Safety is an important issue in our industry. As it emerges into the 21st century, health and safety concerns have become high priority.

Here are some of the safety issues you need to consider for yourself, your workers, subcontractors and the occupants and any visitors of the building in which you are performing restorative drying.

General Safety Issues

All businesses should address health and safety issues. Some of the training that nearly any business will encounter is listed in the headings below. Every business is unique, so some additional programs may not be listed.

Safety program and meetings – In most cases, businesses with employees are required to have a written safety program with specific training meetings that must be documented with a record of attendance. Having a written safety program with regular meetings will assure that your staff is well informed and help protect your business from liability.

Accident prevention – A general accident prevention program is staff training that promotes a "heads-up" awareness of potential safety problems. If you teach your staff to think "safety first," potential risk can be avoided.

Assured equipment grounding – If your business leaves or uses electrical equipment in someone's building, you may be required to test equipment for a good ground to earth (at the very minimum, this is required every quarter) and have all equipment safety certified (like UL).

Assured equipment grounding can be done by a licensed electrician, an electrical testing facility or with a testing device known as an AC HI POT tester that you can purchase.

Lifting – Any business should have a safe lifting program, which can be one of its most important safety programs. Back injuries can be devastating and most can be avoided with proper training.

First aid – Accidents will happen, but proper first aid training can make many accidents minor. Proper first aid training can also make major accidents manageable if staff knows how to properly administer first aid. Every vehicle should include a first aid kit.

Emergency and contingency – An emergency and contingency program can provide guidance in properly exiting not only your building but also buildings you are working in case of fire, earthquake or other peril. Before a project begins, an emergency and contingency plan for entering and exiting the building should be developed and posted.

Fall protection – Restoration professionals frequently work on wet, slippery surfaces, ladders and scaffolding, creating a high risk of falling. A safety protection plan is essential when subjecting workers to these risks.

Driver and vehicle safety – Because restoration professionals are usually in the field, we're obligated to both provide employees with safe vehicles and with vehicle operation safety training. Some companies go to outside vehicle safety trainers and, as a result, save considerably on vehicle insurance premiums.

CPR – Cardio pulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is training that every business should have. Lives can be saved with quick action.

HAZCOM – Every business that uses chemical products should have specific training on the hazardous chemical products used and a "Right to Know" station in the work area. Each vehicle should carry a binder with the material safety data sheets (MSDS) on each chemical product transported.

Restorative Drying Safety Issues

Blood borne pathogens – Most industry businesses will encounter blood-borne pathogens. There are specific procedures and supplies necessary for dealing with this type of accident or encounter. All restorations companies should provide a blood-borne pathogens control kit in each truck and in each facility.

Respirators – The subject of proper respiratory training and fitting can be complex. There are a variety of respirators on the market, from simple dust masks and basic cartridge type respirators to complex oxygen supplied mask. There are various cartridges with specific uses and limitations. Employees should be medically evaluated as to respirator suitability, trained in proper cartridge use, storage, fit and cleaning.

Confined spaces – In restorative drying, technicians frequently enter confined spaces, which are not designed for continuous occupancy. While large enough for an employee to enter and perform work, entry or exit is limited. Since we frequently enter crawlspaces, attics, etc, these spaces are defined as confined spaces.

Some confined spaces may be labeled "Permit Required" because of extreme hazards. Special procedures and requirements are necessary when encountering extremely hazardous confined spaces.

Hazards

Water – Slip and fall accidents are the most common accident in restorative drying. Posting "Wet Floor" signs and taking special care can prevent accidents. When water comes from above, ceilings can collapse; so hard hats and eye protection are essential.

In water situations, the possibility of electrical shock is high. Water and electricity are a deadly combination and necessary precautions should be taken.

Contamination – Anyone involved in restorative drying will encounter contamination from sewage and/or fungi and bacteria growth. The microorganisms associated with these losses can result in adverse reactions in some people. Training staff on the precautions to take in these situations can prevent serious health consequences. Be sure to take advantage of the new industry-specific training that is available.

Chemical products – With so many chemical products used in restorative drying, it's important to know the products you use, to follow label instructions precisely and to inform everyone on the restoration site of the necessary precautions.

Help is Available

Establishing and implementing a safety program can seem both daunting and expensive. However, help is available. Your first resource would be at the federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration Web site, www.osha.gov, or your state or provincial worker safety administration office. Most safety suppliers are a good resource in establishing a safety program and many will consult for free. Finally, there are many independent consultants available to provide an even greater in-depth company program.

Safety is first on any restoration project. With a well-written safety program and staff awareness, you'll be better equipped to maintain a safe workplace, protecting yourself, your staff and building occupants.

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