Choosing the Correct High Visibility Clothing for Roadway Worker Safety
Jun 7, 2010 8:52:43 AM
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Topics: DOT, Personal Protective Equipment, Construction H&S, Emergency Response, worker safety, Occupational Safety
Vapor Intrusion Air Sampling Getting the Big Picture
May 29, 2010 11:18:04 PM
Dale Wilson, CIH, LEED AP
Vapor intrusion refers to this migration of volatile chemicals from the subsurface into overlying buildings. Vapor intrusion (VI) air sampling is a method to evaluate if chemical vapors are entering a building due to contaminated soil or groundwater that is on or adjacent to the property on which the building is built. In order for vapors to enter a building from the soil or groundwater there have to be pathways such as cracks in the foundation, openings around piping used for mechanical, pluming, and electrical systems, groundwater entering the basement just to name a few. Once vapors are in a basement or crawlspace, there have to be additional pathways for the vapors to enter the first floor occupied space.
What is Vapor Intrusion?
Vapor intrusion has become a significant environmental issue for regulators, industry leaders, and concerned residents. Degradation of the indoor air quality can cause fear and anxiety among building occupants, businesses, and other property owners.
A Vapor Intrusion Project
Recently, Emilcott was hired to review vapor intrusion air sampling data collected by another consultant. The building site was a large commercial property that was mostly composed of office space, but there was also an onsite daycare center. After collecting data for several years, the vapor intrusion had not been resolved.
After reviewing all the data, we made a site visit to help us understand what was contributing to the continued and increased vapor concentrations -- both in the basement of the building, which was used for storage, and in the first floor daycare center.
Our initial site visit revealed multiple pathways that permitted vapors to enter the basement and additional pathways that permitted vapors to enter the first floor occupied space. It was clear that the owners other consultant had focused on What Is Happening through continuous air sampling without understanding the dynamics of Why It Is Happening. Based upon
we were able to propose a step-by-step procedure to protect the clients building and occupants. In addition, by including the client in the process, the client stated that they had learned more about the building from our visit than they had over the several years of data collection.
Vapor Intrusion A Way Out
When reviewing a VI problem with a building owner or property manager, indoor air quality consultants should have answers to these basic questions to fully understand the problem and suggest a remediation solution:
Interrupting and sealing the pathways is the only way to prevent building occupants from exposure to vapors.
For our client the process of sealing pathways has been accelerated and should be complete in a few weeks. With the complete understanding of vapor intrusion What? and Why?, a plan to seal the pathways between the ground and the basement, and the basement and the first floor, may reduce the occupants exposures to the vapors and avoid any increased levels of regulatory oversight and accelerated response actions.
Have you experienced a vapor intrusion problem that remains unresolved or puzzled the experts? Do you have questions about indoor air quality issues and evaluation techniques and best practices? Please share your story or questions below and well respond quickly.
Read More
Vapor intrusion refers to this migration of volatile chemicals from the subsurface into overlying buildings. Vapor intrusion (VI) air sampling is a method to evaluate if chemical vapors are entering a building due to contaminated soil or groundwater that is on or adjacent to the property on which the building is built. In order for vapors to enter a building from the soil or groundwater there have to be pathways such as cracks in the foundation, openings around piping used for mechanical, pluming, and electrical systems, groundwater entering the basement just to name a few. Once vapors are in a basement or crawlspace, there have to be additional pathways for the vapors to enter the first floor occupied space.
When it comes to vapor intrusion understanding why it is happening is just as important as understanding what is happening.
What is Vapor Intrusion?
Vapor intrusion has become a significant environmental issue for regulators, industry leaders, and concerned residents. Degradation of the indoor air quality can cause fear and anxiety among building occupants, businesses, and other property owners.
A Vapor Intrusion Project
Recently, Emilcott was hired to review vapor intrusion air sampling data collected by another consultant. The building site was a large commercial property that was mostly composed of office space, but there was also an onsite daycare center. After collecting data for several years, the vapor intrusion had not been resolved.
