFe 107-90)
United States Government_______________________Department of Energy
memorandum
DATE: October 5, 2010
REPLY TO
ATTN OF: EE-2K
SUBJECT: Approval of Arkansas's Audit Procedures for Single-Family Homes and Mobile
Homes for the Weatherization Assistance Program
TO; Angela S. Young, Division Director, Intergovernmental Projects & Outreach
Division, Project Management Center, National Energy Technology Laboratory
To ensure that energy audit procedures of sufficient technical rigor are used in the U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE's) Weatherization Assistance Program, states must submit their energy audit procedures to DOE for approval every five years. DOE last approved Arkansas's energy auditing procedures April 10, 2001 for single-family audit tools and June 22, 2004. Arkansas requested DOE approve its audit procedures for single-family houses and mobile homes. DOE received the following materials to assist in its review of Arkansas's request:
* NEAT and MHEA sample audits
* Southeast Weatherization Field Guide
* Correspondence with Arkansas Department of Human Services
The request has been reviewed in accordance with Weatherization Program Notice 01-4 and was found to comply with §440.21 of the final rule. Based on the review of the submitted material, the approval of Arkansas's energy audit procedures is restricted as follows:
* The approval covers single-family buildings containing one to four dwelling units for the use of NEAT. The approval covers mobile homes for the use of MHEA.
* 'fhe approval of the energy audit procedures does not constitute approval of measures not listed in Appendix A, or not otherwise approved by the Department, for expenditure of Weatherization fiinds.
* The approval of the energy audit procedures does not constitute approval of a state's health and safety plan or the materials listed therein for purposes of allowable expenditures.
* Arkansas and its subgrantees should revisit their health and safety protocols to review appropriate measures. Arkansas and it subgrantees should work to eliminate as many as possible unvented space heaters. Weatherization Program Notice 02-5 provides further guidance on what DOE allows. Arkansas should review the knob-and-tube section of WPN 02-5 and consider the allowance of rewiring homes with knob-and-tube wiring, as funds allow. Elimination of knob-and-tube wiring would allow subgrantees to better air seal and insulate homes.
* The State of Arkansas should continue to increase its capabilities of using NEAT and MHEA to ensure that the audit tools are used consistently and appropriately. The Department encourages Arkansas to support their subgrantees in pursuit of further building science knowledge.
Please provide this information to the State of Arkansas. If there are any questions, please contact Floris Weston at (412) 386-7340.
cc: Floris Weston, Energy Project Specialist, Project Management Center, National Energy Technology Laboratory Jordan Kelso, Engineer, D&R International
Arkansas Weatherization and Assistance Program's comprehensive Health and Safety Plan is divided into six sections:
This plan was developed as a collaborative effort between the State of Arkansas Department of Human Services - Office of Community Services (DHS-OCS), the Arkansas Weatherization Assistance Program Network, Northwest Arkansas Community College - Weatherization Training Center and Pulaski Technical College - Weatherization Training Center and Department of Energy Project Officer.
Health and Safety issues have become an important part of the Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) as knowledge about the hazards within dwellings has increased since the Program's inception.
When a health or safety hazard is detected, it is the policy of the Arkansas Department of Human Services - Office of Community Services (DHS-OCS) administrator of the Arkansas Weatherization Assistance Program, to inform the client and address the hazard according to protocol.
Although WAP funds are primarily used for energy conservation, the Department considers establishing a healthy and safe home environment to be an important component to weatherization work. Therefore, the health and safety of the building, occupants and weatherization crews or contractors must not be compromised by any retrofit material, technique or practice.
This Health & Safety Plan shall apply to Arkansas Weatherization Assistance Programs. It is not intended to override federal, state or local health and safety regulations, codes or ordinances. Such requirements, must be followed if they are more stringent, otherwise, the requirements in this plan will apply.
The expenditure limit for Health and Safety measures is fifteen percent (15%) of the average per dwelling unit cost. The 15% limit for Health and Safety expenditures is agency wide and does not need to be applied evenly across homes. The Health and Safety expenditures are not a part of the average cost per unit. However, authorized (necessary) repairs that support weatherization, such as minor wiring, plumbing to space heater, are part of the limit (as adjusted by DOE) and need to bear whole house Savings to Investment Ratio (SIR) scrutiny.
Incidental repairs may be performed in conjunction with any of the priorities previously listed. The total cost of these repairs (labor and materials) may not exceed $600 per unit. Incidental repair costs must be included as part of the total unit cost when determining the maximum and average expenditure per dwelling unit.
