An Office Building Occupants Guide to Indoor Air Quality [Page title updated in 2012], Biological Pollutants [Page title updated in 2012], Building Air Quality (BAQ) [Page title updated in 2012], Flood Cleanup to Protect Indoor Air Quality [Page title and link updated in 2015], Indoor Air Quality in Offices and Other Large Buildings [Page title and link updated in 2015], Creating Healthy Indoor Air Quality in Schools [Page title updated in 2015], Resources for Flood Cleanup and Mold [Link updated in 2019], Mold Remediation in Schools and Commercial Buildings Guide [Link updated in 2015], Occupational Safety & Health Administration, Occupational Safety and Health Administration, Outreach Training Program (10- and 30-hour Cards), OSHA Training Institute Education Centers, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website, American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists, New York City Department of Health & Mental Hygiene Bureau of Environmental & Occupational Disease Epidemiology, Mold Remediation in Schools and Commercial Buildings, Indoor Air Quality in Offices and Other Large Buildings, Creating Healthy Indoor Air Quality in Schools, Mold Remediation in Schools and Commercial Buildings Guide, American College of Occupational and Environmental Medicine (ACOEM), American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists, Inc. (ACGIH), American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA), Asthma and Allergy Foundation of American (AAFA), National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), National Jewish Health Medical and Research Center, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), University of Minnesota, Department of Environmental Health and Safety, Managing water infiltration into buildings, Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC), International Sanitary Supply Association (ISSA), National Institute of Building Sciences (NIBS), National Pesticide Information Center (NPIC), Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors' National Association (SMACNA), Severe Storm and Flood Recovery Assistance, SHIB 03-10-10 A Brief Guide to Mold in the Workplace - English, Directorate of Technical Support and Emergency Management, (formerly Directorate of Science, Technology and Medicine), Office of Science and Technology Assessment. 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. Always consider consulting a health professional to address any employee health concerns. before taking further action. However, sampling results can be used as a guide to determine the extent of an infestation and the effectiveness of the cleanup. However it CAN meet requirements for non-residential and commercial structures. 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. IS-322-Flood-Mitigation-Basics-for-Mitigation-Staff-2.pdf 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. Their website is located at www.nahb.org. If dislodged, these tanks also pose serious threats to public safety and to the environment. People should have been able to occupy or re-occupy the area without health complaints or physical symptoms. Looking for condensation and wet spots. 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. Mold levels are likely to be high in a confined space, so PPE should be 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. No major drilling or cutting of dry wall is required. The guidelines are designed to protect the health of cleanup personnel and other workers during remediation. What can he do? 1 2 Molds are part of the natural environment, and can be found everywhere, indoors and outdoors. To protect your eyes, use properly fitted goggles or a full face piece respirator. ft. or less) - e.g., ceiling tiles, small areas on walls. This Guide is also available in HTML. Referrals to clinics with physicians, who have experience with environmental exposures, include exposure to mold; maintains a database of occupational and environmental cases. (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. 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. Flooding can cause sewage from sewer lines to back up through drain pipes. 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. Is it necessary to sample for mold? Note: If the Next button is dimmed, you must complete an activity before you can proceed in the lesson. Venting kitchens (cooking areas) and bathrooms according to local code requirements. A variety of cleanup methods are available for remediating damage to building materials and furnishings caused by moisture control problems and mold growth. Conversely, negative results may persuade investigators to abandon this hypothesis and to consider other sources of mold growth or dissemination. This type of floodproofing is often used to protect non-residential structures, water supplies, and sewage systems. This section provides a brief overview, but does not describe all potential health effects related to mold exposure. (e.g., asthma, hypersensitivity pneumonitis, and severe allergies). The work area should be unoccupied. While conducting building inspections and remediation work, individuals may encounter hazardous biological agents as well as chemical and physical hazards. PDF Mold - Occupational Safety and Health Administration 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. EPA-402-K-02-003, September 2012 (reprinted). Available in both English and Spanish languages. SHIB 03-10-10 A Brief Guide to Mold in the Workplace - English Owners can have their buildings moved by professionals to a safer place outside the Special Flood Hazard Area. Relocation is another flood mitigation measure that will comply with most community floodplain ordinances. 