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CONTENTS Vol. 30 No. 9
AASP-MN News is the official publication of the Alliance of Automotive Service Providers, Minnesota, Inc. 1970 Oakcrest Ave., Suite 102 Roseville, MN 55113 Phone: 612-623-1110 Fax: 612-623-1122 email: aasp@aaspmn.org website: aaspmn.org. To keep its readers better informed, AASP-MN News allows its columnists to fully express their opinions. All views expressed are not necessarily those of the publication. AASP-MN News is published by Thomas Greco Publishing, Inc. ©2021 All rights reserved. Cover image www.istockphoto.com.
AASP of Minnesota is an association of independently-owned automotive service businesses and industry suppliers dedicated to improving the state’s automotive service industry and the success of its members.
AASP-MN BOARD MEMBERS 2021 - 2022
PRESIDENT Tom Archambault IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT Matt Feehan SECRETARY-TREASURER Jesse Jacobson COLLISION DIVISION DIRECTOR Lee Schlosser MECHANICAL DIVISION DIRECTOR Jeremy Nordgren ASSOCIATE DIVISION DIRECTOR Loren Feldkamp COLLISION SEAT Travis Doyle MECHANICAL SEATS Mike McLynn Tony Newman
STAFF
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Judell Anderson, CAE OFFICE ADMINISTRATOR Jodi Pillsbury PUBLISHED BY: Thomas Greco Publishing, Inc. 244 Chestnut St., Suite 202 Nutley, NJ 07110 PHONE: 973-667-6922 FAX: 973-235-1963 PUBLISHER Thomas Greco | thomas@grecopublishing.com
PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE..................................................................4 The Road Ahead by Tom Archambault, AASP-MN President LEGISLATIVE UPDATE.....................................................................6 Salvage Title Statute to be Scrutinized by Kevin Walli & Sam Richie, AASP-MN Lobbyists LOCAL NEWS..................................................................................8 NATIONAL NEWS ............................................................................10 COVER STORY ................................................................................14 The Age of ADAS: Realities, Recommendations and Roadblocks by Joel Gausten INSURANCE I.Q. ..............................................................................16 Tenants’ Betterment & Improvements COMPLETE HEALTH, ENVIRONMENTAL & SAFETY SERVICES (C.H.E.S.S).......................................................................................18 How to Start a Fire by Janet L. Keyes, CIH and Carol A. Keyes, CSP D.E.G. ESTIMATING TIPS .................................................................20 CASH IN ON YOUR MEMBER BENEFITS! .........................................22 Order Your 2022 Automotive Calendars Now! AASP-MN MEMBER BENEFITS ........................................................22 UPCOMING EVENTS
September 28, 29, 30 Race for Automotive Education ProKart Indoor Racing Burnsville ADVERTISERS’ INDEX
SALES DIRECTOR Alicia Figurelli | alicia@grecopublishing.com
AAA Parts....................................................... 19
Morrie’s .......................................................... 20
EDITORIAL DIRECTOR Joel Gausten | joel@grecopublishing.com
A-Con Recycling........................................... 4
MPA.................................................................. IBC
Aramark.......................................................... 17
Proven Force........................................................ OBC
Dentsmart....................................................... 6
Reliable Automotive Equipment..............12-13
Inver Grove Honda/Inver Grove Toyota. 9
Rosedale Chevrolet...................................... 9
OFFICE MANAGER Donna Greco | donna@grecopublishing.com
Jack McClard................................................. 7
Sherwin Williams........................................... IFC
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Spanesi............................................................ 21
PRODUCTION COORDINATOR Joe Greco | joe@grecopublishing.com
Maplewood Toyota...................................... 11
Straight & Square.........................................5, 17
Mopar Group ................................................ 11
Toyota Group................................................ 5
EDITORIAL & CREATIVE COORDINATOR Alana Bonillo | alana@grecopublishing.com
www.grecopublishing.com
AASP-MN News
September 2021 | 3
PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE
The Road Ahead By Tom Archambault, AASP-MN President
I have a strong sense that this year has been very good for most automotive shops. Here are some of the reasons I believe this to be true: New and used car prices are high, inventory is low, stimulus money has been pumped into the pockets of many Americans and people are just moving around more than they did in 2020. By all accounts we have a lot to be thankful for! However, if you’re like me, you may have noticed a precursor to what may be looming on the horizon. I first noticed it last month when pricing out tires for a customer…backordered until September! I didn’t panic but stored that in the back of my mind. Then a couple of weeks ago we ordered a transmission for a late model Chevrolet Cruze and it took 12 days to receive it! Once again, there is no need for panic but maybe a good hard look into the future and what our reality might look like as talent and materials become scarce. I truly believe this isn’t unique to the auto repair industry. The reality has set in throughout most industries that it will be hard to find the necessary materials and
BUMPERS PILING UP?
