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Call any hour, any day for sewage cleanup help in Los Angeles County.
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that is over 100 years old. cp "semi-antique" process through which estimates of property value or
restoration costs (structure and/or contents) are obtained. based. resistant and can cause cancer. Asbestos is sometimes found
in common construction materials including: siding, paints, caulking,
insulation materials, ceiling tiles, vinyl asbestos tile
floor coverings, etc. At one time asbestos fiber was used in
theater curtains, ironing board covers, potholders and other fabrics
where flame-proofing and heat-resistance are required. a building, or to remove it entirely. These may involve
removal, encapsulation, repair, enclosure, encasement, and operations
and maintenance programs. asbestos containing material (ACM) -
Any material containing one or more percent of
asbestos. freed from pathogenic microorganisms. conditioning Engineers." (IICRC S500) Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and
Restoration Certification Standard IICRC S500 (mold) of the genus Aspergillus, marked by inflammatory
granulomatous lesions of the skin, ears, nasal sinuses, lungs, and
sometimes bone and meninges. Aspergillus — A genus of imperfect fungi, of
the class, Hyphomycetes, including species that cause food spoilage and
diseases. Some Aspergillus species, e.g., A. flavus, A.
fumagatus, A. versicolor, which commonly are found in environments with
water- damage, can produce toxins. They should be dealt with using
extreme caution. asphyxiant - A vapor or gas that limits or
prohibits the body's ability to assimilate (use) oxygen, even though
sufficient oxygen may be present, and can cause unconsciousness or
death by suffocation (lack of oxygen). In addition, some chemicals,
like carbon monoxide, function as chemical asphyxiants by
reducing the blood's ability to carry oxygen. Most simple asphyxiants are
harmful to the body only when they become so concentrated that they
reduce oxygen in the air (normally about 21%) to dangerous levels
(16% or lower). Asphyxiation is one of the principal potential
hazards of working in confined spaces. professional (IEP) that includes the evaluation of data
obtained from a building history and inspection to formulate an initial
hypothesis about the origin, identity, location and extent of
amplification of microbial contamination. If necessary, a sampling plan is
developed, and samples are collected and sent to a qualified laboratory
for analysis. The subsequent data is interpreted by the IEP. The
IEP or other qualified individual may then develop a remediation
plan. asthma - A condition marked by recurrent attacks of
difficult or labored breathing and wheezing resulting from spasmodic
contraction and hypersecretion of the bronchi resulting from exposure to
allergens such as drugs, foods or environmental pollutants
or intrinsic factors. respirator user with breathing air from a source independent
of the ambient atmosphere, and includes supplied-air respirators
(SARs) and self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA)
units. atmospheric condition, with moisture equilibrium of 65% RH
(±2%) and temperature of 70̊F (±2%)/21̊C (±1%). moisture in a specific material in the built environment
(such as a plywood subfloor) measured at several depths and points
across a grid. to various imposed constrictions; e.g., air pressure working
against a fan (airmover) within an air stream that is being
compressed, as under a carpet or in an interstitial cavity during drying
procedures. aerobic bacteria. backcoat serves to add strength and stability to the weave,
while increasing its stiffness ("hand," or feel). back pressure -
Pressure against the flow of liquids or air due to various imposed
constrictions; e.g., air pressure working against a fan
(airmover) within an air stream that is being compressed, as under a
carpet during drying procedures. diameter), single-cell microscopic organisms. They are the
most numerous organisms on earth and are formed everywhere,
especially in soil. Because they are microscopic, they easily become
airborne, and they are carried in water as well. Some bacteria are able to
form spores during hostile growth conditions and these spores are
some of the most resistant forms of life known. Bacteria reproduce
at a rapid rate given proper growth conditions (food source, moisture,
temperature). Most are saprophytic (feed on non-living
organisms), though many are parasitic (feed on living organisms). Most
bacteria (and their odors) are killed or controlled with extreme heat
and sunlight (ultraviolet), or by such chemicals as alcohol,
chlorine, ammonium chlorides and others. cp "endotoxin" pathogenic and nonpathogenic, though not necessarily all
their spores (e.g., chlorine bleach, quaternary ammonium chloride), when
used according to label directions. It differs from germicide in
that it does not claim to kill fungi, viruses and other
microorganisms that are not bacteria. growth of specific bacteria but does not necessarily kill
them or their spores when used according to label directions.
