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Toxic & Hazardous Conditions From Floods, Water Damage, and Water Damage
Sewage and Flood Damage
Raw sewage and flood waters contain bacteria and other micro organisms which are extremely hazardous to human health. These can be transmitted by touching contaminated items or by tracking them into uncontaminated areas on shoes. Children and pets are especially vulnerable. Frequent hand washing is an important preventive measure. Absorbent materials such as carpeting and drywall may not be restorable after direct contact with sewage-contaminated or flood-contaminated water.
do...
- Treat all water-impacted surfaces and furnishings as toxic, until properly decontaminated.
- Keep children and pets out of contaminated areas.
do not...
- Track contaminated materials into undamaged areas.
- Attempt to decontaminate surfaces with sprays and other over-the counter germicidal products, which may not fully disinfect contaminated surfaces.
CHEMICAL SPILL PROCEDURES
The following are general guidelines to be followed for a chemical spill. More detailed procedures may be available in your Departmental Chemical Hygiene Plan or Spill Response Plan.
- Immediately alert area occupants and supervisor, and evaluate the area, if necessary.
- If there is a fire or medical attention is needed, contact Public Safety at 911.
- Attend to any people who may be contaminated. Contaminated clothing must be removed immediately and the skin flushed with water for no less than 15 minutes. Clothing must be laundered before reuse. See First Aid for Chemical Exposures for more information.
- If a volatile, flammable material is spilled, immediately warn everyone, control sources of ignition and ventilate the area.
- Don personal protective equipment, as appropriate to the hazards. Refer to the Material Safety Data Sheet or other references for information.
- Consider the need for respiratory protection. To use a respirator or self-contained breathing apparatus requires specialized training and medical surveillance. Never enter a contaminated atmosphere without protection or use a respirator without training. If respiratory protection is needed and no trained personnel are available, call EHS at x8-5294 or Public Safety at 911. If respiratory protection is used, be sure there is another person outside the spill area in communication, in case of an emergency. If no one is available, contact Public Safety.
- Using the chart below, determine the extent and type of spill. If the spill is large, if there has been a release to the environment or if there is no one knowledgeable about spill clean-up available, contact EHS at x8-5294 or Public Safety at 911.
| Category |
Size |
Response |
Treatment Materials |
| Small |
up to 300 cc |
Chemical treatment or absorption |
neutralization or absorption spill kit |
| Medium |
300 cc - 5 liters |
absorption |
absorption spill kit |
| Large |
more than 5 liters |
call Public Safety |
outside help |
- Protect floor drains or other means for environmental release. Spill socks and absorbents may be placed around drains, as needed.
- Contain and clean-up the spill according to the table above
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