talent to get the job done. I have seen this firsthand while dining out recently. I enjoyed great food but utterly terrible service based on the sheer fact that restaurants are currently understaffed across the board. I don’t expect this to last forever and I did see steps being taken to fight this issue during a subsequent dining experience in which ordering the entire meal took place right from my phone. An industry that once had printed menus with customers verbally giving the order to another human who then entered it into a computer has now been boiled down to a QR code on the center of the table. I don’t believe this happened to spite restaurant staff – rather it happened in the absence of restaurant staff. At the end of the day, we need to be honest with ourselves and ask, “What are we going to do to combat this?” Can we find some insight and problem solving from other industries? What are our fellow shop owners doing? As I have written in the past, I am a huge proponent of leaning on a network and I believe there is none better than the Alliance. Each member has unique experience in running a shop through a multitude of obstacles. If you haven’t already, reach out to another member. Reach out to a shop that isn’t a member. There is strength in numbers. If 2020 taught us anything it is this…we can and we will!
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AASP-MN News
AASP-MN News
September 2021 | 5
LEGISLATIVE UPDATE
Salvage Title Statute to Be Scrutinized by Kevin Walli & Sam Richie, AASP-MN Lobbyists
For the last several years, proposals have been introduced to amend Minnesota’s Salvage Title Statute. Proponents have argued that Minnesota is a “title washing” state and the salvage title laws must be tightened up to address the problem. As the advocates have presented their case – primarily in the Republican-controlled Senate, AASPMN and several other stakeholder organizations were meeting with members of the DFL-controlled House to consider whether the changes proposed were needed and whether they would actually “fix” any problems regarding issuance of titles for out-of-state vehicles. The diverse coalition focusing attention and efforts on the House side included AASP-MN, the Insurance Federation of Minnesota, the Auto Auctions and staff from the Minnesota Department of Public
6 | September 2021
Safety (Division of Vehicle Services). This coalition was joined with bipartisan support by Representative Cheryl Youakim (DFL-Hopkins) and Representative Eric Lucero (R-Dayton). The advocates for change made several proposals, the last of which involved eliminating the use of terms such as “late model” and “high value” in the statute. We believe the proposed changes would have negatively affected consumers, repair shops and insurers. None of the proposals advanced by the Senate were found to be acceptable by the House members with whom we were working. This was an item that was discussed in the Transportation and Public Safety Conference Committee. Ultimately, language was included in the Omnibus Bill which calls for a working group to examine the salvage title statute and determine
AASP-MN News
whether any change is needed at all and, if so, what those changes should be. The legislation calls for two Senators (one DFL, one GOP) and two Representatives (one DFL, one GOP) to participate in this working group. It is less specific about who else may participate – although it will be an open process and AASP-MN will continue to weigh in. Also unclear is how often the group will meet, but the first meeting must be convened by September 1. AASP-MN has reached out to the staff at Driver and Vehicle Services to indicate our desire to participate in the process and to seek clarification on the timing. We will be asking members of the association to join in these conversations which are expected to take place in the fall as lawmakers begin to plan for the 2022 Legislative Session.
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September 2021 | 7
LOCAL NEWS AASP-MN Executive Director Search Update Following May’s announcement of AASP-MN Executive Director, Judell Anderson’s retirement, the association recently provided an update on the search for her successor. AASP-MN President Tom Archambault is leading a Search Committee consisting of three current board members and three past presidents. The Committee is spearheading the process of evaluating candidates and making a hiring recommendation to the Board of Directors. The Committee has retained the services of Cincinnatus, a Minneapolis-based consulting firm serving nonprofits and membership organizations. Cincinnatus provides an array of services, including executive search and transition support, governance best practices, strategic planning, fund development and executive counsel. Cincinnatus spent time with Judell and the Search Committee to learn more about the association’s current state, aspirations for the future and the critical skillsets needed in its next executive director. A position announcement was developed based on this information and was posted on a variety of job search sites. Applications were accepted until August 31, 2021. Moving forward, the Search Committee will be working closely with Cincinnatus to develop a slate of potential candidates and work through the different phases of the search process. The newly selected
executive director will likely be introduced in November. Archambault stated, “We are incredibly fortunate that the Alliance is in the outstanding position it is. Our next leader will be stepping into a very strong organization, thanks to Judell and her dedicated staff.” Spots Available for 19th Annual Race for Automotive Education There are still spots available for the 19th Annual Race for Automotive Education September 28, 29 and 30 at ProKart Indoor Racing in Burnsville. AASP-MN members and other industry supporters will organize teams to compete in kart racing at speeds of up to 40 miles per hour. When the final checkered flag waves, the race is expected to raise up to $15,000 for the AASP-MN Automotive Education Fund. Most of that money is earmarked to fund scholarships for students enrolled in ASE Education Foundation-certified automotive program (collision repair or auto service) in the state of Minnesota. If you’d like to enter a team, contact the AASP-MN office at (612) 623-1110. Minnesota State College Southeast Seeking Auto Body Instructor Minnesota State College Southeast is seeking an energetic and dedicated individual for a fulltime Auto Body Collision Technology instructor to teach in its ASE Accredited program in Winona. The successful candidate will be a skilled individual with experience in areas such as structural repair,
Minnesota Careers in Auto Repair & Service (MNCARS) MNCARS is a non-profit organization established in 2016 by AASP-MN. Its sole purpose is to promote careers in the automotive industry, recruit young people into the state's college-level automotive service and collision repair programs and, ultimately, into industry workplaces.