After reviewing all the data, we made a site visit to help us understand what was contributing to the continued and increased vapor concentrations -- both in the basement of the building, which was used for storage, and in the first floor daycare center.
Our initial site visit revealed multiple pathways that permitted vapors to enter the basement and additional pathways that permitted vapors to enter the first floor occupied space. It was clear that the owners other consultant had focused on What Is Happening through continuous air sampling without understanding the dynamics of Why It Is Happening. Based upon
- An analysis of the collected air monitoring data,
- A thorough site inspection, and
- An understanding of vapor intrusion causes and migration,
we were able to propose a step-by-step procedure to protect the clients building and occupants. In addition, by including the client in the process, the client stated that they had learned more about the building from our visit than they had over the several years of data collection.
Vapor Intrusion A Way Out
When reviewing a VI problem with a building owner or property manager, indoor air quality consultants should have answers to these basic questions to fully understand the problem and suggest a remediation solution:
- What are the volatile chemicals that we are dealing with?
- What are the risks of short-term and prolonged exposure to these chemicals?
- Why and where are they getting into my building?
- Can I stop the VI chemicals from getting in?
- If I cant stop the VI chemicals from getting in, what are the alternatives?
Interrupting and sealing the pathways is the only way to prevent building occupants from exposure to vapors.
For our client the process of sealing pathways has been accelerated and should be complete in a few weeks. With the complete understanding of vapor intrusion What? and Why?, a plan to seal the pathways between the ground and the basement, and the basement and the first floor, may reduce the occupants exposures to the vapors and avoid any increased levels of regulatory oversight and accelerated response actions.
Have you experienced a vapor intrusion problem that remains unresolved or puzzled the experts? Do you have questions about indoor air quality issues and evaluation techniques and best practices? Please share your story or questions below and well respond quickly.
0 Comments Click here to read/write comments
Topics: indoor air quality, General Industry H&S, Construction H&S, Air Sampling, environmental air monitoring, Public Safety
Water Safety at Work
May 24, 2010 2:57:16 AM
Capt. John DeFillippo, CHMP, EMT-B
Does your company have employees that work on, near or over water? Hazardous waste site and emergency response workers, those in the construction trades, surveyors and bridge inspection/repair crews are but a few occupations where this applies. OSHA regulations (29 CFR 1926.106 for example) cover the safety of such workers including training and protective equipment requirements. Other federal and state (USCG and TSA) regulations may also apply to your operation. For example, if you are working over water, such as bridge work, you must have a rescue skiff at the ready, with trained personnel to operate it, in case someone falls in. Working at piers, refineries or other marine facilities may entail very specific security requirements.
Water can be unforgiving of carelessness. As a veteran of the U.S. Coast Guard, an EMT and a licensed captain working in the marine salvage industry, Ive seen plenty of tragedies on the water. Nearly all were avoidable. Here are some essential questions to help you assess your water safety knowledge:
The Emilcott Training Institute offers many training programs that can help keep workers safe, including an 8-hour Water Safety and Boating Basics that is approved by the NJ State Police and recognized in several other states as well. Fall Protection, Water Safety and Red Cross CPR and Basic First Aid are also offered in-house or on-site. If you have ANY questions about water safety at work, give Emilcott a call or comment below.
Read More
Does your company have employees that work on, near or over water? Hazardous waste site and emergency response workers, those in the construction trades, surveyors and bridge inspection/repair crews are but a few occupations where this applies. OSHA regulations (29 CFR 1926.106 for example) cover the safety of such workers including training and protective equipment requirements. Other federal and state (USCG and TSA) regulations may also apply to your operation. For example, if you are working over water, such as bridge work, you must have a rescue skiff at the ready, with trained personnel to operate it, in case someone falls in. Working at piers, refineries or other marine facilities may entail very specific security requirements.
Water can be unforgiving of carelessness. As a veteran of the U.S. Coast Guard, an EMT and a licensed captain working in the marine salvage industry, Ive seen plenty of tragedies on the water. Nearly all were avoidable. Here are some essential questions to help you assess your water safety knowledge:
- Is everyone wearing personal flotation devices? Are they the right type, worn correctly, and U.S. Coast Guard approved?
