While conducting building inspections and remediation work, individuals may encounter hazardous biological agents as well as chemical and physical hazards. Level III: Large Isolated Areas (30 - 100 square feet) - e.g., several wallboard panels. Complete isolation of work area from occupied spaces using plastic sheeting sealed with duct tape (including ventilation ducts/grills, fixtures, and other openings); The use of an exhaust fan with a HEPA filter to generate negative pressurization; and. An important reference with guidelines for immuno-compromised individuals can be found at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website. Filing and appealing flood insurance claims are covered. You should revisit the site(s) after remediation, and it should show no signs of moldy or musty odors, water damage, or mold growth. Information on and standards for the inspection, cleaning, and restoration industry. Referrals to clinics with physicians, who have experience with environmental exposures, include exposure to mold; maintains a database of occupational and environmental cases. Hazard Mitigation staff have a variety of FEMA resources available to help educate the public on flood mitigation techniques. Howard has a mold problem. Biocides are toxic to animals and humans, as well as to mold. Outdoors, molds play a part in nature by breaking down dead organic matter such as fallen leaves and dead trees, but indoors, mold growth should be avoided. However, OSHA does not control this information and cannot guarantee the accuracy, relevance, timeliness, or completeness of this outside information. These guidelines are subject to change as more information regarding mold contamination and remediation becomes available. Pursuant to the Occupational Safety and Health Act, employers must comply with hazard-specific safety and health standards and regulations promulgated by OSHA or by a state with an OSHA-approved state plan. The publication, A Brief Guide to Mold, Moisture, and Your Home[EPA 402-K-02-003] reprinted September 2012, is available in: The publication, Mold Remediation in Schools and Commercial Buildings, [EPA 402-K-01-001] reprinted September 2008,is available in: The Key to Mold Control is Moisture Control Infographic IBHS hosts the www.DisasterSafety.org website. PDF Industrial Hygiene Public Health Army Mold Remediation Guidance These backups not only cause damage that is difficult to repair, but they also create health hazards. Large items with heavy mold growth should be covered with polyethylene sheeting and sealed with duct tape before being removed from the remediation area. A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States. The cost of flood insurance varies depending on how much insurance is purchased, what it covers, and the property's flood risk. FEMA Course.docx - IS-230: Fundamentals of Emergency It can be accessed from the internet via the Homeland Security Information Network using any computer or from the intranet using a FEMA computer. The outside of the bags should be cleaned with a damp cloth and a detergent solution or HEPA vacuumed in the decontamination chamber prior to their transport to uncontaminated areas of the building. Official websites use .gov One way to protect against this hazard is to install backflow valves, which temporarily block drain pipes if water travels up them the wrong way. When using fans, take care not to extend the zone of contamination by distributing mold spores to a previously unaffected area. Pass the final exam. Removing mold and mold conditions does not protect a building from mold in future hazard events. Raising electrical system components helps avoid such problems. Ten Things You Should Know about Mold. After a flood, there are many mitigation measures that can be taken to help reduce the risk of future flood damage. Of these, 83 83 received a bonus last year, 100 100 attended a special sales training program at the beginning of last year, and 42 42 both attended the special sales training program and received a bonus. Hazard Mitigation staff distribute ONLYthe mold publication provided by the Hazard Mitigation Community Education and Outreach Group. American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists. If you suspect that the HVAC system is contaminated with mold, or if mold is present near the intake to the system, contact the National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA), or consult EPA's guide, "Should You Have the Air Ducts in Your Home Cleaned?" Floodproofing measures are generally designed to protect individual components of a structure, not to bring the structure into compliance with a communitys floodplain ordinance. This is because when things remain wet for more than two days, they usually get moldy. Mold Remediation Guidelines - Environmental Health and Safety Please refer to the discussion of the different levels of remediation to ascertain the type of respiratory protection recommended. Goggles must be designed to prevent the entry of dust and small particles. These courses address basic mitigation measures to reduce risk from earthquakes, floods, hurricanes, tornados, and wildfires, at