Take advantage of the resources in the MotorMouth toolbox at https://carcareers.org/motor-mouth/. Get out and get active in your local community promoting industry careers!
8 | September 2021
AASP-MN News
body repairs, refinishing and related mechanical and electrical repairs. Further, the successful candidate must be willing to coordinate industry partners, high school technical education colleagues and community stakeholders to facilitate an integrated learning environment across southeast Minnesota. This position is dedicated to excellence in teaching. The successful candidate will become part of a creative, vibrant, studentcentered learning community. Faculty members at Minnesota State College Southeast are professionally active scholars who participate in departmental and campus-wide activities to enhance their disciplines and advance the college’s mission. To learn more, visit southeastmn. peopleadmin.com/postings/1535. Thank You Year-Long Sponsors The following companies have made sponsorship commitments for AASP-MN’s educational programming and other activities in 2021:
Platinum Fix Auto LKQ-Minnesota Lube-Tech & Partners Gold AASP National Auto Value Parts Stores/APH Axalta Coating Systems CBIZ AiA FinishMaster Podium PPG Automotive Finishes United Fire Group Silver aaa Auto Parts AmeriPride Services Colonial Life Enterprise Rent-A-Car O’Reilly Auto Parts PAM’s Auto, Inc. Sherwin Williams Single Source/National Coatings Suburban Chevrolet Bronze C.H.E.S.S. Twin Cities Auto Glass
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AASP-MN News
September 2021 | 9
NATIONAL NEWS
www.langmarketing.com Hot Used Vehicle Market Boosts Aftermarket Used vehicle demand in the U.S. has risen to unprecedented levels. The surge in remote working, a low supply of used vehicles and decline of new vehicle production (and sales) – hampered by a shortage of computer chips – have combined to push used car and light truck prices to record heights during the first half of 2021. Rocketing sales and record-high used vehicle prices are positive for the aftermarket since they raise the value threshold at which cars and light trucks are totaled or scrapped (positive for VIO growth), increase the age of vehicles in operation and encourage customers to invest in repairing their vehicles. Miles Plunge Per Vehicle in New Lang Annual Average miles per vehicle plunged at an unprecedented rate last year. Lang Marketing estimates that the typical car and light truck in the U.S. travelled approximately 1,350 fewer miles during 2020 than in the previous year. The historic 2020 mileage decline continued a trend of reduced annual miles for cars and light trucks dating back to 2015. As a result, the average car and light truck in the U.S. has recorded nearly 2,100 fewer miles on its odometer over the past five years compared to what would have occurred absent this downward mileage trend. Mobile Repair Surge Mobile auto repair in the U.S. – while still a small share of the total automotive repair market – has surged in recent years, with strong growth during 2020, when the overall Do-It-For-Me (DIFM) market fell at a double-digit rate. The mobile repair market expanded from 2016 to 2020 at an average annual rate more than 20 times that of total DIFM product growth for cars and light trucks in the U.S. See the 2022 Lang Aftermarket Annual for analysis of the surging mobile repair sales over the past five years. Barriers to Auto Repair Disruption Three factors have long been thought to protect the auto repair market from disruption: the need for mechanical diagnosis, having the required parts at the repair outlet and the personal relationship between car owners and repair outlets. In recent years, however, advancing technology and the changing values of younger generations have significantly altered how consumers decide when and where to have their vehicles repaired.
10 | September 2021
Mobile Repair Overcomes Disruption Barriers Mobile repair has demonstrated that the barriers to auto repair disruption are no longer as formidable as they were thought to be. Mobile repair operations are able to successfully complete repairs in one visit to the client more than 85 percent of the time, and the range of repairs that they provide is expanding. Need for Diagnostics By defining the scope of repairs that they perform and having customers answer a series of questions to determine what is wrong with their vehicle, mobile repair operations have been able to reduce the need of “hands-on” mechanical diagnosis by brick-and-mortar technicians. This ability to remotely diagnose vehicle issues is improving with the application of artificial intelligence to the databases of vehicle symptoms and repairs that mobile repair operators are developing. Needed Parts at Repair Site Mobile repair operations are able to bring the necessary parts to the repair location for most jobs as the result of improved remote diagnostics and the menu of repairs on which they focus. Even at brick-and-mortar outlets the need for additional parts is not uncommon once a job is started and related issues are discovered. In these cases, parts are secured from local sources in the same way that mobile repair operators who need additional parts can obtain them. Younger Generations’ Buying Preferences Many Millennials and Gen Xers prefer to purchase auto repair online, like their other purchases, rather than in face-to-face transactions. As a result, developing a personal relationship with repair outlets is not important to many Millennials. Generation Y and Z consumers show a much greater inclination to use mobile repair than older Americans, who traditionally have valued doing business face-to-face. Implications for o2o Expansion The ability of mobile repair to address a growing segment of the overall DIFM market and the increased willingness of consumers to purchase automotive repairs online are strong indications of the vast growth potential of o2o (online to offline) transactions in the car and light truck DIFM market. o2o auto repair has much greater potential volume in the light vehicle aftermarket than mobile repair because o2o auto repair can be sold by platforms such as Amazon to reach hundreds of millions of households and offered at tens of thousands of brick-and-mortar repair outlets. These o2o auto repair transactions, besides establishing the site of repair, will increasingly supply automotive parts to the DIFM outlets for their o2o auto repair jobs.
