In addition, sampling and analysis should follow any other methods recommended by either OSHA, NIOSH, EPA, the American Industrial Hygiene Association, or other recognized professional guidelines. Recognize information about the NFIP to share with the general public. This lesson describes mitigation options and the circumstances under which each is used. An important reference with guidelines for immuno-compromised individuals can be found at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website. Molds typically consist of a network of threadlike filaments that infiltrate the surface on which the mold is growing. The following procedures may be implemented depending upon the severity of the contamination: Note: If abatement procedures are expected to generate a lot of dust (e.g., abrasive cleaning of contaminated surfaces, demolition of plaster walls) or the visible concentration of the mold is heavy (blanket coverage as opposed to patchy), it is recommended that the remediation procedures for Level IV be followed. Respirators used to provide protection from mold and mold spores must be certified by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). Mold slide 1 of 2 The Key to Mold Control is Moisture Control If mold is a problem in your home, you must clean up the mold and eliminate sources of moisture. Study Resources . The remediation manager's highest priority must be to protect the health and safety of the building occupants and remediators. Mold also can damage materials in your home. Mold exposure may cause or aggravate asthma or respiratory problems in adults and children. Publications on floods, flood proofing, etc. Available in both English and Spanish languages. Are building materials or furnishings visibly moisture damaged? It serves as the national focus for developing and applying disease prevention and control, environmental health, and health promotion and education activities. 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. This mold can be difficult or impossible to remove completely. Air sampling for mold may not be part of a routine assessment because decisions about appropriate remediation strategies often can be made on the basis of a visual inspection. Use hand, eye, and respiratory protection. Information on health-related topics including asthma molds in the environment, and occupational health. This Guide is also available in HTML. . 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. Floods are one of the most commonly occurring natural hazards in the United States. Wet vacuums should be used only on wet materials, as spores may be exhausted into the indoor environment if insufficient liquid is present. Notification should include a description of the remedial measures to be taken and a timetable for completion. Many communities have adopted even stricter standards in their floodplain ordinance and require higher elevation called freeboard. Freeboard helps compensate for many unknown factors that can contribute to flood heights greater than those calculated in base flood elevations, such as wave action, bridge openings, and the effects of urbanization of the watershed. To reduce the moisture level in the air, repair leaks, increase ventilation (if outside air is cold and dry), or dehumidify (if outdoor air is warm and humid). before taking further action. For more information about the other courses, refer to the EMI website at http://training.fema.gov. Use the arrow keys to select answers for multiple-choice review questions or self-assessment checklists. Insurance can be purchased for structures, contents, or both. When deciding if relocating occupants is necessary, consideration should be given to the size and type of mold growth, the type and extent of health effects reported by the occupants, the potential health risks that could be associated with the remediation activity, and the amount of disruption this activity is likely to cause. In this lesson you will learn about the different types of flooding that occur along coasts, rivers, streams, and lakes. Molds come in many colors; both white and black molds are shown here. Track your progress by looking at the Progress bar at the top right of each screen. Other resources are intended for use by building and emergency management professionals. The National Association of Homebuilders (NAHB) represents the building industry for members and affiliated state and local builders organizations. Carpet and Upholstery Cleaning Institute, Mechanical Systems Hygiene Institute, National Institute of Disaster Restoration, National Institute Rug Cleaning, Water Loss Institute referrals to professionals. Seasonal rainfall and storm systems can cause the lake level to rise faster than it can empty. A. Referrals to clinics with physicians, who have experience with environmental exposures, include exposure to mold; maintains a database of occupational and environmental cases. A N-95 respirator is recommended. FEMA's HM Disaster Workforce Website houses a wealth of hazard mitigation information. Flood Hazards Portable Generators Flood water can make the air in your home unhealthy. A good way to protect HVAC equipment is to locate it on an upper floor or in the attic rather than in the basement or lower level of a structure. Carpet maintenance, restoration guidelines for water-damaged carpet, other carpet-related issues. which agency is responsible for the message to the public about mold hazards and remediation? A humidistat is a control device that can be connected to an HVAC system and adjusted so that if the humidity level rises above a set point, the HVAC system will automatically turn on and reduce the humidity below the established point. 