An incidental repair is defined as those repairs necessary for the effective performance or preservation of weatherization materials. Such repairs include, but are not limited to: framing or repairing windows and doors which could not otherwise be caulked or weather-stripped and providing protective materials, such as paint, used to seal materials installed under this program.
If health and safety issues identified on an individual unit cannot be addressed within the allowable WAP limits then the unit would exceed the scope of this program and must be deferred.
Subgrantees must test for high carbon monoxide (CO) levels and acceptable levels must be reached before weatherization work can start. Maximum acceptable CO readings are as follows:
Carbon Monoxide Action Levels |
|
Living Area (Ambient Air) |
09 PPM |
Un-vented Space Heaters |
25 PPM |
Combustion Appliances, air-free |
100 PPM |
Top Burners on Cook Stove |
25 PPM |
Cooking Ovens |
100 PPM |
Air-Free Carbon Monoxide - A measurement of CO in an air sample or flue gas that takes into account the amount of excess air (oxygen, O2) in the sample, incorporating an adjustment to the as-measured CO ppm value, thus simulating air-free (oxygen-free) conditions in the sample. Usually measured in units of parts per million (ppm).
Amendments to Arkansas Weatherization Assistance Program Health and Safety Plan
From time to time, this plan may be amended and/or revised by the DHS-OCS to reflect changes in state or federal regulations, advances in technology, and/or innovative approaches to weatherization. The DHS-OCS encourages agencies to submit suggested changes to these practices that will result in the delivery of services in a more cost-effective manner while continuing to provide high quality work. Suggested changes must be accompanied by supporting documentation.
Amendments to these standards will not become effective until the following program year, unless a Program Notice is received from Department of Energy (DOE). The following conditions are where amendments or revisions will become effective immediately:
The following pages provide procedures that include a method used to determine when DOE funds will be used to address specific health and safety issues, and how to treat problems that cannot be addressed with DOE funds as well as required training for field workers to identify and test for the presences of health and safety hazards.
ARKANSAS WAP HEALTH & SAFETY REQUIREMENTS
HEATING, VENTILATION AND AIR CONDITIONING (HVAC)
VENTILATION
Action/Allowability: 2010 (or most current) ASHRAE 62.2 is required to be met to the fullest extent possible, when performing weatherization activity (must be implemented by January 1, 2013). Implementing ASHRAE 62.2 is not required where acceptable indoor air quality already exists as defined by ASHRAE 62.2. Existing fans and blower systems should be updated if not adequate.
Testing: ASHRAE 62.2 evaluation, fan flow, and follow up testing are required to ensure compliance.
Client Education/Occupant Health Concerns: Provide client with information on function, use, and maintenance of ventilation system and components. Include disclaimer that ASHRAE 62.2 does not account for high polluting sources or guarantee indoor air quality.
Training: ASHRAE 62.2 training required including proper sizing, evaluation of existing and new systems, depressurization tightness limits, critical air zones and other areas included in ASHRAE 62.2.
Identify Measures:
Deferral Policy: Follow all appropriate Deferral and Referral policies and protocols, if determined to be beyond the scope of the DOE WAP.
COMBUSTION GASES
Action/Allowability: Proper venting to the outside for combustion appliances, including gas dryers is required. Correction of venting is allowed when testing indicates a problem.
Testing: Combustion appliances must be tested to determine if they are within allowable CO levels, including furnaces, boilers, space heaters, gas fireplaces, cook stoves, and water heaters.
Client Education/Occupant Health Concerns: Provide client with combustion safety and hazards information, including the importance of using exhaust ventilation when cooking and the importance of keeping burners clean to limit the production of CO.
Training: How to perform appropriate testing, determine when a building is excessively depressurized, and the difference between air free and as-measured.
Identify Measures: Maintenance, repair and replacement of PRIMARY heating systems are allowed. Only maintenance and repair is allowed for SECONDARY systems with DOE funds. Capital
Intensive funds (LIHEAP funds) may be used to replace secondary heating systems.
Deferral Policy: If the unacceptable CO reading is from a cook stove, other funding sources must be utilized to rectify the situation before weatherization, follow all appropriate Deferral and Referral policies and protocols, if determined to be beyond the scope of the DOE WAP.