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. The National Association of Homebuilders (NAHB) represents the building industry for members and affiliated state and local builders organizations. The American Industrial Hygiene Association offers accreditation to microbial laboratories (Environmental Microbiology Laboratory Accreditation Program (EMLAP)). The remediation manager should rely on professional judgment and experience to adapt the guidelines to particular situations. These can be accessed from the FEMA website. If you are using a mild detergent or plain water, ordinary household rubber gloves may be used. The advice of a medical professional should always be sought if there are any emerging health issues. Complete all of the lessons. 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. Microscopic identification of the spores/ colonies requires considerable expertise. Seal ventilation ducts/grills in the work area and areas directly adjacent with plastic sheeting. GEOG 2210 Quizzes & FEMA Flashcards | Quizlet Hurricanes, tsunamis, and unusually high tides can cause coastal flooding. 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. What mold publications should Hazard Mitigation staff distribute? Land value is not included. The Base Flood Elevation (BFE) is the anticipated elevation above mean sea level that the base flood is expected to reach. Who's affected? 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. Use the Tab key to move forward through each screens navigation buttons and hyperlinks, or Shift + Tab to move backwards. We would not have food and medicines, like cheese and penicillin, without mold. Learn about mold growth indoors, including topics like basic information about indoor mold growth, how mold can affect health and mold testing. PDF Industrial Hygiene Public Health Army Mold Remediation Guidance This is because when things remain wet for more than two days, they usually get moldy. Priority is given to businesses with fewer than 250 employees at a worksite, with further consideration given to the severity of the worksite problem. Mold | US EPA A. business. Then tab to the Submit button and press Enter to complete a Knowledge Review or Self-Assessment. People who are sensitive to mold may experience stuffy nose, irritated eyes, wheezing, or skin irritation. When deciding if relocating occupants is necessary, consideration should be given to the size and type of mold growth, the type and extent of health effects reported by the occupants, the potential health risks that could be associated with the remediation activity, and the amount of disruption this activity is likely to cause. Containment of the work area is not necessary. Molds are microscopic organisms found everywhere in the environment, indoors and outdoors. When you use biocides as a disinfectant or a pesticide, or as a fungicide, you should use appropriate PPE, including respirators. Hazard Mitigation staff distribute ONLY the mold publication provided by the Hazard Mitigation Community Education and Outreach Group (CEO). Dry floodproofing may not be used to bring a - Course Hero Community Floodplain Management ordinances. Simply scan the QR codes to access the resources. 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). Devastating floods occur throughout the United States every year. Original conversation User: Hazard Mitigation (HM) staff should distribute only the mold publications provided by the HM Community Education and Outreach. Mold Cleanup. Licensed contractors ensure that electrical system modifications are performed correctly and according to all applicable codes. Well contamination, sewer line back up, and mold may occur in any type of flooding. 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. Has routine maintenance been delayed or the maintenance plan been altered? If you are using a biocide such as chlorine bleach, or a strong cleaning solution, you should select gloves made from natural rubber, neoprene, nitrile, polyurethane, or PVC. Molds typically consist of a network of threadlike filaments that infiltrate the surface on which the mold is growing. Floodwaters in closed-basin lakes accumulate over long periods of time and may stay for weeks, months, or years. Outdoors, molds play a part in nature by breaking down dead organic matter such as fallen leaves and dead trees, but indoors, mold growth should be avoided. A storm surge can occur in just a few minutes. It is important to dry these surfaces quickly and thoroughly to discourage further mold growth. When possible, remediation activities should be scheduled during off hours when building occupants are less likely to be affected. which agency is responsible for the message to the public about mold hazards and remediation? This Safety and Health Information Bulletin is not a standard or regulation, and it creates no new legal obligations. 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 . C. The State Health Department . The work area and areas used by remediation workers for egress should be HEPA vacuumed and cleaned with a damp cloth or mop and a detergent solution. It also requires periodic maintenance to remain effective. Always, read and follow product label precautions. 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). In addition, exposure to mold can irritate the eyes, skin, nose and throat in certain individuals. Please click here to see any active alerts. Fungicides are commonly applied to outdoor plants, soil, and grains as a powder or spray. Discard mold damaged materials in plastic bags. 