what mold publications should hazard mitigation staff distribute? what mold publications should hazard mitigation staff distribute?

HVAC equipment, such as furnaces and hot water heaters, can be damaged extensively if inundated by flood waters. Molds reproduce by creating tiny spores (viable seeds) that usually cannot be seen without magnification. If you exit from the course, you will need to start that lesson over again. Another partner organization is the Institute for Business Home Safety (IBHS). Mold exposure may cause or aggravate asthma or respiratory problems in adults and children. Losing these tanks results in major costs and inconvenience to their owners. Complete all of the lessons. Providing adequate drainage around buildings and sloping the ground away from building foundations. 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. After correcting water or moisture infiltration, the prompt removal of contaminated material and structural repair is the primary response to mold contamination in buildings. Barriers may not be used to bring a Substantially Damaged or Substantially Improved residence into compliance with a communitys floodplain management ordinances or laws. The glove material should be selected based on the type of substance/ chemical being handled. Removing people from spaces adjacent to the work area is not necessary, but is recommended for infants (less than 12 months old), persons recovering from recent surgery, immune-suppressed people, or people with chronic inflammatory lung diseases (e.g., asthma, hypersensitivity pneumonitis, and severe allergies). Publications on floods, flood proofing, etc. Protecting Your Property from Flooding provides information on damage-resistant building materials, dry flood proofing, raising electrical components, anchoring fuel tanks, raising HVAC equipment, protecting walls and installing sewer backflow valves. This will be further discussed later in the course. Microscopic identification of the spores/ colonies requires considerable expertise. Emphasis should be placed on preventing contamination through proper building and HVAC system maintenance and prompt repair of water damaged areas. Respirators must be used in accordance with the OSHA respiratory protection standard (. Repairing plumbing leaks and leaks in the building structure as soon as possible. Currently, there are no federal standards or recommendations, (e.g., OSHA, NIOSH, EPA) for airborne concentrations of mold or mold spores. If you are using a mild detergent or plain water, ordinary household rubber gloves may be used. Delayed or insufficient maintenance may contribute to moisture problems in buildings. The American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA) developed this 3-part video series. Tips for Filing Your Insurance Claim provides advice on: There are several websites that contain flood mitigation information. Visible mold, mold-damaged materials, and moldy odors should no longer be present. Remove filters in a manner that minimizes the reentry of mold and other toxic substances into the workplace. 1 2 Molds are part of the natural environment, and can be found everywhere, indoors and outdoors. 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. Flash floods often have a dangerous wall of roaring water that carries rocks, mud, and other debris that can sweep away most things in its path. Long gloves that extend to the middle of the forearm are recommended. Is it necessary to sample for mold? Due to the wide difference in individual susceptibility to mold contamination, sampling results sampling may have limited application. Each lesson will take between 10 and 30 minutes to complete. 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. 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. This document will help those responsible for building maintenance in the evaluation of remediation plans. Last updated on March 14, 2023. Information on engineering issues and indoor air quality. Answers to Questions About the National Flood Insurance Program explains the NFIP, including coverage, claims, flood maps, and FEMAs repetitive loss strategy. Refer interested individuals to local building officials and plumbing specialists before undertaking any of these measures. Mold removal should be complete. The base flood is a flood having a one percent chance of being equaled or exceeded in any given year.The NFIP uses the BFE to describe the minimum elevation to which new development in a flood hazard area must be regulated. If you choose to hire outside assistance to do the cleanup, make sure the contractor has experience with mold remediation. Hurricanes, tsunamis, and unusually high tides can cause coastal flooding. 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. It also requires periodic maintenance to remain effective. These materials can usually be discarded as ordinary construction waste. Videos in the series include: For more information on damp buildings and health effects, see the 2004 Institute of Medicine Report, Damp Indoor Spaces and Health, published by The National Academies Pressin Washington, DC. In addition to elevating large utilities, household appliances such as washing machines and dryers should be elevated above potential flood waters. Mold Remediation in Schools and Commercial Buildings. Sampling for mold should be conducted by professionals with specific experience in designing mold-sampling protocols, sampling methods for microbial contaminants, and interpretation of results. Licensed contractors ensure that electrical system modifications are performed correctly and according to all applicable codes. Over the past 10 years, the average flood claim paid has amounted to nearly $48,000. About 1,000 species of mold can be found in the United States, with more than 100,000 known species worldwide. A storm surge can occur in just a few minutes. Walls that are not completely dry may allow mold spores to grow quickly. Potential health effects from mycotoxins are the subject of ongoing scientific research and are beyond the scope of this document. As specified by OSHA in 29 CFR 1910.134 individuals who use respirators must be properly trained, have medical clearance, and be properly fit tested before they begin using a respirator. All molds share the characteristic of being able to grow without sunlight; mold needs only a viable seed (spore), a nutrient source, moisture, and the right temperature to proliferate. Allergic responses include hay fever-type symptoms such as runny nose and red eyes. Expert Help. The Consultation Program can help the employer evaluate and prevent hazardous conditions in the workplace that can cause injuries and illnesses, including mold problems. A 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. What is mold? Identify and correct moisture problems. They can be used to remove water from floors, carpets, and hard surfaces where water has accumulated. 