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Stamford, Conn. – June 18, 2015 — Flooding is one of the most common and widespread natural disasters, according to FEMA, and we’ve already seen many parts of the U.S. experience the devastation of flooding during the past spring.
Water damage can impact any part of a facility, including HVAC systems. Goodway Technologies is offering helpful steps on water disaster management — whether from floodwaters or a broken pipe, which you should be familiar with before you are facing water damage.
• First and foremost, stay safe: Floodwaters pose a variety of different risks, and while it’s tempting to immediately take action and move into cleaning mode, there are precautionary steps. Make sure your power is turned off before entering any areas with standing water. You should also wear protective gear such as rubber boots, gloves, goggles, and a respirator. Check the area for any broken glass or other materials that may be in the water. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and OSHA have further information on how to stay safe during all aspects of flood cleanup.
• Remove the water: Once you are sure the area is safe and the HVAC system is turned off, use an industrial wet-dry vacuum to suck up all the standing water and dump it outside. Floods present a very opportune time for mold, bacteria, and fungi to develop, so removing the water reduces the chance of accumulation.
Make sure you have the right equipment on hand. Standard wet/dry vacuums can handle most homeowner needs, but larger buildings and facilities require additional power and more industrial vacuums with pump-out capabilities. The right equipment can make the difference between a three-hour job and a 30-minute one.
• Don’t ignore your HVAC: Before you turn the HVAC system on again, it must be thoroughly cleaned and serviced. Stagnant HVAC ducts and coils are breeding grounds for organic and bacterial growth.
Once the area is clear of water, use these four steps to initially control mold outbreaks on hard surfaces like duct work and within other HVAC system components:
1. Completely clear the area of standing water. This could be free-flowing water or damp conditions caused by the flooding or other malfunction. Consider using a professional flood mitigation company to oversee the cleanup operation.
2. Clean and kill mold and mildew. Clean ALL surfaces with an EPA-registered disinfectant that is effective against mold, mildew, bacteria, and more. Be vigilant about EPA labeling and only use cleaners and disinfectants approved for use on HVAC ducts and coils, and then those as approved for walls, floors, and counters.
3. Protect surfaces against mold growth. Disinfectants will clean the area, but you should also treat the area with an EPA-certified antimicrobial mold remediation and control agent, which prevents mold spores from reproducing.
4. Deodorize and manage odors. After you’ve removed all the water and thoroughly cleaned the area impacted by the floods, use an odor eliminator to help remove lingering odors and give a clean, fresh smell.
Prevention and planning are popular terms in facility management for a reason. If you don’t already have one, make sure to develop a plan for what needs to take place in the event of flooding or water damage. Instructions should be posted near the HVAC equipment so employees aren’t scrambling to recall the proper steps when an instance comes up.
For more information on products available to help prepare your facility for potential flood and water damage, visit www.goodway.com.
