| Properties Protected by Atlanta ProSource Services, Inc
Water Damage Response (Mold Prevention)
This document is designed to help facility zone and building managers take proper action when
addressing facility water damage incidents. In the event of water damage/intrusion, please refer to
the following guidelines.
1. Response and Communication Procedures
Immediately report any facility-related flood problem to Facilities Operations –
Maintenance Customer Service (877-700-4665), who should then inform the appropriate facilities
zone manager and maintenance shop(s).
The Facilities Zone Manager should:
1. Determine the type of water damage sustained:
Clean Water – water directly released from instances such as broken water pipes, tub or
sink overflows and rainwater, or
Contaminated Water – contaminated with sewage, biological or chemical pollutants.
2. Determine the presence of additional facility hazards such as damaged/impacted asbestos
containing materials (ACMs**), electrical hazards, special laboratory/research hazards,
falling plaster/ceiling tiles, and slippery walkways, and address as appropriate.
3. If hazardous materials (radiological, chemical, or biological) are stored or used in the
area, contact the lab manager/principal investigator (PI) before proceeding.
4. Ensure all clean-up personnel are properly trained and informed of potential hazards
before beginning any work. Contractors should speak with their own health and safety
department before beginning any work.
5. Work with the building manager to facilitate communication with building occupants.
Work with EH&S to address health and safety issues.
**Contact Asbestos Manager (877-700-4665) to determine if any ACMs are involved, and if
necessary, for additional recommendations regarding ACMs.
2. Clean Up – General Recommendations
1. Immediately fix the water problem by addressing the source of the moisture. Common
problems include water leaks, maintenance issues, HVAC system problems, and
humidity and condensation concerns.
2. Thoroughly inspect area to determine extent of water intrusion/damage.
3. Initiate cleanup and complete within 48 hours. In most cases, on-call custodial
services can immediately provide initial cleanup (except where ACMs are
damaged/impacted).
Atlanta ProSource Services/Mold-Be-Gone
4084 Dream Catcher Dr
Woodstock, GA. 30189
1-877-700-4665
4. Relocation of furnishings may be needed to access carpeting and flooring surfaces
beneath. Ensure plastic sheeting is placed under any wet materials/furnishings relocated
to non-affected areas.
5. A disinfectant cleaner (indicated as a bacterial, virucidal, and fungicidal) that is safe for
indoor use may be applied to affected surfaces (e.g., floors, walls, furnishings) per
manufacturer’s instructions.
3. Specific recommendations: Clean Water and Contaminated Water
Clean Water
Based upon the discretion of the zone manager, recommendations listed below in Table 1 may
not be necessary for ‘small scale’ clean water intrusion, as long as the source of intrusion is
fixed, clean up is quickly achieved and occupied areas are completely dry. Small scale is defined
as when the water intrusion is of relatively small quantity, well contained and easily cleaned up
within 24 hours, and building materials do not have to be disturbed or replaced.
Table 1
Water Damaged Material Actions
Books and Papers For non-valuable items, discard books and papers
Photocopy important/valuable items, discard
originals or
Freeze in frost-free freezer or meat locker and
consult with a restoration/water damage
professional.
Carpet and backing – dry within 24-48 hours Remove water with water extraction vacuum
Reduce ambient humidity levels with dehumidifier
Accelerate drying process with fans
Ceiling Tiles Discard and replace
Cellulose Insulation Discard and replace
Concrete or cinder block surfaces Remove water with water extraction vacuum
Accelerate drying process with dehumidifiers, fans,
and/or heaters
Fiberglass Insulation Discard and replace
Hard surface, porous flooring (linoleum, ceramic
tile, vinyl)
Vacuum or damp wipe with water and mild
detergent and allow to dry; scrub if necessary
Check to make sure underflooring is dry; dry
underflooring if necessary
Non-porous, hard surfaces (plastics, metals) Vacuum or damp wipe with water and mild
detergent and allow to dry; scrub if necessary
Upholstered furniture Remove water with water extraction vacuum
Accelerate drying process with dehumidifiers, fans,
and/or heaters.
If the piece is valuable, consult with a
restoration/water damage professional who
specializes in furniture
Wallboard (drywall and gypsum board) May be dried in place if there is no obvious swelling
and the seams are intact.
If not, remove, discard, and replace
Ventilate the wall cavity, if possible
Window drapes Follow laundering or cleaning instructions
recommended by the manufacturer
Wood surfaces Remove moisture immediately and use
dehumidifiers, gentle heat, and fans for drying (use
caution when applying heat to hardwood floors)
Treated or finished wood surfaces may be cleaned
with mild detergent and clean water and allowed to
dry
Wet paneling should be pried away from wall for
drying
Table duplicated from Mold Remediation in Schools and Commercial Buildings, March 2001 (EPA 402-K-01-001)
Contaminated Water
1. Fans should not be used until area is cleaned and disinfected.
2. Appropriate PPE including rubber boots, rubber gloves, disposable splash-proof
coveralls, goggles and masks for eye/nose/mouth splash protection (recommend N95)
must be used. Contractors should seek guidance from their own health and safety
department regarding appropriate PPE use, training and fit testing.
3. Contain – limit the spread of contaminated water.
4. Remove contaminated water. Contact EH&S for details
5. Disinfect non-porous surfaces and discard porous articles (e.g., carpet and furniture).
6. Consult with EH&S before attempting to restore any materials damaged by contaminated
water.
7. Occupants should not be allowed to re-enter the spaces until water source is fixed and
clean up has been completed. If occupant requires retrieval of critical item(s), coordinate
with supervisor to have response personnel retrieve and disinfect.
References:
Guidelines on Assessment and Remediation of Fungi in Indoor Environments, New York City Department of
Health, 2001
IICRC Standard and Reference Guide for Professional Water Damage Restoration (S500-94)
Mold Remediation in Schools and Commercial Buildings, EPA (402-K-01-001) | |