- What is the water temperature? In April in the mid-Atlantic region, the water is about 45 degrees F which means you can last about 15 minutes before hypothermia sets in.
- Do you understand the risk of hypothermia? Even if the water is at 80 degrees F, its the same as being in air of 42 degrees F. And, water removes heat from the body 25 times faster than air of the same temperature.
- Does everybody know how to swim? What to do if caught in a current? Will they know to swim parallel to the shore or go with it until you out of it? You can't swim against a current, even a gentle one, for very long, so dont try.
- If someone does fall in, whats the plan? Formulating a plan when you hear the splash is too late! Having the proper rescue equipment and understanding how to use it is essential.
- Who is trained in CPR and Basic First Aid? Knowing what to do in an emergency saves lives! Too many would-be rescuers become victims themselves, so leave water rescue to those who have the training and tools.
- Is the boat operator trained? Employers who would never think of allowing an untrained person to operate a crane often have no problem letting someone without proper training operate a boat on a navigable waterway. Many states, including New Jersey, now require all operators of power-driven vessels to take an approved Safe Boating Course. Fines can be steep and may get the vessel impounded.
The Emilcott Training Institute offers many training programs that can help keep workers safe, including an 8-hour Water Safety and Boating Basics that is approved by the NJ State Police and recognized in several other states as well. Fall Protection, Water Safety and Red Cross CPR and Basic First Aid are also offered in-house or on-site. If you have ANY questions about water safety at work, give Emilcott a call or comment below.
0 Comments Click here to read/write comments
Topics: OSHA, Personal Protective Equipment, health and safety, General Industry H&S, Construction H&S, Emergency Response, H&S Training, worker safety, Occupational Safety, emergency response training, Occupational Training, water safety, Water Response Plan
Occupational Lyme Disease
May 10, 2010 2:36:10 AM
0 Comments Click here to read/write comments
Topics: health and safety, General Industry H&S, Construction H&S, worker safety, Occupational Health, Public Safety
What is a Certified Industrial Hygienist?
Apr 23, 2010 5:47:54 AM
Sarah Stibbe Damaskos
Where were you the first time that someone casually mentioned that they were a Certified Industrial Hygienist? Chances are you immediately pictured some type of space-suited dental hygienist flossing the worlds most horrific tooth grunge. Or maybe you heard the term industrial hygiene and the frightening image of super-sized Teflon underwear floated into your head? The good news is that you were almost right conceptually.
Certified Industrial Hygienists (CIH) are cool. Sometimes they do get to wear Major Tom kind of protective clothing and poke around dirty places but most of the time theyre more like a squad of Super Safety People and their goal is to protect you. According to the American Board of Industrial Hygiene (www.ABIH.org) Industrial hygiene is the science of protecting and enhancing the health and safety of people at work and in their communities.
Industrial hygienists (rather than be called Super Safety People which is so much better for T-shirts) fall into a large group more commonly known as Environmental, Health and Safety experts but CIH focus exclusively on Health Occupational Health and Environmental Health.
The American Industrial Hygiene Association (www.AIHA.org) has created this handy list of typical EHS roles:
Essentially it means that a group of highly-trained, certified professional are able to prevent, investigate and address work and community safety issues so that you can live a longer, healthier life. Specifically, industrial hygienists are focused on
If you own a business and your operation has the potential to expose employees or subcontractors or neighbors to possible health hazards, you need an industrial hygienist to reduce your risk, save money and, of course, offer everyone peace of mind. If you would rather pretend that environmental, safety or health issues are not important, I suggest you purchase a pair of Teflon underwear and super-size it.
How do you feel about being called an Industrial Hygienist? What would be an improved or more descriptive job title?
Read More
Where were you the first time that someone casually mentioned that they were a Certified Industrial Hygienist? Chances are you immediately pictured some type of space-suited dental hygienist flossing the worlds most horrific tooth grunge. Or maybe you heard the term industrial hygiene and the frightening image of super-sized Teflon underwear floated into your head? The good news is that you were almost right conceptually.
