what mold publications should hazard mitigation staff distribute?

Decisions about the type of advice to provide to individuals dealing with mold are the responsibility of the State Health Department. Since mold requires water to grow, it is important to prevent excessive moisture in buildings. Problems may arise when mold starts eating away at materials, affecting the look, smell, and possibly, with the respect to wood-framed buildings, affecting the structural integrity of the buildings. An outside tank can be secured by running straps over it and attaching the straps to ground anchors. Sampling, if conducted, should show that the level and types of mold and mold spores inside the building are similar to those found outside. These materials may be disposed of as ordinary waste. Answers to Questions About the National Flood Insurance Program explains the NFIP, including coverage, claims, flood maps, and FEMAs repetitive loss strategy. IS-322-Flood-Mitigation-Basics-for-Mitigation-Staff-2.pdf Recognize information about the NFIP to share with the general public. Safety glasses or goggles with open vent holes are not appropriate in mold remediation. Long gloves that extend to the middle of the forearm are recommended. If you suspect that the HVAC system is contaminated with mold, or if mold is present near the intake to the system, contact the National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA), or consult EPA's guide, "Should You Have the Air Ducts in Your Home Cleaned?" Remediation plans may vary greatly depending on the size and complexity of the job, and may require revision if circumstances change or new facts are discovered. Videos in the series include: For more information on damp buildings and health effects, see the 2004 Institute of Medicine Report, Damp Indoor Spaces and Health, published by The National Academies Pressin Washington, DC. The rise in water is the storm surge. Hazard Mitigation staff distribute ONLY the mold publication provided by the Hazard Mitigation Community Education and Outreach Group (CEO). Effective communication with building occupants is an essential component of all large-scale remediation efforts. Flood water can easily damage electrical system components including service panels, meters, switches, and outlets. If left unchecked, mold can eventually cause structural damage to a wood framed building, weakening floors and walls as it feeds on moist wooden structural members. FEMA's Hazard Mitigation Grant Program FEMA has one post-disaster mitigation grant program to assist communities in reducing long-term hazard risk. Appropriate precautions and protective equipment for biocide applicators should be selected based on the product manufacturer's warnings and recommendations (e.g., goggles or face shield, aprons or other protective clothing, gloves, and respiratory protection). Molds may cause localized skin or mucosal infections but, in general, do not cause systemic infections in humans, except for persons with impaired immunity, AIDS, uncontrolled diabetes, or those taking immune suppressive drugs. Complete all of the lessons. Conversely, negative results may persuade investigators to abandon this hypothesis and to consider other sources of mold growth or dissemination. The onset of allergic reactions to mold can be either immediate or delayed. Disposable PPE should be discarded after it is used. This training can be performed as part of a program to comply with the requirements of the OSHA Hazard Communication Standard (. High-quality filters must be used in a HVAC system during remediation because conventional HVAC filters are typically not effective in filtering particles the size of mold spores. Heavily damaged, porous materials (such a carpeting or drywall) that cannot be thoroughly dried and cleaned should be discarded and replaced. The contained area and decontamination room should be HEPA vacuumed and cleaned with a damp cloth or mopped with a detergent solution and be visibly clean prior to the removal of isolation barriers. Do not use fungicides developed for outdoor use in any indoor application, as they can be extremely toxic to animals and humans in an enclosed environment. Some methods that may be used include the following: Wet vacuums are vacuum cleaners designed to collect water. Health Effects of Mold Exposure A filter with a minimum efficiency of 50 to 60% or a rating of MERV 8, as determined by Test Standard 52.2 of the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers, may be appropriate. Bioaerosols Assessment and Control, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), The Building Owners and Managers Association International (BOMA), New York City Department of Health & Mental Hygiene Bureau of Environmental & Occupational Disease Epidemiology 2002. Follow the bolded green instructions that appear on each screen in order to proceed to the next screen or complete a Knowledge Review or Activity. Note: If the Next button is dimmed, you must complete an activity before you can proceed in the lesson. Wet floodproofing measures are typically used to protect electrical, heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (also known as HVAC), and utility components of a structure when flooding occurs. PDF Preventing Mold-Related Problems in the Indoor Workplace Mold | NCHH Outdoors, molds play a part in nature by breaking down dead organic matter such as fallen leaves and dead trees, but indoors, mold growth should be avoided. A JFO Insurance Hotline, manned by HM Insurance Specialists, may be established after large flood disasters and is for the use of FEMA staff only. What happens once a loss claim has been reported, Explain the risk and the mitigation actions clearly and at a level of detail appropriate to the listener, Refer to publications/websites that reinforce or provide additional information about rebuilding or repairing to reduce future risk of damages, Communicating basic information to the public about flood-related mold issues, FEMA publications to promote flood mitigation, FEMA-approved online resources available for flood mitigation, Appropriate actions to take when advising the public. Original conversation User: Hazard Mitigation (HM) staff should distribute only the mold publications provided by the HM Community Education and Outreach. Floods are one of the most commonly occurring natural hazards in the United States. Porous materials that are wet and have mold growing on them may have to be discarded because molds can infiltrate porous substances and grow on or fill in empty spaces or crevices. Secure .gov websites use HTTPS These materials may be disposed of as ordinary waste. Identify floodproofing measures including the difference between wet and dry floodproofing. Always, read and follow product label precautions. Remediation can be conducted by the regular building maintenance staff. Scientific research on the relationship between mold exposures and health effects is ongoing. Seal ventilation ducts/grills in the work area and areas directly adjacent with plastic sheeting. Microscopic identification of the spores/ colonies requires considerable expertise. Last updated on March 14, 2023. The NFIP provides specific resources to policy holders and the public following a flooding event. In this lesson you learned about: Lesson 3: Discussing the NFIP with the Public. Licensed contractors ensure that electrical system modifications are performed correctly and according to all applicable codes. In addition, air sampling may provide tangible evidence supporting a hypothesis that investigators have formulated. Pursuant to the Occupational Safety and Health Act, employers must comply with hazard-specific safety and health standards and regulations promulgated by OSHA or by a state with an OSHA-approved state plan. www.ascr.org/institutes [http://www.restorationindustry.org]. FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs)indicate these anticipated levels, called Base Flood Elevations (BFE). Accredited laboratories must participate in quarterly proficiency testing (Environmental Microbiology Proficiency Analytical Testing Program (EMPAT)). Flood Hazards Portable Generators Flood water can make the air in your home unhealthy. Mold and Health. 