fire & water – cleanup & restoration™ employee training program water certification
TRANSCRIPT
Fire & Water – Cleanup & Restoration™
Employee Training
Program Water
Certification
Safety
Safety concerns must be taken seriously and properly addressed
before starting emergency services and restoration work
Slip, Trip and Fall
• Water-damaged structures and SERVPRO’s cleanup procedures create many slip, trip and fall hazards. Wet surfaces are normally slick and equipment hoses and power cords can trip people. Post warning signs and tell customers about the hazards.
• Did you know that Slip, Trip and Fall is the number one cause of industrial accidents?
Confined Spaces
• Typical confined spaces that workers must enter during water damage restoration jobs are crawl spaces and attics.
Electrical Hazards
• The first item to check is the power distribution box.
• Turn off all circuit breakers at the power distribution panel
• If only a portion of the building is affected, turn off all circuits providing power to the damaged areas.
• This is especially important if water is inside wall cavities or electrical outlets or when electrical outlets are located on the floor.
Electrical Safety Steps
• Turn off the power to the building at the main circuit breaker if this can be done safely. If you are unable to access the main circuit panel safely, call an electrician to turn off the power.
• If water is running from a light fixture, light switch or outlet, do not turn on that circuit.
• Use a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI for all electrical equipment). Portable GFCIs can be purchased at most home supply stores.
• Metal conducts electricity. Don’t use metal measuring tapes, ropes, hand lines, ladders or other metal materials that might make contact with energized circuits or equipment.
• Determine the location of electrical wiring, cables and power lines before drilling or cutting into walls or other structural areas.
• Do not turn on electrical appliances or fixtures that have been exposed to water.
• Do not turn on electrical appliances or fixtures while you are standing on wet surfaces.
• Always turn off the power at the power distribution box before unplugging wet items.
Key Definitions
• Water Mitigation: Stopping any further damage from happening. Can include stopping and removing water and placing drying equipment.
• Water Restoration: The process of getting a structure back to the way it was before the water damage occurred.
Infectious Waste Safety Steps
• PPE: Wear appropriate personal protective equipment when infectious waste is present, including:– Respirator.– Chemical resistant gloves.– Rubber boots.– Splash goggles.– Full-body suits.
AT RISK PERSONS
• If you find that “At-risk” persons are in any danger, notify your supervisor immediately.
• At-risk people may include:
• The very young.• The old.• People with respiratory
problems such as asthma or emphysema.
• People with an immunity deficiency.
• People sensitive to chemicals such as disinfectants.
Dispose of wastewater in accordance with state or local guidelines. Requirements differ from state to state and may even be different for
various cities with a state.
• Filter wastewater as you dump it to prevent carpet fibers from being released. Filter by emptying the dump hose through a spare waste tank filter or window screen.
• A biohazard firm should handle water with biohazards (medical hazards, human blood or tissue).
• Gray and black wastewater normally may be disposed of in a treated sewer line. Some states require a permit.
• Do Not dump wastewater in Septic tanks.
• Do not dump wastewater in Storm Drains.
• Do not dump wastewater in streams or natural waterways.
ContainmentIn some situations, you may need to construct containment. The safety
purpose of containment is to:
• Stop contaminants from spreading into uncontaminated areas.
• Protect building occupants and workers from being exposed to contaminants.
• Manage airflow from clean to contaminated areas.
Chemical Safety
• Chemical usage and safety information can be found in the SERVPRO (35026) Chemical Reference Manual and SERVPRO (35100) Production Guidelines.
• No one should be present in the area where disinfectants and deodorizers are being applied. Before allowing occupants back in the area, ensure the area is properly ventilated and the product has had time to dry.
Safety Review Questions
1. List three electrical hazards that you should check before beginning water damage emergency services.
2. When should you look for safety hazards?
3. Why would you construct containment?
4. What types of PPE are needed in infectious waste situations?
5. What is an “At-Risk” person? Who would be considered in this category?
6. Where should you dispose of wastewater?
7. Where might you find a “confined space” in a home? List at least two places.
8. What should you do before applying disinfectants and deodorants?
9. What is the number one safety concern in a water damage?10. Where are two places to look for information about SERVPRO
professional products.
Psychrometry
• Psychrometry is the study of the air, humidity, temperature, and their affect on various materials.
• It is the science behind drying.• The moisture in the air can damage the
materials it touches.• A technician uses psychrometrics to measure
the amount of moisture in the air and to make sure that that amount gets smaller as the drying process moves forward.
Relative Humidity
• Relative humidity (Rh) is the amount to moisture the air currently is holding at a given temperature. Rh is a percent. 100% Rh means the air is totally saturated – it is holding as much moisture as it can at the temperature. 50% Rh means that the air is only 50% full – it can hold 50% more moisture before it is full
• You take Rh and temperature readings with a thermohygrometer at each job.
• Air at 100% RH is holding all of the water that it can
What happens when the temperature increases, but the
amount of moisture stays the same?
• Think of temperature as the holding capacity of the air. Warm air can hold more moisture, cold air can hold less.
Temperature Amount
Of
Moisture
Rh
50˚ 54 100%
70˚ 54 50%
90˚ 54 25%
Specific Humidity
• Specific humidity is the actual amount of moisture in the air.
Determining Specific Humidity
• Once you know the relative humidity and temperature, you find specific humidity (grains per pound) using psychrometric charts or calculators.
Using the Psychrometric Chart
The grid of the Psychrometric Chart consists of vertical line and horizontal lines. Vertical lines represent the temperature in degrees Fahrenheit and horizontal lines represent the grains per pound. The carves lines of the chart represent the relative humidity.
• Find the vertical line that represents the current temperature of the air.• Find the curved line that represents the current relative humidity of the air.• Find the intersection of curved and vertical line.• Trace the horizontal line from the intersection point to the columns of
numbers on the right side of the chart. The first column of numbers indicates the specific humidity (the grains per pound). The second column of numbers indicates the vapor pressure.
• Trace the horizontal line from the intersection point to the temperature readings on the left side of the chart. These temperatures indicate the dew point temperature for air at the current temperature and relative humidity.
Moisture and Materials
• Permeance
Permeance is the measure of water vapor flow through a material.
• Vapor Barriers Vapor barriers are materials that are
either waterproof or have a permeance of 1 perm or less.
• Hygroscopic Materials
Hygroscopic refers to materials that easily absorb and hold onto water vapor from the air.
Some Common Vapor Barriers • 6 mil plastic sheeting• Masonry brick• ½” plywood• Vapor retarding paint: semi-gloss
gloss
enamel• Kraft paper faced insulation
Some Common Hygroscopic Materials
• Carpet• Pad• Upholstery• Un-faced Insulation• Gypsum wall board• Particle board
Primary and Secondary Damage• When materials come into direct
contact with water, primary damage occurs. When materials are damaged by water vapor, secondary damage occurs.
