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Safety First: Best Practices for Water Damage

Water damage restoration combines technical skill with high levels of physical labor. However, beyond just restoring buildings, restoration professionals must prioritize safety for all persons present at the job site.

From electrical hazards to microbial contamination, remediation jobs pose numerous potential risks. By understanding the dangers, observing safety protocols and keeping up to date with training, restoration technicians can work effectively while minimizing risks.

This guide covers common hazards faced on water damage restoration jobs, the best safety practices to implement and how fostering a culture of safety benefits your business and customers.

Key Risks on Water Damage Jobs

Water damage jobs expose restoration professionals to a range of hazards, often amplified by unpredictable conditions. Understanding these risks is the first step toward preventing injuries and maintaining safety. Here are the most common areas of concern:

1. Electrical Hazards

One of the most life-threatening risks is standing water near electrical outlets, panels or damaged wiring. Shorts circuits or contact with live wires could lead to severe injuries or even fatalities.

Mitigation Steps:

  • Turn off electrical power to the affected area using lockout/tagout procedures before starting work.
  • Use double-insulated power tools and comply with all extension cord safety expectations from government agencies.
  • If there is any possibility of compromised electrical safety from flooding, have a licensed electrician inspect the site to determine that project areas are free of electrical risks before anyone else is allowed to enter.

2. Contaminated Water

Floodwater, especially from external sources, often contains chemical waste, pathogens and biohazards. Black water (sewage-contaminated water) presents the highest level of danger, with risks of diseases such as hepatitis or leptospirosis.

Mitigation Steps:

  • Wear personal protective equipment (PPE), including gloves, boots, protective clothing and full-face respirators.
  • Install critical barriers (temporary containments) and utilize negative pressurization as appropriate to prevent the spread of contamination during cleanup.
  • Post signs to prevent unprotected individuals from entering contaminated areas.
  • Follow OSHA, CDC and NIOSH (USA) guidelines when handling biohazard cleanup.

3. Mold and Microbial Growth

Moisture provides an ideal breeding ground for mold. New projects may not have visible mold, but many may have elevated levels of mold fragments, spores and other excessive fine particulate soils. If proper work practices are not followed, technicians and others may inhale harmful levels of mold spores and other fine particulate matter leading to respiratory issues.

Mitigation Steps:

  • Utilize HEPA vacuum cleaners for cleaning surfaces before starting the drying equipment.
  • Use commercial HEPA air scrubbers to remove any incidental airborne mold spores and fragments.
  • If mold exists, remediate in accordance with the IICRC S520 Standard before starting the drying system.
  • Establish conditions for rapid drying with dehumidifiers and air movers.
  • Wear PPE including N95 or P100 respirators throughout the remediation process.

4. Collapsed Structures and Confined Spaces

Ceilings damaged by water can collapse without warning. Meanwhile, confined areas like crawl spaces or attics pose additional risks for injury, poor air quality and even depleted oxygen levels.

Mitigation Steps:

  • When in question, have the structural integrity of a building verified before entering to begin work.
  • Practice controlled demolition when it's necessary, wearing appropriate PPE for demolition.
  • Monitor air quality and use forced fresh air ventilation in enclosed areas.
  • Follow all governmental safety procedures and practices for confined space safety during crawlspace, attic or other similar space remediation and/or drying.

Essential Safety Protocols for Restoration Professionals

Safety on water damage restoration jobs starts with robust protocols and routines. These best practices ensure both worker and occupant protection:

  1. Conduct Hazard Assessments - Before work begins, perform a thorough evaluation of the property to identify all potential risks and hazards. Assess environmental factors, building integrity and utility systems.
  2. Isolate and Communicate - Once hazards are identified, isolate danger zones using barriers or signs. Clearly communicate risks to all team members on-site and provide regular updates as conditions change.
  3. Ensure Proper Air Filtration - Water damage jobs are often high particulate environments. Be sure to install air scrubbers that filter at least to HEPA level (99.97% at .3 microns) and preferably exceed HEPA (99.99% at .1 microns) during the initial cleaning and/or demolition process. Using ducting on the units to make negatively pressurized containments will prevent particulate spread to adjacent clean and/or occupied areas. And after the cleanup period, the air filtration unit(s)  continue to add benefit in the project by maintaining excellent air quality.
  4. Comply with OSHA and EPA Standards - Adherence to local, state and federal regulations ensures a safe work environment. Both OSHA and the EPA offer guidelines to manage air quality, PPE standards and hazard communication.

The Role of PPE Equipment

PPE is non-negotiable for water damage jobs. The right PPE minimizes the risk of injury and exposure to harmful substances. Essential PPE includes:

  • Respirators (N95 or P100): Protect against airborne particles like mold spores and dust.
  • Waterproof cut-resistant gloves and boots: Safeguard against cuts, biological contamination and electrical hazards.
  • Protective eyewear: Prevents eye irritation and injury from chemicals or debris.
  • Full-body suits made of impermeable materials for high-contamination zones.

Ensure PPE is in good condition and fits properly before starting work. Regular inspections and replacements are critical for continual safety.

Training for Safe Practices

Safety is only as effective as the knowledge and skills of the workers implementing it. Continuous education ensures technicians remain adept at identifying and mitigating risks. Training programs should cover:

  1. Hazard Communication and Awareness - Teach workers how to identify potential dangers and understand hazard labels and safety data sheets (SDS).
  2. PPE Usage and Maintenance - Hands-on training with PPE helps workers understand its correct usage and upkeep.
  3. Emergency Response Plans - Role-playing scenarios, such as electrical shocks or gas leaks, prepare employees for quick and effective crisis management.
  4. Compliance with Local and Federal Regulations - Offer guidance on OSHA and EPA expectations, as well as state-specific safety regulations.

Ongoing Commitment to Safety

Water damage restoration comes with inherent risks, but many can be minimized with the right knowledge, tools and protocols. From wearing proper PPE to training on the latest safety regulations, restoration professionals need to view safety as an ongoing commitment.

Since every new project is a unique workplace with its own risks, and as technicians depart and new techs join the crew, involving all team members in safety awareness and best practices is critical. Restoration companies must nurture a safety-first culture and continuously invest in training and technologies that protect both workers and others in the building.

For more restoration-related guidance, search our Tips & Tricks for "dry" or other topics of interest.

 

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