AASP-MN News
AASP-MN News
September 2021 | 11
COVER STORY
Realities, Recommendations and Roadblocks There’s never a dull moment in this industry. Ten years ago, nobody could have predicted the technical, training and procedural demands now hitting the collision repair and auto service industries. These days, performing professional work isn’t just a matter of fixing the damage you can see; it has to do with extensively researching OEM information and identifying hidden issues through the use of specialized tools. This is the era of ADAS, scanning, diagnostics and calibrations – a time that has led many within the AASP-MN community to drastically restructure the way they work on vehicles. It’s been roughly a decade since automakers began strongly encouraging (and, in many cases, outright requiring) pre- and post-repair scanning procedures. Shannon’s Auto Body in Brainerd hit the ground running early in the trend by incorporating scanning back in 2012. About five years later, the I-CAR Gold facility took things a step further by moving exclusively to OEM software to complete these tasks. “We had a few different scan tools, and it got to the point where one scan tool wouldn’t pick it up but another one would,” owner Shannon Christian recalls. “When we went to OEM software, it scanned everything.” In 2015, the shop’s capabilities expanded through the addition of a dedicated mechanical service department. This has enabled the shop to speed up the process while still adhering to manufacturer standards. In Christian’s
14 | September 2021
mind, the reason to invest the time and resources necessary to do OEM-level scans and ADAS-related work was simple. “We don’t want to put somebody back in an unsafe car.” When AASP-MN member Chad Bijou opened Waconia 1 Collision & Auto in Waconia in July 2020, he made sure that he had a game plan to address modern vehicles. Currently, the hybrid collision/mechanical I-CAR Gold facility performs 75 percent of its ADAS work under its own roof and meets the requirements of four OEM certifications through accessing and utilizing OEM information and procedures. “All the guys [here] have been scanning cars since [the OEMs] first started requiring it. Everyone who’s here had worked for me in the past, and they were pretty familiar with my style of management.” To help things move in the right direction, he keeps his main mechanic involved in auto body repairs. “The technicians will do the pre-[repair] scans when writing the estimates, but my mechanic will do the post[repair] scans, because he’s more in tune with what was done to the car and what needs to be looked at and whether or not there’s a calibration that’s required.” Over at I-CAR Gold shop Ed’s Collision in Maple Grove, General Manager Shawn Hartner utilizes the services of Prior Lake-based AASP-MN member The
AASP-MN News
by Joel Gausten
Flasher_Scope & Scan Diagnostics LLC to have proper calibrations performed on customers’ vehicles as per OEM requirements/recommendations and hit the benchmarks set by his eight automaker certifications. “It’s a tremendous asset. Usually, I can get them out here within a half hour to 45 minutes to do that scan or recalibration, and I can get that car out that day. At the dealership, you’d have to call and make an appointment, and then [the vehicle] sits there for a couple of days.” Body shops aren’t the only ones embracing evolving technologies. Although the need to perform ADASrelated procedures is still a rarity at his facility, AASP-MN President Tom Archambault of BLVD Autoworks in St. Anthony does encounter it in cases where a bumper needs to be removed (to address a leaking radiator, for example) or a sideview mirror with sensors needs to be replaced. Like Ed’s Collision, Archambault’s facility uses The Flasher to complete these operations, as the current frequency of such work doesn’t demand in-house specialization. “We will adapt; we will get there as time goes on. But right now, it [makes sense] to us to outsource servicing those systems.” In business for eight years, The Flasher owner Matt Batulis and his team of technicians provide ADAS relief to approximately 160 shops each week. Although his service began as a mostly mechanical-facing endeavor, he has seen considerable growth in the collision side of his business in the past four years. These days, 70 percent of his work comes from body shops – an indication that these businesses are looking for streamlined solutions to fulfilling OEM repair requirements/recommendations. “We only use factory scan tools. We use factory service information and the factory targets.” Perhaps most significantly, The Flasher has assisted mechanical and collision shops in better ensuring that vehicles are returned to customers in the condition the manufacturer intended. This is a welcome service at a time even the most forward-thinking shops struggle to find the qualified and properly trained help needed to meet various automaker technical guidelines. “People don’t spend the time or they don’t know how to look up the service information. When they’re writing estimates, a lot of times they don’t know what they’re looking for.” Of course, nobody in the automotive repair/service field shows up for work every morning expecting to work for free. As vehicle technologies continue to escalate, third-party payers have been notoriously reluctant to both acknowledge the necessity of certain procedures (including research and inspections) and actually provide adequate compensation for them. “The biggest feedback that we’re getting is, ‘Why are we paying you to do something that nobody else is doing? It’s not needed,’” Christian shares. “We try to explain to them that this is required. We’re looking up procedures on every vehicle that comes to the
