what mold publications should hazard mitigation staff distribute?

Maintaining indoor relative humidity below 70% (25 - 60%, if possible). You can request the phone number for an HM Insurance Specialist or the JFO Insurance Hotline phone number from your supervisor. Non-porous surfaces and porous materials that cannot be removed should be cleaned using a soap or detergent solution. 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). The National Association of Homebuilders (NAHB) represents the building industry for members and affiliated state and local builders organizations. However, removal is still recommended for infants, persons having undergone recent surgery, immune- suppressed people, or people with chronic inflammatory lung diseases. These can be accessed from the FEMA website. Visit the NFIPs official website, FloodSmart.gov for general information. What precautions should be taken when cleaning up mold? For areas greater than100 ft.2, ensure that protective clothing coversentire body including head and feet. Symptoms other than allergic and irritant types are not commonly reported as a result of inhaling mold in the indoor environment. A humidistat is a control device that can be connected to an HVAC system and adjusted so that if the humidity level rises above a set point, the HVAC system will automatically turn on and reduce the humidity below the established point. Seal ventilation ducts/grills in the work area and areas directly adjacent with plastic sheeting. JavaScript appears to be disabled on this computer. There is a tremendous risk of mold growth after flooding. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. Physician referral directory, information on allergies and asthma. Complete all of the lessons. Molds gradually damage building materials and furnishings. Distinguish between types types of flooding, including flash, coastal, river and stream, and closed-basin flooding. Since mold requires water to grow, it is important to prevent excessive moisture in buildings. Allergic responses include hay fever-type symptoms such as runny nose and red eyes. Referrals to physicians who have experience with environmental exposures. The following list of resources includes information developed and maintained by public and private organizations. Use the arrow keys to select answers for multiple-choice review questions or self-assessment checklists. Molds can cause adverse effects by producing allergens (substances that can cause allergic reactions). Effective communication with building occupants is an essential component of all large-scale remediation efforts. 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. Make sure that work areas are well ventilated. A filter with a minimum efficiency of 50 to 60% or a rating of MERV 8, as determined by Test Standard 52.2 of the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers, may be appropriate. Molds reproduce by creating tiny spores (viable seeds) that usually cannot be seen without magnification. Flood insurance is the best way to protect from devastating financial loss. 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). While it is impossible to eliminate all molds and mold spores, controlling moisture can control indoor mold growth. Is it necessary to sample for mold? Identify floodproofing measures including the difference between wet and dry floodproofing. The mold must be removed, since the chemicals and proteins, which can cause a reaction in humans, are present even in dead mold. Mold Remediation Guidelines - Environmental Health and Safety Sampling, if conducted, should show that the level and types of mold and mold spores inside the building are similar to those found outside. In addition, there are no standards for "acceptable" levels of mold in buildings, and the lack of a definitive correlation between exposure levels and health effects makes interpreting the data difficult, if not impossible. Unanchored heating oil or propane tanks can be easily moved by flood waters. Worker and Employer Guide to Hazards and Recommended Controls Verified answer. Official websites use .gov PDF Mold Hazards during Disaster Cleanup - Occupational Safety and Health In some cases, especially those involving large areas of contamination, the remediation plan may include temporary relocation of some or all of the building occupants. This lesson describes mitigation options and the circumstances under which each is used. If you exit from the course, you will need to start that lesson over again. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) has published: World Health Organization (WHO) Document. Their interpretation is best left to the industrial hygienist or other environmental health or safety professional. Scientific research on the relationship between mold exposures and health effects is ongoing. 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. C. If you or . Due to the wide difference in individual susceptibility to mold contamination, sampling results sampling may have limited application. 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. www.ascr.org/institutes [http://www.restorationindustry.org]. C. ONLY the mold publication provided by the Hazard Mitigation Community Education and Outreach Group. 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. What you say and do makes a real difference in peoples lives! 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. 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. Potential health concerns are important reasons to prevent mold growth and to remediate existing problem areas. A quick guide to the dangers of mold in your home. Cleaning to remove the mold without fixing the moisture problem will most likely result in the mold coming back. Conversely, negative results may persuade investigators to abandon this hypothesis and to consider other sources of mold growth or dissemination. Mold and Health. You can select any of the lessons from this menu by simply clicking on the lesson title. Devastating floods occur throughout the United States every year. Instructions for cleaning surfaces, as listed on product labels, should always be read and followed. Pinpointing areas where leaks have occurred, identifying the causes, and taking preventive action to ensure that they do not reoccur. Respirators must be used in accordance with the OSHA respiratory protection standard (. Along with mushrooms, yeasts, and mildew, molds are classified as fungi. Land value is not included. These remediation guidelines are based on the size of the affected area to make it easier for remediators to select appropriate techniques, not on the basis of research showing there is a specific method appropriate at a certain number of square feet. What mold publications should Hazard Mitigation staff distribute? A Closed-basin flooding occurs when a lake has no outlet or a relatively small outlet. 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. Mold | US EPA 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. Many of these mitigation measures involve elevating equipment above the expected flood levels. These can be accessed from the FEMA website. Humidity meters can be used to monitor indoor humidity. Cleaning and drying wet or damp spots as soon as possible, but no more than 48 hours after discovery. 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. You should revisit the site(s) after remediation, and it should show no signs of moldy or musty odors, water damage, or mold growth. The American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA) developed this 3-part video series. Level II: Mid-Sized Isolated Areas (10 - 30 sq. The filter and contents of the HEPA vacuum must be disposed of in impermeable bags or containers in such a way as to prevent release of the debris. Most typical indoor air exposures to mold do not present a risk of adverse health effects. In this lesson you learned about the mitigation methods for flooding that included: Lesson 5: Official Information and Resources. About 1,000 species of mold can be found in the United States, with more than 100,000 known species worldwide. 