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. It can be accessed from the internet via the Homeland Security Information Network using any computer or from the intranet using a FEMA computer. Information on building regulations, science, and technology. Relocation is another flood mitigation measure that will comply with most community floodplain ordinances. Humidity meters can be used to monitor indoor humidity. Seal ventilation ducts/grills in the work area and areas directly adjacent with plastic sheeting. In most cases, if visible mold growth is present, sampling is unnecessary. It consists of a video camera on the end of a flexible "snake." All areas should be left dry and visibly free from contamination and debris. Extensive courses given in IAQ. These services are not routinely available from commercial laboratories. Carpet maintenance, restoration guidelines for water-damaged carpet, other carpet-related issues. Inexpensive (less than $50) models that monitor both temperature and humidity are available. ft.) - e.g., individual wallboard panels. A. Discard mold damaged materials in plastic bags. The remediation manager's highest priority must be to protect the health and safety of the building occupants and remediators. Other resources are intended for use by building and emergency management professionals. It is a violation of Federal (EPA) law to use a biocide in any manner inconsistent with its label direction. 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. Safety glasses or goggles with open vent holes are not appropriate in mold remediation. An outside tank can be secured by running straps over it and attaching the straps to ground anchors. Wet vacuums should be used only on wet materials, as spores may be exhausted into the indoor environment if insufficient liquid is present. Bioaerosols Assessment and Control, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), The Building Owners and Managers Association International (BOMA), New York City Department of Health & Mental Hygiene Bureau of Environmental & Occupational Disease Epidemiology 2002. Visit the NFIPs official website, FloodSmart.gov for general information. which agency is responsible for the message to the public about mold hazards and remediation? Several federal agencies also publish information about mold, including: Centers for Disease Control Environmental Protection Agency FEMA U.S. Public Health Service Study Resources . 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). 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. Pursuant to the Occupational Safety and Health Act, employers must comply with hazard-specific safety and health standards and regulations promulgated by OSHA or by a state with an OSHA-approved state plan. NFIP Claims Handbook tells policyholders what to do before, during, and after a flood. Additional elevation of electrical components above the recommended level further reduces the risk. The effects of flooding can be local, impacting a neighborhood or community, or extensive, affecting entire river basins and multiple states. Wet floodproofing measures are typically used to protect electrical, heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (also known as HVAC), and utility components of a structure when flooding occurs. Second, each community participating in the program has adopted a floodplain management ordinance, which reflects the flood risk information provided in the FEMA flood maps. It is recommended that personnel be trained in the handling of hazardous materials and equipped with respiratory protection (e.g., N-95 disposable respirator). Musty or earthy odors may indicate mold. FEMA Publications Below are FEMA mitigation publications relevant to this hazard. Visible mold and moldy odors should not be present. Coastal flooding occurs when intense offshore storm systems push ocean water inland above the normal tide level. A major bloom involving a large area of a collection or one involving highly toxic mold species will require outside professional advice and assistance to stop the mold growth, clean the collection, and render the affected area safe for use again. Consult an engineer for the appropriate filter efficiency for your specific HVAC system, and consider upgrading your filters if necessary. 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. Molds are part of the natural environment. Molds can grow on virtually any substance, as long as moisture or water, oxygen, and an organic source are present. Further, the inclusion of these resources is not intended to endorse any views expressed, or products or services offered, by the author of the reference or the organization operating the service identified by the reference. They digest whatever they land on in order to survive. These backups not only cause damage that is difficult to repair, but they also create health hazards. If you have to leave the course, do not exit from the course or close your browser. C. ONLY the mold publication provided by the Hazard Mitigation Community Education and Outreach Group. 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. After a flood, there are many mitigation measures that can be taken to help reduce the risk of future flood damage. Molds may cause localized skin or mucosal infections but, in general, do not cause systemic infections in humans, except for persons with impaired immunity, AIDS, uncontrolled diabetes, or those taking immune suppressive drugs. CDC is recognized as the lead federal agency for protecting the health and safety of the American people at home and abroad. 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. Effective communication with building occupants is an essential component of all large-scale remediation efforts. Simply scan the QR codes to access the resources. Have building materials been wet more than 48 hours? FEMA's Hazard Mitigation Grant Program FEMA has one post-disaster mitigation grant program to assist communities in . Documented quality control in the laboratories used for analysis of the bulk, surface, and other air samples is necessary. Their website is located at www.nahb.org. Insurance can be purchased for structures, contents, or both. Any initial water infiltration should be stopped and cleaned promptly. It also regulates the repair and rebuilding of structures in the floodplain that are substantially damaged or substantially improved.. They should not be used to vacuum porous materials, such as gypsum board. Many communities have adopted even stricter standards in their floodplain ordinance and require higher elevation called freeboard. Freeboard helps compensate for many unknown factors that can contribute to flood heights greater than those calculated in base flood elevations, such as wave action, bridge