Certified Industrial Hygienists (CIH) are cool. Sometimes they do get to wear Major Tom kind of protective clothing and poke around dirty places but most of the time theyre more like a squad of Super Safety People and their goal is to protect you. According to the American Board of Industrial Hygiene (www.ABIH.org) Industrial hygiene is the science of protecting and enhancing the health and safety of people at work and in their communities.
Industrial hygienists (rather than be called Super Safety People which is so much better for T-shirts) fall into a large group more commonly known as Environmental, Health and Safety experts but CIH focus exclusively on Health Occupational Health and Environmental Health.
The American Industrial Hygiene Association (www.AIHA.org) has created this handy list of typical EHS roles:
- Investigate and examine the workplace for hazards and potential dangers
- Make recommendations on improving the safety of workers and the surrounding community
- Conduct scientific research to provide data on possible harmful conditions in the workplace
- Develop techniques to anticipate and control potentially dangerous situations in the workplace and the community
- Train and educate the community about job-related risks
- Advise government officials and participating in the development of regulations to ensure the health and safety of workers and their families
- Ensure that workers are properly following health and safety procedures
Essentially it means that a group of highly-trained, certified professional are able to prevent, investigate and address work and community safety issues so that you can live a longer, healthier life. Specifically, industrial hygienists are focused on
- Chemical, Biological, Physical and Other Hazardous Agent Exposure
- Emergency Response Planning
- Community Impact and Awareness
- Workplace Conditions / Occupational Safety
- Detection, Planning and Control
If you own a business and your operation has the potential to expose employees or subcontractors or neighbors to possible health hazards, you need an industrial hygienist to reduce your risk, save money and, of course, offer everyone peace of mind. If you would rather pretend that environmental, safety or health issues are not important, I suggest you purchase a pair of Teflon underwear and super-size it.
How do you feel about being called an Industrial Hygienist? What would be an improved or more descriptive job title?
0 Comments Click here to read/write comments
Topics: Emilcott, indoor air quality, health and safety, General Industry H&S, Construction H&S, Emergency Response, H&S Training, Hazardous Waste Management, Compliance, worker safety, Lab Safety & Electrical, Fire Safety, Public Safety, Working Green
Preventing Deadly Falls in the Fall and all Year Long
Nov 2, 2009 8:00:18 PM
Carrie Bettinger - CSP, CHMM
As a seasoned safety instructor I have learned that providing real examples of injuries or fatalities that have occurred is a way to really reach workers and begin to change their attitude toward safety. Recently I conducted fall protection training and was on the new and improved OSHA website looking at a running tally of worker fatalities per week featured on the homepage. While looking through these fatalities you see a tragic and consistent pattern of worker cause of death: Falls.
Read More
As a seasoned safety instructor I have learned that providing real examples of injuries or fatalities that have occurred is a way to really reach workers and begin to change their attitude toward safety. Recently I conducted fall protection training and was on the new and improved OSHA website looking at a running tally of worker fatalities per week featured on the homepage. While looking through these fatalities you see a tragic and consistent pattern of worker cause of death: Falls.
0 Comments Click here to read/write comments
Topics: General Industry H&S, Construction H&S, H&S Training
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month
Oct 20, 2009 7:03:48 AM
0 Comments Click here to read/write comments
Topics: General Industry H&S, Construction H&S
The Regulators Awake: Proposed Changes to the OSHA Hazard Communication Standard
Oct 13, 2009 6:50:04 AM
Paula Kaufmann, CIH
Both OSHA and the EPA seemed to have recently awoken from their regulatory slumber. OSHA has announced its first major rulemaking during the Obama administration with a proposed change to the agencys Hazard Communication (HazCom) Standard. The existing OSHA HazCom Standard provides workers with the right to know the hazards and identities of the chemicals they are exposed to while working, as well as the measures they can take to protect themselves. This standard was originally adopted in November 1983 and has been enhanced a few times with the latest revision in February 1994.
