Categories of Water Damage and the Risks Involved

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Mold and dirt and fungus growing on the corner of the wall near the floor.

Health and safety must be prioritized when performing water damage removal services. Water damage comes in different categories. Each category has its own unique safety and health risks, hence the need to take safety precautions when undertaking water damage removal services.

Get your protective gear ready and ensure the area is properly ventilated to allow for the free flow of air. Regardless of the water damage category, you are faced with, there are safety precautions that must be followed.

OSHA Safety Guidelines

OSHA (the Occupational Safety and Health Association) clearly outlines the health and safety precautions when handling water damage and other related services. They have regulations in place that dictate the extent of exposure any worker can have to harmful materials and substances.

Waste generated from a water damage restoration site must be disposed of the right way. Substances and materials that pose a threat to life should be kept in a separate, well-labeled disposable bag. These substances are transported to a specialized disposal facility for treatment through incineration or autoclaving technology.

Training and Education

Water damage removal experts undergo specialized training and education focusing on the right restoration techniques and tips on how to stay safe and healthy when undertaking water damage removal.

These experts are equipped with the right skill sets and trained on the potential hazards found at these sites.

They possess the right tools and strictly follow OSHA rules and regulations when performing their tasks. These are the benefits of using a professional technician.

Water Damage Categories

Water damage comes in different categories. These include:

Category 1

Category 1 water damage does not pose a significant health risk to anyone performing water damage removal services. The type of water that falls into this category is clean.
The risks may arise if the water is exposed to any electricity source nearby.

Category 2

This category poses an increased risk since it involves gray water. Workers must take health and safety precautions to tackle this type of water damage. They must wear gloves, safety boots, face masks, respirators, and coveralls.
Workers should always take every necessary precaution when dealing with category two water damage.

Category 3

This is the most dangerous and should not be treated lightly. This task requires the presence of water damage removal experts. Category 3 water damage poses serious health risks since it involves harmful contaminants from sewage backup, for instance. They need high-quality personal protective equipment.

Structural damage repair works

Delay structural damage repair works until the property is thoroughly dry. This means waiting for days or even weeks. How much time it requires to dry out the space depends on the drying equipment and weather conditions. Here are some quick steps to take to prevent costly repair works:

Subfloors

Check the subfloors for swelling or warping. If this happens, you will need to replace the affected area with a new floor covering. However, before replacing with new ones, be sure to allow the affected area to dry out. Ventilate the area and get dehumidifiers to quicken the drying process.

Wood floors

Remove affected wooden areas carefully. If boards prove stubborn to remove, don’t force it. Call on damage removal experts for help. Once the boards are off, clean and dry the floor. The drying process might take longer than expected without professional tools.
Whatever the case, ensure the area is completely dry before replacing boards and fixing damages.

Furniture

Take affected furniture outdoor to clean and air dry. Clean off the dirt and mud. Remove all components of your furniture. Use only specified cleaning agents to clean your furniture. Before waxing, ensure the furniture is dry thoroughly. Do not leave your furniture under direct sunlight for too long to prevent warping.

Without the right cleaning tools and equipment, it might take weeks or months for your furniture to dry.

Mold Growth

Long-term water damage causes mold growth in the home. You don’t need to handle this with levity. Take every necessary action required to get rid of mold in the home. This process is not a day’s job; it can take weeks or months, depending on the size of the infestation.

Not all food items can be saved. The lucky ones are the undamaged, commercially prepared foods in all-metal cans or retort pouches. Pick the cans, remove the labels, wash and rinse them, and then disinfect them to remove any form of harmful pathogens on the can. Use a marker to re-label the containers. Do not forget to boldly write the expiry date as well.

How about affected utensils? While some utensils are not salvageable, others can be saved. The non-salvageable items include plastic utensils, baby bottles, wooden cutting boards and spoons, pacifiers, and nipples, amongst others.

The items that you can save include metal and ceramic pans, utensils, and dishes. Wash them using hot soapy water. Once done, put them in boiling water to sanitize them for at least 15 minutes.

If your home is flooded, most people just want to dry out the area and get back to their daily lives. Cleaning up everything and getting back into your property after a flooding incident requires the expertise of a damage cleanup service. These experts will locate and fix all visible problems.

CAUSES OF WATER DAMAGE

  • Broken pipes or hoses
  • Plumbing system malfunctions
  • Buildup in areas prone to collecting water, such as crawl spaces, attics and basements
  • Appliances overflowing or breaking down
  • HVACs (Heating, Ventilating and Air Conditioning units) issues
  • Natural disasters and other weather-related water problems

WATER DAMAGE RESTORATION

A team of highly skilled water damage restoration professionals like water damage restoration Denver is the best Option for Restoration. We are your trusted local resource for water damage repair with the knowledge and experience to properly handle your damage situation the first time.

We start by locating the source of the water. Then we perform a complete inspection to fully assess the extent of the damage, which may include mold. Even in drier environments, mold can grow and cause its own problems, which is why starting at the source is important, to prevent mold growth in the future.

B.O.R. is the top choice for water damage repair in this region, insured and locally based. When you call us for help, you will always speak with an owner or manager, and never a call center or answering service.

We start by locating the source of the water. Then we perform a complete inspection to fully assess the extent of the damage, which may include mold. Even in drier environments, mold can grow and cause its own problems, which is why starting at the source is important, to prevent mold growth in the future.

When faced with a flooded basement, or any area with standing water where there shouldn’t be, can be overwhelming for anyone. You may have no idea where to even begin dealing with the disaster.

OUR WATER DAMAGE SERVICES INCLUDE:

  • Comprehensive damage inspection with report
  • Water removal
  • Dry and dehumidify your home or office
  • Inspect for mold growth
  • Mold cleanup and removal
  • Water repair inside or outside
  • Full restoration of the damaged areas
  • Clean and Sanitize
  • Odor removal

Regardless of the type of water damage you are dealing with, reach out to an expert water damage removal and restoration company to help you recover fast from the water damage.

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