Hazard Mitigation staff distribute ONLY the mold publication provided by the Hazard Mitigation Community Education and Outreach group. Proper well construction will protect a well from contamination. Removing mold and mold conditions does not protect a building from mold in future hazard events. Pass the final exam. 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. Flood insurance is a mitigation measure that protects policy holders from the financial risks of flooding. Use the arrow keys to select answers for multiple-choice review questions or self-assessment checklists. Information on engineering issues and indoor air quality. Concern about indoor exposure to mold has increased along with public awareness that exposure to mold can cause a variety of health effects and symptoms, including allergic reactions. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). In this lesson you will learn about the different types of flooding that occur along coasts, rivers, streams, and lakes. Study Resources . HEPA vacuums also are recommended for cleanup of dust that may have settled on surfaces outside the remediation area. The Consultation Program can help the employer evaluate and prevent hazardous conditions in the workplace that can cause injuries and illnesses, including mold problems. A boroscope is a hand-held tool that allows users to see potential mold problems inside walls, ceiling plenums, crawl spaces, and other tight areas. However, it does reduce the immediate risk of illness and additional damage from the mold conditions created by the flooding. Any initial water infiltration should be stopped and cleaned promptly. While it is impossible to eliminate all molds and mold spores, controlling moisture can control indoor mold growth. How do I prevent mold from endangering my family? 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. Indoor air related documents, answers to Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) questions, maintains listing of State IAQ contacts, and regional EPA Contacts. In January 2019, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) released: Dampness and Mold Assessment Tool for General Buildings (PDF) 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. Floods are not all alike. Flash flooding is the rapid flooding of low-lying areas. Some of the more common items include: Moisture meters measure/monitor moisture levels in building materials, and may be helpful for measuring the moisture content in a variety of building materials following water damage. Regular building maintenance staff can conduct this level of remediation. The document summarizes basic procedures for mold remediation after flooding and other disasters with an emphasis on worker protection. Expert Help. This will be further discussed later in the course. Make sure that work areas are well ventilated. 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. Technical information on topics such as air conditioning and air ducts. 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. If you are working in a DRC or other outreach venue, your supervisor will explain which NFIP publication to distribute and to whom. As a general rule, simply killing the mold, for example, with biocide is not enough. Business owners who are concerned about the cost of professional help can contact the OSHA Consultation Project Office in their state for free consultation service. Information about floodplain management ordinances is best provided by the local government. 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. A. Make sure anyone applying a biocide is properly licensed where required. Simply scan the QR codes to access the resources. Additional elevation of electrical components above the recommended level further reduces the risk. Contaminated materials that cannot be cleaned should be removed from the building in sealed impermeable plastic bags. The onset of allergic reactions to mold can be either immediate or delayed. Wet vacuums should be used only on wet materials, as spores may be exhausted into the indoor environment if insufficient liquid is present. Check references and ask the contractor to follow the recommendations in EPA's publication, "Mold Remediation in Schools and Commercial Buildings," or other guidelines developed by professional or governmental organizations. This safety and health information bulletin provides recommendations for the prevention of mold growth and describes measures designed to protect the health of building occupants and workers involved in mold cleanup and prevention. Molds come in many colors; both white and black molds are shown here. Relocation is another flood mitigation measure that will comply with most community floodplain ordinances. Caution should be used to prevent mold and mold spores from being dispersed throughout the air where they can be inhaled by building occupants. Preventive Maintenance Preventing mold growth in occupied areas The key to mold prevention is moisture control. Mold Molds are simple, microscopic organisms that can grow virtually anywhere, both in homes and outdoors. 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. Method 4: Discard Remove Damaged Materials and Seal in Plastic Bags Building materials and furnishings that are contaminated with mold growth and are not salvageable should be double-bagged using 6-mil polyethylene sheeting. . The same information is contained in both locations, but the intranet version is behind the FEMA firewall. Just a few inches of water from a flood can cause tens of thousands of dollars in damage. The remediation plan should include steps to permanently correct the water or moisture problem. 