The proposed changes set the stage for the United States to catch up with the global community in the use of globally consistent methods for chemical hazard classification, hazard labeling, and the format of Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS). The proposed changes will align the HazCom Standard with the United Nations Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling (GHS). The GHS was adopted by the UN in 2003 with a goal of implementation in 2008. Most multinational companies have been following both the global system and the current OSHA Hazard Communication Program in recent years. The US Department of Transportation has already modified the DOT requirements to make them consistent with international UN transportation requirements and the GHS. Now it is time for OSHA.
The proposed changes will significantly improve the quality and consistency of information provided to workers, employers and chemical user by having a standardized approach to identifying the hazard, labeling the hazard on containers and equipment, and documentation of the hazard on a MSDS. The most pronounced change that chemical purchasers and workers will see is a consistent hazard warning statements and warnings (including pictograms) along with MSDSs will always have the same information located in the same place. These changes are critical not only for everyday users of the chemicals but also emergency responders and medical personnel.
However, the changes wont be required next week and probably not even next year. The process for moving through a major revision to an established regulation can be long and loud (with input from all vantages points on the changes). OSHA took the first step of this process in September 2006 with an Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (ANPR). The recent step, in September 2009, is detailing the changes to HazCom with the publishing of a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM). Next is the comment period (90 days December 29, 2009) and then public hearings scheduled for early 2010. OSHA will then draft a Proposed Standard which will have to be reviewed by the Office of Management and Budget and will consult with the Small Business Administration. The Proposal Standard will then get published in the Federal Register, and will most likely have a comment period. FINALLY, OSHA will incorporate changes from comments into the Final Standard, which will be published in the Federal Register with the provisions taking effect over the following months or years.
Its a long process. Regulators dont have the window of time to slumber.
Read More
Both OSHA and the EPA seemed to have recently awoken from their regulatory slumber. OSHA has announced its first major rulemaking during the Obama administration with a proposed change to the agencys Hazard Communication (HazCom) Standard. The existing OSHA HazCom Standard provides workers with the right to know the hazards and identities of the chemicals they are exposed to while working, as well as the measures they can take to protect themselves. This standard was originally adopted in November 1983 and has been enhanced a few times with the latest revision in February 1994.
The proposed changes set the stage for the United States to catch up with the global community in the use of globally consistent methods for chemical hazard classification, hazard labeling, and the format of Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS). The proposed changes will align the HazCom Standard with the United Nations Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling (GHS). The GHS was adopted by the UN in 2003 with a goal of implementation in 2008. Most multinational companies have been following both the global system and the current OSHA Hazard Communication Program in recent years. The US Department of Transportation has already modified the DOT requirements to make them consistent with international UN transportation requirements and the GHS. Now it is time for OSHA.
The proposed changes will significantly improve the quality and consistency of information provided to workers, employers and chemical user by having a standardized approach to identifying the hazard, labeling the hazard on containers and equipment, and documentation of the hazard on a MSDS. The most pronounced change that chemical purchasers and workers will see is a consistent hazard warning statements and warnings (including pictograms) along with MSDSs will always have the same information located in the same place. These changes are critical not only for everyday users of the chemicals but also emergency responders and medical personnel.
However, the changes wont be required next week and probably not even next year. The process for moving through a major revision to an established regulation can be long and loud (with input from all vantages points on the changes). OSHA took the first step of this process in September 2006 with an Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (ANPR). The recent step, in September 2009, is detailing the changes to HazCom with the publishing of a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM). Next is the comment period (90 days December 29, 2009) and then public hearings scheduled for early 2010. OSHA will then draft a Proposed Standard which will have to be reviewed by the Office of Management and Budget and will consult with the Small Business Administration. The Proposal Standard will then get published in the Federal Register, and will most likely have a comment period. FINALLY, OSHA will incorporate changes from comments into the Final Standard, which will be published in the Federal Register with the provisions taking effect over the following months or years.
Its a long process. Regulators dont have the window of time to slumber.
