what mold publications should hazard mitigation staff distribute?

It is important to package mold-contaminated materials in this fashion to minimize the dispersion of mold spores. If you know you have a mold problem, it is more important to spend time and resources removing the mold and solving the moisture problem that causes the moldy conditions than to undertake extensive testing for the type and quantity of mold. The site includes recommended mitigation strategies for most types of natural hazards. This lesson describes mitigation options and the circumstances under which each is used. This document will help those responsible for building maintenance in the evaluation of remediation plans. Additional elevation of electrical components above the recommended level further reduces the risk. Any remediation work that disturbs mold and causes mold spores to become airborne increases the degree of respiratory exposure. 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. FEMA Publications Below are FEMA mitigation publications relevant to this hazard. Remediation includes both the identification and correction of the conditions that permit mold growth, as well as the steps to safely and effectively remove mold damaged materials. Typically, there's a 30-day waiting period from date of purchase before a policy goes into effect, but there are exceptions. The work area and areas directly adjacent should be unoccupied. Dry floodproofing may NOT be used to bring a Substantially Damaged or Substantially Improved residential structure into compliance with the communitys floodplain ordinance. To increase surface temperature, insulate or increase air circulation. About 1,000 species of mold can be found in the United States, with more than 100,000 known species worldwide. Visible mold and moldy odors should not be present. Biocides are toxic to animals and humans, as well as to mold. People with weakened immune systems and with chronic lung diseases, such as obstructive lung disease, may develop mold infections in their lungs. If the structure is damaged or improved, but not to the regulatory definition of Substantial Damage or Substantial Improvement or if it already meets the ordinance, the owner can reduce the risk of future damages by selecting other, less expensive mitigation measures. Many of these mitigation measures involve elevating equipment above the expected flood levels. 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. Below are instructions for navigating through the course using your keyboard. Has routine maintenance been delayed or the maintenance plan been altered? These services are not routinely available from commercial laboratories. 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. Large items with heavy mold growth should be covered with polyethylene sheeting and sealed with duct tape before being removed from the remediation area. Remove filters in a manner that minimizes the reentry of mold and other toxic substances into the workplace. Complete isolation of work area from occupied spaces using plastic sheeting sealed with duct tape (including ventilation ducts/grills, fixtures, and other openings); The use of an exhaust fan with a HEPA filter to generate negative pressurization; and. ONLY the mold publication provided by the Centers for Disease Control. NFIP Summary of Coverage provides guidance on deductibles, what is and is not covered by flood insurance, and how items are valued at time of loss. (800) CDC-INFO (232-4636)cdcinfo@cdc.gov, AIHA Video Series: Keeping Your Home & Your Family Safe and Mold-Free, The American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA) developed, Resources for Mold Cleanup and Moisture Control (PDF), Dampness and Mold Assessment Tool forSchools, Dampness and Mold Assessment Tool for General Buildings. 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. Effective communication with building occupants is an essential component of all large-scale remediation efforts. Outdoors, molds play an important role in nature by breaking down organic matter such as toppled trees, fallen leaves, and dead animals. 1999. Do not use fungicides developed for outdoor use in any indoor application, as they can be extremely toxic to animals and humans in an enclosed environment. Venting moisture-generating appliances, such as dryers, to the outside where possible. 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. Moisture meters can be used on materials such as carpet, wallboard, wood, brick, and concrete. To protect your eyes, use properly fitted goggles or a full face piece respirator. An official website of the United States government. Press Enter to select a navigation button or hyperlink. When using fans, take care not to extend the zone of contamination by distributing mold spores to a previously unaffected area. To help with these costs, the NFIP includes Increased Cost of Compliance (ICC) coverage for all eligible properties insured under the Standard Flood Insurance Policy. 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. 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. This is because when things remain wet for more than two days, they usually get moldy. 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. To see a numeric display, roll your mouse over the Progress bar area. It is important to dry these surfaces quickly and thoroughly to discourage further mold growth. While conducting building inspections and remediation work, individuals may encounter hazardous biological agents as well as chemical and physical hazards. 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. 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 . Coastal flooding occurs when intense offshore storm systems push ocean water inland above the normal tide level. 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. Since mold requires water to grow, it is important to prevent excessive moisture in buildings. Click on the "Help" button to review guidance and troubleshooting advice regarding navigating through the course. Make sure anyone applying a biocide is properly licensed where required. In addition, pursuant to Section 5(a)(1), the General Duty Clause of the Act, employers must provide their employees with a workplace free from recognized hazards likely to cause death or serious physical harm. Publications on floods, flood proofing, etc. What is mold? 