• SERVPRO has been referred by the insurance company to limit primary damage and prevent secondary damage. If we don’t, we have failed the customer!
Primary water damages Secondary water damages
Delamination of carpet backings Ceiling tiles moisten and crumble
Swelling and buckling of hardwood floors Wall paper softens and falls
Rusting of metal surfaces Mold and mildew growth
Thermodynamics
• Nature seeks an equilibrium is the second law of thermodynamics and even if it sounds complicated, all you need to understand are the following rules:
Wet goes to Dry
Hot goes to Cold
High Pressure goes to Low Pressure
Equilibrium Moisture Content
• Equilibrium Moisture Content (EMC) is the condition of a material for which moisture content has stabilized in relation to the relative humidity and temperature of the surrounding air. Think about the concept “wet goes to dry.” When moisture is not longer moving from wet to dry, you have reached equilibrium
Condensation
• Condensation is the process in which water vapor changes into liquid.
Dew Point
• The temperature at which water vapor begins to turn to a liquid is known as the dew point.
• When drying a structure, you must never let the inside temperature reach the dew point or else water vapor will turn to a liquid on inside surfaces.
• Use the HVAC system or portable heaters or air conditioners to control the temperature. You determine the dew point on a psychrometric chart.
**** It CAN rain indoors, so never use cold outside air
to ventilate a wet structure.****
Evaporation
• Evaporation is the process of pushing moisture from materials into the air.
Psychrometry Review Questions
1. What is the specific humidity if the air temperature is 80 degrees F and the relative humidity is 70%?
2. What is the specific humidity inside your office right now? What is the specific humidity outside your office?
3. What does “nature seeks an equilibrium” mean?4. What is the difference between a primary and a secondary water
damage?5. Explain how equilibrium moisture content changes when there is more
water in the air.6. Why (and when) should you worry about the dew point temperature
during water damage jobs?7. What are hygroscopic materials? Vapor barriers?8. What is permeance?9. Define Psychrometry.10. What is the difference between specific humidity and relative humidity?
Drying Theory
Clean Water
• Clean Water (or category one water) is treated water that does not contain waste products. Burst pipes, overflowing sinks and defective appliances are sources of clean water.
Gray Water
• Water that has been used and carries waste products, but does not contain human waste, is gray water (or category two water). An overflowing washing machine that dumps wash water on the floor is gray. A toilet overflow with no solid matter is gray. Gray water contains waste products, but generally does not present the danger of spreading disease. Pad must be replaced. Carpet that is saved must be cleaned thoroughly.
Black Water (eeewwww)
• Black water (or category three water) is unsanitary water. Take precautions to protect humans from disease in these damages. Sewage back-ups are black water damages
• Floodwaters are also black water.
• Carpets and other porous materials must be replaced when contaminated with black water.
*Compliance Tip*Extensive personal protective equipment
(PPE) is required when cleaning black water
damages. Make sure you obey local and federal
laws!
Black water may not look black in color. Gray water may not look gray in color.
The categorization of water depends on the source of the water and what’s in it, not the actual color
Industry Standards for Carpet and Pad
Water Type Pad Carpet
Clean (category 1) Can be saved in some Cases
Can be saved in many cases
Gray (category 2) Must be replaced in all cases
Can be saved in some cases
Black (category 3) Must be replaced in all cases
Must be replaced in all cases
Moisture Effects on Wood Flooring
Warping and BucklingWood naturally contains moisture
but when wood absorbs excess
moisture, it expands. Sometimes
the boards will warp.
Expanded boards may push
against each other and may
buckle at the joints where the
Boards meet or at the wall.
Cupping and CrowningCupping occurs when the water is
absorbed from the bottom and
Sides of the wood. The edges
Slightly raise or “cup”.
Crowning occurs when the top of
the wood holds more moisture
than the sides and bottom. This
makes the wood arch, creating a
bowed shape in the middle.
Moisture Effects on Hard Flooring
• Concrete Painted concrete may flake or blister, requiring repainting. Concrete
floors are porous, so water may wick up leaving chalk-like calcium deposits on the surface.
• Resilient TileAsphalt tile will usually maintain a good bond with concrete following water damage. White or chalky areas respond well to cleaning. The whitening is often caused by the separation of sealer wax or finish from the floor itself.
• Ceramic Tile
Often, the tile will be unaffected, but water will penetrate the grouting, causing warping or expansion of the subfloor. It may be necessary to dry the floor from the bottom or to drill holes into the floor to perform proper monitoring.
Hard Flooring and Moisture Keys
• Always check the subfloor! Don’t just assume the floor is dry because the top layer is dry.
• If cracks exist in the waterproofing over ceramic tile, the subfloor may buckle.
• Instead of pulling up tile, you may be able to dry the floor from underneath.
Moisture Effects on Carpet
• Carpet Construction presents two basic problems.
1. Backing separation (delamination)
Delamination is one of the primary concerns in water damages. Even
new carpets delaminate, always check for delamination.
2. Latex deterioration
Latex has several grades. The better grades contain additives that
slow the breakdown process. Cheaper latex compounds have fillers
that take up space, but offer no adhesive properties. The more fillers
in the compound, the less adhesive power and the sooner a breakdown
will occur.
• Multi-level loop Olefin Berber carpet with a heavy face weight and a thick pad is one of the most difficult carpets to extract thoroughly.
Moisture Effects on Structure
• Insulation• Drying wall cavities requires ventilation. • One way to ventilate wet wall cavities it to remove
baseboards and drill holes between each stud. • Then force air through these holes into wall cavities. • If a lot of moisture is found, areas of drywall may have to
be removed. • Always talk to the customer and
adjuster before putting holes
in the wall.
Key Factors for Drying
Drying a house/building and its contents quickly is important. Four factors affect the amount of time required for drying:
1. Temperature
2. Amount of water to be evaporated
3. Humidity
4. Air movement
Temperature
• Drying occurs faster when rooms are heated to 70˚ to 90˚ since hot air can hold more moisture.
Amount of Water to be Evaporated
• The more water you extract or pump out of the structure, the less you will need to remove with dehumidifiers.
• A liquid is easier and faster to remove than a gas. • Physical extraction is 1200 times more efficient than
dehumidification.
Humidity
• Relative humidity (Rh) is amount of moisture the air currently is holding at a given temperature.
• Rh of 30% to 50% is what most people consider comfortable.
• Rh over 60% slows drying time because the air is almost saturated or full.
• The Rh should be below 40% by the second day of drying.
Air Movement
• The air in a water-damaged room is normally damp and humid, slowing evaporation.
• Blowing the damp air out and bringing warm, dry air in will speed drying.
• Proper positioning of air movers will help.• Remember to change the location of air movers as
drying occurs to promote even, through drying of surfaces.
This is a fan, NOT an Air Mover!
you can buy a fan in a hardware store for $15. It will not do the job of an Air Mover.
