Storm and flood cleanup activities can be hazardous. Workers and volunteers involved with flood cleanup should be aware of the potential dangers involved, and the proper safety precautions. Work-related hazards that could be encountered include: electrical hazards, Carbon Monoxide, musculoskeletal hazards, heat stress, motor vehicles, hazardous materials, fire, confined spaces and falls. Links to information about hazards associated with storm and flood cleanup can be found below. This information is intended to help employers and workers prepare in advance for anticipated response activities, and to prevent work-related injuries and illnesses in the field once rescue, recovery, and clean-up begin.
Storm and flood cleanup activities can be hazardous.
Workers and volunteers involved with flood cleanup should be aware of
the potential dangers involved, and the proper safety precautions. Work-related
hazards that could be encountered include: electrical hazards, Carbon
Monoxide, musculoskeletal hazards, heat stress, motor vehicles, hazardous
materials, fire, confined spaces and falls. Links to information about hazards associated with storm and flood cleanup
can be found below. This information is intended to help employers and
workers prepare in advance for anticipated response activities, and
to prevent work-related injuries and illnesses in the field once rescue,
recovery, and clean-up begin.
General Recommendations for Relief Workers and Emergency
Responders
Interim Guidance for Pre-exposure Medical Screening of Workers Deployed for Hurricane Disaster Work
This document provides interim guidance on medical screening for workers before beginning disaster response activities (based on information available as of October 27, 2005 ). It will be updated or revised as appropriate, as additional information becomes available. These materials were developed for Katrina but may be applicable for other hurricane responses.
What Services Can CDC/NIOSH Provide to Employers and Employees Involved in Hurricane Recovery?
Provides information on worksite hazard evaluations available to workers affected by hurricane recovery.
Interim Guidance on Health and Safety Hazards When Working with Displaced Domestic Animals
Provides information on preventing bites and scratches, rabies, dermatologic conditions, sharps injuries, more...
Interim Postexposure Medical Screening of Workers Leaving Hurricane Disaster Recovery Areas
Provides Information on working in physically demanding, unclean, or unstable work environments, such as hurricane recovery areas.
Immunization Recommendations for Emergency Responders
Provides information on required immunizations for hurricane responders.
Interim
Health Recommendations for Relief Workers
Provides a broad scope of information on risks and prevention
strategies for relief workers.
Interim Assessment Tools for Occupational Safety and Health in Hospitals, Health Departments, and Shelters Involved in Hurricane Response
These interim forms were developed by NIOSH as survey tools for occupational safety and health purposes in the response to Hurricane Katrina but may be applicable for other hurricane responses. The interim forms are posted here to provide information to occupational safety and health professionals who are interested in NIOSH efforts to prevent injuries and illnesses among hospital, shelter, and health department employees involved in a hurricane response, and who may be looking for tools to ensure health and safety in their own operations.
The interim forms are keyed to critical information for assessing the potential occupational safety and health impacts of hurricane response on health care, health department, and shelter employees. The interim forms are being used by NIOSH and its colleagues in the U.S. Centers for Disease Control to assess occupational safety and health status and needs for employees in those facilities.
Occupational
Health and Safety Survey Tool - Evacuation Centers (Employee Injury
or Illness Form)
 44
kb (2 pages)
Occupational Health
and Safety Survey Tool - Hospitals and Medical Care Facilities
32
kb (1 page)
Occupational
Health and Safety Survey Tool - ROC/JFO/Health Dept/Field
31
kb (1 page)
Occupational
Health and Safety Survey Tool - Shelters
29 kb (1 page)
Protective Equipment and Clothing
NIOSH Hazard-Based Interim Guidelines:
Protective Equipment For Workers In Hurricane Flood Response
Provides general guidance for personal protective equipment for
workers responding in hurricane flood zones.
NIOSH
Interim Guidance on Personal Protective Equipment and Clothing for
Flood Response Workers
Provides information on hazards to flood cleanup workers, and
guidance for selecting clothing and protective equipment.
Suggested Respirator Cleaning
and Sanitation Procedures
Guidance for selecting cleaning equipment and supplies, procedures for respirator
maintenance.
Eye Safety - Emergency Response & Disaster
Recovery
 En
Español
Overview of eye hazards and injuries, types of eye protection, safety for prescription
lens wearers, first aid.