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. The National Association of Homebuilders (NAHB) represents the building industry for members and affiliated state and local builders organizations. A user id and password are required to access either website. Performing regularly scheduled building/ HVAC inspections and maintenance, including filter changes. Walls that are not completely dry may allow mold spores to grow quickly. CDC is recognized as the lead federal agency for protecting the health and safety of the American people at home and abroad. IS 322: Flood Mitigation Basics for Mitigation Staff After a disaster event, which agency is. Preventing moisture from condensing by increasing surface temperature or reducing the moisture level in the air (humidity). Notification should include a description of the remedial measures to be taken and a timetable for completion. If you are in doubt about sampling, consult an industrial hygienist or other environmental health or safety professional with experience in microbial investigations to help you decide if sampling for mold is necessary or useful, and to identify persons who can conduct any necessary sampling. After the Flood: Tips from the NFIP provides advice on looking out for hazards in a flood-prone home, filing for flood insurance claims, and cleaning up after a flood. The guidelines have been designed to help construct a remediation plan. These materials may be disposed of as ordinary waste. Consequently, appropriate personal protective clothing (i.e., reusable or disposable) is recommended to minimize cross-contamination between work areas and clean areas, to prevent the transfer and spread of mold and other contaminants to street clothing, and to eliminate skin contact with mold and potential chemical exposures. Flood insurance is a mitigation measure that protects policy holders from the financial risks of flooding. Health Effects of Mold Exposure Information on best practices in building remediation. business. Flood control barriers protect structures by deflecting the destructive forces of flood waters away from vulnerable structures. Some biocides are considered pesticides, and some states require that only registered pesticide applicators apply these products in schools, commercial buildings, and homes. Delayed or insufficient maintenance may contribute to moisture problems in buildings. Looking for condensation and wet spots. Floods are not all alike. Flood insurance is the best way to protect from devastating financial loss. A. Some specific species of mold produce mycotoxins under certain environmental conditions. Land value is not included. Potential health concerns are important reasons to prevent mold growth and to remediate existing problem areas. The guidelines are designed to protect the health of cleanup personnel and other workers during remediation. EPA 402-K-01-001. Identify mitigation measures that can meet local floodplain management requirements for residences, including elevating and relocating structures, and property acquisition. A company employs 400 400 salespeople. Follow all local building codes. However, OSHA does not control this information and cannot guarantee the accuracy, relevance, timeliness, or completeness of this outside information. Use hand, eye, and respiratory protection. A box surrounds the button that is currently selected. Never mix chlorine bleach solution with other cleaning solutions or detergents that contain ammonia because this may produce highly toxic vapors and create a hazard to workers. This Guide is also available in HTML. 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). Hazard Mitigation staff distribute ONLYthe mold publication provided by the Hazard Mitigation Community Education and Outreach Group. Level IV: Extensive Contamination (greater than 100 contiguous square feet in an area). In this lesson you will learn about the different types of flooding that occur along coasts, rivers, streams, and lakes. Referrals to physicians who have experience with environmental exposures. (e.g., asthma, hypersensitivity pneumonitis, and severe allergies). Containment of the work area is not necessary. Another partner organization is the Institute for Business Home Safety (IBHS). Allergic responses include hay fever-type symptoms such as runny nose and red eyes. Use the arrow keys to select answers for multiple-choice review questions or self-assessment checklists. If you are working in a DRC or other outreach venue, your supervisor will explain which NFIP publication to distribute and to whom. However, the spores in the ambient air will not cause further problems if the moisture level in the building has been corrected. What mold publications should Hazard Mitigation staff distribute? Their website is located at www.nahb.org. A. Mold spores continually float through the indoor and outdoor air. 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. The NFIP provides specific resources to policy holders and the public following a flooding event. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) has published: World Health Organization (WHO) Document. The Bulletin is advisory in nature, informational in content, and is intended to assist employers in providing a safe and healthful workplace. Licensed contractors ensure that electrical system modifications are performed correctly and according to all applicable codes. This will be further discussed later in the course. The building owner, management, and/or employer should notify occupants in the affected area(s) of the presence of mold. Flood waters often carry hazardous and toxic materials, including raw sewage, animal waste, oil, gasoline, solvents, and chemicals. 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. IBHS hosts the www.DisasterSafety.org website. The document summarizes basic procedures for mold remediation after flooding and other disasters with an emphasis on worker protection. Contaminated materials that cannot be cleaned should be removed from the building in sealed impermeable plastic bags. Over the past 10 years, the average flood claim paid has amounted to nearly $48,000. It serves as the national focus for developing and applying disease prevention and control, environmental health, and health promotion and education activities. 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. 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. 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. 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.

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