Information on and standards for the inspection, cleaning, and restoration industry. Some methods that may be used include the following: Wet vacuums are vacuum cleaners designed to collect water. HVAC equipment, such as furnaces and hot water heaters, can be damaged extensively if inundated by flood waters. Potential health concerns are important reasons to prevent mold growth and to remediate existing problem areas. Community Floodplain Management ordinances. 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. Homeowners Guide to Retrofitting: Six Ways to Protect Your House from Flooding explains the meaning of retrofitting and details six retrofitting methods that protect the house from flooding including elevating, wet and dry floodproofing, relocating, floodwalls, and protecting service equipment. Also, find EPA mold resources, including frequent questions, mold publications, images and a glossary of terms. 1. It can be accessed from the internet via the Homeland Security Information Network using any computer or from the intranet using a FEMA computer. The goal of this course is to enable you to select the essential hazard mitigation information to communicate to members of the public following a flood event. They digest whatever they land on in order to survive. This pamphlet briefly describes the benefits of ICC, how much coverage is available, the four options covered, when to file an ICC claim, and how the ICC payment is handled. Flood waters often carry hazardous and toxic materials, including raw sewage, animal waste, oil, gasoline, solvents, and chemicals. 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. Information on engineering issues and indoor air quality. Learn more about mold and moisture control. When changing the vacuum filter, remediators should wear respirators, appropriate personal protective clothing, gloves, and eye protection to prevent exposure to any captured mold and other contaminants. Another partner organization is the Institute for Business Home Safety (IBHS). To see a numeric display, roll your mouse over the Progress bar area. Keeping HVAC drip pans clean, flowing properly, and unobstructed. Disposable PPE should be discarded after it is used. People who are sensitive to mold may experience stuffy nose, irritated eyes, wheezing, or skin irritation. 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. Its mission is to reduce the social and economic effects of natural disasters and other property losses by conducting research and advocating improved construction, maintenance, and preparation practices. In conducting the mold remediation, every effort should be made to keep dust and mold out of the air. An outside tank can be secured by running straps over it and attaching the straps to ground anchors. Wells suspected of being contaminated should be inspected by a professional. ft.) - e.g., individual wallboard panels. Several federal agencies also publish information about mold: Hazard Mitigation staff distribute ONLY the mold publication provided by the Hazard Mitigation Community Education and Outreach Group (CEO). 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 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. A N-95 respirator is recommended. Molds reproduce by creating tiny spores (viable seeds) that usually cannot be seen without magnification. Care must be taken to assure that the filter is properly seated in the vacuum so that all the air passes through the filter. People allergic to mold may have difficulty in breathing and shortness of breath. Microscopic identification of the spores/ colonies requires considerable expertise. Venting moisture-generating appliances, such as dryers, to the outside where possible. Expert Help. Just a few inches of water from a flood can cause tens of thousands of dollars in damage. The last screen provides instructions on how to complete the final exam. Please refer to the discussion of the different levels of remediation to ascertain the type of respiratory protection recommended. These can be accessed from the FEMA website. Types of samples can include: air samples, surface samples, bulk samples, and water samples from condensate drain pans or cooling towers. Mold spores continually float through the indoor and outdoor air. Has routine maintenance been delayed or the maintenance plan been altered? Education and training on cleaning and maintenance. In this lesson you learned about the mitigation methods for flooding that included: Lesson 5: Official Information and Resources. They can be used to remove water from floors, carpets, and hard surfaces where water has accumulated. Use the Tab key to move forward through each screens navigation buttons and hyperlinks, or Shift + Tab to move backwards. This section provides a brief overview, but does not describe all potential health effects related to mold exposure. What can he do? Providing adequate drainage around buildings and sloping the ground away from building foundations. Losing these tanks results in major costs and inconvenience to their owners. The use of a biocide, such as chlorine bleach, is not recommended as a routine practice during mold remediation, although there may be instances where professional judgment may indicate its use (for example, when immuno-compromised individuals are present). Long gloves that extend to the middle of the forearm are recommended. FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs)indicate these anticipated levels, called Base Flood Elevations (BFE). JavaScript appears to be disabled on this computer. If a structures lowest level has a floor drain that empties to the exterior of the building, installing a floating floor-drain plug can also prevent flood waters from backing up the drain pipe and entering the structure. Many of these mitigation measures involve elevating equipment above the expected flood levels. Their interpretation is best left to the industrial hygienist or other environmental health or safety professional. Available in both English and Spanish languages. Do not run the HVAC system if you know or suspect that it is contaminated with mold, as it could spread contamination throughout the building. How Do You Know When You Have Finished Remediation/Cleanup? Home Builders Guide to Coastal Construction is a FEMA produced series of 31 fact sheets providing technical guidance and recommendations concerning the construction of coastal residential buildings. 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. 