AIR CONDITIONING AND HEATING SYTEMS
Action/Allowability: Arkansas considers "red tagged", inoperable, or nonexistent heating systems to constitute a Health & Safety issue. Evaluation of the home for replacement, repair, or installation is required, unless prevented by other guidance herein. Air conditioning system replacement, repair, or installation is allowed in homes of at-risk occupants.
The Energy Auditor determines the most cost effective and energy efficient way to assure that the dwelling being weatherized will be capable of providing the household with a controlled environment.
Switching out an existing heating and/or cooling appliance with a new one may not be the best option or even an allowable process, i.e., unvented combustible fuel space heaters. Also, the condition of the dwelling or the size of the household may dictate a different measure to provide.
DOE will not permit any DOE-funded weatherization work other than incidental repairs on electric space heaters. DOE allows the use of other funding sources for the replacement of electric space heaters (e.g. LIHEAP/Capital Intensive, Regular DOE only) but the Department does not encourage the repair or maintenance of these units because of
* The high cost of electricity as compared to fossil fuels;
* Lower output ratings (size);
* Risk of fire hazards; and
* Inadequate electrical systems in older homes frequently cannot safely carry the power required to operate an electric heater.
Work on such systems may make local agencies liable for inadequate electric wiring and damages that may result.
Electric space heaters may only be left in a home as secondary heating source when the unit has a tag indicating compliance with ANSI Z21.11.2.
Testing: Make sure systems are present, operable, and performing. Determine presence of at-risk occupants (elderly, young children, and medical conditions).
Client Education/Occupant Health Concerns: Discuss and provide information on appropriate use and maintenance of units and proper disposal of bulk fuel tanks when not removed
Training: Awareness of guidance.
Identify Measures:
Deferral Policy: Follow all appropriate Deferral and Referral policies and protocols, if determined to be beyond the scope of the DOE WAP.
SPACE HEATERS, STAND ALONE ELECTRIC
Action/Allowability: Repair, replacement, or installation is not allowed. Removal is recommended.
Testing: Check circuitry to ensure adequate power supply for existing space heaters.
Client Education/Occupant Health Concerns: Inform client of hazards and collect a signed waiver if removal is not allowed.
Training: Awareness of guidance.
Identify Measures:
Deferral Policy: Follow all appropriate Deferral and Referral policies and protocols, if determined to be beyond the scope of the DOE WAP.
SPACE HEATERS, UNVENTED COMBUSTION
Action/Allowability: Removal is required, except as secondary heat where the unit conforms to ANSI Z21.11.2. Units that do not meet ANSI Z21.11.2 must be removed prior to weatherization but may remain until a replacement heating system is in place.
Testing: Testing for air-free carbon monoxide (CO) is allowed. Check units for ANSI Z21.11.2 label.
Client Education/Occupant Health Concerns: Inform client of dangers of unvented space heaters - CO, moisture, NO2, CO can be dangerous even if CO alarm does not sound.
Training: How to perform air-free CO testing. Understanding the dangers of unvented space heaters.
Identify Measures:
Deferral Policy:
SPACE HEATERS, VENTED COMBUSTION
Action/Allowability: Should be treated as furnaces.
Testing: Venting should be tested consistent with furnaces.
Client Education/Occupant Health Concerns: Discuss and provide information on appropriate use and maintenance of units and proper disposal of bulk fuel tanks when not removed.
Training: Proper testing methods for safe operation (draft and CO) should be conducted and for steady state efficiency if possible.
Identify Measures: Repair or remove vented space heater.
Deferral Policy: Follow all appropriate Deferral and Referral policies and protocols, if determined to be beyond the scope of the DOE WAP.
SOLID FUEL HEATING (WOOD STOVES, ETC)
Action/Allowability: Maintenance, repair, and replacement of primary indoor heating units is allowed where occupant health and safety is a concern. Maintenance and repair of secondary heating units is allowed.
Testing: Required inspection of chimney and flue and combustion appliance zone depressurization.
Client Education/Occupant Health Concerns: Provide client education for every recipient of a new stove which outlines the safe operation and proper maintenance of the unit including recognizing depressurization.
Training: How to perform CAZ depressurization test and proper inspection.
Identify Measures: System must be operational and inspected using all Arkansas Field Guide test protocols before any other weatherization begins. Wood stoves may only be considered if recommended by NEAT/MHEA audit. The energy audit must drive the decision regarding whether a wood stove should be replaced. Additionally, local agencies must:
o Must be installed in accordance with manufacturer's recommendations.
