FEMA Guidance Documents | FEMA.gov Land value is not included. Verified answer. Other resources are intended for use by building and emergency management professionals. . Information on best practices in building remediation. Contaminated materials that cannot be cleaned should be removed from the building in sealed impermeable plastic bags. Distinguish between types types of flooding, including flash, coastal, river and stream, and closed-basin flooding. This lesson describes mitigation options and the circumstances under which each is used. Floods are one of the most commonly occurring natural hazards in the United States. This Guide provides information and guidance for homeowners and renters on how to clean up residential mold problems and how to prevent mold growth. Warning: Repeatedly pressing Tab beyond the number of selections on the screen may cause the keyboard to lock up. Long gloves that extend to the middle of the forearm are recommended. 1 2 Molds are part of the natural environment, and can be found everywhere, indoors and outdoors. What mold publications should Hazard Mitigation staff distribute? In January 2019, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) released: Dampness and Mold Assessment Tool for General Buildings (PDF) These tools may help identify and determine the severity of known and unknown areas of dampness and mold, prioritize repair and remediation, and track past and present problems. Fix source(s) of moisture incursion problem(s) as soon as possible. A company employs 400 400 salespeople. An example of a dry floodproofing measure is to apply a waterproof veneer, such as a layer of brick backed by a waterproof membrane, directly to the outside surface of an existing structure. This bulletin is directed primarily at building managers, custodians, and others responsible for building maintenance, but may also be used as a basic reference for those involved in mold remediation. The specific method or group of methods used will depend on the type of material affected. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Dry floodproofing is any measure to make a structure watertight below the level that needs flood protection to prevent floodwaters from entering. Goggles must be designed to prevent the entry of dust and small particles. Keeping HVAC drip pans clean, flowing properly, and unobstructed. Who's affected? However, it does reduce the immediate risk of illness and additional damage from the mold conditions created by the flooding. Simply scan the QR codes to access the resources. What mold publications should Hazard Mitigation staff distribute? Education and training on cleaning and maintenance. Coastal flooding occurs when intense offshore storm systems push ocean water inland above the normal tide level. The information in these guidelines is intended only as a summary of basic procedures and is not intended, nor should it be used, as a detailed guide to mold remediation. It is recommended that personnel be trained in the handling of hazardous materials and equipped with respiratory protection (e.g., N-95 disposable respirator). At a disaster, the Hazard Mitigation Community Education and Outreach (CEO) group, in collaboration with the state, decides which of these approved publications and resources support the Hazard Mitigation Strategy for the disaster. FEMA Course.docx - IS-230: Fundamentals of Emergency Industrial hygienists or other environmental health and safety professionals with experience performing microbial investigations and/or mold remediation should be consulted prior to remediation activities to provide oversight for the project. Ten Things You Should Know about Mold. In addition, exposure to mold can irritate the eyes, skin, nose and throat in certain individuals. Some specific species of mold produce mycotoxins under certain environmental conditions. Hazard Mitigation (HM) staff should distribute only the mold publications provided by the HM Community Education and Outreach. This finding may convince the investigators that the mold is growing within, and being disseminated by, the HVAC system. Even if they are inundated for only short periods, electrical system components usually have to be replaced. (e.g., asthma, hypersensitivity pneumonitis, and severe allergies). Remediation includes both the identification and correction of the conditions that permit mold growth, as well as the steps to safely and effectively remove mold damaged materials. Mold Course Chapter 5: | US EPA Flash floods often have a dangerous wall of roaring water that carries rocks, mud, and other debris that can sweep away most things in its path. Wells suspected of being contaminated should be inspected by a professional. Molds typically consist of a network of threadlike filaments that infiltrate the surface on which the mold is growing. To see a numeric display, roll your mouse over the Progress bar area. Hazard Mitigation staff distribute ONLYthe mold publication provided by the Hazard Mitigation Community Education and Outreach Group. 