C — November 23 - December 6, 2012 — The Road to Recovery — Mid Atlantic Real Estate Journal
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T he R oad to R ecovery
By Katherine E. Wilde & Karl W. Stefan of Edifice Rx Hurricane Sandy Recovery – Building Remediation Comments
H
urricane Sandy floods have distributed haz- ardous chemicals,
efforts to remove flood water and the subsequent damages done to buildings. During the
caution as floodwater should be considered contaminated unless tested. Outbreaks of di- arrhea and respiratory illness can result from raw sewage that contains bacteria, viruses and parasites. Diseases that have been associated with floor waters include cholera, hepatitis E, leptospirosis (ro- dent urine), and diseases caused by E. Coli C. parvum, and others. While cleaning up be aware there are many overlooked risks associated with the pro- cess. For instance, flood waters can hide dangerous objects, so steel shanked shoes should be worn. Ensure all power
has been properly shut off before venturing into flood zones. Remember that con- fined spaces can be sources of carbon monoxide exposure from portable generators. Materials that have been saturated with water become breeding grounds for mold and bacteria. Individuals who are allergic or chemically sensitive should remember to remove themselves from large areas of mold growth. Authorities recommend that only trained hazardous waste workers who understand proper safety equipment and procedures should clean up large amounts of contami-
nants, including mold. Ventilation is key to reduc- ing exposure. Make sure that the area has been allowed to air as exposure to chemi- cal emissions from damaged materials can occur. Using dehumidifiers in addition to a pumping system to remove the water assists in a quicker removal of inundated water. If using a generator, be sure that the exhaust is not entering the building as you are working. Even after the water is re- moved and the reconstruction can begin, it is critical that sources of microbial contami- nation are considered and subsequently identified for remediation. Common OSHA reference guidelines include: • Remove building materi- als and furnishings that are wet and may become contami- nated with mold growth and place them in sealed imperme- able bags or closed containers. Large items with heavy mold growth should be covered with polyethylene sheeting and sealed with duct tape before being removed from the area. • Remove and discard po- rous organic materials that have become wet or are vis- ibly contaminated (e.g., damp in- sulation in ventilation system, moldy ceiling tiles, and mildewed carpets). • Clean nonporous surfaces where microbial growth has occurred with detergents and/or biocides and ensure that these cleaners have been removed before air handling units are turned on. (OSHA.gov) Areas of contamination to keep in mind include: intersti- tial spaces (wall cavities may be overlooked), HVAC system (systems can be flooded and serve as a foundation for mold growth, turning this system on can then spread mold through- out the building and into new areas where it may thrive), entry ways, window and other building system assemblies. If a building is not reme- diated properly, the future health of the occupants can be compromised. Research has shown that in addition to mold, bacteria in floor dust can be associated with lower and upper respiratory symptoms, fever and chills, and headache (large office building inves- tigation). Bacteria can also continued on page 10C
toxic materi- als and raw, u n t r e a t e d sewageacross Mi d -At l an - t i c c oas t a l areas . The flood waters i n u n d a t e d U.S. streets and entered
clean up, it is crucial that the process is conducted sa f e l y and correctly to ensure con- tamination is removed and p r e v e n t e d
Katherine E. Wilde
Karl W. Stefan
buildings in New York City and New Jersey, and other lo- cations along the coastline. In the aftermath of this terrible climatic event, building own- ers and managers are making
from posing future risk after reconstruction is completed. Removal of water and dam- aged building materials are the first step in the clean up process. It is important to use
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EMERGENCY RESPONSE RECONSTRUCTION STRUCTURAL DEHUMIDIFICATION STRUCTURAL CLEANING AND DECONTAMINATION CONTENTS RESTORA TION MOLD REMEDIATION ELECTRONICS RESTORATION MAGNETIC MEDIA AND DATA RECOVERY EQUIPMENT AND MACHINERY REFURBISHMENT BOOK AND DOCUMENT RECOVERY
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