Remediating Category 3 Water Losses - by Sid Lunday

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Remediating Category 3 Water Losses

By Sid Lunday Dri-Eaz Products, Inc.

When remediating any loss that involves contamination, there are five basic components of the project that need to be considered. These five "Cs" apply to any loss involving contamination:

1. Classify
2. Cover
3. Contain
4. Clean
5. Confirm

1) Classify the loss First consider the category of the water.

 

A Category 1 loss (clean water) originates from a source that does not pose substantial harm to humans. Category 1 losses may deteriorate in cleanliness as the water mixes with soils and other contaminants and as time elapses.

A Category 2 loss (known as gray water) contains a significant level of contamination, has the potential to cause discomfort or sickness and contains or may contain: biocontaminants (fungi, bacteria, viruses, and/or algae), nutrients for biocontaminants, chemicals or physical hazards. The level of contamination can be significantly aggravated by temperature (warmer water deteriorates faster) and time (may change to Category 3 water if untreated for 48 hours).

A Category 3 loss (known as black water) is grossly unsanitary and will contain pathogenic agents, sewage and other contaminated water sources.

2) Cover

Safety Issues Restoration contractors need to protect themselves (with personal protection equipment), but they also need to cover themselves from liability by carefully communicating with the client and building occupants.

The IICRC S500 Standard and Reference Guide for Professional Water Damage Restoration prescribes that technicians performing work in Category 3 water losses must be trained in microbiology, biocide use, psychrometry, health and safety, equipment use, risk assessment, inspection, and customer communication. Attempting a Category 3 water loss remediation without the proper training can be very dangerous, both physically and for your business.

One of the first things to be determined is if occupants should be evacuated during the restoration process. If it is determined that step is necessary, an estimate of length of time of evacuation should be made. Make the recommendation that occupants remaining on the restoration site seek medical advice. Put all of these items in writing.

Make a determination of the effects of contamination on structure and contents by evaluating humidity levels, materials affected by the contaminants, degree of apparent damage, quantity of contaminated porous materials and the amount of available ventilation. Determine the effect of contamination on the HVAC or other building systems.

Determine the restoration resources required. Assess the need for different types and quantities of chemicals, equipment, supplies and manpower.

Performing a Category 3 water loss mitigation is considerably different that in a Category 1 loss. Individuals on a Category 3 water loss need to be informed and trained in minimum personal protective equipment (PPE), which would include properly fitted and cleaned respirators with HEPA and organic vapor cartridges, rubber gloves, eye protection, protective suit, rubber boots and a hard hat (when overhead hazards or contamination exist).

3) Contain the loss.

The next step is to contain the loss to prevent cross-contamination into unaffected areas of the building. Shut down any air-handling equipment. Seal off supply and return registers.

Contain the contaminated area using heavy-gauge polyethylene sheeting and negative air pressure (using an air scrubber with a HEPA filter). However, standard air-moving equipment may be employed if diluting to the outside air in a safe manner.

4) Clean it up.

Cleaning is probably the most important step in a remediation project. An initial cleaning along with proper decisions concerning a material's possibility of decontamination is crucial.

First, physically remove excess water, organic matter and gross contamination, especially raw sewage and silt. This should be performed even before a comprehensive inspection and evaluation. Before handling sewage-contaminated materials, they may be decontaminated through the application of a biocide by spraying or immersion. Remember, this step does not ensure complete decontamination.

Perform a damage assessment to ensure water and contaminants are removed from easy-to-miss areas such as ceilings, basements, crawlspaces and HVAC systems. Always clean and decontaminate tools and machines, especially pumps, vacuum recovery tanks, wands, tools and hoses.

At this point, perform a detailed inspection considering the extent of water migration, the types of affected materials and the degree of apparent damage. At a minimum, inspect thoroughly floor and sub-floor materials, contents, HVAC or air-handling systems, basement and crawlspace, structural materials including walls, ceilings, fixtures, framing, and documented pre-existing conditions.

Make the decision to discard or restore materials by considering material value, the porosity of material, the extent of contamination, the obvious health and safety threat, the feasibility of cleaning and disinfecting and applicable licensing regulations.

Evaluate and treat materials as follows. Dispose of carpet cushion (pad, underlayment), stuffed fabrics (pillows, mattresses, box springs, stuffed animals, upholstered furniture) and absorbent materials (ceiling tiles, drywall, books, papers). Demolish and dispose of other structural materials if they cannot be adequately decontaminated or if necessary to expose pockets of contamination.

Carpet saturated with Category 3 water must be disposed of in all cases. If saturated with Category 2 water make a determination if restoration by applying an appropriate biocide and following up by the hot water extraction cleaning method is cost effective.

For high-value area rugs saturated with Category 3 water, restoration to a sanitary condition cannot be guaranteed, but may be attempted. Extensively clean to remove organic soils, using specialized in-plant cleaning or commercial laundering. Always use a biocide to saturate and allow a prolonged dwell time.

Semi-porous and non-porous flooring materials, including subflooring such as strip-wood, wood laminate, linoleum, sheet vinyl, tile and stone must be removed and disposed of if water has penetrated under the floor, even if otherwise salvable.

If stakeholders, including owners, insurance adjusters and occupants insist on saving porous materials saturated with Category 3 water, properly document the communication and refuse the project.

Once the building carcass has been exposed, consider utilizing a pressure washer to flush cracks and crevices to remove residual organic matter from structural materials that will be saved. Add a suitable disinfectant and detergent to the pressurized hot water. In order to minimize any migration or absorption of contaminants, perform simultaneous extraction of the excess solution.

Dispose of waste safely and legally. Consider the quantity of waste, type of contamination and applicable laws. Use the sanitary sewer system if it is available and operable. If not, have it removed and transported by a septic waste hauler. A hazardous materials contractor may be necessary.

For sewage, follow accepted sanitary sewage protocols. For asbestos, lead and other hazardous materials, adhere to applicable laws.

Meticulously clean all materials. This reduces the amount of microorganisms more than any step. Following the meticulous cleaning, which includes rinsing and removal of residues, apply a suitable biocide.

Once the cleaning and decontamination is complete, employ a drying plan using suitable equipment and the principles of psychrometry. Drying is not complete until all materials are dried in accordance with documented drying goals verified by using professional moisture measuring devices.

5) Confirm success.

Carefully determine criteria for when re-occupancy is safe. Do not recommend re-occupancy in the presence of obvious malodors, visible biological contamination, abnormal moisture readings or abnormal humidity readings.

Before restoration or reconstruction it would be prudent to consider testing by a qualified indoor environmental consultant, environmental health specialist or industrial hygienist. This professional should be a third party who will be able to identify and confirm that the building's indoor environment is safe. Once this clearance testing has been completed and passed, arrangements for restoration, reconstruction and re-occupancy can be made.