Personal Protective Equipment: Water, Flood, and Sewage Safety

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is a vital part of a water damage service company’s arsenal, as this highly technical gear ensures the safety of the workers on any flood cleanup project. Safety is the number one restoration principle of the water damage industry, the highest priority of any reputable company in the field. There are several safety concerns that come along with water damage restoration projects, such as:

• Contaminants

• Microbes

• Pathogens

• Lead dust generation

• Mold and respiratory concerns

These safety issues are most commonly associated with category three black water, or raw sewage and sewage water cleanup. Personal Protective Equipment is required for the safety of everyone involved in the project, and the need for PPE highlights exactly why you should never try to perform flood cleanup on your own. If you are experiencing flood damage, toilet backflow, or sewage water contamination, exit the affected area immediately and contact a water damage service company ASAP.

Common Routes of Exposure to Health Hazards

Personal Protective Equipment is specifically designed to protect certain areas of the body, and workers are trained to understand this before they set foot on any flood cleanup project. This information is also valuable to a homeowner because if you experience water damage, you will want to know how your health and safety is compromised. Personal Protective Equipment most commonly guards against hazardous exposure by:

• Inhalation (Lungs and respiratory system)

• Mucous membrane contact (Eyes, nose, mouth)

• Ingestion (Digestive system)

• Dermal absorption (Contact with skin)

Personal Protective Equipment should be worn at all times. The type of equipment is determined by the project.

Correct and Common Personal Protective Equipment

Understanding the possible routes of exposure and the circumstances of the particular water damage or sewage cleanup project helps the team leader select the most appropriate Personal Protective Equipment. Every situation is unique, and the experience and decision-making of the project manager will determine the selection of the Personal Protective Equipment, commonly consisting of:

• Respirator

• Eye protection

• Disposable coveralls, including hoods

• Disposable boots/booties

• Hearing protection

• Foot, hand, and head protection

Personal Protective Equipment varies by manufacturer, specific model, and use, but these are the general categories the flood damage professional will select for various projects. Personal Protective Equipment is to be used by licensed experts and you should never attempt to complete a flood cleanup project by yourself. This is especially true if there is raw sewage or black water involved.