Establishing a Drying Goal
A drying goal is the condition the technician wants to bring
about in the affected area of the structure. How dry do you
want the environment to be when you are finished? When
this goal is reached, the environment will be “dry”. Your
goal should include two parts.
1. Specific and Relative humidity readings from a dry unaffected area of the structure.
2. Moisture content readings from dry unaffected contents and structure.
Selecting a Drying System
The Open System
• An open drying system exchanges the moist air inside the structure with the drier outside air.
• An open system works only when outside air has fewer grains per pound than inside air.
• Outside air should offer high temperature and low relative humidity.
• Before using an open system, take measurements to determine specific humidity for both inside and outside air.
• Use an open drying system only when measurements for outside air are at least 20 gpp less than measurements for inside air.
Open System Has Certain Disadvantages
• Leaving windows open creates a security risk for the building.
• Energy loss-you’re now heating the outdoors.• The homeowner may prefer that the windows are closed.• The weather may change.• Additional monitoring will be required when using open
drying.
The Closed System
• A closed drying system closes off the affected areas of the structure.
• Dehumidification equipment is used to dehumidify the inside air.
• For the closed system to work, you must control the indoor environment using air movers and dehumidifiers.
Outside
Conditions
Inside
Conditions
Which system
Could be used
Why Not Open?
Open Closed
70˚/ 50%/55 gpp 78˚ /80%/120 gpp yes yes
The difference in gpp is more than 20 and the outside temperature is warm enough.
Outside
Conditions
Inside
Conditions
Which system
Could be used
Why Not Open?
60˚/ 65%/51 gpp 68˚/65%/70 gpp No yes
There is not enough difference in the specific humidity to use open drying
Open Closed
Drying Techniques I
• If the air mover is aimed at a 45 degree angle, air bounces off the wall, carrying moisture away to be replaced by dryer air.
• Place air movers in a clockwise pattern with the inlet towards the wall and the snout touching the wall.
Drying Techniques II
Floating Carpet• You can place an air mover
under the carpet to improve the drying of carpets.
• Always vent the carpet so air can escape.
• Do not run air movers at too high of a speed.
Tack Carpet• Be careful when releasing wet
carpet from tackless strip.• Tack carpet on tackless strip
so it will not become loose when floating.
• Make sure sides of air mover are not covered, restricting airflow.
• Do not over float the carpet, it may stretch.
Calculating DryingEquipment Setup
Air mover Requirements
• The best way to calculate air mover requirements is to use one air mover for each 100 to 300 square feet of damaged area. (10 – 16 Linear Ft)
• Also consider the layout of the structure (one large room versus several small rooms).
• If the building is one large room, fewer air movers will be required.
• In a house with several rooms, multiple closets, offsets, or bay windows, more air movers will be needed to circulate air from the wet area to the dehumidifier and to move the dry air from the dehumidifier back to the wet area.
Calculating Drying Equipment Setup: Air Mover Keys
• Once again: If the air mover is aimed at a 45 degree angle, air bounces off the wall, carry moisture away to be replaced by dryer air. Place air movers in a clockwise pattern with the inlet towards the wall and the snout touching the wall.
• To have a balanced drying system, ensure the air movers are not putting more moisture into the air than the dehumidifiers are pulling out.
• For a small dehumidifier, use three to four air movers, for a medium dehumidifier, use four to six air movers, and for a large dehumidifier, use up to ten air movers.
Calculating Drying Equipment Setup: Dehumidifiers
• To determine how many dehumidifiers are required, determine which class the water damage fits. The class is determined by how many porous items are wet, rather than the cleanness of the water.
Understanding ClassesClass 1 Only less porous
materials are wet; no carpet and pad
Requires least amount of dehumidification.
Condition air once per hour for 2-2 days (or until dry).
Class 2 Moderate amounts of porous materials are wet; carpet and pad are wet.
Increased dehumidification is needed.
Condition air twice per hour for 2-3 days (or until dry).
Class 3 High amounts of porous materials are wet; carpet and pad are wet and water came from above.
Large amounts of high porosity materials are wet, so a great amount of dehumidification is needed.
Condition air three times per hour for 2-3 days (or until dry).
Class 4 Specialty Drying Special dehumidification
Depends on situation.
Calculating Dehumidifier Needs• Calculate the total cubic feet of air in the structure or the affected
area. Remember Length x Width x Height.• Determine the amount of air to dehumidify per hour by multiplying
the cubic foot measurement by the class level. For example: for a Class 3 damage, multiply the total cubic feet of the structure by 3.
• Determine the capacity of the dehumidifiers you are using by looking in the user manual. This measurement will be given in cubic feet per minute (CFM).
• Compare the amount of air requiring dehumidification with the calculated capacity of your dehumidifier. The capacity of the dehumidifier must be higher than the total cubic feet required to dehumidify the area in order for drying to occur. You must use AT LEAST this amount of dehumidifiers. This may sound complicated, but it is really not. Lets look at an example.
Example• Your structure is 30 feet by 40 feet with 8 foot ceilings. A
moderate amount of porous material is wet – Class 2. You are using dehumidifiers with an air flow of 360 CFM.
• Total Cubic Feet (CF) of Structure = L x W x H = 30 x 40 x 8 = 9,600 CF.
• Total CF that needs to be conditioned per hour = total CF of structure x class = 9,600 x 2 = 19,200 CF/hour.
• Capacity of one dehumidifier per hour = 360 CFM x 60 = 21,600 CF/hour.
• Compare total CF that must be conditioned with capacity of the dehumidifier: 19,200 CF/hour – 21,600 CF/hour. One dehumidifier would dry this space in the perfect conditions.
Drying Theory Review Questions
1. What are the differences between category 1 and category 3 water damages?
2. What can water do to wood? Carpet? Flooring? Insulation?
3. What are the key factors of drying and how do we control them?
4. What should we test when developing and checking our drying goals?
5. When can you use an open drying system?
6. How do you calculate equipment needs? How do you position drying equipment?
7. How do you float a carpet?
8. If there is water inside a wall cavity, what should you do?
9. What is the difference between class and category?
10. How much more effective is physical extraction than dehumidification?
Microbes
Conditions That Encourage Mold Growth Are:
• Food source. Molds feed on organic materials in a structure, such as wood, paper, drywall, insulation, natural fibers, and indoor dirt, which often has organic matter in it.
• Temperature. The common molds found in buildings generally grow best in typical building temperatures between 68˚ and 86˚ F. Some molds can grow at very cold or very hot temperatures.
• Moisture. Most molds need lots of moisture, but some molds can survive in relative humidities as low as 65%. It is these molds that are a particular problem to the restoration industry.
• To reduce mold growth, indoor relative humidity
should be maintained below 60%
• Molds can germinate in a warm, moist environment
where a food source is present. How fast growth occurs
depends on the combination of conditions.
