4.0) Equipment & Materials: (page 1 of 2)

4.1) Equipment: The mitigation and restoration process requires contractors to have an assortment of equipment and tools.  This would include a combination of equipment and tools as used in construction, as well as restoration. 

Contractors performing emergency mitigation services should be ready to work all hours of the day and night, and stock a majority of the equipment and tools listed within this section.

Equipment and tooling should be in excellent mechanical and electrical working order at all times. 

All equipment should have an Underwriters Laboratories (UL) label and meet all safety requirements set forth by OSHA.  Equipment and tooling should be clean and free of grease, oil and contaminates. 

Equipment and tooling should be cleaned and disinfected after a No. 2 Gray Water, No. 3 Black Water, sewage backflow and protein fire, moreover, before they are returned to storage or re-used on the next project.

General equipment and tooling can be purchased at local hardware stores, while specialty equipment and tooling used in the mitigation and restoration process would be available from janitorial or restoration suppliers. 

When using tools and equipment, the  manufacturers use procedures and safety precautions should be understood and practiced.  Trade names used or referenced herein means; approved equal.

4.2) General Equipment and Tooling: The quantities of equipment and tooling a contractor will need is dependent on the contractors market, experience, the quantity and type of losses that they plan to mitigate or restore

Contractors performing minor emergency service type work (e.g., board-up, structural shoring, dry-in, etc. after tornados, hurricanes and fires) should have on hand or in stock the following listed tools and equipment:

    - Generator, 120/240 Volt, 4500 watt min.
    - Temporary (portable) lighting, 500 watt
    - Extension cords #14 gauge wire with ground
    - GFCI, ground fault receptacles
    - Appliance dollies
    - HEPA vacuums
    - Step ladders (fiberglass) 4', 6' and 8'
    - Extension ladders, 16', 24' and 32'
    - Scaffolding, 3 complete bucks, min.
    - Brooms push and whisk
    - Drills, 3/8" and 1/2"
    - Hammer drill 3/8" min
    - Reciprocating saw
    - Compressor and air hoses
    - Circular saw with blade assortment
    - Crow/wrecking bars
    - Sledgehammer
    - Painters drop cloth or throws
    - Waterproof tarpaulins
    - Extension poles
    - Tele-posts
    - Bottle jacks
    - Carpet knee kicker (stretcher)
    - Carpet layers knife
    - Staple gun
    - Caulking gun
    - Gang (storage) box with locks

4.2.a) Basic Tool Kit: Technicians should have a basic tool kit in their service vehicle at all times.  The tool kit should be stocked with at least one each of the following listed tools:

    - Claw hammer
    - Screw drivers: straight, phillips, square head
    - Putty knife
    - Pry bars, flat and trim
    - Receptacle plug adapter, 3 prong to 2 prong
    - Electrical tester, 120/240 Volt min.
    - Socket set
    - Crescent wrench's (small/large)
    - Combination wrenches
    - Pipe wrench, 16" min.
    - Side cutters, metal and wire
    - Channel lock pliers
    - Tin snips.
    - Tape: electrical, blue painters and duct
    - Copper tube cutter
    - Drill bit assortment
    - Hack saw
    - Utility knife
    - Carpet knife
    - Scissors, straight and duckbill
    - Awl
    - Clamps
    - Tape measure
    - Caution, Danger and Warning tape
 

4.3) Fire and Smoke Equipment: The quantity of the equipment that a contractor will need is dependent on the contractors’ market, their experience and the amount of fire and smoke losses that they plan to mitigate, and restore.

The equipment and tooling listed in Section 4.2 and as listed below could be considered complete (min. quantity) when performing fire and smoke loss mitigation services:

    - Portable extraction machine, with wands
    - HEPA vacuum
    - Thermal fogger
    - Ultra low volume fogger (ULV)
    - Ozone generator
    - Ultraviolet detection light
    - Airmovers: turbofan, axial fans and fireman’s fans
    - Turbofan and axial fan accessories
    - Upholstery machine
    - Hydro-force sprayers
    - Poly or stainless pump sprayers
    - Trigger sprayers
    - Fixi-clamps
    - Lambs wool dusters
    - Brushes
    - Dry (cellulose) sponge
    - Measuring cup
    - Funnel
    - 5 gallon pail/bucket
    - Combo buckets
    - Standard wet mop with handle
    - Terry towels/rags
    - Velvet brush
    - Dehumidifiers (low grain)
    - pH indicator strips
    - Dust pan/shovel
    - Traffic paper
    - Polyvinyl
    - Spare parts for equipment
    - Safety signs: wet floor, caution ozone and caution
      disinfectants
    - Caution, Danger and Warning tape & signs

4.4) Water Loss Equipment: A large majority of the equipment that is used for fire and smoke mitigation and restoration services can also be used when performing mitigation and restoration services after water losses.