Eye Protection
for Infection Control
Provides background information and specific details on eye protection
used to supplement eye protection recommendations provided in current
CDC infection control guidance documents. It is intended to familiarize
workers with the various types of eye protection available, their characteristics,
and their applicable use.
Disaster Site Management
Suggested Guidance for Supervisors
at Disaster Rescue Sites
Work plan essentials, site safety and team leader checklists, potential
hazards and recommendations.
Fact Sheet for Workers in Secondary
Response and Other Supporting Roles
FAQs About Exposure to Dusts and Gases.
Fire
NIOSH
Interim Guidance on Health and Safety Issues Among Clean-Up Workers
Involved with Burning of Hurricane Debris
These interim recommendations are based on current knowledge as of October 10, 2005; as additional information becomes available, the recommendations will be updated and revised as appropriate.
NIOSH Interim Guidelines for Fire Fighting Operations in a Hurricane Response
This document was originally developed for Hurricane Katrina but the information is applicable for hurricane fire fighting operations generally. Document provides recommendations for preventing injury, illness, and death among fire fighters working in response to a hurricane.
Firefighter Topic Page
Provides Fire Fighter fatality/injury data, SCBA information, links to other
FF sites, more....
NIOSH Emergency Response Page
Includes information for Emergency Responders and other workers about emergency
preparedness, disaster site management, terrorist response, personal protective
equipment, natural disasters, chemical agents, more....
Stress
Traumatic Incident Stress:
Information For Emergency Response Workers
En
Español
Dangers and symptoms of Traumatic Incident Stress, resources for coping.
West Nile Virus
West Nile Virus Topic page
Provides detailed information and FAQs about West Nile Virus and the
potential occupational hazards and risks of WNV exposure and infection.
Recommendations
for Protecting Outdoor Workers from West Nile Virus Exposure
En
Español
This brochure contains answers to questions relevant to outdoor workers regarding West Nile Virus, as well as recommendations for the prevention of exposure to West Nile Virus by outdoor workers.
Recommendations for Protecting Laboratory, Field, and Clinical Workers from West Nile Virus Exposure
En
Español
This fact sheet provides information for lab, field, and clinical workers on the
potential occupational hazards and risks of WNV exposure and infection.
Identifying and Handling Human Remains
Health
Concerns Associated with Disaster Victim Identification After a Tsunami
MMWR Vol 54, No 14;349 04/15/2005
Gives techniques for victim identification in a disaster area, and provides
information on health concerns and the establishment of temporary morgues.
Interim
Health Recommendations for Workers who Handle Human Remains
Provides recommendations for individuals who must have direct
contact with human remains.
Air Quality
NIOSH Interim Recommendations for the Cleaning and Remediation of Flood-Contaminated HVAC Systems: A Guide for Building Owners and Managers
During flooding, systems for heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) can become submerged in flood waters. The following recommendations will help ensure that HVAC systems contaminated with flood water are properly cleaned and remediated to provide healthy indoor environments.
Overview of Cleanup Hazards
CDC
Hurricanes - Health and Safety
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention resource for Hurricane
recovery and preparedness. Includes key facts, food and water safety,
Mental Health, Electrical Hazards and more...
NIOSH Warns of Hazards of Flood Cleanup Work
DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No. 94-123 (1994)
En
Español
An overview of hazards present in cleanup operations and ways to prevent illnesses and injuries.
NIOSH Emergency Response
Resources - Natural Disasters
A sub-page of the NIOSH Emergency Response Resources Area containing links
to information about natural disasters, flood and hurricane response,
and personal protective equipment.
Electrical Hazards
Electrical Safety Topic Page
Electrical current exposes workers to a serious, widespread occupational hazard, particularly during hurricane or flood response.
Preventing Electrocutions by Undetected Feedback Electrical Energy Present in Power Lines
DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No. 88-104 (1987)
This Alert describes one important cause of occupational electrocutions--undetected feedback electrical energy present in power lines.
Preventing Electrocutions of Workers Using Portable Metal Ladders Near Overhead Power Lines
DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No. 89-110 (1989)
En
Español
Contact between portable metal ladders and overhead power lines causes serious and often fatal injuries to workers in the United States.
Preventing Worker Deaths from Uncontrolled Release of Electrical, Mechanical, and Other Types of Hazardous Energy--NIOSH Alert
DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No. 99-110 (1999)
This Alert describes five fatal incidents in which workers contacted uncontrolled hazardous energy during installation, maintenance, service, or repair work.