0 Comments Click here to read/write comments
Topics: Emilcott, OSHA, DOT, health and safety, General Industry H&S, Construction H&S, EPA, Emergency Response, H&S Training, Hazardous Waste Management, HazCom, worker safety, Occupational Health, Occupational Safety, MSDS, Hazard Communication Standard, Occupational Training, Safety Training in Spanish
10 Items You Need To Know About Water and Mold Damage In A Commercial Building
Sep 1, 2009 2:37:34 AM
Mike Gfroehrer
1. The uncontrolled release of water may result in mold (fungi) growth in a previously non-water damaged area of a building if the water release is not adequately addressed within 48 hours of its occurrence. In addition to mold growth, water damaged can result in structural damage and support the proliferation of other types of biological organisms including dust mites, cockroaches, rodents, algae, and/or bacteria.
2. The uncontrolled release of water in a building with a history of water damage may cause dormant mold colonies from prior water releases to become active in less than 48 hours.
3. One of the most important factors in effectively preventing or controlling mold growth inside a commercial building is to have a written Water Response Plan in place before an uncontrolled release of water occurs.
4. An effective Water Response Plan will include provisions to immediately stop the uncontrolled release of water and prevent its reoccurrence.
5. An effective Water Response Plan will include provisions to immediately start removing the water by mechanical means such as extraction with wet vacuums and the use of commercial-grade drying equipment. Areas where drywall (sheetrock) are covered by large pieces of furniture, wallpaper, or cove base/moldings may require special attention that potentially includes removal of sections of the drywall. The source of the water (domestic drinking water vs. rain penetration through the building vs. widespread flooding vs. sewage backup) will also impact the required response activity. Visible inspection, moisture meters, infrared cameras, measurement of temperature and relative humidity are all tools that that may be used to identify where water damaged materials exist.
6. Depending on the capabilities of the commercial buildings maintenance staff, the Water Response Plan should anticipate the use of outside contractors such as licensed plumbers, roofing contractors, environmental consultants, water/fire damage restoration contractors, and/or qualified mold remediation contractors. It is advisable to have an established relationship with each type of contractor in order to best control costs once the Water Response Plan requires activation.
7. The most common health effect resulting from indoor mold exposure is an aggravation of allergies and/or asthmatic conditions. Prolonged exposure may cause hypersensitivity in some individuals, resulting in these individuals experiencing a severe respiratory reaction even when very low concentrations of airborne mold are present at work or at home. The variety of responses is often seen when employees working in the same area report a wide range of individual responses when near the water damaged building materials.
8. If an uncontrolled release of water is not properly responded to mold growth will likely result. Once mold growth is suspected or confirmed a qualified individual should conduct an investigation to determine the extent of the mold growth and develop a Mold Remediation Work Plan. The Mold Remediation Work Plan should identify procedures to follow when cleaning or removing mold damaged building materials so that building occupants are protected and not adversely affected by the remediation project.
9. The Mold Remediation Work Plan must include: which building materials require removal; which building materials require cleaning and disinfection; a plan for the isolation of the work area using barriers (polyethylene sheeting) and negative air machines to control airborne dust generation; documentation of worker training in proper mold remediation work procedures; and the criteria of the Post Remediation Assessment. Simply put, spraying with bleach or covering with an anti-microbial paint is not an appropriate response where mold growth is confirmed to be present on installed building materials.
10. A Post Remediation Assessment (PRA) determines if the Mold Remediation Work Plan was successful in returning the area to non-water damaged condition. The PRA must be conducted prior to the removal of isolation barriers and should include: a visual inspection to confirm water and mold damaged has been removed and the area has been appropriately cleaned; a moisture survey, using moisture meters, to document remaining installed building materials are satisfactorily dry; and confirmation that corrective actions are in place to prevent additional water damage. Depending on the extent of the mold damage air and surface samples may be collected as part of the PRA. Whenever air or surface samples are collected a qualified individual, such as a Certified Industrial Hygienist, should be chosen to determine the sample locations and assist with the interpretation of results.
