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Disaster Advice Glossary
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Disaster recovery and restoration can be veiled in mystery to the many who have not undertaken specific training. This glossary explains technical terms to assist both report writing and the understanding of those technical terms so often misunderstood.
Definitions
| Abatement: |
a) The completeremoval of a contaminate in providing abatement services. b) Education Note: Pertaining to water and sewage damage, the ability of specially trained water damage contractors to assess, control, remove and completely eliminate, any and all water and effluent damage and environmental concerns (bacteria and fungi) in buildings. Contractor Note: Unlike the words mitigation and remediation, which means to control, to lessen, to a reasonable and acceptable level, abatement interpretation is the complete removal of contaminate. See Bioremediation, Mitigation, Remediation. |
| Air Scrubber: |
Depending on the application a machine that has an air intake and one or more - prefilters, HEPA filters, carbon filters, plenum motor and exhaust that is contained in a metal housing. Mitigation Note: Airscrubbers scrub and remove contaminated air, allowing cleaner air to remain in a building. For example, asbestos and lead abatement contractors must use HEPA filtered air scrubbers machines during abatement. When fungi and bacteria contaminated building materials are disturbed or removed, air scrubbers must be installed for the protection of employees and for the reduction of cross-contamination in non-contaminated areas. See HEPA Air Scrubber. |
| Asbestos: |
A family of silicate minerals that are non-conductive to heat and electricity. The minerals have been used extensively in insulating materials, including insulation, acoustic tiles and ceilings. Asbestos is a good insulator, but friable asbestos has been known to cause illness and death. health and Safety Note: damaging asbestos containing materials (ACM) from fire and water, may result in some of the mineral fibres becoming airborne and friable. Mitigation Note: a) Remediation contractors may be required to test fior the presence of ACM. If asbestos is suspected, air movement must be restricted and HEPA filtered negative air equipment must be properly installed. b) Asbestos requires sampling and testing to confirm the material(s) actually contain asnestos. depending on the amout of ACM to be removed, a licensed asbestos abatement company will need to be hired. |
| Bioaerosols: Assessment and Control: |
The name of a book published in 1999 by the American Conference of Government Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) for practitioners assessing and developing mitigation strategies for contaminated indoor environments. Education Note: Other practitioners in mitigation, remediation and abatement, will find this book applicable and valuable. |
| Containment Unit, Cleaning and Decontamination: |
Referring to fungi mitigation and remediation (abatement), a containment-unit are typically the critical barrier and equipment used during the removal of fungi contamination process. Cleaning and decontamination of the containment-unit refers to the appropriate methods necessary for the collection of all migrant and settled spores and other contaminates on and in the containment-unit. Education Note: A containment-unit may include a second critical barrier containment-unit, other than the primary critical barrier containment-unit, which consists of a temporary built plastic room or plastic sealing off another room, which then becomes plastic-sealed off from the primary contamination area. The secondary containment-unit maintains its own 'separate' air pressure from the main contamination zone or area. The secondary containment-unit is a staging area, where fungal contaminated building materials, already plastic bagged, are stored, and are waiting removal from the building. The secondary containment-unit is the main entry and access between the outside and the main contamination zone or area, as well as the exit and egress to the building. Mitigation Note: Both the primary and secondary containment-units cleaning and decontamination, requires a combination of surface HEPA vacuuming, followed by surface cleaning, using damp wiping (with a minimum of water), to remove settled and migrant dusts and spores before safely dismantling the containment-unit(s). The remediation practitioners must carefully consider the necessity and advisability of applying biocides, such as bleach, when cleaning and sanitizing the containment-unit. The goal of the remediation program must be to remove all microbial growth that was part of the project, and this includes the contamination migrant in the containment-unit. Caution Note: The consulting industrial hygienist associated with the remediation project must consider the efficacy of all antimicrobial agents and their contact time and removal. Health and Safety Note: Neither the primary remediation and abatement containment-unit or the secondary support entry and egress containment-unit, can be used for employee rest and removal of PPE. Only exiting from both of the containment-units and after decontamination, can removal of PPE be considered appropriate. See Critical Barrier during Fungal Abatement, Full-scale Fungi Decontamination-Unit |