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. Refer interested individuals to local building officials and plumbing specialists before undertaking any of these measures. Respirators must be used in accordance with the OSHA respiratory protection standard (. ft.) - e.g., individual wallboard panels. Resources for Flood Cleanup and Indoor Air Quality | US EPA The use of a biocide, such as chlorine bleach, is not recommended as a routine practice during mold remediation, although there may be instances where professional judgment may indicate its use (for example, when immuno-compromised individuals are present). Clean wet items and surfaces with detergent and water. Emphasis should be placed on preventing contamination through proper building and HVAC system maintenance and prompt repair of water damaged areas. Some floods develop slowly, sometimes over a period of days. Centers for Disease Control Environmental Protection Agency FEMA U.S. Public Health Service Hazard Mitigation staff distribute ONLY the mold publication provided by the Hazard Mitigation Community Education and Outreach Group . Referrals to clinics with physicians, who have experience with environmental exposures, include exposure to mold; maintains a database of occupational and environmental cases. Personnel trained in the handling of hazardous materials and equipped with: Full face piece respirators with HEPA cartridges; Disposable protective clothing covering entire body including both head and shoes; and. Delayed or insufficient maintenance may contribute to moisture problems in buildings. The goal of this course is to enable you to select the essential hazard mitigation information to communicate to members of the public following a flood event. When possible, remediation activities should be scheduled during off hours when building occupants are less likely to be affected. Inhalation is the exposure of most concern to cleanup workers. 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. The Bulletin is advisory in nature, informational in content, and is intended to assist employers in providing a safe and healthful workplace. A major bloom involving a large area of a collection or one involving highly toxic mold species will require outside professional advice and assistance to stop the mold growth, clean the collection, and render the affected area safe for use again. A boroscope is a hand-held tool that allows users to see potential mold problems inside walls, ceiling plenums, crawl spaces, and other tight areas. Flood control barriers protect structures by deflecting the destructive forces of flood waters away from vulnerable structures. In most cases, if visible mold growth is present, sampling is unnecessary. When in doubt, caution is advised. HEPA vacuums also are recommended for cleanup of dust that may have settled on surfaces outside the remediation area. ONLY the mold publication provided by the Centers for Disease Control. Carpet maintenance, restoration guidelines for water-damaged carpet, other carpet-related issues. The American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA) developed this 3-part video series. Outdoors, molds play an important role in nature by breaking down organic matter such as toppled trees, fallen leaves, and dead animals. Study Resources . 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. The remediation manager's highest priority must be to protect the health and safety of the building occupants and remediators. What mold publications should Hazard Mitigation staff distribute? A Walls that are not completely dry may allow mold spores to grow quickly. Flood water can easily damage electrical system components including service panels, meters, switches, and outlets. FEMA Publications Below are FEMA mitigation publications relevant to this hazard. In addition to elevating large utilities, household appliances such as washing machines and dryers should be elevated above potential flood waters. Structures must be elevated by trained professionals. This lesson will discuss the NFIP and informing the public about it after a disaster event. The work area and surrounding areas should be HEPA vacuumed and cleaned with a damp cloth or mop and a detergent solution. 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. Removing people from spaces near the work area is recommended for infants, persons having undergone recent surgery, immunosuppressed people, or people with chronic inflammatory lung diseases. Do not run the HVAC system if you know or suspect that it is contaminated with mold, as it could spread contamination throughout the building. These materials can then usually be discarded as ordinary construction waste. In addition, there are no standards for "acceptable" levels of mold in buildings, and the lack of a definitive correlation between exposure levels and health effects makes interpreting the data difficult, if not impossible. Are building occupants reporting health problems that they think are related to mold in the indoor environment? Indoors, mold growth should be avoided. Insurance can be purchased for structures, contents, or both. Owners can have their buildings moved by professionals to a safer place outside the Special Flood Hazard Area. Outdoor utilities such as heat pumps or air conditioners can be protected by placing them on an elevated platform above the Base Flood Elevation (BFE). PDF Mold - Occupational Safety and Health Administration Contractors and other professionals (e.g. This section presents remediation guidelines for building materials that have or are likely to have mold growth. These can be accessed from the FEMA website. Press Enter to select a navigation button or hyperlink. Several federal agencies also publish information about mold, including: Centers for Disease Control Environmental Protection Agency FEMA U.S. Public Health Service Floodplain management ordinances require that when a structure in the floodplain has Substantial Damage or undergoes Substantial Improvement, the owner must bring the structure into compliance with the most current standards when repairing or rebuilding. While it is impossible to eliminate all molds and mold spores, controlling moisture can control indoor mold growth. 