Read More
1. The uncontrolled release of water may result in mold (fungi) growth in a previously non-water damaged area of a building if the water release is not adequately addressed within 48 hours of its occurrence. In addition to mold growth, water damaged can result in structural damage and support the proliferation of other types of biological organisms including dust mites, cockroaches, rodents, algae, and/or bacteria.
2. The uncontrolled release of water in a building with a history of water damage may cause dormant mold colonies from prior water releases to become active in less than 48 hours.
3. One of the most important factors in effectively preventing or controlling mold growth inside a commercial building is to have a written Water Response Plan in place before an uncontrolled release of water occurs.
4. An effective Water Response Plan will include provisions to immediately stop the uncontrolled release of water and prevent its reoccurrence.
5. An effective Water Response Plan will include provisions to immediately start removing the water by mechanical means such as extraction with wet vacuums and the use of commercial-grade drying equipment. Areas where drywall (sheetrock) are covered by large pieces of furniture, wallpaper, or cove base/moldings may require special attention that potentially includes removal of sections of the drywall. The source of the water (domestic drinking water vs. rain penetration through the building vs. widespread flooding vs. sewage backup) will also impact the required response activity. Visible inspection, moisture meters, infrared cameras, measurement of temperature and relative humidity are all tools that that may be used to identify where water damaged materials exist.
6. Depending on the capabilities of the commercial buildings maintenance staff, the Water Response Plan should anticipate the use of outside contractors such as licensed plumbers, roofing contractors, environmental consultants, water/fire damage restoration contractors, and/or qualified mold remediation contractors. It is advisable to have an established relationship with each type of contractor in order to best control costs once the Water Response Plan requires activation.
7. The most common health effect resulting from indoor mold exposure is an aggravation of allergies and/or asthmatic conditions. Prolonged exposure may cause hypersensitivity in some individuals, resulting in these individuals experiencing a severe respiratory reaction even when very low concentrations of airborne mold are present at work or at home. The variety of responses is often seen when employees working in the same area report a wide range of individual responses when near the water damaged building materials.
8. If an uncontrolled release of water is not properly responded to mold growth will likely result. Once mold growth is suspected or confirmed a qualified individual should conduct an investigation to determine the extent of the mold growth and develop a Mold Remediation Work Plan. The Mold Remediation Work Plan should identify procedures to follow when cleaning or removing mold damaged building materials so that building occupants are protected and not adversely affected by the remediation project.
9. The Mold Remediation Work Plan must include: which building materials require removal; which building materials require cleaning and disinfection; a plan for the isolation of the work area using barriers (polyethylene sheeting) and negative air machines to control airborne dust generation; documentation of worker training in proper mold remediation work procedures; and the criteria of the Post Remediation Assessment. Simply put, spraying with bleach or covering with an anti-microbial paint is not an appropriate response where mold growth is confirmed to be present on installed building materials.
10. A Post Remediation Assessment (PRA) determines if the Mold Remediation Work Plan was successful in returning the area to non-water damaged condition. The PRA must be conducted prior to the removal of isolation barriers and should include: a visual inspection to confirm water and mold damaged has been removed and the area has been appropriately cleaned; a moisture survey, using moisture meters, to document remaining installed building materials are satisfactorily dry; and confirmation that corrective actions are in place to prevent additional water damage. Depending on the extent of the mold damage air and surface samples may be collected as part of the PRA. Whenever air or surface samples are collected a qualified individual, such as a Certified Industrial Hygienist, should be chosen to determine the sample locations and assist with the interpretation of results.
0 Comments Click here to read/write comments
Topics: health and safety, Construction H&S, worker safety, Occupational Health, Occupational Safety, Mold, Occupational Training, Working Green, Water Response Plan
Watch Your Back! 5 Bending/Lifting Techniques
Aug 27, 2009 8:10:22 AM
0 Comments Click here to read/write comments
Topics: health and safety, General Industry H&S, Construction H&S, H&S Training, Occupational Health, Occupational Training, Safety Training in Spanish