Contractors should have on hand or in stock the following equipment for emergency mitigation after a water loss (min. quantity):

    - Portable extraction machine, with wands
    - Truck mount extraction machine
    - Airmovers, turbofan with carpet clamp and axial fans
    - Turbofan accessories
    - Dehumidifiers (low grain)
    - HydroSensor moisture probe
    - Thermo-Hygrometer
    - Moisture meters
    - Psychometric calculator
    - Thermal imaging camera
    - Ultra low volume fogger (ULV)
    - Weighted extraction tool (linoleum floor roller).
    - Injectidry (negative drying), or equal   
    - Poly or stainless pump sprayers
    - Trigger sprayers
    - Fixi-clamps
    - Measuring cup
    - Funnel
    - 5 gallon pail/bucket
    - Combo buckets
    - Sponges
    - Standard wet mop
    - Terry towels/rags
    - Upholstery machine
    - Velvet brush.
    - pH indicator strips
    - Carpet grooming rack
    - Trash pump
    - Utility pump
    - Garden hose
    - Floor squeegees
    - Broom, push
    - Dust pan/shovel
    - Traffic paper
    - Polyvinyl
    - Spare parts for equipment
    - Safety signs: wet floor, caution disinfectants
    - Caution, Danger and Warning tape

4.5) Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): The services of mitigation, restoration and remediation requires that workers wear personal protective equipment (PPE) when performing certain disciplines as listed below:

    - NIOSH N95 respirator
    - Half face cartridge respirator
    - Full face cartridge respirator
    - Respirator cartridges
    - Tyvek^® coveralls
    - Gloves - cotton, leather, rubber, etc.
    - Confined space and fall protection
    - Hearing protection
    - Safety glasses
    - Hard hat
    - Back support
    - Safety shoes
    - Elbow and knee pads

The aforementioned PPE listing is brief, and a certified Safety & Health professional should be consulted on the appropriate safety equipment required, and on the equipments use, fitting, etc.
 

Brief Color Code Listing of Respiratory Cartridges
for Mitigation & Remediation
Table 4-A

Extracted from the Loss Recovery Guide with Standards (LRGS)
© Copyright 1998-2008 William Yobe

Find It Fast - With The ... LRGS - Navigational Index

4.5.a) Respirators & Cartridges) Only respirators approved by the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) and the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) should be used.

Approved respirators will carry the "TC" number prefix, signifying they have been tested and certified for specific levels of protection.

Before a person uses a respirator, a fit test should be performed to determine the correct size of the respirator face-piece, assuring a proper seal.

Cartridges are color coded per their level of protection or chemical resistance. Table 4-A highlights the most common cartridges used when performing mitigation after a water loss or mold remediation.

The selection, fitting and use of respirators and cartridges should conform with OSHA mandates.

4.6) Materials: Contractors should have an assortment of materials in stock at all times if they are to offer all emergency mitigation services:

    - Plywood (CDX) 1/2" x 4' x 8' min.
    - Structural framing lumber, 2x4 and 2x6 min.
    - Fasteners: screws, nails, bolts, nuts, washers etc.
    - 4x4 and 6x6 treated lumber posts
    - Plastic sheeting (Visqueen) 6 mil (fire rated)
    - Tape, electrical, duct, masking, etc.
    - Boxes, small, medium, large and wardrobe
    - Packing materials, bubble wrap, non-print packing paper,
      shrinkwrap, poly bags, etc.
    - Poly bags, heavy duty, 55 gallon and 16 gallon min.
    - Roofing materials, #30 felt, #90 rolled roofing, tar
      (bucket and tube), metal flashing, etc.
    - Styro-blocks and pads (foil and plastic)
    - Shrinkwrap (building grade) 7 mil min.
    - Rope, and waxed or non-waxed twine
    - Waterproof tarpaulins
    - Silicone (caulking)
    - Abrasives: sandpaper (very fine) and steel wool (oooo)
    - Furnace filters (varying sizes)

4.7) Chemicals (Cleaning Agents): There is a large spectrum of chemical and cleaning agent manufacturers.  Contractors should have on hand and in stock, a full range of chemicals and cleaning agents at all times.  Cleaning agents should carry the EPA registration number, their establishment number and the manufacturer name and address on its label.

The manufacturers’ mixing, use practices, safety precautions and disposal recommendations should be followed when using chemicals.