1999. Their interpretation is best left to the industrial hygienist or other environmental health or safety professional. Is it necessary to sample for mold? ONLY the mold publication provided by the Hazard Mitigation Community Education and Outreach Group. A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States. 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. Use the Tab key to move forward through each screens navigation buttons and hyperlinks, or Shift + Tab to move backwards. before taking further action. For areas greater than100 ft.2, ensure that protective clothing coversentire body including head and feet. Another partner organization is the Institute for Business Home Safety (IBHS). Extending the casing at least 2 feet above the highest known flood elevation, Installing a sanitary seal or cover on the casing, Installing a backflow value in the water line, The importance of directing the public to local building officials before they begin repairs or rebuilding, How FEMA addresses the topic of flood-related mold with the public, Which publications are available to promote flood mitigation, What FEMA-approved online resources are available for flood mitigation, What appropriate actions to take when advising the public, Recognize the information and advice to provide regarding mold, Identify FEMA partner organizations and the websites that contain FEMA mitigation publications, Identify the correct actions to take when advising the public regarding flood mitigation and the NFIP. Problems may arise when mold starts eating away at materials, affecting the look, smell, and possibly, with the respect to wood-framed buildings, affecting the structural integrity of the buildings. Outdoors, molds play an important role in nature by breaking down organic matter such as toppled trees, fallen leaves, and dead animals. Floods are one of the most commonly occurring natural hazards in the United States. People allergic to mold may have difficulty in breathing and shortness of breath. When advising members of the public about reducing the risk of future hazard damages, direct them to local building officials before beginning any repairs or rebuilding because: Building codes, permits, inspection requirements, and zoning ordinances may be involved, A floodplain ordinance may affect rebuilding when the structure has sustained Substantial Damage, Building officials will reinforce the point that only licensed professionals are qualified to perform structural repair or structural mitigation work. Filing and appealing flood insurance claims are covered. Removing people from spaces near the work area is recommended for infants, persons having undergone recent surgery, immunosuppressed people, or people with chronic inflammatory lung diseases. There is a tremendous risk of mold growth after flooding. Answers to Questions About the National Flood Insurance Program explains the NFIP, including coverage, claims, flood maps, and FEMAs repetitive loss strategy. A box surrounds the button that is currently selected. Remediators should avoid exposing themselves and others to mold-laden dusts as they conduct their cleanup activities. Click on the "Glossary" button to look up key definitions and acronyms. Respirators must be used in accordance with the OSHA respiratory protection standard (. Molds are part of the natural environment. IBHS hosts the www.DisasterSafety.org website. Respirators must be used in accordance with the OSHA respiratory protection standard (. Your first step should be to inspect for any evidence of water damage and visible mold growth. Documented quality control in the laboratories used for analysis of the bulk, surface, and other air samples is necessary. The three types of adverse health effects in humans caused bymold are allergy, infection, and toxin-mediated conditions (12).Further discussion of these health effects is provided in Appendix Aof this document. Identify floodproofing measures including the difference between wet and dry floodproofing. 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. Currently, there are no federal standards or recommendations, (e.g., OSHA, NIOSH, EPA) for airborne concentrations of mold or mold spores. CDC is recognized as the lead federal agency for protecting the health and safety of the American people at home and abroad. Level II: Mid-Sized Isolated Areas (10 - 30 sq. However, sampling results can be used as a guide to determine the extent of an infestation and the effectiveness of the cleanup. They can be used to remove water from floors, carpets, and hard surfaces where water has accumulated. The glove material should be selected based on the type of substance/ chemical being handled. 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. Ventilation ductwork also can be protected from flooding by locating it above the base flood level. Learn about mold growth indoors, including topics like basic information about indoor mold growth, how mold can affect health and mold testing. An outside tank can be secured by running straps over it and attaching the straps to ground anchors. Molds are microscopic organisms found everywhere in the environment, indoors and outdoors. Emergency management and public health professionals can easily share these resources digitally. The guidelines have been designed to help construct a remediation plan. FEMA's Hazard Mitigation Grant Program FEMA has one post-disaster mitigation grant program to assist communities in reducing long-term hazard risk. 