shop. We explain that to the adjusters and tell them, ‘These are the inspections that are required, and we’re actually doing them. This is what it is.’ We are getting paid on the majority of them, but there are still a few insurance companies that refuse to pay for inspections and research on stuff and say that it’s ‘not standard and customary in the marketplace.’” “Our estimators spend a lot of time documenting and making notes on why we’re doing what we’re doing based on OEM procedures,” Ed’s Collision owner Mike Cox adds. “A lot of times, the third-party payer does not want to pay for certain operations – even though they’re OEM-required – just because they don’t think them necessary. It’s up to us to document why we’re doing what we are to get paid.” While mechanical work is typically free from insurer control in terms of pay, Archambault notes that there are instances where warranty providers fail to fully cover ADAS operations on his side of the fence. “We are almost solely customer pay. We do work with warranty companies as necessary; we have no problem doing that. But even in an instance like an extended warranty, we have no problem telling the customer, ‘This is what was covered; this is your responsibility.’” Although it’s fair to suggest that outside parties need to step up and do the right thing, the same can be said for more than a few shops that still refuse to embrace the changes occurring around them. In blunt terms, plenty of shops are still not taking the time to pull OEM repair procedures, let alone do proper scanning and calibrations and give ADAS the professional attention it deserves. Cox is one shop owner whose mind boggles at this reality. “Some things are so basic. If you’re going to remove a battery from a car, it matters which cable you take out first – the negative or the positive. That could be different depending on the model and make of the car. If it wipes out the computer, you’ll have to buy a new one because you hooked up the battery cables wrong. That’s basic, but who knows what other things are out there unless you go look them up ahead of time?” Hearing Cox’s words, this writer was reminded of a recent conversation with a shop owner (thankfully not in Minnesota) who scoffed at the idea of having his techs pull OEM information for every repair. “My guys have been working on these types of cars for years. They already know what they’re doing.” Frankly, these words nearly knocked me off my chair – and illustrated how much work still needs to be done to get the entire industry on board with what it means to perform a true repair these days. Christian has a clear response to any owner out there who’s tempted to feel the same way that particular owner does. “I’d ask if their business is for sale, because they should not be doing auto body anymore.”
AASP-MN News
September 2021 | 15
INSURANCE I.Q.
TENANTS’ BETTERMENT & IMPROVEMENTS Suppose that a landlord leases a storefront to a retailer that makes improvements to the facility by adding features to help sell its products. During the lease, a fire breaks out and damages the building, including the features added by the retailer to improve the space. When the insurance claims are made, the following questions arise: • Who did the improvements belong to? • Who is responsible for paying the damages? Defining Improvements and Betterments While legal definitions vary, improvements and betterments are anything that a tenant attaches to the landlord’s real estate that becomes a permanent part of that real estate. Under most leases, such improvements become the property of the landlord and tenants are responsible for repairing or replacing the improvements in the event of loss. However, property policies can be customized to determine whether tenants’ improvements and betterments are covered under the building category or under the contents category.
improvements and betterments to a property that was initially worth $500,000, and a fire destroys the entire building, the insurance adjuster will value the property at $600,000 when processing the claim. But, since most landlords’ property policies consider improvements and betterments as covered property, the landlord may be charged an underinsured penalty if the building’s policy hasn’t been increased to reflect the amount of the improvements and betterments. A landlord who does not wish to insure for the values of the improvements and betterments should specifically exclude them. A Tenant’s Point of View If the lease requires the landlord to repair or replace tenants’ improvements and betterments that become damaged, the tenant does not need to insure them. In contrast, if the lease does not require the landlord to repair or replace tenants’ improvements and betterments, tenants need to make sure they are covered under their own property policy. Considerations When Entering a Lease When entering into a new lease or renewal, it is critical for both landlords and tenants to carefully review the terms of the lease to ensure that it adequately delegates the responsibility for insuring tenant improvements and betterments. It is also important to make sure that each party’s insurance policy is adequate enough to properly protect the scope of the tenant improvements agreed upon in the lease. When reviewing the lease, both the landlords and tenants should discuss the following questions:
A Landlord’s Point of View When a tenant makes substantial improvements and betterments to a building, it adds to the building’s value. In order to realize this added value, the landlord needs to clearly establish who is responsible for damages to that property to avoid insurance complications. In doing so, the landlord typically has to make one of the following decisions: 1. Increase the limits of the property insurance policy to account for this extra value. 2. Add a clause to the rental contract stating that the tenant is responsible for damages to improvements and betterments. In the absence of one of the aforementioned decisions, the landlord may face penalties in the event that he or she has to make an insurance claim. For example, if a tenant makes $100,000 worth of
16 | September 2021
• Who owns the improvements? • Who is responsible to replace the improvements if damaged? • Which insurance policy covers the improvements—the landlord’s or the tenant’s? • Is the policy adequate? Insuring Your Improvements and Betterments Improvements and betterments are not difficult to insure, as a building’s insurance forms automatically cover them. However, many landlords expect their tenants to insure any improvements and betterments that are made, and some landlords refuse to increase the value of their building policies to reflect the new value of such changes. Therefore, it is important to understand the insurance ramifications of tenants’ improvements and betterments. CBIZ Inc. can help you identify your exposures and make appropriate recommendations. Contact Brad Schmid at (763) 549-2247 or bschmid@cbiz.com.