a level appropriate for communication to the general public. They should not be used to vacuum porous materials, such as gypsum board. Complete all of the lessons. It is important to dry these surfaces quickly and thoroughly to discourage further mold growth. Humidity meters can be used to monitor indoor humidity. Coastal flooding occurs when intense offshore storm systems push ocean water inland above the normal tide level. Clean wet items and surfaces with detergent and water. A prompt response (within 24-48 hours) and thorough clean- up, drying, and/or removal of water-damaged materials will prevent or limit mold growth. If you know you have a mold problem, it is more important to spend time and resources removing the mold and solving the moisture problem that causes the moldy conditions than to undertake extensive testing for the type and quantity of mold. In addition, there are no standards for "acceptable" levels of mold in buildings, and the lack of a definitive correlation between exposure levels and health effects makes interpreting the data difficult, if not impossible. Gloves protect the skin from contact with mold, as well as from potentially irritating cleaning solutions. FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs)indicate these anticipated levels, called Base Flood Elevations (BFE). Improper maintenance and design of building heating/ventilating/air-conditioning (HVAC) systems, such as insufficient cooling capacity for an air conditioning system, can result in elevated humidity levels in a building. Molds are usually not a problem unless mold spores land on a damp spot and begin growing. This is also an expensive option but it can permanently eliminate the flooding risk to the structure if the building is moved to a safe area. Along with mushrooms, yeasts, and mildew, molds are classified as fungi. Documented quality control in the laboratories used for analysis of the bulk, surface, and other air samples is necessary. EPA-402-K-02-003, September 2012 (reprinted). Mold exposure may cause or aggravate asthma or respiratory problems in adults and children. Mold also can damage materials in your home. emilms.fema.gov Non-porous surfaces and porous materials that cannot be removed should be cleaned using a soap or detergent solution. The work area and areas used by remediation workers for egress should be cleaned with a damp cloth or mop and a detergent solution. Information about floodplain management ordinances is best provided by the local government. Containment of the work area is not necessary. There are various types of equipment useful in mold assessment and remediation. The primary function of personal protective equipment is to prevent the inhalation and ingestion of mold and mold spores and to avoid mold contact with the skin or eyes. Dry floodproofing is any measure to make a structure watertight below the level that needs flood protection to prevent floodwaters from entering. Flood insurance is the best way to protect from devastating financial loss. It also regulates the repair and rebuilding of structures in the floodplain that are substantially damaged or substantially improved.. Some jobs may require the use of dust-tight chutes to move large quantities of debris to a dumpster strategically placed outside a window in the remediation area. Mold | NCHH Remember to change filters as appropriate, especially following any remediation activities. Providing adequate drainage around buildings and sloping the ground away from building foundations. If possible, remediation activities should be scheduled during off-hours when building occupants are less likely to be affected. Visible mold and moldy odors should not be present. Some methods that may be used include the following: Wet vacuums are vacuum cleaners designed to collect water. This finding may convince the investigators that the mold is growing within, and being disseminated by, the HVAC system. The following list of resources includes information developed and maintained by public and private organizations. Below are FEMA mitigation publications relevant to this hazard. It provides an overview of mold and how it impacts peoples health, what can be done to fix a mold problem, and how to prevent mold problems. This will prevent unnecessary contamination of food, beverage, cosmetics, and tobacco products by mold and other harmful substances within the work area. The publication also provides information on financial assistance for mitigation retrofitting. The Consultation Program can help the employer evaluate and prevent hazardous conditions in the workplace that can cause injuries and illnesses, including mold problems. Tips for Filing Your Insurance Claim provides advice on: There are several websites that contain flood mitigation information. Are building materials or furnishings visibly moisture damaged? When possible, remediation activities should be scheduled during off hours when building occupants are less likely to be affected. Cleaning and drying wet or damp spots as soon as possible, but no more than 48 hours after discovery. Outdoor utilities such as heat pumps or air conditioners can be protected