Sometimes the only difference that determines whether a substance is
bacteriostatic or bactericidal depends on the conditions of application,
such as time, temperature or pH. dehumidification. An ideal drying situation in which the
rate of evaporation of moisture from structure and contents is equal
to or slightly less than the rate of dehumidification or moisture
removal from the air. The objective in balanced drying is to prevent
moisture absorption from the air into unaffected materials and thus,
to minimize or eliminate secondary damage. (IICRC S500) Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and
Restoration Certification Standard IICRC S500 perborate. cp "oxidizing agent; reducing agent; sodium
hypochlorite; hydrogen peroxide" blight: of leaves, flowers, and stems, resulting in their
death. other potentially infectious materials, that could cause
disease or death in humans. Included among these microorganisms are
hepatitis B virus (HBV) and human immunodeficiency virus
(HIV). on and view inaccessible surfaces, such as interior walls of
ductwork. A monitor or camera can be attached to pictorially
document internal surface conditions. is attached to the floor. material from ambient air. A saturated boundary layer at the
surface of a wet material will inhibit additional evaporation from
that surface unless it is "swept" away continuously by air
movement. structural wood materials. Bound moisture is given off
gradually as the wood dries and it has a marked effect on how the wood
will stain. Wood saps may also contain minute quantities of alcohol or
terpene compounds, both of which lower the freezing temperature and
microorganism generation capability of structural wood below
that of many other cellulosic products. cp, "free water" quantity of heat required to raise the temperature of one
pound of distilled water one degree Fahrenheit, at or near the
temperature of maximum water density (39̊F/4̊C). negative or gram positive microorganisms. lead to the alveolar region of the lungs. Bronchial airways
provide a passageway for air movement. (base) of a wall, usually extending around the entire
perimeter of a room. Below ground level, usually a basement. Partially or
completely below ground level and in direct contact with the ground. cp
"above grade" and "on grade" bioaerosols - Airborne particles that are
living or originate from living organisms; i.e., culturable,
nonculturable and dead microorganisms) and fragments, toxins, and particulate
waste products from all varieties of living things. such as a pesticide, herbicide, or fungicide. biodegradable
- Capable of being broken down into innocuous (harmless) products
(water, carbon dioxide) by the action of living organisms or other
biological processes. Most of today's textile cleaning detergents are
biodegradable. biological activity. The agents of deterioration (vectors)
may be insects, rodents or higher animals and plants. that combine to create a layer or "film" on a
substrate. contaminants (spores, bacteria or their by-products) that
become airborne through human (coughing, sneezing, talking) or
mechanical (HVAC) means. causing) that are derived from or are living organisms
(including viruses, bacteria, fungi, and protozoa, arthropods and
mammal and bird antigens), that can be inhaled and can cause many types
of health effects, including allergic reactions, respiratory
disorders, hypersensitivity diseases, and infectious diseases. Also
referred to as microbiologicals or microbials. organisms. or have lived, and which are unwanted in the earth's air,
water or environment. Examples include: bacteria, fungi, viruses, and
derivatives from mammals, arthropods and plants. living, usually microorganisms but does not necessarily kill
them or their spores. functions through a chemical reaction called oxidation.
Bleaches often are used with detergents, or by themselves to break
chemical, rather than physical bonds, as detergents do. Common
bleaches used in cleaning are (IICRC 5500) Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and
Restoration Certification Standard IICRC S500 materials, windows and walls, which enclose internal
spaces. illness brought on as a result of exposure to air in a
building with specific contaminants or pathogens, and with a traceable
etiology (unlike sick building syndrome). Symptoms of BRI include
specific diseases or illnesses, including infection, fever and
clinical signs of pathology, which are identified and an airborne pathway
for the stressor is recognized. cp "sick building syndrome" bulk
water — Excess or unabsorbed water resulting from a sudden water
release. Bulk water usually is removed by draining, pumping or
vacuuming. centrifugal force, and two sources of air; working or vacuum
air and motor cooling air. Medical Dictionary). Feeling ill from odors, occurring in a
sizeable percentage of the population (Bell, et al on MCS; Indoor Air
Bulletin, Vol. 2, No. 12, 1993). anhydrous (dry) state for testing moisture content of
various surfaces. A dry sample is weighed, then placed on a surface
(concrete slab) and allowed to absorb moisture for a specified time.