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. Many of these mitigation measures involve elevating equipment above the expected flood levels. A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States. For example, air sampling may show a higher concentration of the same species of mold when the HVAC is operating than when it has been turned off. Relocation is another flood mitigation measure that will comply with most community floodplain ordinances. Please note that mold may cause staining and cosmetic damage. Fix source(s) of moisture incursion problem(s) as soon as possible. This type of floodproofing is often used to protect non-residential structures, water supplies, and sewage systems. You must have identified and completely corrected the source of the water or moisture problem. www.ascr.org/institutes [http://www.restorationindustry.org]. Moisture control is the key to mold control. Under certain circumstances, it may be necessary to wear appropriate PPE while performing this task. What mold publications should Hazard Mitigation staff distribute? In January 2019, theNational Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) released: These tools may help identify and determine the severity of known and unknown areas of dampness and mold, prioritize repair and remediation, and track past and present problems. Expert Help. It is important to package mold-contaminated materials in this fashion to minimize the dispersion of mold spores. The contained area and decontamination room should be HEPA vacuumed and cleaned with a damp cloth or mopped with a detergent solution and be visibly clean prior to the removal of isolation barriers. These can be accessed from the FEMA website. The work area and surrounding areas should be HEPA vacuumed and cleaned with a damp cloth or mop and a detergent solution. Repairing plumbing leaks and leaks in the building structure as soon as possible. This requirement is most significant for structures built before the current floodplain ordinance was enacted. 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. Referrals to physicians who have experience with environmental exposures. Indoor air related documents, answers to Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) questions, maintains listing of State IAQ contacts, and regional EPA Contacts. This will prevent unnecessary contamination of food, beverage, cosmetics, and tobacco products by mold and other harmful substances within the work area. Before planning the remediation assess the extent of the mold or moisture problem and the type of damaged materials. Raising electrical system components helps avoid such problems. Make sure anyone applying a biocide is properly licensed where required. Sampling, if conducted, should show that the level and types of mold and mold spores inside the building are similar to those found outside. This ordinance regulates new development in what the NFIP calls Special Flood Hazard Areas, or floodplains. Preventing moisture from condensing by increasing surface temperature or reducing the moisture level in the air (humidity). Other forms of hazard mitigation include provision of emergency services, private property protection, information and awareness, and infrastructure protection activities; there may also be. 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. This can be done by using moist techniques, such as a damp cloth or pad, for mold removal and by bagging the material in the confined space for later removal. Who's affected? Below are instructions for navigating through the course using your keyboard. The advice of a medical professional should always be sought if there are any emerging health issues. Extensive courses given in IAQ. Information on pesticides/antimicrobial chemicals, including safety and disposal information. It also regulates the repair and rebuilding of structures in the floodplain that are substantially damaged or substantially improved.. 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. What happens once a loss claim has been reported, Explain the risk and the mitigation actions clearly and at a level of detail appropriate to the listener, Refer to publications/websites that reinforce or provide additional information about rebuilding or repairing to reduce future risk of damages, Communicating basic information to the public about flood-related mold issues, FEMA publications to promote flood mitigation, FEMA-approved online resources available for flood mitigation, Appropriate actions to take when advising the public. These services are not routinely available from commercial laboratories. Mold grows where there is sufficient moisture. Contractors and other professionals (e.g. As a general rule, simply killing the mold, for example, with biocide is not enough. This training can be performed as part of a program to comply with the requirements of the OSHA Hazard Communication Standard (29 CFR 1910.1200). Mold spores continually float through the indoor and outdoor air. Are there existing moisture problems in the building? Level I: Small Isolated Areas (10 sq. Below are FEMA mitigation publications relevant to this hazard. It also requires periodic maintenance to remain effective. It is important to allow enough time to complete the course in its entirety. ft.) - e.g., individual wallboard panels. The document summarizes basic procedures for mold remediation after flooding and other disasters with an emphasis on worker protection. Biocides are toxic to animals and humans, as well as to mold. Short circuits in flooded systems pose an increased potential for fire. Inhaling mold can cause adverse health effects, including allergic reactions. Looking for condensation and wet spots. Hazard Mitigation (HM) staff should distribute only the mold publications provided by the HM Community Education and Outreach. Mold Remediation in Schools and Commercial Buildings. Consult an experienced mold remediator for more information. Excellent sources of information on flood insurance are provided in Lesson 5 of this course. 