AASP-MN News
AASP-MN News
September 2021 | 17
Picture shows oxygen stored with acetylene and the gases poorly chained
WHAT'S WRONG WITH THIS PICTURE?
COMPLETE HEALTH , ENVIRONMENTAL & SAFETY SERVICES (C.H.E.S.S.)
How to Start a Fire by Janet L. Keyes, CIH and Carol A. Keyes, CSP
Mouse nests burn easily. That isn’t something you want to discover when you’re doing hot work on a mouse-infested car. Mouse nests are only one of many ways to start fires in auto repair shops. Collision repair shops are at higher risk of burning down than mechanical shops, but we can find lots of ways to start fires in either shop. To start a fire, you need heat, fuel and air (more precisely, an electron donor such as oxygen). Add the right chemical reaction and you have a fire. That’s the fire triangle. Remove any of those and you remove the risk of fire. Increase heat, increase the amount of electron donors, or increase the ignitability of fuels and the risks of fire go up. What fire hazards are in your shop? Flammable and oxidizing gases. That cylinder of acetylene used with a torch and the tank of propane for your forklift or grill burn ever so easily. To add to the fun, acetylene wants to explosively decompose. It’s dissolved in acetone and put into a cylinder filled with a porous material to prevent that reaction in storage. In use, keep it below 15 psi. If you want to encourage a fire, add oxygen. That will make everything burn more readily and more intensely. Hot work. Oxygen and acetylene are used to create a hot flame that can easily ignite clothes or cars. Welding or grinding? That’s hot work too. Sparks from those tasks can fly quite a distance, as some techs have discovered when their work ignited car interiors. Flammable liquids. Nearly all the cars in your shop have tanks full of gasoline. That’s more flammable than lacquer thinner. Brake cleaner, parts washer, lacquer thinner, solvent-based paints and primers, wax and grease removers and even hand sanitizer give you even more fuel for fires. Pouring them? That generates static electricity, leaving you with all the parts of the fire triangle – fuel, heat and air – in one place. Aerosol cans. Know what keeps most aerosol
18 | September 2021
cans under pressure? Propane and isobutane – essentially, natural gas. And we all know how readily natural gas burns. Electrical problems. Damaged equipment can spark or arc. Overloaded circuits or cords overheat. Do you have any toaster or microwave ovens? Heat guns? The power demand of those items can overload and burn up power strips. Undersized cords can do the same. Flammable metals. A door frame made from magnesium or a panel made of aluminum won’t burn easily. But the dust from grinding or drilling on these materials readily ignites. Put water on that fire and it will burn more intensely. Body shops are high hazard occupancies because they have so many fire hazards. Mechanical repair shops aren’t considered as dangerous, but if they don’t have exhaust ventilation near the floor, the area within 18” of the floor is considered a potentially hazardous location. To protect your investment, control those fire hazards. • Keep oxygen away from things that burn – oils, flammable liquids or gases. Don’t even store it with acetylene. The only time you want oxygen near acetylene or other fuel gases is when it is set up for torch use, on a cart with gauges attached. • Use flashback arrestors on oxyfuel torches to keep sparks from traveling up the hoses and back into the cylinder. • Remind anyone who welds, uses a torch or grinds to look around first. There’s no reason for a spark to ignite a rag because rags are easily moved. Move anything else that catches fire easily – that spray can
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or bottle of lacquer thinner doesn’t need to be nearby. You can’t remove all the combustible parts of a car, but you can cover them with welding blankets. When the hot work is done, keep an eye on the area to make sure there are no smoldering sparks. Store flammable liquids and aerosol cans in safe areas, such as a flammables cabinet or a mixing room designed for that purpose. Keep the amount left out to a minimum. And keep the containers closed. Bond and ground flammable liquids when you transfer them to another container. Bonding means you have an electrically conductive connection between the two containers; grounding gives you an electrically conductive connection back to ground. Doing both reduces the buildup of static electricity. Keep electrical equipment in good shape. Take damaged cords or equipment out of service. Use extension cords only when you need them, check their condition and unplug them when done. Don’t wrap them around building components or run them through walls or over rafters. Use electrical cords sized for the load. Use power strips only for low amp loads, not for heating equipment. If you’re grinding on flammable metals, use non-sparking equipment. Clean up the dust promptly and get it outdoors, in a closed dumpster. Have a Class D fire extinguisher at hand.