Health Risks for Humans
• People may get sick when microbes grow and multiply to abnormal levels in an indoor environment. Some microbes may make you sick when they enter your body. Some microbes enter your body by:
1. Breathing.
2. Swallowing.
3. Absorbing through the skin.
• PPE will help block microbes from reaching your body. Wear respirators, gloves, goggles and appropriate clothing to prevent infection.
At-Risk Persons
Some people get sick from microbes easier than others do:• Young children. The immune system of very young children is not
developed enough to combat microorganisms.
• Immune suppressed or compromised persons.
• Elderly
• Persons recovering from illnesses,
hospital stays and surgeries.
• Cancer patients.
• Transplant recipients.
• Persons with HIV
• Asthma patients.
Microbes in Water Damages
Category 1 – Clean Water
• Given enough time, microbes will grow in clean water. The longer clean water is present in a structure, the more likely conditions will develop where bacteria and fungi grow rapidly.
• Examples of Clean Water: Tap water
Rain water
Category 2 – Gray Water• Gray water contains some contamination that threatens human
health.• Examples of Gray Water: Urine
Wash water
Chemicals
Category 3 – Black Water• Black water is the most contaminated type of water damage.• Examples of Black Water: Feces
Flood water
Chemicals
Medical waste
Dead animals
Microbes Review Questions
1. List at-risk people.
2. Define the three categories of a water damage.
3. How can microbes make you sick?
4. What can you do to avoid getting sick from microbial contamination?
5. Where do you find mold?
6. What are the conditions that promote mold growth?
7. What can you do to prevent mold growth?
8. What PPE should be worn at a sewage damage?
9. Give examples of situations where you have encountered clean, gray and black water damages.
Equipment and Professional Products
Detection and Monitoring Devices
Moisture Sensor
The moisture sensor is used to detect moisture in soft materials. The
sensor has sharp probes that penetrate through carpets and pad to
show how far water has migrated. Moisture sensors only detect the presence of moisture, they do not measure the amount of moisture.
Moisture Testers
Moister testers (or moisture meters) are used to find the actual moisture content of various materials and help technicians determine if a structure is dry. Penetrating moisture testers have probes to test within wall cavities and underneath wood flooring. Non-penetrating moisture testers have sensors that produce readings when the tester is placed on the surface of materials.
Thermohygrometer
Thermohygrometers measure both temperature and relative humidity.
Compare readings of air for four areas.
1. In the affected areas.
2. In unaffected areas.
3. Outside the structure.
4. Exhaust processed through the dehumidifier into the affected
area ensure dehumidification is contributing to an effective
drying process.
Extraction Tools
• Always use a wand for your first extraction pass to stop water migration.
• Extract thoroughly – extraction is 1,200 times more efficient than dehumidification.
• If the water is two inches deep or more, use a submersible pump.
Air Moving Equipment
• Remind the customer air movement is critical therefore, the air movers must be left on, even if they are noisy.
• Air movers serve various functions in a water damage.• A carpet clamp on some air movers allows them to be
used to “float” carpets, blowing air under the carpets.• High velocity airflow from air movers increases the rate
of evaporation by removing moist air next to a wet surface and replacing it with drier air.
Dehumidification Equipment
Types of Dehumidifiers
Water damage technicians use three types of dehumidifiers: refrigerant, low grain refrigerant and desiccant.
Refrigerant dehumidifiers are efficient enough to lower the relative humidity in a structure to approximately 55-60 gpp.
Low grain refrigerants (LGR) are refrigerant dehumidifiers that will work below 40 gpp.
Desiccant dehumidifiers can lower relative humidity to a much lower point, but you risk damaging materials by getting them too dry; for example, wood may crack if it becomes too dry.
Conventional Refrigerants and LGRs
• Refrigerant dehumidifiers have one problem. At 32˚ F, it is not uncommon for the evaporator coil to freeze up.
• The only difference between the conventional refrigerant and LGR is the LGR re-cools the air before it hits the evaporator coil, therefore the LGR can work below 40 gpp.
• An LGR is the most energy efficient dehumidifier.
Desiccant Dehumidifiers
• A desiccant dehumidifier is simpler.
• As moist air enters, it passes through a rotor filled with an incredibly hot substance (like silica gel).
• The gel has such a high thirst (because of its high temperature), moisture molecules stay in the gel and 75% of the intake air is pumped back out warmer and drier.
Carpet and Pad Equipment
Your Carpet Kit Should Include:
• Knee kicker
• Stair tool
• Hot-melt glue gun and glue sticks
• Latex adhesive
• Carpet shears
• Razor knife or duckbill knife
• Seaming iron
• Seaming tape
• Stair roller (seam tractor)
• Staple hammer or electric stapler
• Power stretch
Other All Important ToolsEvery van should have a regular toolbox containing:
• Screwdrivers• Pliers• Awl• Molding lifter• Hammer• Rubber hammer• Flashlight• Crescent wrench
• Stapler
• Various pluming tools
• Extension cords
• Plug adapters
• Pry bars or crowbars
• Measuring tape
• Any other tools that you may need and don’t want to travel back to the warehouse to get
Disinfectants and SewageTreat sewage-contaminated environments with biocides two times
• Apply the first treatment before work begins to make the site safer for workers to perform their cleaning tasks. This will start to decontaminate the sewage-covered materials and surfaces, but will not completely disinfect the environment. Exposure still may present health risks and personal protective equipment still should be used as required.
• Apply a second treatment after cleaning contaminated surfaces because biocides are most effective when they contact microorganisms on clean surfaces.
• Tell customers about the products
you are using and provide MSD sheets,
if requested.
Terms for Chemical Agents
Antimicrobial An antimicrobial agent is any chemical used “against” microorganisms to stop their development or to limit or stop their growth.
Disinfectants Disinfectants and germicides are antimicrobials that destroy about 99% of organisms they contact on surfaces. Common disinfectants are quaternaries, phenols, formaldehydes, alcohols and chlorines.
Sanitizers A product listed as a sanitizer reduces microbes to levels considered by public health authorities to be safe. Under the right conditions, however, the microbes may grow back again.
Sterilizers A sterilizer destroys all microorganisms, including bacteria and fungi spores. Sterilizing microbes in a water damage is generally not possible.
-cides Biocides are chemical agents that destroy or kill living organisms (-cide meaning “kill”). The term biocide is used generally to refer to any chemical agent that affects the growth of microbes like bacteria and fungi.
Ingredients of Chemical Agents
The antimicrobials listed on the next slide are some of the most commonly used products in the creation of water damage chemicals.
Advantages Disadvantages
Phenolics:
Aromatic alcohol based agents.
• Inexpensive• Residual activity• Some products can be fogged• Effective against a wide variety
of bacteria and fungi• Some products OHSA compliant
for Bloodborne Pathogens
• Strong odor
Quaternary Compounds:
Used primarily to disinfect or sanitize.