Then the sample is weighed again to determine the weight of moisture
absorption. Determining equipment deviation from a standard source so as
to ascertain the proper correction factors. found in sewage. Gram-negative bacteria contain endotoxins,
which are released at the time of cell death and destruction, and can
cause a variety of allergic reactions and illness. Canadian equivalent to the U.S. OSHA, headquartered in
Hamilton, Ontario (1-800 263-8276). cp "OSHA" act administered by Environment Canada and Health Canada
beginning in 1988. CEPA is the cornerstone of federal environmental
legislation since the 1980s, which addresses controlling toxic
substances, preventing environmental harm rather than merely reacting to
dangerous conditions after the fact, providing coherence
among powers and authorities under federal environmental statutes,
enforcing federal regulations, and encouraging penalties for
environmental offenses. Environment Canada, Environmental Protection is
located at 351 St. Joseph Blvd., Hull, Quebec K1 A OH3;
819953-1652. responsible for the representation of public health
interests located in Ottawa, Ontario and through whom IARC publications may be
obtained (613-7253769). "Underwriters Laboratory") responsible for the establishment
of product and testing standards. cp "ISO, ANSI,
UL" tension on interfaces or boundaries. pathway. It is caused by adhesion, cohesion, and surface
tension in liquids and their contact with the solid pathway. potentially hazardous gas, which results primarily from
human activity indoors. It is removed from the air by plants
during photosynthesis, and converted into oxygen. Elevated levels
of CO2 are used as an indicator of ineffective ventilation indoors. Too
many people in a confined airspace can cause carbon dioxide
poisoning, with symptoms of headaches and dizziness. TLV 5,000 ppm,
STEL 30,000 ppm, OSHA PEL 5,000 ppm, IDLH per NIOSH 50,000 ppm results from incomplete combustion of carbon. The EPA
ambient air quality TLV for carbon monoxide is 35 ppm for 1 hour, and 9
ppm for an 8-hour period. tissue or tumors in humans or animals. A material identified
as an animal carcinogen does not necessarily cause cancer in
humans. Examples of human carcinogens include coal tar, (skin
cancer) and vinyl chloride (liver cancer). level. to the subfloor, usually wall-to-wall. cp "rug" Carpet and
Rug Institute (CRI) - U.S. carpet manufacturer's trade
association. to continue under less than favorable conditions. (IICRC S500) Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and
Restoration Certification Standard IICRC S500 this document, refer to the range of contamination in water,
considering both its originating source and its quality
after it contacts materials present on the job site. Time and
temperature can also affect the quality of water, thereby changing its
category. Restorers should consider potential contamination, defmed as
the presence of undesired substances; the identity, location and
quantity of which are not reflective of a normal indoor environment;
and may produce adverse health effects, cause damage to structure
and contents and/or adversely affect the operation or function
of building systems. source and does not pose substantial risk from dermal,
ingestion, or inhalation exposure. Examples of Category 1 water sources
can include, but are not limited to: broken water supply lines;
tub or sink overflows with no contaminants; appliance malfunctions
involving water-supply lines; melting ice or snow; falling rainwater;
broken toilet tanks, and toilet bowls that do not contain
contaminants or additives. However, once clean water leaves the exit point,
it might not remain clean once it contacts other surfaces or
materials. 3 for many reasons, including but not limited to: contact
with building materials, systems and contents; mixing with soils
and other contaminants. Some factors that influence the potential
organic and inorganic load in a structure include the age and history of
the structure, previous water losses, general housekeeping, the
type of use of the structure (e.g., nursing home, hospital, day
care, warehouse, veterinary clinic), and elapsed time or elevated
temperature. Odors can indicate that Category 1 water has
deteriorated. contamination and has the potential to cause discomfort or
sickness if contacted or consumed by humans. Category 2 water can
contain potentially unsafe levels of microorganisms or nutrients for
microorganisms, as well as other organic or inorganic matter
(chemical or biological). Examples of category 2 water
sources can include, but are not limited to: discharge from dishwashers
or washing machines; overflows from washing machines; overflows
from toilet bowls on the room side of the trap with some urine
but no feces; seepage due to hydrostatic pressure; broken aquariums
and punctured water beds. The cleanliness of Category 2 water
can deteriorate for many reasons, including but not limited to:
contact with building materials, systems, and contents; mixing with
soils and other contaminants. Some factors that influence the
potential organic and inorganic load in a structure include the age and
history of the structure, previous water losses, general housekeeping, the
type of use of the structure, and elapsed time or elevated
temperature. contain pathogenic, toxigenic or other harmful agents.