Deferral Policy:
APPLIANCES
APPLIANCES AND WATER HEATERS
Action/Allowability: Replacement of water heaters is allowed on a case by case basis. Replacement and installation of other appliances are not allowable health and safety costs. Repair and cleaning are allowed. Also see Air Conditioning and Heating Systems and Combustion Gases and Refrigerant.
Testing: Determine whether appliances/water heaters are performing safely. Combustion safety testing is required when combustion appliances are present.
Client Education/Occupant Health Concerns: Discuss and provide information on appropriate use, maintenance, and disposal of appliances/water heaters. We do not consider cook stoves to be a form of safe home heat, and educate clients against using cook stoves for home heating.
Training: Awareness of guidance and diagnostic training.
Identify Measures:
Deferral Policy: Follow all appropriate Deferral and Referral policies and protocols, if determined to be beyond the scope of the DOE WAP.
REFRIGERANT
Action/Allowability: Reclaim refrigerant per Clean Air Act 1900, Section 608, as amended by 40 CFR 82, 5 /15/93.
Testing: EPA testing protocols.
Client Education/Occupant Health Concerns: Clients should not disturb refrigerant.
Training: EPA-approved section 608 type I or universal certification.
Identify Measures:
Deferral Policy:
GENERAL BUILDING STRUCTURE
BUILDING STRUCTURE AND ROOFING
Action/Allowability: Building rehabilitation is beyond the scope of the Weatherization Assistance Program. Minor roof repair is allowed by DOE, however it is not recommended in Arkansas.
Testing: Visual inspection. Ensure that access to areas necessary for weatherization is safe for entry and performance of assessment, work, and inspection.
Client Education/Occupant Health Concerns: Notify client of structurally compromised areas.
Training: How to identify structural and roofing issues.
Identify Measures: Incidental repairs as cost allowable ($600).
Deferral Policy: Homes with structural problems that create or exacerbate Health & Safety issues MUST be deferred. Homes with conditions that require more than incidental repair should be deferred. See Mold and Moisture guidance below.
DRAINAGE-GUTTERS, DOWN SPOUTS, EXTENSIONS, FLASHING, SUMP PUMPS, LANDSCAPE, ETC.
Action/Allowability: Major drainage issues are beyond the scope of the weatherization Assistance Program.
Testing: Conduct visual inspection.
Client Education/Occupant Health Concerns: Importance of cleaning and maintaining drainage systems. Provide information on proper landscape design.
Training: How to recognize drainage issues.
Identify Measures: Incidental repairs (limit $600), may be performed as preventive measures. Repairs may include guttering the whole house, channeling water away for the foundation and major sump pumps.
Deferral Policy: Homes with conditions that may create a serious health concern that require more than incidental repair should be deferred. See Mold and Moisture guidance.
WINDOW AND DOOR REPLACEMENT, WINDOW GUARDS
Action/Allowability: Replacement, repair, or installation is not an allowable health and safety cost or an efficiency measure if cost justified. Window guards are not allowed.
Testing:
Client Education/Occupant Health Concerns: Provide information on lead risks. Training: Awareness of guidance.
Identify Measures:
Deferral Policy: Deferral should be exercised when existing code violations are present and correcting them would be beyond the scope of the DOE WAP, and/or when there are problems affecting the heat system/furnace that are beyond the scope of the DOE WAP, such as certain electrical problems.
PHYSICAL HEALTH & SAFETY (CLIENT AND WORKER)
CODE COMPLIANCE
Action/Allowability: Correction of preexisting code compliance issues is not an allowable cost other than where weatherization measures are being conducted. State and local (or jurisdiction having authority) codes must be followed while installing weatherization measures.
Testing: Visual inspection. Local code enforcement inspections.
Client Education/Occupant Health Concerns: Inform client of observed code compliance issues.
Training: How to determine what code compliance may be required.
Identify Measures: Follow all State and Local Codes when installing weatherization measures.
Acquire all required permits and licenses pertinent to installing weatherization measures. These vary by jurisdiction and it is the responsibility of each sub-grantee agency to know what the codes are in each of the areas they work in, as well as what permits and licenses are required in each of the areas they work in.
Deferral Policy: Condemned properties and properties where red tagged‖ health and safety conditions exist that cannot be corrected under this guidance should be deferred.
OCCUPANT PREEXISTING OR POTENTIAL HEALTH CONDITIONS
Action/Allowability: When a person's health may be at risk and/or the work activities could constitute a health or safety hazard, the occupant at risk will be required to take appropriate action based on severity of risk. Temporary relocation of at-risk occupants may be allowed on a case by case basis.