1999. EPA-402-K-02-003, September 2012 (reprinted). Resources for Flood Cleanup and Indoor Air Quality | US EPA Care must be taken to assure that the filter is properly seated in the vacuum so that all the air passes through the filter. Over the past 10 years, the average flood claim paid has amounted to nearly $48,000. Short circuits in flooded systems pose an increased potential for fire. This lesson describes mitigation options and the circumstances under which each is used. Always consider consulting a health professional to address any employee health concerns. The building owner, management, and/or employer should notify occupants in the affected area(s) of the presence of mold. Spend the time needed to become familiar with the purpose of and intended audience for the resources and publications that are included in this lesson. Are there existing moisture problems in the building? A box surrounds the button that is currently selected. People should have been able to occupy or re-occupy the area without health complaints or physical symptoms. Its mission is to reduce the social and economic effects of natural disasters and other property losses by conducting research and advocating improved construction, maintenance, and preparation practices. Large items with heavy mold growth should be covered with polyethylene sheeting and sealed with duct tape before being removed from the remediation area. FEMA Publications Below are FEMA mitigation publications relevant to this hazard. Other moisture problems may result from roof leaks, landscaping or gutters that direct water into or under a building, or unvented combustion appliance. It also requires periodic maintenance to remain effective. Are building materials or furnishings visibly moisture damaged? industrial hygienists or other environmental health and safety professionals) who respond to mold and moisture situations in buildings, as well as members of the general public, also may find these guidelines helpful. Walls that are not completely dry may allow mold spores to grow quickly. More protective respirators may have to be selected and used if toxic contaminants such as asbestos or lead are encountered during remediation. Dry floodproofing may not be used to bring a - Course Hero To help accomplish this goal, by the end of this course you will: Click on the "Exit" button to close this window and access the menu listing all lessons of this course. This one-pager has QR codes to several mold cleanup and moisture control resources including guidance for homeowners and renters to better understand how to safely and effectively cleanup mold and control moisture. Mold Remediation in Schools and Commercial Buildings. Inexpensive (less than $50) models that monitor both temperature and humidity are available. If you are using a mild detergent or plain water, ordinary household rubber gloves may be used. Molds can cause adverse effects by producing allergens (substances that can cause allergic reactions). Carpet maintenance, restoration guidelines for water-damaged carpet, other carpet-related issues. Biocides are toxic to animals and humans, as well as to mold. Then tab to the Submit button and press Enter to complete a Knowledge Review or Self-Assessment. Dust suppression methods, such as misting (not soaking) surfaces prior to remediation, are recommended. Level IV: Extensive Contamination (greater than 100 contiguous square feet in an area). These courses address basic mitigation measures to reduce risk from earthquakes, floods, hurricanes, tornados, and wildfires, at a level appropriate for communication to the general public. Substantial Improvement is defined as improvement with a cost that is equal to or greater than half of the market value of a structure before the improvement. Measures to mitigate flood damage include: Floodproofing describes mitigation measures that decrease the risk of flood damage in structures. Sampling for mold should be conducted by professionals with specific experience in designing mold-sampling protocols, sampling methods for microbial contaminants, and interpretation of results. Dust suppression methods, such as misting (not soaking) surfaces prior to remediation, are recommended. Click on the "Glossary" button to look up key definitions and acronyms. NFIP Summary of Coverage provides guidance on deductibles, what is and is not covered by flood insurance, and how items are valued at time of loss. Visible mold and moldy odors should not be present. If any individual has health concerns, doubts, or questions before beginning a remediation/cleanup project, he or she should consult a health professional. Performing regularly scheduled building/ HVAC inspections and maintenance, including filter changes. Structures must be elevated by trained professionals. Refer to an HM Insurance Specialist at the JFO if you need assistance with answering a specific question from a member of the public, or if you need clarification and additional information about aspects of the NFIP. Extending the casing at least 2 feet above the highest known flood elevation, Installing a sanitary seal or cover on the casing, Installing a backflow value in the water line, The importance of directing the public to local building officials before they begin repairs or rebuilding, How FEMA addresses the topic of flood-related mold with the public, Which publications are available to promote flood mitigation, What FEMA-approved online resources are available for flood mitigation, What appropriate actions to take when advising the public, Recognize the information and advice to provide regarding mold, Identify FEMA partner organizations and the websites that contain FEMA mitigation publications, Identify the correct actions to take when advising the public regarding flood mitigation and the NFIP. Official websites use .gov For additional information on air sampling, refer to the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists' document, "Bioaerosols: Assessment and Control." GEOG 2210 Quizzes & FEMA Flashcards | Quizlet Additional elevation of electrical components above the recommended level further reduces the risk. Typically, there's a 30-day waiting period from date of purchase before a policy goes into effect, but there are exceptions.

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