Hazards of Flood Clean Up

Workers involved with flood cleanup should be aware of the potential dangers involved and the proper safety precautions. The work-related hazards are: Electrical and Fire Hazards, Carbon Monoxide, Musculoskeletal Hazards, Thermal Stresses, Structural Instability, Hazardous Materials, Drowning,  Agricultural Hazards, Stress and Fatigue.

Electrical and Fire Hazards:

NEVER handle a downed power line. Call the power company to report fallen power lines.  Avoid contact with overhead power lines during cleanup and other activities.  If electrical circuits and electrical equipment have gotten wet or are in or near water, turn off the power at the main breaker or fuse on the service panel. Do not turn the power back on until electrical equipment has been inspected by a qualified electrician.  Fire extinguishers should be present at every cleanup job.

Carbon Monoxide:

Flood cleanup activities may involve the use of gasoline- or diesel-powered pumps, generators, and pressure washers. Because these devices release carbon monoxide, a deadly, colorless, odorless gas, operate all gasoline-powered devices outdoors and never bring them indoors.

Thermal Stresses:
Heat

Take breaks in shaded areas or in cool rooms; drink water and nonalcoholic fluids often; wear lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing; and do outdoor activities during cooler hours.

Cold

Standing or working in water cooler than 75 degrees F can cause hypothermia. Wear high rubber insulated boots, avoid working alone, take frequent breaks out of the water, and change into dry clothing when possible.

Musculoskeletal Hazards:

Use teams of two or more people to move bulky objects.  Avoid lifting any material that weighs more than 50 pounds (per person).

Structural Instability:

Do not work in or around any flood-damaged building until it has been examined and certified as safe for work by a building inspector or other authority.  Assume all stairs, floors, and roofs are unsafe until they are inspected. Leave immediately if shifting or unusual noises signal a possible collapse.

Hazardous Materials:

Do not attempt to move unidentified dislodged containers without first contacting the local fire department or hazardous materials team. If working in potentially contaminated areas, wear appropriate personal protective equipment. Wash skin that may have come in contact with hazardous chemicals. 

Drowning:

When entering moving water, you are at risk for drowning, regardless of your ability to swim. Because those in vehicles are at greatest risk of drowning, it is important to comply with all hazard warnings on roadways and to avoid driving vehicles or heavy equipment into water of an unknown depth.  Wear a life jacket when working in or near flood waters.

Stress and Fatigue:

 

Continued long hours of work, combined with emotional and physical exhaustion and losses from damaged homes can create a highly stressful situation.  Workers exposed to these stressful conditions have an increased risk of injury and emotional crisis, and are more vulnerable to stress-induced illnesses and disease.

 

Prevention Measures

 

First Aid:

Clean all open wounds and cuts with soap and clean water. Contact your medical provider to see if more treatment is needed (such as tetanus shot).

Protective Equipment:

For most work in flooded areas, you will need the following personal protective equipment: hard hats, goggles, heavy work gloves, and watertight boots with steel toe and insole.  Wear hearing protection to reduce risk from equipment noise.

Hygiene:

 

One of the most important things you can do to prevent the spread of waterborne disease is to always wash your hands with soap and water.  When no water is available, use alcohol-based hand gels.

 

Mosquitoes:

 

Prevent mosquito bites by wearing long pants, socks, and long-sleeved shirts and by using insect repellents that contain DEET or Picaridin. 

 

AGRICULTURAL HAZARDS

If you are involved in cleanup efforts on or near farms, you may face these additional hazards:

Confined Spaces on Farms:

Turn on fans or blowers in silos and other storage areas at least 30 minutes before entering and leave them on while working. Never open an oxygen-limiting silo if heating is suspected. Also, never enter these areas alone, and always use a full body safety harness.

Respiratory Hazards:

Wet hay, grain, silage, compost, and other organic/agricultural materials often grow large amounts of bacteria and mold during the warm summer weather. Use proper engineering controls.  When exposure cannot be avoided, use appropriate respirator.

Stored Hay:

Wet hay will mold very quickly. The biological processes involved in the formation of bacteria and mold can cause the hay to undergo spontaneous combustion. Monitor wet hay for odors, hot and damp areas, and rising vapors. If you detect these hazards, remove the wet hay from the building.

IMMUNIZATIONS

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), outbreaks of infectious disease after a flood in the U.S. are unusual and mass immunizations are not routinely recommended.  Exposure to flood water alone is not a reason to give tetanus-containing vaccine or any other vaccine. 
Tetanus:
If you have a puncture wound or cut, first check your immunization record.  If you are unsure or have not received a tetanus vaccine in the last five years you should receive a tetanus-containing vaccine. 
Persons who sustain clean, minor wounds should receive tetanus-containing vaccine if they have not completed a primary series or, if more than 10 years have elapsed since their last tetanus booster.
Hepatitis A:
Hepatitis A shots aren't specifically recommended during floods.
Hepatitis B:
Hepatitis B vaccine is only recommended for people who will be providing direct patient care, or are otherwise expected to have routine contact with other people’s bodily fluids in the course of their work activities. There is no special need for hepatitis B vaccination during a flood.

For more information please contact the Midwest Region Laborers’ Health & Safety Fund at 800-218-2253.
Source:  Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Illinois Department of Public Health, Iowa Department of Public Health, Missouri Department of Public Health