• Inexpensive• Effective against a wide variety
of bacteria and fungi
• Inactivated by organic
matter
Gluteraldehydes:
A sanitizing agent used in leather, tanning, food processing and in fabric sanitizing or disinfecting
• Less affected by organic matter• Non-corrosive
• Expensive• Irritating vapors• Toxic when inhaled
Chlorine:
Think bleach.
• Can remove stains• Lox toxicity• Germicidal action against
bacteria, viruses, fungi, molds
and mildew
• Strong odor• Can irritate the skin or
respiratory system• Can remove dyes• Cannot be fogged
Equipment and Professional Products Review Questions
1. What is the difference between a moisture sensor and a moisture tester?
2. What is the most important key when using a thermohygrometer?
3. What is the difference between a desiccant and a refrigerant dehumidifier?
4. What does the term “biocide” mean in the restoration industry?
5. What features must an air mover have in order to float a carpet?
6. When should you apply chemicals in a sewage damaged home?
7. What is the most energy efficient dehumidifier?
8. What does it mean to sanitize, sterilize and disinfect?
9. Which extraction tool works best to stop water migration?
10. What are the key professional products that you may find useful in a water damage situation?
Job Management
Fast Response• If you are going to be late for ANY REASON, call the customer and
let him/her know.• The SERVPRO system is a 24-hour emergency response and
restoration service provider. SERVPRO has educated the insurance industry regarding the importance of fast service, and provides a nationwide commitment to “1-4-8” response times.
Within 1 Hour Contact the customer.
Within 4 Hours Begin the work.
Within 8 Business Hours Provide preliminary scope information and initial ScanER estimate update to the Insurance Adjuster.
Previewing the Water Loss
• Don’t commit the adjuster or the insurance company! For example: don’t promise the carpet will be replaced because the adjuster might not agree.
• A Key Phrase: “That’s a good question”. Your adjuster will help you interpret your policy. The adjuster will know those specific answers.
• Moments of Truth: A moment of truth occurs every time a SERVPRO Franchise employee comes into contact with a customer on an insurance contact. What the employee says is judged; how the employee looks is judged; and how the employee acts is judged.
Customer Information Form-Water Damage
While completing the scope, present the
SERVPRO (28501) Customer Information Form-Water Damage. Cover the important topics with the customer and explain in detail any items the customer seems concerned about. Then give the form to the customer to review the rest of the information. DO NOT read the entire form to the customer!
Be sure to cover the following items:
Authorization, Insurance Verification and Deductible:
• Explain that the SERVPRO (28000) Authorization to Perform Services must be signed before any work can begin.
• Verify insurance coverage. Be sure to write down the name of the insurance carrier, the policy number and the amount of the deductible.
How We Proceed
• Explain SERVPRO’s concern to protect the customer’s structure and contents.
• Explain to the customer what you are going to do during the emergency service and answer any questions he/she may have.
• Ask whether the customer is aware of any mold in the structure. If significant mold is identified or found during the inspections, notify the insurance representative to determine the appropriate course of action.
Pre-existing or Pre-loss Conditions
• Ask the customer if the structure has had water damages before
• If the answer is “yes”, watch for signs of pre-existing mold damage.
Personal Items
• Ask if it is OK to inspect all area during the cleaning.
• Note any areas the customer wants avoided.
Jewelry, Valuable and Heirlooms
• Ask the customer to list any expensive or valued items.
• Recommend such items be removed if possible.
Health and Safety
• Explain to customers that SERVPRO is concerned for their personal health and safety.
Approximate Completion
• Tell the customer the approximate time needed to complete the job.
• Make sure the customer checks either “Yes” or “No” on Points 5,7 and 13.
• After presenting the Customer Information Form-Water Damage, ask the customer to read it over and acknowledge by signing in the appropriate area. If the customer is uncomfortable signing the form, note the time you reviewed it with the customer in the signature space and ask them to initial it.
Performing the
Emergency Services
Authorization to Perform Services• Before you begin measuring, present a completed SERVPRO (28000)
Authorization to Perform Services to the customer to review and sign while you are performing the scope. If the customer hesitates to sign the authorization, calmly explain to the customer that without his/her approval (authorization) SERVPRO cannot begin the necessary emergency services. Ask for the signature in a natural tone.
• Also, ask the customer to initial the back.
• Explain that the Authorization to Perform Services gives SERVPRO permission to do the work.
• Do not begin work unless the customer has signed the Authorization form.
• Here is another chance to collect the deductible. You can introduce the subject by saying, “We accept personal checks, credit cards or cash.”
Equipment Monitoring
and Responsibility
Customer Equipment Responsibility Form
• Use the SERVPRO (28509) Customer Equipment Responsibility Form when drying equipment, like air movers and dehumidifiers, must be left at the job. This form explains to customers their responsibility to keep the equipment safe and running.
Monitoring and Inspection Report
• Water damage jobs should be monitored daily. You should create written Monitoring Reports, indicating moisture content readings of structure and contents, as well as specific humidity readings to document the environment is drying.
• Use SERVPRO (28575) Monitoring and Inspection Report, it has a graph area to show exactly where it is wet.
Pretesting Has Four Primary Objectives
1. What portion of the structure and contents will dry and clean to a pre-loss condition?
2. What portion of the structure and contents will not dry to a pre-loss condition?
3. What portion of structure and contents are unaffected?
4. What portion of structure and contents are you not sure about?
Completing the Job
Final Walk-Through
• When the job has been completed, walk through the job once by yourself to make sure everything is truly finished. Then, walk through with the customer to ensure everything is done to the customer’s satisfaction.
• Take notes during the walk-through, showing concern for the customer’s opinion and making notes for follow up if needed.
• The best time for a final walk-through is just before the crew finishes the job. This prevents sending a crew back if there is a problem.
The Certificate of Satisfaction
• After the final walk-through, ask the customer to complete and sign the SERVPRO (28503) Certificate of Satisfaction. A copy of the Certificate of Satisfaction should be included when the office person sends the bill to the agent or adjuster.
Job Management Review Questions
1. What is the first form you hand to a customer?
2. What form must be signed to begin work?
3. What is “1-4-8”?
4. What do you look for when pretesting?
5. What paperwork do you use when equipment is left at a job site?
6. When should you do your final walk-through?
7. What is a moment of truth?
8. What does “Don’t commit the adjuster” mean?
9. What form should you ask the customer to sign before leaving the job site?
10. What points do you review with the customer on the SERVPRO (28501) Customer Information Form-Water Damage?
Emergency
Services
The Purposes of an Emergency Service Call
1. Make the homeowner feel at ease.
2. Educate the customer about what you are doing.
3. Protect the structure and contents from further damage.
4. Remove as much water as possible
5. Start the drying process.
6. Try not to disrupt the customer’s daily lives.
7. Try to make the environment as comfortable as possible.
The JobTo effectively dry a structure, four basic questions must be answered.