| Critical Barrier During Fungal Abatement: |
A barrier usually made with two layers of 6-mm plastic polyethylene sheeting placed on ceiling, walls and floor, doors, windows and other openings, that creates an isolation barrier during fungal containment (abatement), and may be installed in the waste storage and support areas. Mitigation Note: Critical barriers must block all openings, fixtures, HVAC and air pathways of the building, to prevent the spread of dust, dirt and spores beyond the containment-unit. The critical containment barrier(s) must be constructed in such a manner so as to not disturb contaminated materials. |
| Enclosure: |
a) An enclosed area or room that is either being sealed off from another room or from itself. b) A barrier or partition that separates one area from another. c) A plastic material, usually 6 mm or greater, that is used in asbestos, lead-base paint, and mould abatement. |
| Full-Body Covering Dural Fungal Abatement: |
The wearing of the most appropriate disposable coveralls or protective suit, neck, ear and head covering, eye protection, gloves and boots, along with respiratory protection. |
| Full-scale Containment and Correction: |
In fungal contamination, full-scale containment and correction are the appropriate steps necessary, including those commensurate with fungi contaminated building materials having mass-amounts of visible fungi or from testing and laboratory analysis, which indicates that a particular fungi is present and is known to release dangerous toxins. In these situations full-scale containment and correction must include asbestos abatement techniques for the containment and removal of fungi contaminated building materials. (Ref: Morey, 1994; Weber and Martinez, 1996; ACGIH Bioaerosol - Assessment and Control, 1999). See Containment-Unit Cleaning and Decontamination, Critical Barrier during Fungi Abatement, Decontamination Unit during Fungi Abatement, Full-body Covering during Fungi Abatement, Full-scale Fungal Decontamination Unit, Negative Air Pressure during Fungi Abatement, Occupational Exposures during Fungal Remediation, Perimeter Area Cleaning from Fungal Contamination, Visible Fungi Contamination |
| Full-scale Fungal Decontamination Unit: |
A decontamination unit made from PVC pipe and plastic sheeting, wood frame and plastic sheeting, or a pre-manufactured unit for employees who actively are involved at a full-scale fungal abatement work site. Typically like in asbestos abatement, the decontamination unit consists of three chambers or small shower size rooms. The rooms are: (1) as you are entering the first cubical, a donning of PPE equipment; (2) a pass-through shower; and (3) a pass-through cubical; and in reverse as you are leaving, (3) a doffing room and removal of PPE; (2) the shower; and (1) donning clean and dry street clothing. Depending on the size of the operation, there may be a separate equipment pass-through and air lock. General Mitigation Note: As mandated in asbestos abatement and decontamination, and which should be required in full-scale fungal abatement and decontamination operations, the decontamination unit is to be constructed and installed between the entry and exit of the remediation area, or between the secondary containment-unit and access to a control area. Health and Safety Note: Unlike asbestos abatement, in fungi abatement, there is no scientific evidence at present to say that the use of the shower room, is either a direct ir indirect health benefit to the worker, except possibly related to the general hygiene of the worker who most likely is saturated with sweat and they could benefit from a shower. Fungi Mitigation Note: It is recommended in the book Bioaerosols: Assessment and Control, ...during fungal abatement, that properly bagged waste can be passed directly through the decontamination unit. The bag(s) surfaces are to be HEPA vacuumed before transport into uncontaminated parts of the building. Waste bags are to be removed by the most direct exit route... and without disturbance and exposure to occupants remaining in the building]. See Containment-Unit Cleaning and Decontamination, Critical Barrier during Fungi Abatement |
| HEPA Air Scrubber (High Efficiency Particulate Air Scrubber): |
Depending on the application, it is a machine that has an air intake and one or more of- prefilters, HEPA filters, [Carbon Filters], plenum motor and exhaust that is contained in a metal housing. Mitigation Note: HEPA air scrubbers-scrub and remove contaminated air, allowing cleaner air to remain in a building. For example, asbestos and lead abatement contractors must use HEPA filtered air scrubbers machines during abatement. When fungi and bacteria contaminated building materials are removed from buildings, air scrubbers must be installed for the protection of employees and for the reduction of cross-contamination in non-contaminated areas. See Air Scrubbers, HEPA Filters, HEPA Sanders, HEPA Vacuums |
