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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.
Definition
| Biohazard: |
a) In risk assessment, property loss management and handling, a biohazard can be found in a water damage building. For example, in a building where effluents and bacteria are present because of a sewage backflow or the sewage may have come from an upper floors, as in the case with high-rise buildings. b) A biohazard can be described in insurance terms as mold contamination, where fungi is allowed to grow and the condition eventually effects the health of the occupants. A biohazard associated with the sewage related bacteria, and the fungi from wet building materials, can result in higher occupational exposures to worker's who become involved with the cleanup of biohazardous materials. ? Education Note: Improperly handled, both sewage bacteria and wet building material fungi are known to cause serious debilitating health effects in workers. And if the contamination is improperly handled, most likely the contamination is still present in the building, causing a higher risk of exposure to the occupants, and insured, potentially resulting in a law suit. Adjuster Note: Adjusters are becoming educated to this fact, that contractors are leaving biohazardous substances behind, while insurers are more and more asking contractors for their contractor's license and liability coverage, and certifications, that they have been properly trained in all aspects of their trade, before referring an emergency cleanup contractor, under a preferred vendor program. |
| Biohazard Control: |
Any number of administrative methods, engineering controls, procedures, equipment and manpower, necessary to control or minimize the exposure of a biohazardous agent or material. |
| Biological Contaminates: |
Any one of a number of viruses, bacteria, fungi, yeasts, protozoa and helminths, that are capable of producing allergic reactions, illness and disease in persons who are exposed or susceptible. Also referred to as biological pollutants or biopollutants. See Biohazard |
Characterisation of a Biohazardous Substance:
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Any organism, product, material, or biological agent, that present a risk to humans. Health Note: A biological material that threatens humans and their living and work environment. Illness and diseases which are known to be acquired through animal and human secretions or their by-products. |
| Employee, Right to Know: |
Each employee at the time of their hire or reclassification is to be advised of any potential hazards associated with each task. Employees are to be successfully trained before attempting a hazardous work task. Contractor Note: a) Employer shall provide for employees a safe workplace. b) When first hired, employer shall train employees in all phases of their work prior to allowing them to complete the work. c) Employer shall insure there are necessary safeguards at the work site. d) Employer shall permit only trained qualified or experienced workers to operate equipment and machinery. In emergency response to potential biohazardous waste environments. e) Employer shall insure all employees are trained by their supervisor in a controlled environment before being allowed to enter unsafe or health hazard environments. f) HAZCOM Standards 29 CFR part 1200; 29 CFR 1910.120; 29 CFR 1904.002(a); 29 CFR 1926.059(e1); 52 CFR 163; 52 CFR 31852-31886. |
| Hazard Class Identification Abbreviations: |
The words of a class of hazard that are abbreviated, such as: B for Biohazard, C for Carcinogen, F for Flammable, I for Irritant, for Mutagen, O for Oxidizer, P for Pyrophoric, R for Radioactive, S for Sensitizer, T for Teratogen, W for Water Reactive, X for Toxic, and Z for Corrosive. |
| Pollution Liability Insurance Coverage: |
A coverage that usually protects the contractor from liability and damages resulting from a pollution occurrence. Most general liability policies exclude pollution coverage. However, depending on the policy language, limited pollution coverage may apply. Pollution insurance may be necessary when contractors come in contact with lead-base paint, asbestos, contaminated soil, liquids and solvents, mold, sewage, biohazards, toxins, or when contractors use or apply chemicals, such as cleaners, disinfectants and deodorizers. See General Liability Insurance Policy. |
| Sewage Remediation Health and Safety: |
All emergency response employees must not become exposed to sewage pathogens. Employees must be managed by a qualified and trained supervisor. Supervisors are responsible for employee exposure to biohazardous substances, health and safety hazards. See Occupational Exposures, Site Health and Safety Supervisor, Sanitation Hazards at a Temporary Workplace |
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The Disaster Advice Glossary operates on TechMerit Technoloy.
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