A fire can put you out of business. Keep a clean and tidy shop. Train your employees on what they need to do to control fire hazards. Keep your fire extinguishers and emergency exit doors and sprinklers
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(at least in paint booths) ready for use. But we hope you never need to use them! For more information, contact Carol Keyes at (651) 481-9787 or carkey@chess-safety.com.
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ESTIMATING TIPS CCC/MOTOR: Additional Labor Not Included with Blend The estimated work time applied to the Quarter Panel Prep – DEG Inquiry 18656 response from MOTOR states, “Color (Part #1073678S0B) has been updated to 23.5 hours from 18.5 Blend (Adjacent Panels), includes ‘initial wet sand or scuff’ for hours. surface preparation. Additional steps taken above that would The estimated work time applied to the Quarter Panel not be included.” (Part #1073677S0B) has been updated to 24 hours from 18.5 hours. All Three Systems: Sectioning Operations – Estimating The estimated work time applied to the Quarter Panel databases may list sectioning operations for service parts. (Part #1073736S0M) has been updated to 21.9 hours from 18.5 Recent DEG inquiry 18644 states, “After review of your hours. concern, the OEM does not provide a sectioning procedure for The estimated work time applied to the Quarter Panel the Rear Rail, for that reason the Section Rear Rail operation (Part #1073735S0M) has been updated to 22.4 hours from 18.5 has been removed.” hours. Estimating systems are to be used as guides only. If a sectioning operation is available in an estimating database, it Mitchell: Fuel Door Refinish – Fuel door refinishing is does not always mean the operation is available in the OEM included in the quarter panel or bedside refinish operations. service information. However, masking the recessed opening is NOT INCLUDED in If a sectioning operation is presented in the estimating published quarter panel or bedside refinish operations. database, and NOT in the OEM service information, repairers Masking operations included with quarter panel or are encouraged to submit an inquiry to the DEG for bedside are for “perimeter mask” only and do not include clarification. “Interior masking” of any openings within the panel being Research of OEM service information is not included in any refinished. estimating database. Mitchell users should reference “Mask Vehicle to Prevent Overspray Damage” in the Collision Estimating Guide for CCC/MOTOR: Tesla Model 3 Quarter Panel Update – Recent more information. DEG Inquiry 18634 made updates to Tesla Model 3 Quarter Panel operations. Note: The estimating databases are all intended to be used as a GUIDE ONLY - it is important to remember that the auto body professional performing the repair is in a position to thoroughly inspect, diagnose and identify the methodology and their unique cost of the vehicle damage repair. You can view these tips and others on the DEG website, DEGWEB.ORG.
20 | September 2021
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Nov. 2-5, 2021
Starring Booth 31145 Upper Level South hall
Glue Pulling Systems • Measuring Systems • Spray Booths • Structural Benches • Vacuum Systems • Welders
Spanesi Americas, Inc. 123 Ambassador Dr. STE 107 Naperville, IL 60540
224-SPANESI (224-772-6374) www.spanesi-americas.com facebook.com/spanesiamericas
CASH IN ON YOUR MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS!
Order Your 2022 Automotive Calendars Now! AASP-MN and CDH Promotions team up to offer Alliance members huge discounts on customized automotive calendars. Celebrate the year 2022 by getting your message into the homes and offices of your customers and potential customers – daily. Let them know that you will be there to serve their needs in the new year. Calendars are used all year. Plus, they are often saved as personal records and looked at year after year. Calendars are used where buying decisions are made: on the job, in the office, on the road or at home. 65 percent of all calendar recipients write appointments/reminders on their calendar. This daily involvement keeps your advertising sign working all day, every day. 2022 calendar styles and pricing can be found on the AASP-MN website, aaspmn.org.
discounts on most printed business forms, such as:
But That’s Not All – We Can Print It All! AASP-MN also teams up with Royal Business Forms and other printing companies to provide members
For more information or a free quote, contact the AASP-MN office at aasp@aaspmn.org or (612) 623-1110.
• Envelopes, letterhead, business cards • Repair orders, monthly maintenance or CSI postcards • Invoices and statements • Voucher and payroll checks • Valuable core tags and merchandise labels • Continuous data processing forms available in one, two, three or four parts—multiple carbon or carbonless • And more!
