Flood Clean-up

Are floods harmful?

Floodwater can be a drowning hazard. When possible, wait until the flood has receded. Always follow warnings about flooded areas and roads. Do not walk, swim, or drive in flooded areas. Do not enter a flooded area if:

• context the authorities have closed the area
• context the building has collapsed or its foundation is damaged
• context the main electrical switch is on

Why is it important to clean up after an area has been flooded?

After a flood, it is important to restore the area to protect your health and prevent further damage. If standing water or water-damaged materials are not cleaned and dried (or removed), they can present serious long-term health risks and allow viruses, bacteria, and mould to grow, which can cause disease, trigger allergic reactions, and continue to damage materials and health long after the flood. What are some steps to take after a flood has occurred? Rapid drying is important to prevent mould growth. Please see the OSH Answers document “Indoor Air Quality - Moulds and Fungi” for more information. As soon as it is safe to do so: 1) Prepare for the clean-up and assemble the following equipment and supplies 2) Removal of water, mud, and other debris 3) Dispose of contaminated items that cannot be dried 4) Clean and dry affected areas and salvageable items

• context Personal protective equipment (e.g., disposable gloves, suit, respirator, goggles).
• context Pails, mops, sponges.
• context Garbage bags.
• context Soap or detergent.
• context Extension cords, pumps, wet/dry vacuums, and dehumidifiers.
• context Always assume the flood water is contaminated with sewage and chemicals.
• context Wear gloves to protect your hands. Floodwater may also contain sharp items like glass, wood, or metal.
• context Remove standing water with pumps or pails.
• context Use a wet/dry vacuum to remove the remaining water.
• context Remove all soaked and dirty materials, debris, mud, and soil.
• context Clean any dirt on walls and furnishings with a soap solution, removing the remaining water again with a wet/dry vacuum.
• context Flooring that has been soaked by flood water should be removed and discarded.
• context Dispose of all insulation materials, drywall (plaster/gypsum/Sheetrock®), carpets, wood, particleboard and fabric-based furniture, mattresses, box springs, stuffed toys, pillows, cushions, and furniture coverings that have been exposed to flood water and cannot be thoroughly cleaned and dried, especially if the items were wet or humid for 48 hours or more.
• context Identify the materials that may be cleaned thoroughly and kept (e.g., items with hard surfaces).
• context Important items (documents or textiles) can be frozen until there is the opportunity to clean them properly.
• context Do not eat any food that has been exposed to water or debris.
• context Surfaces that are dry or have not been directly affected by the flood water should be vacuumed with a High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) vacuum cleaner.
• context After cleaning the surfaces with a soap solution, ventilate or dehumidify the item and building until it is dry.
• context Flush all water lines thoroughly.

What are more safety measures to follow when cleaning up after a flood?

• context Shut the electricity off to the flooded area at the breaker box. Call an electrician if you must stand in water to access the breaker box.
• context Wear rubber boots when standing in water.
• context Keep extension cords out of the water.
• context Do not enter a flooded area if you do not have to. If you do:
• context Make sure other utilities to the area, including natural gas and propane tanks, are shut off.
• context If using fuel-powered equipment (such as a generator), use the equipment outdoors. Carbon monoxide can build up quickly in poorly ventilated areas.
• context Discard items according to local regulations.
• context Open windows and doors to provide fresh air, if possible.
• context Use safe lifting and shovelling techniques.
• context If you have an open wound or rash, these injuries can become infected when exposed to floodwater. Avoid floodwater, or make sure that your wound is clean and covered with a waterproof bandage. Clean wounds with soap and clean water, alcohol, or sanitizer. Seek medical care if your wound becomes infected.
• context Have appliances, electrical systems, natural or propane gas systems, and the heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning systems serviced by a qualified professional before use.

What types of personal protective equipment are needed?

For most work in flooded areas, the following personal protective equipment are recommended: If cleaning after a flood is part of your work, your workplace should develop and implement a personal protective equipment program. A good comprehensive strategy considers the hazards, conducts a risk assessment, evaluates all possible control methods, integrates various approaches, and re-examines the controls frequently to make sure that the hazard continues to be controlled.

• context Hard hat
• context Goggles
• context Gloves - disposable or rubber
• context Boots
• context Hearing protective devices
• context Respirator - N95 or more protective.