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. Personnel trained in the handling of hazardous materials and equipped with: Full face piece respirators with HEPA cartridges; Disposable protective clothing covering entire body including both head and shoes; and. Publications on floods, flood proofing, etc. FEMA Publications Below are FEMA mitigation publications relevant to this hazard. 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. These backups not only cause damage that is difficult to repair, but they also create health hazards. To see a numeric display, roll your mouse over the Progress bar area. Consult an experienced mold remediator for more information. If possible, remediation activities should be scheduled during off-hours when building occupants are less likely to be affected. 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. FEMA's Hazard Mitigation Grant Program FEMA has one post-disaster mitigation grant program to assist communities in . Group meetings held before and after remediation with full disclosure of plans and results can be an effective communication mechanism. Are building occupants reporting musty or moldy odors? Remediators should avoid exposing themselves and others to mold-laden dusts as they conduct their cleanup activities. Pass the final exam. The guidelines are designed to protect the health of cleanup personnel and other workers during remediation. Owners can have their buildings moved by professionals to a safer place outside the Special Flood Hazard Area. The information in these guidelines is intended only as a summary of basic procedures and is not intended, nor should it be used, as a detailed guide to mold remediation. These guidelines are based on the size of the area impacted by mold contamination. Remediators, particularly those with health related concerns, may wish to check with their physicians or other health-care professionals before working on mold remediation or investigating potentially moldy areas. We would not have food and medicines, like cheese and penicillin, without mold. Some floods develop slowly, sometimes over a period of days. Emphasis should be placed on preventing contamination through proper building and HVAC system maintenance and prompt repair of water damaged areas. Inhalation is the exposure of most concern to cleanup workers. Looking for condensation and wet spots. To protect your eyes, use properly fitted goggles or a full face piece respirator. 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. Wet vacuums should be used only on wet materials, as spores may be exhausted into the indoor environment if insufficient liquid is present. Such persons should receive training on proper clean up methods, personal protection, and potential health hazards. When water leaks or spills occur indoors - act promptly. Mold can cause structural damage to buildings the longer it grows the more damage it can cause. Additional Information Visit OSHA's Safety and Health Topics webpage on Mold at: www.osha.gov/SLTC/molds 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. To reduce the moisture level in the air, repair leaks, increase ventilation (if outside air is cold and dry), or dehumidify (if outdoor air is warm and humid). 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. As a member of FEMAs Hazard Mitigation disaster workforce, you are expected to be able to explainto the public: This independent study course is part of a series of five, intended for the Hazard Mitigation disaster workforce. In addition, exposure to mold can irritate the eyes, skin, nose and throat in certain individuals. The Federal Alliance for Safe Homes, Inc., known as FLASH, is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting disaster safety and property loss mitigation across a variety of natural hazards, including floods. 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. It can be accessed from the internet via the Homeland Security Information Network using any computer or from the intranet using a FEMA computer. FEMA Publications Below are FEMA mitigation publications relevant to this hazard. The cost of flood insurance varies depending on how much insurance is purchased, what it covers, and the property's flood risk. Molds are microscopic organisms found everywhere in the environment, indoors and outdoors. Respirators must be used in accordance with the OSHA respiratory protection standard (. Learn more about mold and moisture control. Are building occupants reporting health problems that they think are related to mold in the indoor environment? Contractors and other professionals (e.g. The glove material should be selected based on the type of substance/ chemical being handled. What is mold? Of these, 83 83 received a bonus last year, 100 100 attended a special sales training program at the beginning of last year, and 42 42 both attended the special sales training program and received a bonus. 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. Seasonal rainfall and storm systems can cause the lake level to rise faster than it can empty. Flood insurance is a mitigation measure that protects policy holders from the financial risks of flooding. Information on indoor comfort products and services. Delayed or insufficient maintenance may contribute to moisture problems in buildings. Below are instructions for navigating through the course using your keyboard. However, sampling results can be used as a guide to determine the extent of an infestation and the effectiveness of the cleanup. Remove filters in a manner that minimizes the reentry of mold and other toxic substances into the workplace. The site includes recommended mitigation strategies for most types of natural hazards. Course Summary: IS-322 Flood Mitigation Basics for Mitigation Staff Several federal agencies also publish information about mold, including: Centers for Disease Control Environmental Protection Agency FEMA U.S. Public Health Service A. Their website is located at www.nahb.org. Currently, there are no federal standards or recommendations, (e.g., OSHA, NIOSH, EPA) for airborne concentrations of mold or mold spores. The publication also provides information on financial assistance for mitigation retrofitting. A company employs 400 400 salespeople. 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. Measures to mitigate flood damage include: Floodproofing describes mitigation measures that decrease the risk of flood damage in structures. In addition, use of respirators requires the employer to develop and implement a written respiratory protection program, with worksite-specific procedures and elements. If contaminant practices effectively prevent mold from migrating from affected areas, it may not be necessary to remove people from surrounding work areas. The effects of flooding can be local, impacting a neighborhood or community, or extensive, affecting entire river basins and multiple states. They should not be used to vacuum porous materials, such as gypsum board. This completes the final lesson in this course. Keeping HVAC drip pans clean, flowing properly, and unobstructed. Although the level of personal protection suggested in these guidelines is based on the total surface area contaminated and the potential for remediator or occupant exposure, professional judgment always should play a part in remediation decisions.
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