Examples of Category 3 water sources can include, but are not limited
to: sewage; toilet backflows that originate from beyond the toilet trap
regardless of visible content or color; all forms of
flooding from seawater; ground surface water and rising water from rivers
or streams, and other contaminated water entering or affecting
the indoor environment, such as wind-driven rain from
hurricanes, tropical storms, or other weather-related events. Such water
sources may carry silt, organic matter, pesticides, heavy metals,
regulated materials, or toxic organic substances. part of a water damage restoration project, then a
specialized expert might be necessary to assist in damage assessment,
and but are not limited to: arsenic, mercury, lead, asbestos,
polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), pesticides, fuels,
solvents, caustic chemicals, radiological residues. For situations
involving visible or suspected mold, refer to IICRC 5520 Standard and
Reference Guide for Professional Mold Remediation. to burn, corrode, dissolve or eat away other substances.
When the term caustic is used alone, it usually refers to sodium
hydroxide, which is used in manufacturing hard soap. It also refers to
caustic potash (potassium hydroxide), which is used in manufacturing
soft soap. see "alkali," and "sodium, potassium
hydroxide" high frequency sound waves. into which water can flow, wick or migrate and become
trapped or inhibited from drying.
volume of air that has more leakage to the outside than to
the conditioned space would be considered outside the pressure
boundary, such as vented unconditioned attics, and vented
unconditioned crawlspaces. also known as ambient background samples. cp "personal air
samples" contaminants (water, soot, fire, body fluids, etc.).
Examples include: staining, swelling, dissolving, cupping and
buckling of hardwood, delamination of furnishings and fixtures,
migration of dyes, weakening of that guide and support professional drying. The four general
principles are: extracting), insurance company stating the conditions of a loss, in order
to determine the insurance company's exact liability under
policy provisions, and when those obligations have been
satisfactorily met. property and casualty insurers whose mission is to provide
cutting- edge claims-oriented information to its members and the
industry. hospital-strength activity of a
disinfectant. shows the relationship between air volume, temperature and
relative humidity, and from which a variety of other information
(specific humidity, dew (IICRC S500) Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and
Restoration Certification Standard IICRC S500 may be determined. and temperature, and their effect on various materials and
comfort levels (adj. - psychrometric). pulmonary - Relating to, or
associated with, the lungs. pulmonary edema - Fluid in the
lungs. anaerobic splitting of proteins by bacteria and fungi, with
the resulting formation of foul smelling gases resulting from
incomplete oxidation. The identification of a material based on the chemical and
physical properties of a sample performed by a restorer or remediator that are designed to
check on the effectiveness of the remediation, as a pre-screening,
prior to post remediation verification by an IEP. amount. Determining the amount or concentration of a
substance in a sample. primarily to disinfect (usually in 0.4 to 1.6%
concentrations) or sanitize. Quats destroy microorganisms by rupturing their
cell walls. They also are used as antistats and softening agents. see
"disinfectant" two or more substances to form a new substance. amount of moisture it holds at a specific temperature
expressed as a percentage of that air's total moisture holding capacity;
i.e., the amount of moisture in a given volume of air, expressed as a
percentage of the total moisture holding capacity of that
volume of air, at a given temperature. As temperature increases,
humidity "relative" to total air volume decreases; conversely, as
temperature decreases, RH increases. cp "specific humidity" and "vapor
pressure" the mortgage on a restored structure, whereby a contractor
or subcontractor states that the property is freed from any
lien rights to which the contractor may be entitled. coverage (RCC) - An insurance policy rider that provides for
the payment of the actual replacement cost, as opposed to
depreciated value, of items (usually contents) that are destroyed during
a covered peril. that have been set aside to pay current claims that have
been reported but not finalized. Funds transferred from an
investment account to a current loss payment account. fabric following cleaning. Most biopollutants, for example, are found in reservoirs
such as standing water or decaying matter. respiratory system from overexposure by inhalation of
airborne contaminants. Respiratory protection is used when workers