| HEPA Vacuum (High Efficiency Particulate Air Filtering Vacuum): |
Vacuuming equipment specially manufactured and designed to remove settled and loose contaminates from a surface, and the vacuum filter not release the debris and micro-fine dusts back in air through the exhaust. Education Note: The HEPA vacuum retains all micro-fine debris and it will not release or redistribute captured particles larger than 0.03 microns in size in air. For industrial size vacuums, the HEPA vacuum filter is rather expensive, and usually one or two prefilters precede and protect the HEPA filter. a) HEPA stand up vacuums can be purchased for residential use, but in commercial applications, including the containment of asbestos and lead-base paints, only industrial rated HEPA vacuums can be used. In some states, if asbestos and lead is being contained and controlled in the HEPA vacuum, each vacuum must have a state registration number on it. The registration number is issued and renewed yearly by the state, as long as the vacuum can meet the performance and leakage test. b) Industrial HEPA vacuums are used in mold and fungi mitigation and abatement. Dangerous fungi, mycelial fragments, mold toxins, and cell parts are captured and retained in the HEPA vacuum. See HEPA Air Scrubber, HEPA Filters |
| Hermetically Sealed Environment: |
An air tight environment that keeps contaminates either in or out. Hermetically sealed environments are necessary in asbestos, lead and mold abatement. Even though abatement contractors may not define containment as being hermetic, in actuality, the containment engineering controls for such an environment are required. |
| Mitigation: |
Any one of a number of processes necessary for overcoming an environmental problem. The terms for remediation and mitigation are used interchangeably. Education Note: Actions taken by competent trained technicians to reduce and lessen the impact of building damage from flooding and other disasters, and to eliminate secondary damage concerns of a building becoming a future health risk or liability. See Abatement, Remediation |
| Mould Abatement: |
The term mold abatement is a misnomer and it is a misused term. The term mold abatement came from the asbestos abatement industry. Mould abatement is often confused with asbestos abatement, since most all of the asbestos terminology, methods and equipment, have been borrowed from this industry. Harmful mould is remediated, not abated, since not all mold can be removed from an environment, nor should it be. |
| Mould Remediation: |
Specific industry accepted methods for the containment and removal of mould-contaminated building materials safely, while applying acceptable industry standards-of-care. NYC Education Note: Mould remediation of contaminated building materials having over 30 square feet of contaminated surface, must follow the same containment and abatement methods as prescribed for asbestos remediation. See IICRC, Mycotoxin Abatement, Personal Protective Equipment, Serious Violation, Stachybotrys Mitigation |
| Mycotoxin Abatement: |
Fungi which produce mycotoxins in wet building materials, they are usually noticeable as having a black, gray or a greenish mold color. Contractor Note: There are no Federal regulations for abating mycotoxins, but the State of New York and New York City has carefully and scientifically studied fungal toxins. Their document is called: Assessment and Remediation of Stachybotrys Atra in Indoor Environments. Health and Mitigation Note: The scientific community agrees, black molds are dangerous and they must be removed carefully. Small areas 10 square feet can be easily removed by an owner or contractor as long as they wear Latex or rubber gloves, long sleeve shirts and a HEPA rated respirator. Mitigation Note: Large areas such as a whole wall, room or building should only be removed by professionals who have mold abatement experience, training and equipment. Mouldy building materials must be carefully removed in their entirety, double bagged and legally disposed. OSHA Note: Most other State OSHA health and safety standards, mandate that mitigation contractors must now follow the revised New York Guidelines in protecting their employees and work occupants of a building. See Mould Mitigation, Personal Protective Equipment, Serious Violation, Stachybotrys Mitigation |
| Mycotoxins: |
Toxic fungi that produce mycotoxins from fungal growth and fungal decay. Education and Health Note: Recent medical-clinical evidence reports that mycotoxins, especially from Aspergillus niger, Stachybotrys atra (chartarum) indicate fungi mycotoxins are being produced from wet cellulosic building materials. Certain fungi can produce large amounts of toxins that can be severely toxic to both humans and animals. See Mycotoxin Abatement, Neurotoxins |
| Negative Air Pressure during Fungal Abatement: |
Negative air pressure is a differential in air pressure between the containment-unit and the surrounding space to prevent cross-contamination and fungal contamination from leaving the containment-unit abatement area. An air filtration devise, such as a HEPA filtered negative air machine, must be used to negatively pressurize the work area. |
