21/02/2023
This post is to assist the many New Zealanders who have been affected by water damaging situations from the recent weather events in Northland, Auckland & Water Damage associated with Cylone Gabrielle:
In accordance with the International Standard for water damage restoration: S500 IICRC, the following applies:
Water losses can be categorised into 3 categories dependant on the original water source:
Cat 1 or clean water: Water damage from a clean water source ie: Internal tap overflow.
Cat 2 or Grey water: Where the water may contain some contamination or chemical ie: Dishwasher or washing machine overflow.
Category 3 or Black water:
Flood water originating from a highly unsanitary or unknown source ie: Sewage back up, Drain back flow, River or stream overflow.
Water that has tracked over multiple contaminated or unknown surfaces from outside, before entering the property.
Category 3 water loss protocol provides a step by step list of what can be salvaged & what actions to take regarding non salvageable material.
In the case of a category 3 black water flood.
Note: Cat 3 floods Have the potential of causing severe health hazard & death if ingested:
Full PPE must be worn when attempting to clean up a category 3 flood, including an effective respirator (P2 or better), protective rubber gloves, Coverall suit, boots, eye protection.
Cleaning & Restoration Steps:
• Extract sitting water/remove mud, silt, debris.
• Remove carpet & underlay for disposal.
• Pressure wash sub flooring where mud & silt have been present.
Apply anti-bacterial/microbial
treatment/(Disinfectant)
• If contaminated water has made contact with the Gib liner, Remover skirting boards & Cut out contaminated gib liner to 300mm above the water line. Note capillary action.
Clean/sweep away dust & remain debris.
• Clean timber framing with commercial grade disinfectant.
Apply (Spray) commercial grade disinfectant to remaining surfaces as contamination will become airborne.
Well ventilate the area by opening up property if possible or introduce assisted air scrubbing processes ie: Hepa filtering/negative air uniits.
• Installation of air movers to dry concrete
sub-flooring & framing structure.
Note: Where sub flooring is contaminated particle board/chip board, it is recommended to remove contaminated sub flooring.
• Install Commercial Refrigerant/low grain
Refrigerant (LGR) Dehumidifiers
• Monitor relative humidity & drying
progress.
• Drying is complete when a dry standard
has been achieved.
Note: Carpet & underlay cannot be salvaged in a black water flood situation.
Note 2: When the weather is warm & dry & you have the ability to open the property, an “open drying system”, can be used with an increased level of air movement. “Warm dry external air is the best dehumidifier we have”.
However, When the humidity outside is higher then the internal area, a closed drying system is recommended. (Close up the property & increase mechanical air movement & dehumidification)
Note: There is so much more detail required to address a disaster recovery situation such as many properties affected in the recent cyclone flooding event.
Please bear in mind: This is not a complete, one stop repair advice script, which covers every possible scenario that flood victims are facing.
We’re here to help if you require assistance.
www.enviro.co.nz
0800222379
We have built our reputation on excellent customer service, highly qualified staff and leading edge technology. Our focus on technology, technical and timely response sets us apart as the country's premier Cleaning, Restoration & Decontamination Company.