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. ONLY the mold publications that have been provided by the American Red Cross B. Insurance can be purchased for structures, contents, or both. Emergency management and public health professionals can easily share these resources digitally. The rise in water is the storm surge. However, the spores in the ambient air will not cause further problems if the moisture level in the building has been corrected. Refer to an HM Insurance Specialist at the JFO if you need assistance with answering a specific question from a member of the public, or if you need clarification and additional information about aspects of the NFIP. If you are using a biocide such as chlorine bleach, or a strong cleaning solution, you should select gloves made from natural rubber, neoprene, nitrile, polyurethane, or PVC. Information on pesticides/antimicrobial chemicals, including safety and disposal information. Molds gradually damage building materials and furnishings. Level III: Large Isolated Areas (30 - 100 square feet) - e.g., several wallboard panels. In most cases, it is not possible or desirable to sterilize an area, as a background level of mold spores comparable to the level in outside air will persist. The remediation manager should rely on professional judgment and experience to adapt the guidelines to particular situations. Unanchored heating oil or propane tanks can be easily moved by flood waters. FEMA Publications Below are FEMA mitigation publications relevant to this hazard. Extensive courses given in IAQ. Mold can cause structural damage to buildings the longer it grows the more damage it can cause. 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. Study Resources . Is it necessary to sample for mold? What mold publications should Hazard Mitigation staff distribute? Additional Information Visit OSHA's Safety and Health Topics webpage on Mold at: www.osha.gov/SLTC/molds 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. Hazard Mitigation (HM) staff should only distribute mold publications provided by HM . Click on the "Back" or the "Next" buttons at the top and bottom of screens to move backward or forward in the lesson. Some specific species of mold produce mycotoxins under certain environmental conditions. It is important to be able to discuss basic information about the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) with anyone concerned about flooding. This completes this lesson. Carpet and Upholstery Cleaning Institute, Mechanical Systems Hygiene Institute, National Institute of Disaster Restoration, National Institute Rug Cleaning, Water Loss Institute referrals to professionals. Follow all local building codes. Decisions about the type of advice to provide to individuals dealing with mold are the responsibility of the State Health Department. Information on indoor comfort products and services. Mold Remediation in Schools and Commercial Buildings. The effects of flooding can be local, impacting a neighborhood or community, or extensive, affecting entire river basins and multiple states. It is important to allow enough time to complete the course in its entirety. In this lesson you learned about: Future risks associated with the hazard event that resulted in the disaster declaration, Mitigation measures available to improve personal safety and reduce or eliminate the risk of future damages to structures and personal property, Identify the different types of flooding that occur in the United States, Recognize information about the NFIP to share with the general public, List the importance of directing individuals to local building officials, engineers, and other specialists before starting repairs, Match FEMA information, publications, and websites that support the mitigation recommendationsto specific audiences, How to receive credit for this independent study course. It is important to dry these surfaces quickly and thoroughly to discourage further mold growth. Are building occupants reporting musty or moldy odors? Remediation can be conducted by the regular building maintenance staff as long as they are trained on proper clean-up methods, personal protection, and potential health hazards. This training can be performed as part of a program to comply with the requirements of the OSHA Hazard Communication Standard (, Respiratory protection (e.g., N-95 disposable respirator) is recommended. JAWS assistive technology users can press the 'Ctrl" key to quiet the screen reader while the course audio plays. Pass the final exam. 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. 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. If the water or mold damage was caused by sewage or other contaminated water, consult a professional who has experience cleaning and repairing buildings damaged by contaminated water. Remember to change filters as appropriate, especially following any remediation activities. (e.g., asthma, hypersensitivity pneumonitis, and severe allergies). FEMA's HM Disaster Workforce Website houses a wealth of hazard mitigation information. which agency is responsible for the message to the public about mold hazards and remediation? Along with mushrooms, yeasts, and mildew, molds are classified as fungi. This will prevent unnecessary contamination of food, beverage, cosmetics, and tobacco products by mold and other harmful substances within the work area. Mold can generally be removed from nonporous surfaces by wiping or scrubbing with water and detergent. Below are FEMA mitigation publications relevant to this hazard. Outdoors, molds play a part in nature by breaking down dead organic matter such as fallen leaves and dead trees, but indoors, mold growth should be avoided. Land value is not included. It serves as the national focus for developing and applying disease prevention and control, environmental health, and health promotion and education activities. Flood insurance is a mitigation measure that protects policy holders from the financial risks of flooding. As a general rule, simply killing the mold, for example, with biocide is not enough. Verified answer. Howard has a mold problem. Filing and appealing flood insurance claims are covered. Effective communication with building occupants is an essential component of all large-scale remediation efforts. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). You can request the phone number for an HM Insurance Specialist or the JFO Insurance Hotline phone number from your supervisor. Note: If the Next button is dimmed, you must complete an activity before you can proceed in the lesson. 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 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. Pinpointing areas where leaks have occurred, identifying the causes, and taking preventive action to ensure that they do not reoccur. The tanks, hoses, and attachments of these vacuums should be thoroughly cleaned and dried after use since mold and mold spores may adhere to equipment surfaces. C. The State Health Department . Well contamination, sewer line back up, and mold may occur in any type of flooding. What you say and do makes a real difference in peoples lives! Level II: Mid-Sized Isolated Areas (10 - 30 sq. 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. The advice of a medical professional should always be sought if there are any emerging health issues. ONLY the mold publication provided by the Centers for Disease Control. 