Testing: Require occupant to reveal known or suspected health concerns as part of initial application for weatherization. Screen occupants again during audit.
Client Education/Occupant Health Concerns: Provide client information of any known risks. Provide worker contact information so client can inform of any issues.
Training: How to assess occupant preexisting conditions and determining what action to take if the home is not deferred. Awareness of potential health hazards.
Identify Measures: Weatherization agencies including subcontractors are required to take all reasonable precautions against performing work on homes that will subject the occupants or themselves to health and/or safety risks.
In cases where an occupant's health is fragile, or an occupant has been identified to have a health condition, including allergies, and/or the crew work activities would themselves constitute a health and/or safety hazard, the occupant(s) at risk shall be required to leave during the performance of the work activities.
In cases where an occupant is identified as having an allergy to a specific weatherization material, that material will not be installed. If comparable alternative materials are available and the occupant has no known allergic to the alternative materials and they meet DOE regulations, crews may substitute the alternative material(s). If no safe alternative material meeting DOE standards is available, the measure shall not be installed. A request to install alternative materials must be submitted to OCS for approval.
This must be well documented in the client file.
Deferral Policy:
OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH ADMINISTRATION (OSHA) AND CREW SAFETY
Action/Allowability: Workers must follow OSHA standards and material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) and take precautions to ensure the health and safety of themselves and other workers. MSDS must be posted wherever workers may be exposed to hazardous materials.
Testing: Grantees must perform assessments to determine if crews are utilizing safe work practices. Training will be made available at each Arkansas Weatherization Training Centers.
Client Education/Occupant Health Concerns: Not Applicable.
Training: Use and importance of personal protection equipment.
* OSHA 10 hour training is required for all weatherization workers.
* OSHA 30 hour training is required for crew leaders and Weatherization Directors.
Identify Measures: All crew leaders, energy auditors and OCS field staff must complete training by March 31, 2012.
Deferral Policy: Follow all appropriate Deferral and Referral policies and protocols, if determined to be beyond the scope of the DOE WAP.
INJURY PREVENTION OF OCCUPANTS AND WEATHERIZATION WORKERS-MEASURES SUCH AS REPAIRING STAIRS AND REPLACING HANDRAILS
Action/Allowability: Workers must take all reasonable precautions against performing work on homes that will subject workers or occupants to health and safety risks. Minor repairs and installation may be conducted only when necessary to effectively weatherize the home; otherwise these measures are not allowed.
Testing: Observe if dangers are present that would prevent weatherization.
Client Education/Occupant Health Concerns: Inform client of observed hazards and associated risks.
Training: Awareness of potential hazards.
Identify Measures: Workers will take all reasonable precautions against performing work on homes that will subject workers or occupants to health and safety risks see Other Health and Safety Practices section.
o If crews encounter a situation where a stair case is deemed unsafe, for example, and the stair case is necessary to reach the area where the crews need to perform the weatherization work, and repairing the staircase requires only minor repair work and installation measures, crews shall perform the minor repair work so that they may safely perform the weatherization work to the home.
o If the repair work required is deemed to be beyond the scope of the DOE WAP (major repair is required such as rebuilding an entire staircase), the weatherization work to that area of the home shall be deferred until the home owner has satisfactorily installed the required repair(s).
Deferral Policy: Follow all appropriate Deferral and Referral policies and protocols, if determined to be beyond the scope of the DOE WAP.
GENERAL HAZARDS PHYSICAL & MATERIAL
SPRAY POLYURETHANE FOAM (SPF)
Action/Allowability: Use EPA recommendations (available online at http://www.epa.gov/dfe/ pubs/projects/spf/spray_polyurethane_foam.htl) when working within the conditioned space or when SPF fumes become evident within the conditioned space. When working outside the building envelope, isolate the area where foam will be applied, take precautions so that fumes will not transfer to inside conditioned space, and exhaust fumes outside the home.
Testing: Check for penetrations in the building envelope. Sensory inspection inside the home for fumes during foam application.
Client Education/Occupant Health Concerns: Provide notification to the client of plans to use two-part foam and the precautions that may be necessary.
Training: Training on use of various products with specification for each application type. MSDS sheets. Temperature sensitivity.
Identify Measures: Comply with all applicable codes, OSHA, NIOSH and MSDS and Instructions.