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. Hazard Mitigation staff distribute ONLY the mold publication provided by the Hazard Mitigation Community Education and Outreach group. Potential health effects from mycotoxins are the subject of ongoing scientific research and are beyond the scope of this document. Just a few inches of water from a flood can cause tens of thousands of dollars in damage. Substantial Damage is defined as damage from any source for which the cost of repair is equal to or greater than half of the market value of the structure before the loss. To increase surface temperature, insulate or increase air circulation. Symptoms other than allergic and irritant types are not commonly reported as a result of inhaling mold in the indoor environment. In this lesson you learned about: Future risks associated with the hazard event that resulted in the disaster declaration, Mitigation measures available to improve personal safety and reduce or eliminate the risk of future damages to structures and personal property, Identify the different types of flooding that occur in the United States, Recognize information about the NFIP to share with the general public, List the importance of directing individuals to local building officials, engineers, and other specialists before starting repairs, Match FEMA information, publications, and websites that support the mitigation recommendationsto specific audiences, How to receive credit for this independent study course. When changing the vacuum filter, remediators should wear respirators, appropriate personal protective clothing, gloves, and eye protection to prevent exposure to any captured mold and other contaminants. Mold can cause structural damage to buildings the longer it grows the more damage it can cause. Howard has a mold problem. 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. Information on engineering issues and indoor air quality. They should be placed into impermeable bags, and usually can be discarded as ordinary construction waste. The onset of allergic reactions to mold can be either immediate or delayed. Consequently, appropriate personal protective clothing (i.e., reusable or disposable) is recommended to minimize cross-contamination between work areas and clean areas, to prevent the transfer and spread of mold and other contaminants to street clothing, and to eliminate skin contact with mold and potential chemical exposures. Click on the "Glossary" button to look up key definitions and acronyms. These guidelines are subject to change as more information regarding mold contamination and remediation becomes available. The plan should cover the use of appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE). Mold can generally be removed from nonporous surfaces by wiping or scrubbing with water and detergent. This will prevent unnecessary contamination of food, beverage, cosmetics, and tobacco products by mold and other harmful substances within the work area. If possible, remediation activities should be scheduled during off-hours when building occupants are less likely to be affected. Individuals with persistent health problems that appear to be related to mold exposure should see their physicians for a referral to practitioners who are trained in occupational/environmental medicine or related specialties and are knowledgeable about these types of exposures. The same information is contained in both locations, but the intranet version is behind the FEMA firewall. Licensed contractors ensure that electrical system modifications are performed correctly and according to all applicable codes. In some cases, especially those involving large areas of contamination, the remediation plan may include temporary relocation of some or all of the building occupants. Level II: Mid-Sized Isolated Areas (10 - 30 sq. A full face piece respirator provides both respiratory and eye protection. Recognize information about the NFIP to share with the general public. Accredited laboratories must participate in quarterly proficiency testing (Environmental Microbiology Proficiency Analytical Testing Program (EMPAT)). This Safety and Health Information Bulletin is not a standard or regulation, and it creates no new legal obligations. Carpet and Upholstery Cleaning Institute, Mechanical Systems Hygiene Institute, National Institute of Disaster Restoration, National Institute Rug Cleaning, Water Loss Institute referrals to professionals. Containment of the work area is not necessary. Dry floodproofing may NOT be used to bring a Substantially Damaged or Substantially Improved residential structure into compliance with the communitys floodplain ordinance. However, removal is still recommended for infants, persons having undergone recent surgery, immune- suppressed people, or people with chronic inflammatory lung diseases. New York City Department of Health, Bureau of Environmental and Occupational Disease Epidemiology. 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. Information on health-related topics including asthma molds in the environment, and occupational health. Discard mold damaged materials in plastic bags. Mold slide 1 of 2 The Key to Mold Control is Moisture Control If mold is a problem in your home, you must clean up the mold and eliminate sources of moisture. Just a few inches of water from a flood can cause tens of thousands of dollars in damage. Mold: Worker and Employer Guide to Hazards and Recommended Controls (pdf) (1.2 MB, June 2015) Contact Us to ask a question, provide feedback, or report a problem. For more information about the other courses, refer to the EMI website at http://training.fema.gov. ft. or less) - e.g., ceiling tiles, small areas on walls. Either a half mask or full face piece air-purifying respirator can be used. www.ascr.org/institutes [http://www.restorationindustry.org]. Conversely, negative results may persuade investigators to abandon this hypothesis and to consider other sources of mold growth or dissemination. 