must work in areas where they may be exposed to concentrations of
materials in excess of allowable exposure limits and all passages to the air outside the body (trachea or
"windpipe," larynx, mouth and nose), plus the associated nervous system
and circulatory supply components. restoration company. humidity from a structure and damaged materials following an
unwanted release or infiltration of water from several possible
sources, and returning that structure and its components and contents to
a pre- damage state of moisture content and humidity. There are
four principles involved in restorative drying: mechanical
extraction of excess water; promotion of evaporation through air movement;
temperature control, and dehumidification. see "principles
of drying" the restoration of damaged structures and/or
contents. technician training and licensing, usually by the state,
before applied is permitted. circumstances. In quantitative terms, risk is expressed in
values ranging from zero, representing the certainty that harm will
not occur, to one representing the certainty that harm will
occur. an adverse effect from (IICRC 5500) Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and
Restoration Certification Standard IICRC S500 situations. environment by the presence or potential presence or use of
specific pollutants. environmental risks between risk assessors, risk managers,
the general public, and other interest groups such as the news
media. risks and selecting among them. Risk management includes
consideration of technical, scientific, social, economic,
and political information. rodenticide - An agent that controls
or kills rodents when used according to label directions. gain access to an organism, such as inhalation, ingestion
and skin absorption, and intravenous, subcutaneous, intermuscular
administrations. have a rotor or wheel with honeycomb openings, which are
coated with silica gel to enhance adsorption. in sewage. Gram-negative bacteria produce endotoxins that
are released at cell death and destruction, and which can cause
allergic response or illness. may come from a variety of sources, especially from broken
fresh water pipes. Water that will not cause disease or harm when
consumed by humans. that could harm development, health or survival. The process
of bringing an environment to a state that will not harm human
health. levels as judged by public health agencies: a chemical agent
that limits or controls microorganisms within an environment when
used according to label directions. a surface or environment that creates a condition of
acceptable health risk (1/10,000 chance of adverse health effect). EPA
considers an antimicrobial to be a sanitizer when it reduces, but does
not necessarily eliminate, the microorganisms on a treated
surface. To be a registered sanitizer, test results for a product must show
a reduction of at least 99.999% in the number of each test
microorganism over the parallel control within 30 seconds
under standard test conditions. Descriptions of products of this
type generally include the suffix "-stat," meaning "to prevent,
limit or control"; e.g., bacteriostat, fungistat. cp "sterilize,
disinfect" decomposing organic matter. They secrete digesting enzymes
to break down organic molecules, and absorb the products of digestion
for continued growth. saprophyte - Fungi or plants that live on
dead or decaying organic matter. cp "parasitic" more moisture. At the saturation point, all drying stops
because the air or material can absorb no more moisture from surrounding
surfaces. The point at which air temperature and dew point
are the same. cp "dew point; equilibrium" work plan or protocol for a restoration or remediation
project. It identifies who will be responsible for the various
components of the plan and how it will be implemented. indirect or prolonged exposure to disaster contaminants;
e.g., migrating or absorbed moisture or humidity, mildew growth,
acid residue discoloration, etc. cp "primary
damage" respirator for which the breathing air source is designed to
be carried by the user; a respiratory protection device that
consists of a supply (tank) or a means (air hose) of supplying
respirable air or oxygen; or an oxygen generating material. Any of these must
be carried by the wearer. during a change in temperature that occurs without a change
in state; see "enthalpy." or lungs. Once exposure to a substance has caused a
reaction, the individual may be sensitized to that substance and further
exposure even at low levels may elicit an adverse
reaction. no reaction in man or test animals, but which, with repeated
exposure, may cause a marked response not necessarily
limited to the contact site. Skin sensitization is the most common form of
sensitization in the industrial setting, although
respiratory sensitization to a few chemicals is also known to occur.