by placing them on an elevated platform above the Base Flood Elevation (BFE). Looking for condensation and wet spots. Flood control barriers protect structures by deflecting the destructive forces of flood waters away from vulnerable structures. Effective communication with building occupants is an essential component of all large-scale remediation efforts. The information in these guidelines is intended only as a summary of basic procedures and is not intended, nor should it be used, as a detailed guide to mold remediation. FEMA's HM Disaster Workforce Website houses a wealth of hazard mitigation information. This guide is intended to provide streamlined guidance to state, territorial, and tribal governments on the essential elements of Public Assistance, Individual Assistance, and the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program and required actions to request, initiate, and receive FEMA disaster assistance grants. The same information is contained in both locations, but the intranet version is behind the FEMA firewall. Venting kitchens (cooking areas) and bathrooms according to local code requirements. They should be placed into impermeable bags, and usually can be discarded as ordinary construction waste. When water leaks or spills occur indoors - act promptly. Track your progress by looking at the Progress bar at the top right of each screen. Molds are microscopic organisms found everywhere in the environment, indoors and outdoors. Respirators protect cleanup workers from inhaling airborne mold, contaminated dust, and other particulates that are released during the remediation process. Respirators used to provide protection from mold and mold spores must be certified by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). Walls that are not completely dry may allow mold spores to grow quickly. The use of a biocide, such as chlorine bleach, is not recommended as a routine practice during mold remediation, although there may be instances where professional judgment may indicate its use (for example, when immuno-compromised individuals are present). Dust suppression methods, such as misting (not soaking) surfaces prior to remediation, are recommended. Are building occupants reporting health problems that they think are related to mold in the indoor environment? www.ascr.org/institutes [http://www.restorationindustry.org]. Their interpretation is best left to the industrial hygienist or other environmental health or safety professional. To help accomplish this goal, by the end of this course you will: Click on the "Exit" button to close this window and access the menu listing all lessons of this course. Publications on floods, flood proofing, etc. About 1,000 species of mold can be found in the United States, with more than 100,000 known species worldwide. For additional information on air sampling, refer to the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists' document, "Bioaerosols: Assessment and Control." However it CAN meet requirements for non-residential and commercial structures. Priority is given to businesses with fewer than 250 employees at a worksite, with further consideration given to the severity of the worksite problem. D. This document will help those responsible for building maintenance in the evaluation of remediation plans. Several federal agencies also publish information about mold: Hazard Mitigation staff distribute ONLY the mold publication provided by the Hazard Mitigation Community Education and Outreach Group (CEO). Remediators should avoid exposing themselves and others to mold-laden dusts as they conduct their cleanup activities. PDF Preventing Mold-Related Problems in the Indoor Workplace Heavily damaged, porous materials (such a carpeting or drywall) that cannot be thoroughly dried and cleaned should be discarded and replaced. Venting moisture-generating appliances, such as dryers, to the outside where possible. Some moisture problems in buildings have been linked to changes in building construction practices since the 1970s, which resulted in tightly sealed buildings with diminished ventilation, contributing to moisture vapor buildup. These materials can then usually be discarded as ordinary construction waste. Well contamination, sewer line back up, and mold may occur in any type of flooding. Caution should be used to prevent mold and mold spores from being dispersed throughout the air where they can be inhaled by building occupants. A licensed well-drilling contractor can inspect a well and suggest improvements such as: Elevating a structure reduces the risk of flood damage by raising the entire building above the BFE indicated on the FEMA flood map. However, removal is still recommended for infants, persons having undergone recent surgery, immune- suppressed people, or people with chronic inflammatory lung diseases. Occupational and environmental health and safety information. Each lesson will take between 10 and 30 minutes to complete. Removing people from spaces adjacent to the work area is not necessary, but is recommended for infants (less than 12 months old), persons recovering from recent surgery, immune-suppressed people, or people