1. What areas and materials are wet?
2. How wet are materials?
3. Is the drying process working?
4. Are materials dry before ending the drying process?
Basic Scoping ProceduresFigure out where the water came from. Make sure the water has been
stopped or contained. If it is not, contact your supervisor or the adjuster.
1. Is the water clean, gray or black? Remember, if the water sat for a period of time, clean may become gray and gray may become black.
2. Explain to customers what you are doing and why. Go over the appropriate forms, such as the Customer Information Form.
3. Have customer sign appropriate documentation, including the Authorization to Perform Services.
4. Look for possible safety hazards.
5. Answer the question: “What is wet?” Use the moisture detection equipment to determine where it is wet. Start at the source of the water and work outwards.
6. Note the type of materials that need to be dried. Make sure you test the walls, baseboards, insulation, cabinets, hidden areas, crawl spaces, registers, ducts, carpets, pads, sub-floors, wet contents, etc. Write everything down.
7. Measure damaged areas.
8. Photograph the damage.
9. Complete the Water Damage Emergency Services Report.
Clean Water Emergency
Service Procedures
Before beginning emergency services, make sure the Authorization to Perform Services Form has been signed.
• Take care of any dangerous situations, post warning signs and make sure occupants are protected. Never proceed until you’re sure it is safe.
• Move and block the furniture• Extract the water.• Try to remove furniture stains.
Your best chance to remove furniture stains is while the carpet is still wet.
• Remove the pad if necessary.• Extract the water from the sub-
floor. Use squeegee wand on hard floors, not the carpet wand.
• Look for pre-existing damages. The primary pre-existing conditions to look for are delamination and mold growth.
• If necessary, apply an appropriate professional product to the carpet backing and to the floor.
• Lay the carpet back on the sub-floor and temporarily attach around perimeter.
• Float the carpet (if necessary).
• Take care of vapor barriers. Ventilate inside of wall and ceiling cavities as necessary.
• Place dehumidifiers to remove excess moisture from the air.
• Set up air movers around the perimeter of the room at 45˚ angles pointing towards the wall. Make sure that you have a balanced drying system.
• Check temperature and relative humidity in the affected area, inside an unaffected area, outside, and for the air coming out of each dehumidifier.
• Take moisture content readings of dry materials in unaffected areas. These are your drying goals.
• Draw a diagram showing the wet areas and the moisture content readings on the back of the Monitoring and Inspection Report.
• Complete a SERVPRO (28509) Customer Equipment Responsibility Form.
• Explain to the customer why it is important to leave the equipment on.
• Thank the customer and answer any final questions.
Removing the Pad
• Disengage the carpet with a carpet awl and knee kicker.• Cut as few seams as possible.• Pull back the carpet and extract the water from the pad.• Don’t fold carpet at the seam or step on folded carpet (it creases).• Don’t damage walls or baseboards with the carpet.• Use a utility knife to cut pad (and the carpet your are throwing
away).• Place into plastic bags.• Save at least one square foot section so you’ll know what type of
pad to use when replacing padding.
Contaminated Water Emergency Service
Procedures
Perform the following actions for contaminated water damages.
• Eliminate safety hazards from the job site. Post signs and gather the appropriate PPE, including boots, full-body suits, rubber gloves, respirators equipped with P100/organic vapor cartridges and eye protection.
• As you enter, spray an EPA-registered disinfectant directly on affected areas. Follow the labels!
• Containment may be needed if contaminants can spread to unaffected areas. Always talk to your supervisor to make sure the insurance company approves.
• If applicable, remove standing silt and debris.
• Remove excess water from carpets and other types of flooring using extractors.
• Evaluate whether contents and structure can be decontaminated and restored or must be removed and replaced.
• Also, communicate with the insurance adjuster.
• If damage is from black water, remove and dispose of both carpet and pad.
• If needed, pressure wash structural components. Disinfect surfaces with an EPA registered disinfectant.
• Remove materials as necessary to decontaminate the building.• Repeat disinfecting steps for newly exposed surfaces.• Remove and dispose of any final debris and wastewater.• After cleaning procedures are completed, place air movers and
dehumidifiers to speed drying.• Wash your hands, body, and clothing.• Clean your PPE and equipment to prevent the spread of germs.
Emergency Services Review Questions1. What are the four questions you must answer to effectively dry a
structure?
2. What should you do if there is still water rushing in from a damaged ceiling?
3. Where should you look for damage in a water damaged home?
4. When should you use extraction equipment?
5. When should you use professional products on gray and black water damages?
6. What are the main steps in handling clean water emergency services?
7. What makes a sewage damage different from a clean water damage?
8. When should you attempt furniture stain removal? Use furniture pads or blocks?
9. What are the necessary steps to pull the pad? Float the carpet?
10. What paperwork will you use during the emergency service?
Job Monitoring
Why Do We Monitor?
• To be sure the structure is drying.
• To make sure our equipment is working properly and safely.
• To continue to communicate with the customer.
• To document that our processes are working in order to avoid future problems or liabilities.
Drying Goal Measurements
• Take readings for relative humidity and temperature with a thermohygrometer and record them.
• Use these readings to calculate the actual grains of moisture (the specific humidity).
• A drying goal should be established for the affected areas. • Determine the moisture content of materials in unaffected areas of the
structure and make these readings your drying goals for the affected areas.• Unaffected areas normally represent the pre-loss condition or “normal”
condition in the building.• When the affected area readings are the same or drier than the unaffected
areas, you know that the affected area is back to normal.
• Drying equipment should only be removed when drying goals are met. • If you are asked to remove equipment early, require the customer and
adjuster to sign the SERVPRO (28540) Authorization to Remove Dehumidification/Drying Equipment Form.
Grain Depression
The difference between the GPP coming out of the DH as opposed to the GPP coming in.
Job Monitoring Review Questions
1. What tool do you use to monitor Rh and temperature?2. How do you know when to stop drying something?3. How do you establish a drying goal?4. Is your drying process working? · Day 1: Affected Area - 75˚/71% Rh · Day 2: Affected Area – 78˚ /60% Rh5. Why is it important to monitor and document? 6. What is your grain depression for the following dehumidifier? Is it enough?
-Affected Area: 82˚/70% Rh -Air from Dehumidifier: 85˚/68% Rh
7. In the following situation, would there be benefit to using an open air drying system?
· Affected Area: 70˚/62% Rh · Outside: 75˚/62% Rh8. What form should be signed if a customer requests that drying equipment be
removed early?9. Where should you take temperature and Rh readings?10. How often should you monitor?
RestorationServices
What is Restoration?
• It is putting someone's home or business back together.
• It is the extra things, like relaying the carpet, repairing the sub-floors and resetting the contents.