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 . Molds can also cause asthma attacks in some individuals who are allergic to mold. Identify mitigation measures that can meet local floodplain management requirements for residences, including elevating and relocating structures, and property acquisition. Mold is a public health issue that is addressed by appropriate local, state, and federal experts. The mold must be removed, since the chemicals and proteins, which can cause a reaction in humans, are present even in dead mold. 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. What precautions should be taken when cleaning up mold? Preventing Occupational Respiratory Disease from Exposures Caused by Dampness in Office Buildings, Schools, and Other Nonindustrial Buildings, WHOGuidelines for Indoor Air Quality: Dampness and Mould (PDF), World Health Organization, 2009, 2004 Institute of Medicine Report, Damp Indoor Spaces and Health, National Center for Environmental Health (NCEH), Resources for Public Health Professionals. When you use biocides as a disinfectant or a pesticide, or as a fungicide, you should use appropriate PPE, including respirators. This finding may convince the investigators that the mold is growing within, and being disseminated by, the HVAC system. ONLY the mold publications that have been provided by the American Red Cross B. You can read a description of the report and purchase a copy. Emphasis should be placed on preventing contamination through proper building and HVAC system maintenance and prompt repair of water damaged areas. Documented quality control in the laboratories used for analysis of the bulk, surface, and other air samples is necessary. The work area and areas used by remediation workers for egress should be HEPA vacuumed and cleaned with a damp cloth or mop and a detergent solution. When in doubt, caution is advised. River and stream flooding can also occur when a dam breaks, producing effects similar to flash flooding in minutes. To protect your eyes, use properly fitted goggles or a full face piece respirator. Substantial Damage is defined as damage from any source for which the cost of repair is equal to or greater than half of the market value of the structure before the loss. How do I prevent mold from endangering my family? Other floods develop very quickly. Dry floodproofing may NOT be used to bring a Substantially Damaged or Substantially Improved residential structure into compliance with the communitys floodplain ordinance. FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs)indicate these anticipated levels, called Base Flood Elevations (BFE). Mold removal should be complete. Group meetings held before and after remediation with full disclosure of plans and results can be an effective communication mechanism. Some floods develop slowly, sometimes over a period of days. 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. Are building occupants reporting musty or moldy odors? industrial hygienists or other environmental health and safety professionals) who respond to mold and moisture situations in buildings, as well as members of the general public, also may find these guidelines helpful. There are various types of equipment useful in mold assessment and remediation. EPA-402-K-02-003, September 2012 (reprinted). Official websites use .gov Moisture meters can be used on materials such as carpet, wallboard, wood, brick, and concrete. Physician referral directory, information on allergies and asthma. Health and safety information with a workplace orientation. These guidelines are based on the size of the area impacted by mold contamination. 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. Molds may cause localized skin or mucosal infections but, in general, do not cause systemic infections in humans, except for persons with impaired immunity, AIDS, uncontrolled diabetes, or those taking immune suppressive drugs. Molds are part of the natural environment. 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. Questions That May Assist in Determining Whether a Mold Problem Currently Exists. At a disaster, the Hazard Mitigation Community Education and Outreach (CEO) group, in collaboration with the state, decides which of these approved publications and resources support the Hazard Mitigation Strategy for the disaster. If you choose to use disinfectants or biocides, always ventilate the area, using outside air if possible, and exhaust the air to the outdoors. A JFO Insurance Hotline, manned by HM Insurance Specialists, may be established after large flood disasters and is for the use of FEMA staff only. Always consider consulting a health professional to address any employee health concerns.
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