openings, and the effects of urbanization of the watershed. A boroscope is a hand-held tool that allows users to see potential mold problems inside walls, ceiling plenums, crawl spaces, and other tight areas. (e.g., asthma, hypersensitivity pneumonitis, and severe allergies). Preventing moisture from condensing by increasing surface temperature or reducing the moisture level in the air (humidity). Mold is a public health issue that is addressed by appropriate local, state, and federal experts. Extending the casing at least 2 feet above the highest known flood elevation, Installing a sanitary seal or cover on the casing, Installing a backflow value in the water line, The importance of directing the public to local building officials before they begin repairs or rebuilding, How FEMA addresses the topic of flood-related mold with the public, Which publications are available to promote flood mitigation, What FEMA-approved online resources are available for flood mitigation, What appropriate actions to take when advising the public, Recognize the information and advice to provide regarding mold, Identify FEMA partner organizations and the websites that contain FEMA mitigation publications, Identify the correct actions to take when advising the public regarding flood mitigation and the NFIP. This section provides a brief overview, but does not describe all potential health effects related to mold exposure. Then tab to the Submit button and press Enter to complete a Knowledge Review or Self-Assessment. Most typical indoor air exposures to mold do not present a risk of adverse health effects. Mold also can damage materials in your home. You can select any of the lessons from this menu by simply clicking on the lesson title. Flash flooding is usually caused by intense rainfall and can flood an area in less than six hours. The guidelines are designed to protect the health of cleanup personnel and other workers during remediation. Information on health-related topics including asthma molds in the environment, and occupational health. The advice of a medical professional should always be sought if there are any emerging health issues. Mold can generally be removed from nonporous surfaces by wiping or scrubbing with water and detergent. Typically, there's a 30-day waiting period from date of purchase before a policy goes into effect, but there are exceptions. Looking for condensation and wet spots. You can request the phone number for an HM Insurance Specialist or the JFO Insurance Hotline phone number from your supervisor. Molds can also cause asthma attacks in some individuals who are allergic to mold. Flood water can easily damage electrical system components including service panels, meters, switches, and outlets. National Flood Insurance Program Increased Cost of Compliance (ICC) Coverage: How You Can Benefit provides brief information on ICC Coverage. How do I prevent mold from endangering my family? Types of samples can include: air samples, surface samples, bulk samples, and water samples from condensate drain pans or cooling towers. Keeping HVAC drip pans clean, flowing properly, and unobstructed. The Bulletin is advisory in nature, informational in content, and is intended to assist employers in providing a safe and healthful workplace. Respirators protect cleanup workers from inhaling airborne mold, contaminated dust, and other particulates that are released during the remediation process. When water leaks or spills occur indoors - act promptly. If you choose to use disinfectants or biocides, always ventilate the area, using outside air if possible, and exhaust the air to the outdoors. Problems may arise when mold starts eating away at materials, affecting the look, smell, and possibly, with the respect to wood-framed buildings, affecting the structural integrity of the buildings. industrial hygienists or other environmental health and safety professionals) who respond to mold and moisture situations in buildings, as well as members of the general public, also may find these guidelines helpful. 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. Dust suppression methods, such as misting (not soaking) surfaces prior to remediation, are recommended. People who are sensitive to mold may experience stuffy nose, irritated eyes, wheezing, or skin irritation. before taking further action. There are many types of mold. 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. This completes this lesson. 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). These can be accessed from the FEMA website. Flood insurance is a mitigation measure that protects policy holders from the financial risks of flooding. Questions That May Assist in Determining Whether a Mold Problem Currently Exists. www.ascr.org/institutes [http://www.restorationindustry.org]. FEMA's Hazard Mitigation Grant Program FEMA has one post-disaster mitigation grant program to assist communities in reducing long-term hazard risk. U.S. EPA IAQ Information Clearinghouse (IAQINFO). ONLY the mold publications that have been provided by the American Red Cross B. Are building occupants reporting musty or moldy odors? Fix source(s) of moisture incursion problem(s) as soon as possible. Flooding can cause sewage from sewer lines to back up through drain pipes. Has routine maintenance been delayed or the maintenance plan been altered? If any individual has health concerns, doubts, or questions before beginning a remediation/cleanup project, he or she should consult a health professional. Floods are not all alike. In addition, before deciding to relocate occupants, one should also evaluate the remediator's ability to contain/minimize possible aerosolization of mold spores given their expertise and the physical parameters of the workspace. 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. Accredited laboratories must participate in quarterly proficiency testing (Environmental Microbiology Proficiency Analytical Testing Program (EMPAT)). Use the Tab key to move forward through each screens navigation buttons and hyperlinks, or Shift + Tab to move backwards. Level IV: Extensive Contamination (greater than 100 contiguous square feet in an area). For areas greater than100 ft.2, ensure that protective clothing coversentire body including head and feet. Respirators used to provide protection from mold and mold spores must be certified by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). Pinpointing areas where leaks have occurred, identifying the causes, and taking preventive action to ensure that they do not reoccur. 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. These barriers, including levees, berms, floodwalls, and temporary barriers, may be used to create a protected area for a single structure or for multiple structures. Ventilation ductwork also can be protected from flooding by locating it above the base flood level.