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. If any individual has health concerns, doubts, or questions before beginning a remediation/cleanup project, he or she should consult a health professional. Allergic responses include hay fever-type symptoms such as runny nose and red eyes. If a community decides to pursue a property acquisition project, the land cannot be redeveloped and often is preserved as public open space, parks, or recreation areas. You may take a test on the material covered in this course to demonstrate that you have learned the information. The mold must be removed, since the chemicals and proteins, which can cause a reaction in humans, are present even in dead mold. Respirators used to provide protection from mold and mold spores must be certified by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). In conducting the mold remediation, every effort should be made to keep dust and mold out of the air. This document will help those responsible for building maintenance in the evaluation of remediation plans. Flood control barriers protect structures by deflecting the destructive forces of flood waters away from vulnerable structures. Secure .gov websites use HTTPS Over the past 10 years, the average flood claim paid has amounted to nearly $48,000. Their website, FLASH.org, has preparedness and post-disaster materials that Hazard Mitigation staff or the public can easily access. Porous materials that are wet and have mold growing on them may have to be discarded because molds can infiltrate porous substances and grow on or fill in empty spaces or crevices. 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. 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. Many of these mitigation measures involve elevating equipment above the expected flood levels. Spend the time needed to become familiar with the purpose of and intended audience for the resources and publications that are included in this lesson. 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. Dry floodproofing is any measure to make a structure watertight below the level that needs flood protection to prevent floodwaters from entering. Mold Remediation in Schools and Commercial Buildings. The work area should be unoccupied. Either a half mask or full face piece air-purifying respirator can be used. Structures must be elevated by trained professionals. If you are using a mild detergent or plain water, ordinary household rubber gloves may be used. 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). These barriers, including levees, berms, floodwalls, and temporary barriers, may be used to create a protected area for a single structure or for multiple structures. Extensive courses given in IAQ. By reading this safety and health information bulletin, individuals with little or no experience with mold remediation may be able to reasonably judge whether mold contamination can be managed in-house or whether outside assistance is required. JAWS assistive technology users can press the 'Ctrl" key to quiet the screen reader while the course audio plays. If you exit from the course, you will need to start that lesson over again. Consult an experienced mold remediator for more information. You must have identified and completely corrected the source of the water or moisture problem. What precautions should be taken when cleaning up mold? Respirators protect cleanup workers from inhaling airborne mold, contaminated dust, and other particulates that are released during the remediation process. The work area and areas directly adjacent should be unoccupied. Information on best practices in building remediation. Surfaces in the work area and areas directly adjacent that could become contaminated should be covered with a secured plastic sheet(s) before remediation to contain dust/ debris and prevent further contamination. Molds typically consist of a network of threadlike filaments that infiltrate the surface on which the mold is growing. It also requires periodic maintenance to remain effective. To protect your eyes, use properly fitted goggles or a full face piece respirator. An official website of the United States government. Delayed or insufficient maintenance may contribute to moisture problems in buildings. ONLY the mold publication provided by the Centers for Disease Control. Videos in the series include: For more information on damp buildings and health effects, see the 2004 Institute of Medicine Report, Damp Indoor Spaces and Health, published by The National Academies Pressin Washington, DC. Group meetings held before and after remediation with full disclosure of plans and results can be an effective communication mechanism. Humidity meters can be used to monitor indoor humidity. 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. C. The State Health Department . 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. Testing for mold is expensive, and there should be a clear reason for doing so. Information on pesticides/antimicrobial chemicals, including safety and disposal information. Has routine maintenance been delayed or the maintenance plan been altered? Discard mold damaged materials in plastic bags. ft. or less) - e.g., ceiling tiles, small areas on walls. 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. More protective respirators may have to be selected and used if toxic contaminants such as asbestos or lead are encountered during remediation. Heavily damaged, porous materials (such a carpeting or drywall) that cannot be thoroughly dried and cleaned should be discarded and replaced. This insurance is designed to help those affected by floods accelerate recovery, mitigate future flood losses, and reduce the personal and national costs of flooding.

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