Examples of sensitizers include: poison ivy, pollen, microorganism
antigens, some isocyanates and epoxy resin hardeners, etc. sepsis - A toxic
condition resulting from the spread of bacteria or their
toxins from the point of infection to surfaces from which others may
contract them. (IICRC 5500) Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and
Restoration Certification Standard IICRC S500 microorganisms from a local point of infection. Blood
poisoning. commercial establishments and discharged into sewers. There
are three types of sewage: domestic, industrial, and sewage from a
non-point source, such as ground and surface water. Domestic sewage is
relatively constant, with billions of microorganisms that
provide the degradation process, along with ones that can cause an
infectious, allergic, or toxic response or disease. runoff from the source to a treatment plant or receiving
stream. refers to exposures to a TLV for 5-15 minutes. see
"TLV-STEL" health and comfort effects that are experienced by a
substantial percentage of building occupants. The onset and relief of
these symptoms are associated with entering and leaving the
building, and there is no specifically defined illness or etiology
identified (as in building related illness). SBS symptoms include
headaches, runny nose and allergy or asthma-like complaints, and/or odor and
taste complaints. Generally, sensory irritation dominates the
syndrome. cp "building related illness" tend to flow and reside temporarily. Sinks are surfaces in
buildings, especially irregular or porous ones that collect foreign
matter. another but will separate again upon drying. solvent: other substances. dissolved. The most common solvent is water. in grains per pound (gpp) of dry air (14 cubic feet of dry
air equals one pound). 7000 grains of water vapor equals one pound
(1.043 pints) of water. As specific humidity changes, there is a
corresponding change in vapor pressure. cp "relative humidity; grains per
pound; vapor pressure" fits snugly against the face, and has indirect ventilation
ports. which fungi or bacteria germinate when appropriate growth
conditions are present. Spores are bodies that permit survival of a
microorganism during unfavorable growth conditions (food
source, temperature, moisture). Inhalation of spores can cause
allergic reactions or other health problems in sensitive persons.
sporicide - An agent that has the ability to control or destroy the
microbial spores that germinate into bacteria or fungi, when used
according to label directions. see "sterilization; disinfectant" upward because it is warmer than the surrounding atmosphere.
In larger buildings the stack effect can overpower the
mechanical system and disrupt normal ventilation and
circulation. associated with prolonged water damage, especially in
sewage-damage situations, involving cellulosic materials, such as
wallpaper, wallboard, and ceiling tiles. Stachybotrys mold produces
mycotoxins that are considered extremely hazardous. members of the trade who are recognized in the industry as
qualified and competent. Staphylococcus aureus (staph) - A highly
resistant, gram-positive pathogenic (disease-causing) organism that is
used in the evaluation of disinfectants. microbial life including highly resistant bacterial
endospores. cp "disinfect, sanitize" Streptococcus (strep) - A genus of
highly resistant, nonmotile, gram-positive, nonspore-forming
pathogenic (disease-causing) cocci that is used in the evaluation of
disinfectants. flooring or "decking" material. phenomenon in which a solid is transformed into a gas while
bypassing the intermediate liquid phase; the term applies to the
reverse process as well. submersible pump - A transportable pump,
usually small and light weight, that is placed directly into or
under water, usually required in flooded basements, crawl spaces or below
grade construction. It picks up water, generally within 1/4-1/2"
of the floor, pressurizes it and pumps it through a hose to the
exterior of a structure or to an appropriate disposal
container. substrate may refer to the backing system to which pile
yarns are attached or inserted. Generally, the term substrate refers
to subflooring material directly beneath an installed floor
covering. or simply copious air movement beneath flooring materials,
such as carpet or hardwood, in order to return them to a pre-damage
state of dryness. |
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