| Perimeter Area Cleaning from Fungal Contamination: |
The removal of migrant dusts, dirt and spores through HEPA vacuuming and surface cleaning, that may be present due to the spread of the fungal contamination, or from the remediation and abatement process. |
| Poly: |
An abbreviation for polyethylene sheeting. In the asbestos abatement and mold remediation industry, 'poly' is usually referred to as polyethylene or plastic sheeting that covers, seals, masks, protects an environment or contents. In asbestos and mold remediation, poly must be 6mm thick plastic sheeting or bags for contaminated material containment. In some areas, poly that is used as a barrier of a room for example, must be 6mm thick and FR or fire retardant rated. |
| Remediation: |
The processes necessary for overcoming an environmental problem. The terms for remediation and mitigation are quite often used interchangeably. See Abatement, Mitigation |
| Remediation Services: |
Any one of a number of acceptable methods or actions to reduce or eliminate a hazard or contamination, including but not limited to health and safety, structural support, flood and fire damage remedial services. Education Note: a) Once a site assessment has been completed, and all issues have been addressed by the owner or responsible party, the contractor provides the responsible party with a contract and a scope for work leading to the completion of remediation services. b) Only after acceptance of the agreement and scope of remedial work, should remediation services or remedial actions begin. See Abatement, IICRC, Mold Mitigation, Scope Writing |
| Response Action: |
An immediate call to action and a course of action, which may include all or various elements of emergency assessment, monitoring, containment or abatement measures, or to mitigate known or potential hazards to human health and safety of the environment. Mitigation Note: A response action is a first-step control action, taken before interim remedial action or remedial action. |
| Risk Assessment: |
An analytical study of the buildings physical concerns or damage along with other factors. Some other factors may include the potential for adverse effects on humans and a building caused by a damage occurrence. Education Note: a) Risk assessment means disclosure of locations of potentially harmful substances. b) Risk assessment considers what is the best method of mitigation and abatement, such as development of corrective action goals and determination of where interim remedial actions or a combination of actions are required. c) Depending on the risk assessment survey and analysis, the recommendations must address the overall risk, both today and possibly one year from now, if complete clearance could not be provided at the time of analysis. See Phase-I, Phase-II, Phase-III |
| Source Reduction: |
A lowering of the amount of contaminates, pollutants and hazards, by containing, removing or lessening the source. Once source reduction has been completed, a reduction in the amount of environmental protection and personal employee protection previously required, may be possible. Health and Safety Note: Reducing the level of protection at the site or source, must not be taken lightly or automatically, since monitoring of the site or further investigation may indicate a secondary pollutant source is present. See Mycotoxin Abatement, Primary Pollutant, Secondary Pollutant, Stachybotrys Mitigation |
| Stachybotrys Mould Mitigation: |
Education Note: a) Stachybotrys is almost never found in recently wet or damp buildings (1 to 14 days), but buildings or ventilation systems, which are allowed to stay wet or damp for longer periods. Health and Safety Note: a) Employees who pull out damp and saturated building materials that have black mold on them must do so with training, and proper PPE. OSHA Note: c) Employers who do not provide employees with proper training and PPE are in violation of OSHA. Contractors who do not provide for proper containment are in violation of OSHA health and safety codes. d) Release of toxic spores into a building can be a violation of local health and safety and building codes. See Mold Mitigation, Mycotoxin Abatement, Personal Protective Equipment, Serious Violation |
| Thermal-Foggers: |
A portable gas engine machine dispersing solvents and water-base chemicals in air from 0.05 to 10.0 microns in size. Education Note: Thermal foggers have been used successfully millions of times for the control and neutralization of various smoke and carbon-based odors from fires; Some persons have tried to use thermal foggers and chemicals for water damage remediation, more specifically, mold, fungi and bacteria abatement. So far, there are no scientific studies which indicate thermal fogging machines, techniques or associated chemicals, can reduced or eliminated toxic fungi or pathogenic bacteria. Note: Gas-engine thermal foggers are not to be confused with electric thermal foggers. Electric thermal foggers (hand-held pot-type) do not disperse solvent particles smaller than 10 microns in size. |
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