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. A lock (LockA locked padlock) or https:// means youve safely connected to the .gov website. Hazard Mitigation staff distribute ONLYthe mold publication provided by the Hazard Mitigation Community Education and Outreach Group. 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. If you suspect that the HVAC system is contaminated with mold, or if mold is present near the intake to the system, contact the National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA), or consult EPA's guide, "Should You Have the Air Ducts in Your Home Cleaned?" These guidelines are based on the size of the area impacted by mold contamination. Course Summary: IS-322 Flood Mitigation Basics for Mitigation Staff 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. Respirators must be used in accordance with the OSHA respiratory protection standard (. When water leaks or spills occur indoors - act promptly. You must have identified and completely corrected the source of the water or moisture problem. 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. Surfaces in the work area that could become contaminated should be covered with a secured plastic sheet(s) before remediation to contain dust/debris and prevent further contamination. Symptoms other than allergic and irritant types are not commonly reported as a result of inhaling mold in the indoor environment. Some floods develop slowly, sometimes over a period of days. Coastal flooding occurs when intense offshore storm systems push ocean water inland above the normal tide level. Mold can cause structural damage to buildings the longer it grows the more damage it can cause. A. This requirement is most significant for structures built before the current floodplain ordinance was enacted. Below are FEMA mitigation publications relevant to this hazard. Closed-basin flooding occurs when a lake has no outlet or a relatively small outlet. Additional Information Visit OSHA's Safety and Health Topics webpage on Mold at: www.osha.gov/SLTC/molds Potential health effects from mycotoxins are the subject of ongoing scientific research and are beyond the scope of this document. 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. This one-pager has QR codes to several mold cleanup and moisture control resources including guidance for homeowners and renters to better understand how to safely and effectively cleanup mold and control moisture. While it is impossible to eliminate all molds and mold spores, controlling moisture can control indoor mold growth. This bulletin is directed primarily at building managers, custodians, and others responsible for building maintenance, but may also be used as a basic reference for those involved in mold remediation. Heavily damaged, porous materials (such a carpeting or drywall) that cannot be thoroughly dried and cleaned should be discarded and replaced. IBHS hosts the www.DisasterSafety.org website. Even if they are inundated for only short periods, electrical system components usually have to be replaced. This lesson will discuss the NFIP and informing the public about it after a disaster event. Measures to mitigate flood damage include: Floodproofing describes mitigation measures that decrease the risk of flood damage in structures. 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. In addition, air sampling may provide tangible evidence supporting a hypothesis that investigators have formulated. Education and training on cleaning and maintenance. Examples of fungicides include hexachlorobenzene, organomercurials, pentachlorophenol, phthalimides, and dithiocarbamates. Method 4: Discard Remove Damaged Materials and Seal in Plastic Bags Building materials and furnishings that are contaminated with mold growth and are not salvageable should be double-bagged using 6-mil polyethylene sheeting. Information on health-related topics including asthma molds in the environment, and occupational health. Outdoors, molds play an important role in nature by breaking down organic matter such as toppled trees, fallen leaves, and dead animals. However, removal is still recommended for infants, persons having undergone recent surgery, immune- suppressed people, or people with chronic inflammatory lung diseases. After correcting water or moisture infiltration, the prompt removal of contaminated material and structural repair is the primary response to mold contamination in buildings. Please refer to the discussion of the different levels of remediation to ascertain the type of respiratory protection recommended. Use Ctrl + Tab to deselect an element or reset to the beginning of a screens navigation links (most often needed for screens with animations or media). 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. Other floods develop very quickly. However, OSHA does not control this information and cannot guarantee the accuracy, relevance, timeliness, or completeness of this outside information. The three types of adverse health effects in humans caused bymold are allergy, infection, and toxin-mediated conditions (12).Further discussion of these health effects is provided in Appendix Aof this document. Answers to Questions About the National Flood Insurance Program explains the NFIP, including coverage, claims, flood maps, and FEMAs repetitive loss strategy. Guidelines on Assessment and Remediation of Fungi in Indoor Environments, United States Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Air and Radiation, Indoor Environments Division 2001. 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.