Deferral Policy:
HEALTH & SAFETY ISSUE: ELECTRICAL, KNOB-AND-TUBE WIRING
Action/Allowability: Minor electrical repairs are allowed where health or safety of the occupant is at risk. Upgrades and repairs are allowed when necessary to perform specific weatherization measures. Arkansas state code prohibits installing insulation over knob-and-tube wiring. Thus, insulating over knob-and-tube wiring is not allowable in Arkansas.
Testing: Visual inspection. Voltage drop and voltage detection testing are allowed.
Client Education/Occupant Health Concerns: Provide information on overloading circuits, electrical safety/risks.
Training: How to identify electrical hazards. Local code compliance.
Identify Measures:
Deferral Policy: Defer insulation of attics and walls if knob-and-tube wiring cannot be replaced, all other measures for this particular unit should be installed (if cost effective).
FIRE HAZARDS
Action/Allowability: Correction of fire hazards is allowed when necessary to safely perform weatherization.
Testing: Check for fire hazards in the home during the audit and while performing weatherization.
Client Education/Occupant Health Concerns: Inform client of all observed hazards.
Training: How to identify fire hazards.
Identify Measures: At all times crews are to look for potential fire hazards:
Deferral Policy: Local agencies may use health and safety funds to remedy potential fire hazards prior to and during the course of weatherization work within reasonable limits. If the issue cannot be remedied, crews may defer weatherization work until the owner or other qualified agency has remedied the potential fire hazard problem.
SMOKE, CARBON MONOXIDE DETECTORS, AND FIRE EXTINGUISHERS
Action/Allowability: Installation of smoke/CO detectors is allowed where detectors are not present or are inoperable. Replacement of operable smoke/CO detectors is not an allowable cost. Providing fire extinguishers is allowed only when solid fuel is present.
Testing: Check for operation.
Client Education/Occupant Health Concerns: Provide client with verbal and written information on use of smoke/CO detectors and fire extinguishers where allowed.
Training: Where to install detectors. Local code compliance.
Identify Measures:
Deferral Policy: No Deferrals
ASBESTOS - IN SIDING, WALLS, CEILINGS, ETC.
Action/Allowability: In Arkansas, no handling and/or altering of asbestos materials is allowed. All precautions must be taken not to damage siding. Asbestos siding should never be cut or drilled or removed from the home. Required to insulate through home interior.
Testing: Inspect exterior wall surface and subsurface for asbestos siding prior to drilling or cutting.
Client Education/Occupant Health Concerns: Inform the client that suspected asbestos siding is present and how precautions will be taken. Agency must document notification of suspected or found asbestos in the client file.
Training: How to identify asbestos containing materials and work around them without creating a hazard. Energy Auditors, Crew Leaders and Weatherization Workers must be trained by March 31, 2012.
Identify Measures: Keep activities to a minimum in any areas having damaged material that may contain asbestos. Do not further disturb the material. If necessary, weatherization work to that area may have to be deferred.
Deferral Policy: If weatherization work would create a hazard the home must be deferred. Client must be informed in writing of the potential hazard. Clearance statement by Asbestos Hazards Emergency Response Act (AHERA) certified professional must be obtained by client before weatherization can occur. A copy of the statement/report must be kept in the client file.
ASBESTOS-IN VERMICULITE
Action/Allowability: When vermiculite is present, unless testing determines otherwise, take precautionary measures as if it contains asbestos, such as not using blower door tests and utilizing personal air monitoring while in attics. Where blower door tests are performed, it is a best practice to perform pressurization instead of depressurization. Encapsulation by an appropriately trained asbestos control professional is allowed. Removal is not allowed.
Testing: Assess whether vermiculite is present. Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act of 1986 (AHERA) certified prescriptive sampling is allowed by a certified tester.
Client Education/Occupant Health Concerns: Clients should be instructed not to disturb suspected asbestos containing material. Provide asbestos safety information to the client. Formally notify client if test results are positive for asbestos and signed by the client.
Training: Audit training on how to recognize vermiculite. AHERA course for testing. AHERA or other appropriately trained or certified asbestos control professional training for encapsulation.
Identify Measures:
Deferral Policy: Follow all appropriate Deferral and Referral policies and protocols, if determined to be beyond the scope of the DOE WAP.
ASBESTOS - ON PIPES, FURNACES, OTHER SMALL COVERED SURFACES
Action/Allowability: Assume asbestos is present in covering materials. Encapsulation is allowed by an AHERA asbestos control professional and should be conducted prior to blower door testing. Removal may be allowed by an AHERA asbestos control professional on a case by case basis.