with chronic inflammatory lung diseases (e.g., asthma, hypersensitivity pneumonitis, and severe allergies). Available in both English and Spanish languages. This Guide provides information and guidance for homeowners and renters on how to clean up residential mold problems and how to prevent mold growth. Owners can have their buildings moved by professionals to a safer place outside the Special Flood Hazard Area. Mold: Worker and Employer Guide to Hazards and Recommended Controls (pdf) (1.2 MB, June 2015) Contact Us to ask a question, provide feedback, or report a problem. Remediators, particularly those with health related concerns, may wish to check with their physicians or other health-care professionals before working on mold remediation or investigating potentially moldy areas. Click on the "Help" button to review guidance and troubleshooting advice regarding navigating through the course. If dislodged, these tanks also pose serious threats to public safety and to the environment. Devastating floods occur throughout the United States every year. Flash floods often have a dangerous wall of roaring water that carries rocks, mud, and other debris that can sweep away most things in its path. Answers to Questions About the National Flood Insurance Program explains the NFIP, including coverage, claims, flood maps, and FEMAs repetitive loss strategy. In this lesson you learned about: Future risks associated with the hazard event that resulted in the disaster declaration, Mitigation measures available to improve personal safety and reduce or eliminate the risk of future damages to structures and personal property, Identify the different types of flooding that occur in the United States, Recognize information about the NFIP to share with the general public, List the importance of directing individuals to local building officials, engineers, and other specialists before starting repairs, Match FEMA information, publications, and websites that support the mitigation recommendationsto specific audiences, How to receive credit for this independent study course. Other forms of hazard mitigation include provision of emergency services, private property protection, information and awareness, and infrastructure protection activities; there may also be. This requirement is most significant for structures built before the current floodplain ordinance was enacted. (Note: the bonus was based totally on sales performance.) Molds reproduce by creating tiny spores (viable seeds) that usually cannot be seen without magnification. Closed-basin flooding occurs when a lake has no outlet or a relatively small outlet. Learn more about mold and moisture control. Fix source(s) of moisture incursion problem(s) as soon as possible. Performing regularly scheduled building/ HVAC inspections and maintenance, including filter changes. High-quality filters must be used in a HVAC system during remediation because conventional HVAC filters are typically not effective in filtering particles the size of mold spores. Centers for Disease Control Environmental Protection Agency FEMA U.S. Public Health Service Hazard Mitigation staff distribute ONLY the mold publication provided by the Hazard Mitigation Community Education and Outreach Group . Regular building maintenance staff can conduct this level of remediation. An outside tank can be secured by running straps over it and attaching the straps to ground anchors. Ninety percent of all natural disasters in the U.S. involve flooding. which agency is responsible for the message to the public about mold hazards and remediation? Testing for mold is expensive, and there should be a clear reason for doing so. These can be accessed from the FEMA website. Aside from official FEMA websites, there are FEMA-partner organizations that provide comprehensive, user-friendly information and guidance on flood mitigation. As specified by OSHA in 29 CFR 1910.134 individuals who use respirators must be properly trained, have medical clearance, and be properly fit tested before they begin using a respirator. Structures must be elevated by trained professionals. If you are using a biocide such as chlorine bleach, or a strong cleaning solution, you should select gloves made from natural rubber, neoprene, nitrile, polyurethane, or PVC. IS 322: Flood Mitigation Basics for Mitigation Staff After a disaster event, which agency is. Home Builders Guide to Coastal Construction is a FEMA produced series of 31 fact sheets providing technical guidance and recommendations concerning the construction of coastal residential buildings. Please note that mold may cause staining and cosmetic damage. After correcting water or moisture infiltration, the prompt removal of contaminated material and structural repair is the primary response to mold contamination in buildings. What can he do? These can be accessed from the FEMA website. If left unchecked, mold can eventually cause structural damage to a wood framed building, weakening floors and walls as it feeds on moist wooden structural members. The specific method or group of methods used will depend on the type of material affected. River and stream flooding may be triggered by heavy