• It is restoring items to a pre-loss (normal) condition.
Once the structure and contents are dry, the technician can perform the restoration services. Restoration services are
all of the tasks needed to return the site to its normal, per-loss condition.
Restoration may include:
• Cleaning, repairing or reinstalling floors and floor coverings, such as carpets, carpet pads, hardwood floors, resilient and non-resilient floors.
• Removing and resetting contents to install or repair floor coverings.
• Installing tack strip.
• Repairing or replacing sub-floors.
• Cleaning and deodorizing contents.
Removing Drying Equipment
• Once the structure is dry, remove air movers, dehumidifiers and other drying equipment from the structure.
• Complete the SERVPRO (28509) Customer Equipment Responsibility From.
Reinstalling Carpet and Replacing Pad
Reinstallation Procedure1. Prepare floor for carpet reinstallation.
2. Reinstall tackless strip, if necessary.
3. Install new pad (make sure it is the same type, thickness and density as the type that was removed).
· Lay out pad using tackless for a straight edge. The pad should be installed at
right angles to carpet seams.
· Cut pad to fit largest areas first.
· Use a sharp blade to cut pad. Be careful with sharp knives to prevent injury.
· Lay pad with slick side facing up so carpet can slide over it.
· Tape seams of pad.
· Anchor pad to floor with double-sided, non-paper tape, staples or glue.
4. Prepare the carpet for stretching.
5. Stretch and attach the carpet.
6. Even if only part of the carpet was affected, the
whole room must be cleaned.
Completing the Job
When all restoration services are completed, finalize the job by making sure the customer is satisfied with your work
• Check moisture levels one last time to make sure the job is dry.• Complete a walk-through yourself, to make sure everything is done.• Complete walk-through with customer.• Listen, don’t be defensive.• Fix any problems as necessary.• Remove equipment and supplies.• Have the customer complete the
Certificate of Satisfaction.• Return the paperwork to the office.
Restoration Services Review Questions
1. When can restoration services begin?
2. When should you remove drying equipment?
3. What is the difference between mitigation and restoration?
4. Name some of the most common restoration steps for water damaged homes.
5. What forms should the customer sign during the restoration process?
6. Why is it important to keep a sample of the pad when you pull it?
7. What are the basic steps of reinstalling pad?
8. What are the basic steps of reinstalling carpet?
9. Only half of a room is damaged. How much of the carpet must you clean?
10. How should you handle the question: “Is the insurance company going to replace my hardwood floor?”
Specialty DryingSituations
In-Place Drying of Carpet and Pad
• Some water mitigation and drying systems dry carpet and pad without removing the pad. This method is called in-place drying or top down drying.
• The basic concept of in-place drying is to extract the carpet more times and increase the number of air movers and dehumidifiers.
• The carpet is not detached, and the pad is dried in place.
Situations Not Appropriate for In-place Drying
Don’t use in-place Drying:
• If the carpet has been exposed to water for more than 72 hours.
• If there is evidence of mold growth or other biological contamination.
• If carpet is installed over hardwood floors or laminated floors.
• If there is any evidence or structural damage to the sub-flooring.
• If it is not a clean water damage.
• If there are multiple layers of sub-flooring, or if there is a vapor barrier.
• If the pad has a non-porous layer that will trap water underneath.
Extraction with In-place Drying
• The extraction step of the in-place drying system must be aggressive. It is necessary to use specialty (weighted) equipment that squeeze water out of both the carpet and the pad.
• Time: Extracting with the in-place method requires double or triple the time to extract, but time is saved by not detaching carpet and removing pad.
• Spend approximately 1 hour per 300 square feet.
Crawl SpacesSuggest that owners install a vapor barrier once the water is removed.
• Water damaged crawl spaces of a building/house are often difficult to access.
• Even when the crawl space door is big enough for equipment, the crawl space itself may lack enough room for a dehumidifier to stand upright under the floor system.
• Removal of insulation may be necessary, the floor may be dirt or mud, and you may need to have the foundation of the house or the HVAC system inspected.
• The water in a crawl space is normally gray or black (because of dirt floors) so wear appropriate safety equipment!
• Remove standing water from the crawl space.
• Look for the lowest point in the area and use an appropriate submersible pump to remove most of the standing water. After most of the water is removed, the next step is to determine the best way to dry the structural components of the floor.
1. Block off all foundation vents unless an open drying system
is appropriate.
2. If possible, place air movers and dehumidifiers in the crawl
space.
3. If air movers or dehumidifiers will not fit, it may be necessary
to remove a part of the floor or use other methods.
4. Monitor the crawl space area during the drying process.• When equipment won’t fit, one option is to use flex hose as a duct
to move air from dehumidifiers to the crawl space.• A piece of light gauge sheet metal can be cut to fit the outlet of the
dehumidifier to vent dry air into small areas.
Behind and Under Cabinets
• The construction of the cabinets affects drying. Is there a back on the cabinet? If the cabinet does not have a back, you may be able to drill holes in the wall to allow air circulation in the wall cavity just as you would to dry a typical wall.
• If the cabinet has a back, drying times are extended because air movement is limited. You can still drill holes in the cabinet back and patch with a material comparable to the back of the cabinet.
• Qualify with the customer before cutting holes, and make sure you are following all applicable laws and regulations.
• When cabinets are hung on an interior wall, cut holes in the wall from the room on the opposite side of the wall. When possible, use a vent system to force air into the wall cavity.
Wallpaper
• Drying walls behind vinyl is difficult, since vinyl wallpaper is a vapor barrier that blocks water behind it.
• Because vinyl prevents moisture transfer, dehumidifiers cannot remove moisture effectively from the wall in many cases.
• In most cases, the most effective way to dry walls covered with vinyl is to remove the vinyl wall covering.
• Always communicate first with the adjuster and the customer.
Hardwood Floors
• The drying strategy for hardwood floors must focus on prevention of buckling, cupping or warping. The effect of water on the floor is determined by the amount of water and on how long water was on the floor. Buckling, cupping and
warping are natural in wood
exposed to moisture.
Harwood floors should be dried as soon as possible. Wood materials that remain wet for long periods are susceptible to permanent damage. Mold growth is possible when moisture content is above 16%
• As soon as possible, reduce the relative humidity to 30% to 40%. Position air movers to apply airflow on top of and underneath the wood floor.
• Once the floor’s moisture content is below 16%, increase the air temperature to speed up the evaporation process.
• There is equipment available to force airflow underneath a hardwood floor, drying it from below. This may allow you to avoid perforating the floor finish.
• When drying hardwood floors the floors
should be within 4% of drying goal.
Exterior Walls
• Drying exterior walls can be difficult because insulation in wall cavities greatly reduces the air circulation. This extends drying times considerable.
