WTC News
WTC Technical Updates
Updated 12/05/06
WTC staff have produced several technical updates which may be of interest to the Weatherization network. The goal is to keep the network informed about methods and techniques, and offer decision-making tools which effect health, safety, and energy efficiency in Weatherization. More updates are always in the works. Please consider writing one for us.
Please feel free to download copies of our technical updates:
- Our Work Environment (PDF)
- Avoiding Moisture Problems (PDF)
- Vermiculite Hazard Update (PDF)
- Air Sealing With Two-Part Foam (PDF)
- Blower Door Testing (PHRC Builder Brief) (PDF)
- Air Leakage in Recessed Lighting (PHRC Builder Brief) (PDF)
- Voltage Drop and Test Equipment (PDF)
- Ventilation Strategies in Weatherization (PDF)
- Confined Space Combustion Appliance Zones and the Code (PDF)
- Blower Door Update - Model 2 vs. Model 3 (PDF)
Knob and Tube Report
Updated 3/23/04
During the summer of 2002, the Pennsylvania Department of Economic and Community Development (PA DCED), the Weatherization Training Center (WTC) at Penn College and STEP Inc., a Weatherization Assistance Program provider, entered into a joint research project. Its purpose was to attempt to identify simple and cost effective wiring retrofits and prescribe safe methods for installing thermal insulation where K&T wiring exists. The recently released report, Retrofitting Knob and Tube Wiring, An Investigation into Codes, Wiring Practices and Cost, provides the results of the project.
Also check out the follow-up WTC Technical Update titled "Voltage Drop and Test Equipment" listed below
Lead Safe Weatherization Training Manual Made Available
Updated 12/17/01
As announced at the December 11-12th PA DCED Weatherization Coordinator's Meeting in Williamsport, PA, a training and reference manual for Weatherization managers and crews has just been released by DOE. Recently, DOE convened a national health and safety committee to determine how lead safe work practices might be incorporated into WAP. The resulting training manual is designed as a tool to help state programs meet guidance requirements consistent with Grant Guidance (WPN 01-1) and Federal Lead Based Paint Regulation (WPN 01-10)
You may download the manual and duplicate it to suit your needs. The manual is available in multiple segments. To view the manual just click each of the links below. Then save each file to a folder on your hard drive and print. Collate according to the table of contents and insert into a binder.