AASP-MN MEMBER BENEFIT PROGRAMS PROPERTY/LIABILITY AND WORKERS’ COMP INSURANCE CBIZ AIA Contact: Brad Schmid 763-549-2247 / bschmid@cbiz.com CBIZ AIA and United Fire Group (UFG) have created a program for members that includes a special premium discount, exclusive coverage and potential safety group dividend. CBIZ AIA can present quotes from multiple carriers and, as an added bonus, offer members an exclusive 10% discount on their property/liability insurance premiums.
LEGAL CONSULTATION Fryberger, Buchanan, Smith & Frederick 800-496-6789 Members receive free, over-the-phone legal assessment and consultation (some restrictions apply) with an attorney who specializes in the area of law that is the subject of the call.
WEBSITE AND INTERNET MARKETING SOLUTIONS Autoshop Solutions Contact: Tony Mercury 919-267-1731 / tony@autoshopsolutions.com EMPLOYEE BENEFITS Autoshop Solutions has developed the Business Planning Professionals most cutting-edge marketing platform for Contact: Dennis Begley AASP members. Really Powerful Marketing 612-308-6577 / dennis@begley-group.com (RPM) is an all-in-one program that bundles Business Planning Professionals will provide your website, pay-per-click, search engine AASP-MN members with quotes from multiple optimization, social media, and much more! carriers for life insurance, health insurance, With five levels of RPM to match your budget, long-term care and disability insurance. goals, and competition, it’s built to drive your shop forward! EMPLOYEE VOLUNTARY BENEFITS Colonial Life REPAIR SHOP PRODUCTS/SERVICES Contact: Deb Ferrao DISCOUNTS 612-600-4135 / deb.ferrao@coloniallifesales. CARS COOPERATIVE com Contact: Stephenie Sheppard or Tracy Bailey 405-547-4077 / membersupport@cars.coop 612-801-0139 / tracy.bailey@coloniallifesales. Members receive discounts on a variety of com products and services they use every day! Dedicated representatives can help members From discounts on paint and rental cars to transform their benefit package with office supplies and phone services. Over 50 competitive rates, value added services at programs available! no cost and complimentary legal document preparation service. Colonial Life has the tools INFORMATION PROVIDERS and flexibility to create a plan to fit everyone’s Mitchell 1 needs. Contact: Mitchell 1 Representative 888-724-6742 UNIFORM & LINEN SUPPLIES Mitchell 1 offers AASP members special Aramark discounts on the Mitchell 1 family of integrated Contact: John Majchrzak software tools. 612-670-4034/ majchrzak-john@aramark.com Discounted pricing to members on rental Mitchell International of uniforms, entrance mats, shop rags, etc. Contact: Mitchell International Representative Purchases are also discounted. Members 800-238-9111 receive annual rebate equal to 10% of their AASP members receive a 15% discount business with AmeriPride/Aramark each year. on any Mitchell RepairCenter TechAdvisor package. Visit ww.w.mitchell.com/ productsCREDIT CARD PROCESSING services/collision-repair-shop-solutions/cloudAssociation BankCard Services estimating for more information. Contact: Mac Hardin 952-933-2026 / mach@retailfinancialservices. TECHNICAL INFORMATION HOTLINE biz IDENTIFIX Competitive rates for AASP-MN members. 800-288-6220 Terminals and printers sold at cost. Monthly Members enjoy discounted prices on the rental of equipment is also available. industry’s #1 technical information hotline, Direct-Hit.
22 | September 2021
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CHECK GUARANTEE SERVICES Certegy Check Services 877-520-2987 Discount rate of .75% to AASP-MN members. Use existing credit card terminal. Fast claim payments. AUTO EMPLOYEE ASSESSMENT Assessment Associates International Contact: Nate Page 952-854-6551 / nate@aai-assessment.com Designed to help facilitate and enhance hiring decisions. AASP-MN members receive 50% off retail price, starting as low as $15 per assessment. BUSINESS FORMS/CALENDARS AASP-MN Contact: Jodi Pillsbury 612-623-1110 / jodi@aaspmn.org Discounted rates on printed business forms and calendars. SAFETY COMPLIANCE Complete, Health, Environmental & Safety Services, Inc. Contact: Carol Keyes 651-481-9787 / carkey@chess-safety.com AASP-MN members receive a 20% discount on Safety Data Sheet Management (SDSLinks), Right to Know(RTK)/Hazard Communication program customized for your facility and monthly safety reminders, and other safety, OSHA or environmental assistance. PAYROLL PROCESSING CBIZ Payroll Contact: Carrie Hobrough 612-436-4620 / chobrough@cbiz.com Members receive 20% discount off standard payroll products and services (excluding 401k). BUSINESS COACHING 180BIZ 540-833-2014 / info@180biz.com Members receive a 20% discount on oneon-one sales and management coaching programs (covering financial planning & analysis, strategic marketing, leadership and personnel development) without long-term commitments. Members also receive a 20% discount on monthly sales & management webinars as well as a 20% discount on all 180BIZ advisor training programs.
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