The Necessary Equipment and Safety Protocols for Water Removal
After a flood, getting the water out of the house or business is a must. Otherwise, the property can develop structural damage and mold growth, and homeowners may lose personal possessions. Because some water damage can linger and pose health risks, technicians must use special water removal equipment and follow safety protocols to eliminate the threat.
Water Damage Categories
The first step in the water removal process is identifying the water conditions. Some water-related emergencies are more severe than others because of the type of water that infiltrates a house or business. For instance, water from a storm flood and a kitchen sink is not the same and requires different safety precautions.
Water damage events fall into three categories:
- Category 1: This water is clean and poses no threat to workers unless electricity sources are near.
- Category 2: Category two consists of partially contaminated “gray water” and carries an increased risk. Workers should use protective gear like coveralls, gloves, and boots.
- Category 3: The final category is the most dangerous because it contains harmful sewage and other contaminants. Category three water removal requires full-body protection and special containers to remove and transport contaminated items.
Safety Precautions for Water Removal
Health and safety are the top priorities of all water removal projects. The safety standards, precautions, and training that water damage restoration companies follow keep property owners and technicians safe during the restoration process.
OSHA
The Occupational Safety and Health Association (OSHA) provide water removal companies with specific standards and guidelines for maintaining safety.
OSHA lists various substances and materials that could harm one’s health. They provide the best safety procedures for handling, bagging, transporting, and treating hazardous materials. The organization also dictates the exposure a worker can have to hazardous materials under specific circumstances.
Training
No one should attempt extensive water removal without the proper education and training. Workers know the appropriate water damage restoration techniques regarding health and safety to prevent injury or illness. For instance, water removal technicians learn how to identify environmental hazards while working.
Technicians trained in OHSA regulations must also meet all state and local education and training requirements for water damage restoration technicians.
Essential Water Damage Restoration Equipment
Water removal involves more than vacuuming standing water from a property’s interior. Water damage extends to the increased humidity and lingering moisture after removing the water.
- Air Movers: These strong fans work with dehumidifiers to quickly dry property structures like carpeting, flooring, and drywall.
- Air Purifiers: Air purifiers or air scrubbers remove bacteria and other harmful particles from the air after category-three water damage.
- Moisture Detectors: These handheld devices detect moisture and the extent of damage in flooring, drywall, and other surfaces.
- LGR Dehumidifiers: A low-grain refrigerant dehumidifier is a piece of commercial-grade equipment that reduces the humidity level in a room quickly.
Why Choose All Nation Restoration, North Austin
The All Nation Restoration, North Austin, team has over ten years of experience providing top-tier water removal and water damage restoration services. Besides water and fire damage restoration and mold remediation services, the company also offers water removal equipment rentals in University Hills, Austin, TX, and the surrounding areas.
Call All Nation Restoration, North Austin’s at (512) 934-8180 for water removal equipment rental and 24/7 water damage restoration services.