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. Priority is given to businesses with fewer than 250 employees at a worksite, with further consideration given to the severity of the worksite problem. (Note: the bonus was based totally on sales performance.) If possible, remediation activities should be scheduled during off-hours when building occupants are less likely to be affected. Substantial Improvement is defined as improvement with a cost that is equal to or greater than half of the market value of a structure before the improvement. Please note that mold may cause staining and cosmetic damage. However, removal is still recommended for infants, persons having undergone recent surgery, immune- suppressed people, or people with chronic inflammatory lung diseases. The mold must be removed, since the chemicals and proteins, which can cause a reaction in humans, are present even in dead mold. In addition, use of respirators requires the employer to develop and implement a written respiratory protection program, with worksite-specific procedures and elements. Guidelines on Assessment and Remediation of Fungi in Indoor Environments, United States Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Air and Radiation, Indoor Environments Division 2001. 1 2 Molds are part of the natural environment, and can be found everywhere, indoors and outdoors. 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. 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. Tips for Filing Your Insurance Claim provides advice on: There are several websites that contain flood mitigation information. Actions that tend to disperse mold include: breaking apart moldy porous materials such as wallboard; destructive invasive procedures to examine or remediate mold growth in a wall cavity; removal of contaminated wallpaper by stripping or peeling; using fans to dry items or ventilate areas. This training can be performed as part of a program to comply with the requirements of the OSHA Hazard Communication Standard (. In addition to elevating large utilities, household appliances such as washing machines and dryers should be elevated above potential flood waters. Then tab to the Submit button and press Enter to complete a Knowledge Review or Self-Assessment. Cleaning to remove the mold without fixing the moisture problem will most likely result in the mold coming back. Maintaining indoor relative humidity below 70% (25 - 60%, if possible). Preventing moisture from condensing by increasing surface temperature or reducing the moisture level in the air (humidity). How do I prevent mold from endangering my family? When the lowest floor of a flood-prone structure is raised to or above BFE, it will meet the minimum ordinance standards required by the NFIP for structures located in a Special Flood Hazard Area. If you suspect that mold has damaged building integrity, consult a structural engineer or other professional with the appropriate expertise. Improper maintenance and design of building heating/ventilating/air-conditioning (HVAC) systems, such as insufficient cooling capacity for an air conditioning system, can result in elevated humidity levels in a building. Industrial hygienists or other environmental health and safety professionals with experience performing microbial investigations and/or mold remediation should be consulted prior to remediation activities to provide oversight for the project. Musty or earthy odors may indicate mold. If you choose to hire outside assistance to do the cleanup, make sure the contractor has experience with mold remediation. Floodproofing measures are generally designed to protect individual components of a structure, not to bring the structure into compliance with a communitys floodplain ordinance. In this lesson you learned about: Lesson 3: Discussing the NFIP with the Public. Information about floodplain management ordinances is best provided by the local government. For additional information on air sampling, refer to the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists' document, "Bioaerosols: Assessment and Control." When possible, remediation activities should be scheduled during off hours when building occupants are less likely to be affected. Official websites use .gov Emphasis should be placed on preventing contamination through proper building and HVAC system maintenance and prompt repair of water damaged areas. (e.g., asthma, hypersensitivity pneumonitis, and severe allergies). A company employs 400 400 salespeople. Remediation plans may vary greatly depending on the size and complexity of the job, and may require revision if circumstances change or new facts are discovered. Mold grows where there is sufficient moisture. 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. A licensed well-drilling contractor can inspect a well and suggest improvements such as: Elevating a structure reduces the risk of flood damage by raising the entire building above the BFE indicated on the FEMA flood map. Are building occupants reporting health problems that they think are related to mold in the indoor environment? 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. You may take a test on the material covered in this course to demonstrate that you have learned the information. Hazard Mitigation (HM) staff should distribute only the mold publications provided by the HM Community Education and Outreach. There are many types of mold. The work area and areas used by remediation workers for egress should be cleaned with a damp cloth or mop and a detergent solution. A variety of cleanup methods are available for remediating damage to building materials and furnishings caused by moisture control problems and mold growth. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. 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. Either a half mask or full face piece air-purifying respirator can be used. Appropriate precautions and protective equipment for biocide applicators should be selected based on the product manufacturer's warnings and recommendations (e.g., goggles or face shield, aprons or other protective clothing, gloves, and respiratory protection). Discard mold damaged materials in plastic bags. 1999. This section presents remediation guidelines for building materials that have or are likely to have mold growth. Secure .gov websites use HTTPS Their website is located at www.nahb.org. Delayed or insufficient maintenance may contribute to moisture problems in buildings. They should be placed into impermeable bags, and usually can be discarded as ordinary construction waste. If you are using a mild detergent or plain water, ordinary household rubber gloves may be used. Indoor environmental quality training center giving courses in building moisture and biocontamination, and managing and operating facilities for good IAQ. More protective respirators may have to be selected and used if toxic contaminants such as asbestos or lead are encountered during remediation. 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.