Testing: AHERA testing is allowed by a certified tester.
Client Education/Occupant Health Concerns: Clients will be instructed not to disturb suspected asbestos containing material. Provide asbestos safety information to the client.
Training: AHERA course for testing and asbestos control professional training for abatement. How to identify asbestos containing materials.
Identify Measures:
Deferral Policy: Follow all appropriate Deferral and Referral policies and protocols, if determined to be beyond the scope of the DOE WAP.
BIOLOGICALS AND UNSANITARY CONDITIONS - ODORS, MUSTINESS, BACTERIA, VIRUSES, RAW SEWAGE, ROTTING WOOD, ETC.
Action/Allowability: Remediation of conditions that may lead to or promote biological concerns and unsanitary conditions is allowed. Addressing bacteria and viruses is not an allowable cost.
Testing: Sensory inspection.
Client Education/Occupant Health Concerns: Inform client of observed conditions. Provide information on how to maintain a sanitary home and steps to correct deferral conditions.
Training: How to recognize conditions and when to defer. Worker safety when coming in contact with these conditions.
Identify Measures:
Deferral Policy: There will be times when weatherization measures may need to be delayed until the problem can be remedied by the home owner or another qualified agency.
FORMALDEHYDE, VOLATILE ORGANIC COMPOUNDS (VOC), AND OTHER AIR POLLUTANTS
Action/Allowability: Removal of pollutants is allowed and is required if they pose a risk to workers. If pollutants pose a risk to workers and removal cannot be performed or is not allowed by the client, the unit must be deferred.
Testing: Sensory inspection.
Client Education/Occupant Health Concerns: Inform client of observed condition and associated risks. Provide client written materials on safety and proper disposal of household pollutants.
Training: Training will be provided on how to recognize potential hazards and when removal is necessary.
Identify Measures: Arkansas WAP crews shall take every precaution necessary to minimize exposure to air pollutants. When using chemicals and products that may contain any of the pollutants within this category, strict adherence to label instructions and precautions shall be required. When possible known pollutants shall be removed safely and disposed of properly.
Deferral Policy: If the pollutant cannot be removed due to client unwilling to allow its removal and exposure cannot be safely and adequately minimized, weatherization work may have to be deferred to ensure the safety of the crew. Clients must always be informed of potential pollutant hazards.
LEAD BASED PAINT
Action/Allowability: Follow EPA's Lead; Renovation, Repair and Painting Program (RRP). In addition to RRP, Weatherization requires all weatherization crews working in pre-1978 housing to be trained in Lead Safe Weatherization (LSW). Deferral is required when the extent and condition of lead-based paint in the house would potentially creature further health and safety hazards.
Testing: Testing is allowed. Job site set up and cleaning verification is required by a Certified Renovator.
Client Education/Occupant Health Concerns: Follow RRP requirements.
Training: All weatherization crews working on pre-1978 homes must receive LSW training and be accompanied by an EPA Certified Renovator. Grantee Monitors/Inspectors must be Certified Renovators and receive LSW training.
Identify Measures:
Deferral Policy: When it is determined that the level of lead present in the home is so high that it presents a hazard to workers, the weatherization work should be deferred until a licensed lead abatement professional has eliminated the health hazard. Follow all appropriate Deferral and Referral policies and protocols, if determined to be beyond the scope of the DOE WAP.
MOLD AND MOISTURE
Action/Allowability: Limited water damage repairs that can be addressed by weatherization workers and correction of moisture and mold creating conditions are allowed when necessary in order to weatherize the home and to ensure the long term stability and durability of the measures.
In Arkansas, the Weatherization program is not a mold remediation program and funds should not be used to test, abate, remediate, purchase insurance or alleviate existing mold conditions identified during the audit, the work performance period or the quality assurance inspection.
Testing: Visual assessment is required and diagnostics such as moisture meters are recommended pre and prior to final inspection. Mold testing is not an allowable cost.
Client Education/Occupant Health Concerns: All local agencies must include some form of notification or disclaimer to the client upon the discovery to the client upon the discovery of a mold condition and what was specifically that was done to the home that is expected to alleviate the condition and/or that the work performed should not promote new mold growth.
Training: National curriculum on mold and moisture or equivalent.
Identify Measures: All units must be inspected for problems associated with excess moisture. Identification of potential moisture problems shall be documented in the client file.