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. Instructions for cleaning surfaces, as listed on product labels, should always be read and followed. The American Industrial Hygiene Association offers accreditation to microbial laboratories (Environmental Microbiology Laboratory Accreditation Program (EMLAP)). Level III: Large Isolated Areas (30 - 100 square feet) - e.g., several wallboard panels. Molds are fungi that can be found anywhere - inside or outside - throughout the year. Has routine maintenance been delayed or the maintenance plan been altered? Each lesson will take between 10 and 30 minutes to complete. 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. Tips for Filing Your Insurance Claim provides advice on: There are several websites that contain flood mitigation information. If you have to leave the course, do not exit from the course or close your browser. Pass the final exam. After the Flood: Tips from the NFIP provides advice on looking out for hazards in a flood-prone home, filing for flood insurance claims, and cleaning up after a flood. Mold and Health. Typically, there's a 30-day waiting period from date of purchase before a policy goes into effect, but there are exceptions. For more detailed information, consult a health professional or your state or local health department. The Base Flood Elevation (BFE) is the anticipated elevation above mean sea level that the base flood is expected to reach. The glove material should be selected based on the type of substance/ chemical being handled. ONLY the mold publication provided by the Hazard Mitigation Community Education and Outreach Group. FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs)indicate these anticipated levels, called Base Flood Elevations (BFE). Visible mold, mold-damaged materials, and moldy odors should no longer be present. Examples of fungicides include hexachlorobenzene, organomercurials, pentachlorophenol, phthalimides, and dithiocarbamates. JAWS assistive technology users can press the 'Ctrl" key to quiet the screen reader while the course audio plays. Barriers may not be used to bring a Substantially Damaged or Substantially Improved residence into compliance with a communitys floodplain management ordinances or laws. By reading this safety and health information bulletin, individuals with little or no experience with mold remediation may be able to reasonably judge whether mold contamination can be managed in-house or whether outside assistance is required. Floods are not all alike. Effective communication with building occupants is an essential component of all large-scale remediation efforts. Providing adequate drainage around buildings and sloping the ground away from building foundations. How Do You Know When You Have Finished Remediation/Cleanup? 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. 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. Expert Help. Information on and standards for the inspection, cleaning, and restoration industry. Some jobs may require the use of dust-tight chutes to move large quantities of debris to a dumpster strategically placed outside a window in the remediation area. CDC is recognized as the lead federal agency for protecting the health and safety of the American people at home and abroad. When speaking with members of the public about reducing the risk of future hazard damages: Remember that you are THE face and voice of hazard mitigation. Mold | NCHH PDF Mold Hazards during Disaster Cleanup - Occupational Safety and Health HEPA (High-Efficiency Particulate Air) vacuums are recommended for final cleanup of remediation areas after materials have been thoroughly dried and contaminated materials removed. Humidity meters can be used to monitor indoor humidity. Lesson Summary Short circuits in flooded systems pose an increased potential for fire. Types of samples can include: air samples, surface samples, bulk samples, and water samples from condensate drain pans or cooling towers. The work area and areas directly adjacent should be unoccupied. D. Business owners who are concerned about the cost of professional help can contact the OSHA Consultation Project Office in their state for free consultation service. Unanchored heating oil or propane tanks can be easily moved by flood waters. This insurance is designed to help those affected by floods accelerate recovery, mitigate future flood losses, and reduce the personal and national costs of flooding. People who are sensitive to mold may experience stuffy nose, irritated eyes, wheezing, or skin irritation. They digest whatever they land on in order to survive. If a structures lowest level has a floor drain that empties to the exterior of the building, installing a floating floor-drain plug can also prevent flood waters from backing up the drain pipe and entering the structure. Regular building maintenance staff can conduct this level of remediation. Biocides are toxic to animals and humans, as well as to mold. When deciding if relocating occupants is necessary, consideration should be given to the size and type of mold growth, the type and extent of health effects reported by the occupants, the potential health risks that could be associated with the remediation activity, and the amount of disruption this activity is likely to cause. Molds are usually not a problem unless mold spores land on a damp spot and begin growing. This completes this lesson. As specified by OSHA in 29 CFR 1910.134 individuals who use respirators must be properly trained, have medical clearance, and be properly fit tested before they begin using a respirator. Mold | CDC Repairing plumbing leaks and leaks in the building structure as soon as possible. This type of floodproofing is often used to protect non-residential structures, water supplies, and sewage systems. Flood Preparedness and Response - Response/Recovery | Occupational Secure .gov websites use HTTPS 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.