   - Their surface reaction should cover all ranges: negative
     (ionic), neutral (non-ionic) and positive (cationic)
   - Their strength (pH rating) should cover all ranges: acidic
     (0 1 2 3 4 5 6), neutral (7) and alkaline (8 9 10 11 12 13 14)
   - Their compound range should be both organic and
     inorganic (synthetic)
   - Their distinction range could be solid, powder,
     cream, foam and liquid
   - Their make-up range should be both abrasive and
      non-abrasive
   - Their safety rating could range from 0 to 4 per the
      Right to Know act

The following chemical and cleaning agents could be used on the surfaces listed below, and surfaces should be checked for colorfast, pH and reactions:

   - General Cleaners:
     Painted: walls and ceilings, wood furniture, paneling
     cabinets and floors
     Vinyl: wallpaper and floors
     Tile: ceramic and vinyl
     Metal: chrome, brass, porcelain and silverware
     Fabric: carpet
     Fiberglass: painted
     Dishes and glassware
     Plastics and PVC

    - Degreasers:
      Painted: walls and ceilings
      Vinyl: floors
      Tile: ceramic and tile
      Dishes and glass ware
      Metal: chrome, brass, porcelain and silverware
      Fabric: carpeting and colorfast surfaces
      Plastics and PVC
      Fiberglass

    - Detergents:
      Fabric: carpeting, drapery and upholstery

    - Powder abrasive cleaners:
      Plumbing fixtures

     - Dry cleaning solvent:
       Fabric: upholstery, drapes, lamp shades and rugs

     - Polish/Metal:
       Metals: chrome, brass, bronze, stainless steel and porcelain

     - Polish/Furniture:
       Wood furniture, paneling and cabinets

     - Wood cream restorer:
       Wood: furniture, paneling and cabinets

     - Acid:
       Brick, stone, mortar and grout (exterior)

     - Glass cleaner:
       Glass, mirror services
       Metal: chrome, brass, stainless steel and porcelain.
       Formica, Corian, or equals

     - Shampoo:
       Fabric: carpet, upholstery, drapes and rugs
 

4.8) Chemicals (Disinfectant): Contractors should have on hand and in stock a complete supply of disinfectants and sanitizing chemical agents.

Disinfectants should carry the EPA registration and establishment number and the manufacturer name and address on its label.  Technicians should follow the manufacturers’ mixing, use practices, safety precautions, and disposal recommendations when using chemicals. 

When disinfectants contain pesticides, the guidelines and standards set forth by the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) should apply. Some states and local governing agency require certification before pesticides can be applied.

Disinfectants are used to destroy vegetative forms of microorganisms such as mold and bacteria. 

Disinfectants are classified into the following properties:

    - Alcohols (ethol, isopropanol)
    - Quaternary ammonia compounds
    - Phenolics (ortho-phenylphenol)
    - Iodophors
    - Glutaraldehydes
    - Hypochlorites (chlorine bleach)
    - Hydrogen peroxide

Hypochlorites react with the following microorganisms:

    - Bactericidal
    - Fungicidal
    - Hydrophylic (virucidal)
    - Lipophylic (virucidal)
    - Tuberculocidal
    - Sporicidal

Hypochlorites become inactive when mixed with soiling, and work best on pre-cleaned surfaces. 

Phenolic (ortho-phenylphenol) disinfectants react with the following microorganisms:

    - Bactericidal
    - Fungicidal
    - Hydrophylic (virucidal)
    - Lipophylic (virucidal)
    - Tuberculocidal

Phenolic (ortho-phenylphenol) disinfectants will not react with sporicidal microorganisms.

Quaternary ammonia compound disinfectants react with the following microorganisms:

    - Bactericidal
    - Fungicidal
    - Lipophylic (virucidal)

Quaternary ammonia compound disinfectants will not destroy hydrophylic (virucidal), tuberculocidal or sporicidal microorganisms. 

Hypochlorites (chlorine bleach) and quaternary ammonia compounds are inactivated by organic matter, while phenolics (ortho-phenylphenol) are not.

Due to the following disadvantages; expense, residual, toxic, irritating vapors and corrosive nature, all or in part, alcohol's, Iodophors, glutaraldehydes and hydrogen peroxide should only be used by experienced technicians or under the direction of a competent person.

There are several disinfectant products on the market today that will react against the six microorganisms, and it is recommended that trade named disinfectants or approved equals be used when performing emergency mitigation:

    - Clorox^® Institutional Liquid Bleach ... (MSDS)
    - Husky Quat Cide 803 ... (MSDS)
    - DMQ Damp Mop Neutral Disinfectant Cleaner ... (MSDS)
    - Microban^® Disinfectant Spray ... (MSDS)
    - Milgo QGC Disinfectant ... (MSDS)
    - Fiberlock IAQ 2000 Quat ... (MSDS)
    - Foster^® 40-80™ Disinfectant ... (MSDS)

The aforementioned disinfectants represent a blend of disinfecting inerts that are registered with the EPA, and   are available through restoration and janitorial suppliers nationwide.

The Properties of Classes of Environmental Disinfectants chart provides a listing of disinfectants dilution/concentration, actions, advantages and disadvantages.

4.8.a) Chemicals (Sanitizers): Sanitizing agents can reduce microorganisms to safe level as determined by public and private health officials . 

When using sanitizing agents, the manufacturers’ mixing, use practices, safety precautions and disposal recommendations should be followed.

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