Deferral Policy: Most typically, deferral may be needed.
Where severe Mold and Moisture issues cannot be addressed, deferral is required.
When possible, referral should be made when problems are identified that are beyond the scope of the DOE WAP, such as electrical or other code violations or severe health and safety issues such as severe mold which cannot be adequately addressed within the scope of the DOE WAP.
PESTS
Action/Allowability: Pest removal is allowed only where infestation would prevent weatherization. Infestation of pests may be cause for deferral where it cannot be reasonably removed or poses health and safety concern for workers. Screening of windows and points of access is allowed to prevent intrusion.
Testing: Assessment of presence and degree of infestation and risk to worker.
Client Education/Occupant Health Concerns: Inform client of observed condition and associated risks.
Training: How to assess presence and degree of infestation, associated risks, and need for deferral.
Identify Measures:
Deferral Policy: Infestation of pests may be cause for deferral where it cannot be reasonably removed or poses health and safety risks for workers.
RADON
Action/Allowability: Whenever site conditions permit, exposed dirt must be covered with a vapor barrier except for mobile homes. In homes where radon may be present, precautions should be taken to reduce the likeliness of making radon issues worse.
Testing: DOE allows testing in locations with high radon potential. Arkansas is not currently identified as an area with high radon potential.
Client Education/Occupant Health Concerns: Provide client with EPA consumer's guide to radon.
Training: What is it, how it occurs. What factors may make radon worse. Weatherization measures that may be helpful. Vapor barrier installation.
Identify Measures: Install vapor barrier except in mobile homes.
Deferral Policy: Deferral not applicable.
Health and Safety Practices for Weatherization Workers
The State of Arkansas is committed to providing training opportunities to our sub-grantees to obtain the latest Health and Safety training and latest safety equipment. Training will be offered on-site and/or at Arkansas Weatherization Training Centers (located in Bentonville and North Little Rock). On monitoring visits, the State Monitor inspects for safety equipment and visits with the crews asking if they have the necessary equipment to perform the work required of them in a safe and efficient manner.
Funds provided under 10 CFR 440.18(c) (15 are to remedy health and safety hazards, which is necessary before, or because of, the installation of weatherization materials The State of Arkansas understands that these funds are to be expended by sub-grantees in direct weatherization activities.
Hand ToolsThe improper use of hand tools causes many injuries. Below are a few safety rules that apply to all hand tools.
Power Tools
Power tools are not dangerous if used properly, but careless use has caused the loss of many fingers and hands. Accidents with power tools happen so quickly that a finger can be lost before you even feel the pain. Shock is also a hazard when using power tools. A fall caused by electric shock can cause serious injury.
WHEN USING POWER TOOLS:
Housekeeping
Good housekeeping prevents injury and saves time. Areas cluttered with insulation bags, plastic film and trash are hazards. To keep the work site clean and safe:
Lifting
Weatherization crewmembers should know how to lift correctly. Incorrect lifting causes strains, back injuries and hernias. When lifting:
FIRST AID
Every crewmember should know what to do when an accident happens. One person in each crew should be a graduate of a Red Cross First Aid Course. At a minimum, periodic first aid training should be provided to crewmembers.
The following will introduce you to some basic do's and don'ts when injuries occur-it is not a substitute for taking a first aid course.
GENERAL FIRST AID PROCEDURES
Client Health and Safety
The State of Arkansas shall ensure that all local Weatherization agencies and their crews take all reasonable precautions against performing work on homes that will subject workers and/or clients to health and safety risks. Before beginning work on the home, the crews must take into consideration the health concerns of each occupant as identified during the energy audit, the condition of the dwelling, and the possible impact of the work to be performed on any particular health or medical condition of any of the occupants. When a person's health is fragile and/or the work activities would constitute a health or safety hazard, the occupants at risk shall be required to leave the home during the work activities.
To ensure client health and safety crews and contractors must notify residents of potential hazards when work is being performed on the unit. Crews also often provide clients with educational materials regarding energy-related health and safety issues, energy conservation, and lead-based paint hazards. Crews and contractors are to clean up all materials, equipment, and discarded items upon completion of each day's work. They are to leave the unit in a condition equal to or better than it was at the start of the day concerning cleanliness.
Weatherization services can be provided in a fashion that minimizes risk to both workers and clients. Although the WAP may not provide all of the solutions, awareness of potential hazards is critical to providing quality services.