Document DryingThe focus in document and book drying is to stop further
damage and dry items to the best condition possible. Five methods are used for
document drying:
• Air drying.• Dehumidification.• Freeze drying.• Vacuum freeze drying.• Vacuum thermal drying.
ElectronicsElectronic equipment is any item that contains circuit boards or
microprocessors. The most obvious examples of electronic equipment are computers, but TVs, VCRs, stereos, microwaves and even appliances may
have circuit boards. Take steps first to ensure safety
• Ensure no electrical hazards exist. Unplug all electronics.
• Disconnect any backup batteries and remove fuses or trip breakers.
• Remove electronics from the exposed environment, or at least cover electrical equipment with plastic to prevent additional water from affecting the unit.
• Call a qualified electronics restoration vendor as soon as possible for evaluation and restoration services.
Electronic Media
• Do not try to clean or repair media. Damage is likely unless you have special equipment for cleaning and repairing. There are companies that do just this.
Specialty Drying Situations Review Questions1. When can you use in-place drying?
2. Why is a vapor barrier important in a crawl space?
3. What do you do if your drying equipment will not fit into a space that must be dried?
4. What do you need to do to monitor cabinet drying?
5. What are the steps to take if wallpaper is acting like a vapor barrier?
6. What can happen to hardwood floors if mitigation does not occur immediately?
7. What is the first thing you should do with wet books?
8. Name three instances when an outside inspection may be necessary?
9. What should you worry about when drying exterior walls?
10. What must a technician do differently when using the in-place drying method as opposed to pulling pad?
11. What is the first thing you should do with wet electronics?
Deodorization
Receptors in the nose send a message to the brain that determines whether the smell is good or bad. This determination is made based on past experience, as well as on the actual odor. This is the reason why some people think a smell is good and others think it is bad. The interpretation differs with each individual.
Combating Smells
• The first step to get rid of an odor is to remove what causes the odor.
• Some of the most common sources of odor in water damages are:
Sewage Dirt
Moisture Trash
Dead Animals Mildew
Pet Waste
If you smell something, assume its there. Keep looking!
Deodorant Type How it Works When to Use How it Comes
Masking Agents Cover bad odors with a pleasing smell
Use with imaginary odors and real odors
Time release beads or product additives.
Filtration and Absorption Agents
Absorbs moisture, humidity and some oils.
Use with imaginary odors and real odors.
Activated charcoal (for air filtration systems).
Pairing Agents Products that combine with odor particles causing them to fall on to surfaces to be cleaned up.
Use with real odors. Use the ULV wet fogger.
Disinfectants and Sanitizers
Inhibit bacteria and fungal growth.
When microbial growth is present or to prevent microbial growth.
Liquid which can be sprayed on with a pump or sprayer.
Electrically Generated Deodorizers
Ozone gas is an unstable oxygen molecule that mixes with odor particles. The extra atom of oxygen combines with the odor and changes the chemical structure.
In situations where odors have penetrated deeply and the customer has moved out of the home. These are rarely used in water damages.
Ozone Generators.
Safety Equipment and Precautions
Several safety equipment items must be used when dispersing a fog or gaseous deodorant. Respirators are a must. All people must be out of the area being fogged. Chemical resistant gloves should also be worn, especially when applying disinfectants. Eye protection and protective clothing are important.
Avoid an OOPS!!: Activated oxygen (ozone) should not be used in damp environments. Ozone will react with moisture and may cause a bleaching action, so you may want to use another deodorization method if carpets or upholstery are still damp from water damage or cleaning.
Avoid an OOPS!!: Deodorization agents used for thermal fogging are solvent-based and flammable. Pilot lights and sources of flash or ignition should be eliminated. Fog can also set off fire and security alarms, so advise the customer to turn them off or notify appropriate agencies. The fire department should be notified prior to thermal fogging operations.
Venting Box Fans
• You will need high velocity exhaust fans to ventilate structures, both before and after deodorization. Smoke, gases and other forms of contamination should be vented from structures before deodorizing begins. High velocity exhaust fans quickly ventilate buildings and shorten the time needed before allowing occupants to return after deodorization.
Air Scrubbers
• Air scrubbers can remove airborne particles, as well as odors and chemicals from the air. The device draws dirty air through a series of filters, capturing particles and odors, and then exhausts clean air back into the environment. HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) filters capture 99.97% of particles down to 0.3 microns.
Levels of Disinfecting
• For an environment to be considered sterile, it must be completely free of contamination.
• The disinfected level of cleaning is achieved when at least 95 percent of the soils and contaminates are removed or made safe.
• In the sanitary level of clean, soils and contaminates are removed to the point that general health is protected.
Deodorization Review Questions
1. What level of clean is your goal?
2. Name a SERVPRO product that you would apply with the following devices:
Pump-Up Sprayer
Thermal Fogger
ULV
3. What is the first thing you do when trying to make an area smell better?
4. What is the difference between a masking agent and a pairing agent?
5. What are the key safety issues when deodorizing?
6. What is the difference between a box fan and an air mover?
7. What determines if an odor is pleasant or unpleasant?
8. If you smell an odor but you can’t see it, what should you do?
9. HEPA filters capture ___% of particles down to ____ microns?
Dealing with Mold
To grow and multiply, molds require the right temperature and a food source. Most molds grow best between 68˚ and 86˚ F, however, some types of mold prefer cold temperatures as low as 23˚ F, while other types grow in hot temperatures up to 122˚ F. Molds feed on organic materials, and many materials in houses can be used as food.
Mold IllnessesMedical experts say an exposure
to some molds may produce
upset stomach, nausea, vomiting
and diarrhea. More serious
effects are dermatitis (inflam-
mation of the skin) and
Internal bleeding.
Chemical WarfareMolds have two chemical “weapons”.
1. Mycotoxins are known to cause
health problems in humans.
2. Microbial Volatile Organic
Compounds (mVOCs) result in
unpleasant smells in our homes
and may be irritants in the lung
airways.
Assessing the Environment
• The first step in mold remediation to determine if there is a mold problem.
• You do not want to scare a customer about mold!
• If mold is discovered, contact your supervisor and follow the procedures set by the insurance company. Immediately proceed with their guidance.
The Mold Remediation Process
• Contain the mold contamination to ensure it doesn’t spread to uncontaminated areas and to protect occupants. Containment process may include the following:
Plastic sheeting.
Establishing negative air pressure in the contaminated area.
Sealing HVAC vents to prevent contamination of duct system
Establishing “clean rooms” and decontamination rooms for entering,
leaving and decontaminating equipment and materials.
• Remove mold contamination.
• Dry the structure and contents to stop further mold growth.
Dealing with Mold Review Questions
1. What are the best conditions for mold growth?
2. Why is containment necessary?
3. What type of physical effects can mold have on unprotected individuals.
4. What are the three main steps of remediation?
5. What steps do you take when mold has been identified?
6. What are the potentially poisonous substances found in mold?
THE END!!!