rains, melting snows, and storm surge. This pamphlet briefly describes the benefits of ICC, how much coverage is available, the four options covered, when to file an ICC claim, and how the ICC payment is handled. It makes sense to raise all components of the electrical system, including wiring, above the base flood level identified on the NFIP's Flood Insurance Rate Map for the location. Your first step should be to inspect for any evidence of water damage and visible mold growth. NFIP Summary of Coverage provides guidance on deductibles, what is and is not covered by flood insurance, and how items are valued at time of loss. The following sections discuss the various types of PPE that may be used during remediation activities. Community Floodplain Management ordinances. Because mold is common in flooded communities, some basic facts about mold that you can share with the public are: Removing mold and mold conditions does not protect a building from mold in future hazard events. They digest whatever they land on in order to survive. The base flood is a flood having a one percent chance of being equaled or exceeded in any given year.The NFIP uses the BFE to describe the minimum elevation to which new development in a flood hazard area must be regulated. (e.g., asthma, hypersensitivity pneumonitis, and severe allergies). Flash flooding is the rapid flooding of low-lying areas. Allergic responses include hay fever-type symptoms such as runny nose and red eyes. Remove filters in a manner that minimizes the reentry of mold and other toxic substances into the workplace. These services are not routinely available from commercial laboratories. 2. What mold publications should Hazard Mitigation staff distribute? A Emergency management and public health professionals can easily share these resources digitally. In many cases, it is not economically practical or useful to test for mold growth on surfaces or for airborne spores in the building. Secure .gov websites use HTTPS Barriers may not be used to bring a Substantially Damaged or Substantially Improved residence into compliance with a communitys floodplain management ordinances or laws. A community can permanently eliminate the risk of flood damage to buildings in a floodplain by purchasing the properties from their owners and removing the structures. All areas should be left dry and visibly free from contamination and debris. When informing the public about flood control barriers, it is important to point out that this type of mitigation measure can affect local drainage, possibly creating or worsening flood problems for others. Sampling for mold should be conducted by professionals with specific experience in designing mold-sampling protocols, sampling methods for microbial contaminants, and interpretation of results. You can read a description of the report and purchase a copy. However, it does reduce the immediate risk of illness and additional damage from the mold conditions created by the flooding. This section presents remediation guidelines for building materials that have or are likely to have mold growth. The Federal Alliance for Safe Homes, Inc., known as FLASH, is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting disaster safety and property loss mitigation across a variety of natural hazards, including floods. What mold publications should Hazard Mitigation staff distribute? A This will be further discussed later in the course. Resources for Flood Cleanup and Indoor Air Quality | US EPA These can be accessed from the FEMA website. The guidelines have been designed to help construct a remediation plan. Emphasis should be placed on preventing contamination through proper building and HVAC system maintenance and prompt repair of water damaged areas. Floodplain management ordinances require that when a structure in the floodplain has Substantial Damage or undergoes Substantial Improvement, the owner must bring the structure into compliance with the most current standards when repairing or rebuilding. This explains why mold infestation is often found in damp, dark, hidden spaces; light and air circulation dry areas out, making them less hospitable for mold. Most molds are harmless but some can cause infections, allergy symptoms and produce toxins. These remediation guidelines are based on the size of the affected area to make it easier for remediators to select appropriate techniques, not on the basis of research showing there is a specific method appropriate at a certain number of square feet. Further, the inclusion of these resources is not intended to endorse any views expressed, or products or services offered, by the author of the reference or the organization operating the service identified by the reference. The site includes recommended mitigation strategies for most types of natural hazards. If you choose to use disinfectants or biocides, always ventilate the area, using outside air if possible, and exhaust the air to the outdoors. Health Effects of Mold Exposure In this lesson you will learn about the different types of flooding that occur along coasts, rivers, streams, and lakes.
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