Tree Removal / Chain Saws
Preventing
Chain Saw Injuries During Tree Removal After a Hurricane
Chain saws are widely used to remove fallen trees and tree branches
after hurricanes and other natural disasters. This CDC fact sheet provides
information on chain saw safety and tips on avoiding injury from the
release of bent trees or branches.
Preventing Falls and Electrocutions
During Tree Trimming
DHHS (NIOSH) Pub. No. 92-106
Many tree trimmers and their employers may lack training and knowledge of OSHA
standards and/or may be unaware of the risk posed by inadequate or improper
safety procedures and equipment. This Alert describes eight incidents involving
five electrocutions and three fatal falls of tree trimmers.
Health Care Workers
Health Care Workers Topic
Page
Health care workers face a wide range of hazards on the job, including
needlestick injuries, back injuries, latex allergy, violence, and stress.
Bloodborne Infectious Diseases HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis B Virus, and Hepatitis C Virus
Exposures to blood and other body fluids occur across a wide variety
of occupations. Health care workers, emergency response and public
safety personnel, and other workers can be exposed to blood through
needlestick and other sharps injuries, mucous membrane and skin exposures.
Confined Spaces
Confined Spaces Topic Page
"Confined Space" refers to a space which by design has limited openings for entry and exit, unfavorable natural ventilation which could contain or produce dangerous air contaminants, and which is not intended for continuous employee occupancy.
NIOSH Interim Guidance: Working Safely in Confined Spaces
This document was originally developed for Hurricane Katrina but the information is applicable for hurricane workers who are working in confined spaces generally. This document provides NIOSH interim guidelines regarding work in confined spaces in response to a hurricane.
Carbon Monoxide
NIOSH Carbon Monoxide Hazards Topic
Page
Provides a listing of CO-related NIOSH publications, as well
as recommendations for employers and equipment users, tool rental companies,
and tool manufacturers.
Carbon Monoxide Poisoning and Death
After the Use of Explosives in a Sewer Construction Project
DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No. 98-122 (1998)
En
Español
This Alert describes five fatal incidents in which workers contacted uncontrolled
hazardous energy during installation, maintenance, service, or repair
work.
Preventing Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
from Small Gasoline Powered Engines and Tools
DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No. 96-118 (1996)
En
Español
It is not widely known that small gasoline-powered engines and tools present
a serious health hazard. They produce high concentrations of CO--a poisonous
gas that can cause illness, permanent neurological damage, and death.
NIOSH Warns of Deadly Carbon Monoxide Hazard from Using Pressure Washers Indoors
DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No. 93-117 (1993)
All gasoline-powered engines produce carbon monoxide. This gas can rapidly build up in any indoor area, and individuals can be overcome without even realizing they are being exposed. Confusion, headache, dizziness, fatigue, and weakness may set in too quickly for victims to save themselves.
Musculoskeletal Hazards
Ergonomics and Musculoskeletal Disorders Topic Page
A resource of practical ways to reduce ergonomics hazards to workers.
Heat Stress
Working in Hot Environments
DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No. 86-112 (1986)
En
Español
Excessive exposure to a hot work environment can bring about a variety of heat-induced disorders.
Motor Vehicles and Machine Safety
Motor Vehicles Topic Page
Motor vehicle-related highway crashes are consistently the leading cause of work-related fatalities.
Machine Safety Topic Page
Machinery-related hazards are present in virtually every industry. Workers are exposed to these hazards daily in construction, farming, and manufacturing.
Hazardous Materials
Chemical Safety Topic Page
A resource of information about chemicals from NIOSH and other sources. Including databases, MSDS, and publications.
NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical
Hazards
DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No. 97-140
Exposure limits, Respirator Recommendations, First Aid, more...
The Pocket Guide is a source of general industrial hygiene information on several
hundred chemicals/classes found in the work environment. Key data provided for
each chemical/substance includes name (including synonyms/trade names), structure/formula,
CAS/RTECS Numbers, DOT ID, conversion factors, exposure limits, IDLH, chemical
and physical properties, measurement methods, personal protection, respirator
recommendations, symptoms, and first aid.
Falls
Falls from Elevations Topic Page
Falls from elevation hazards are present at most every jobsite, and many workers are exposed to these hazards daily. Any walking/working surface could be a potential fall hazard.
Other Disaster Response Resources
NIOSH Emergency Response Page
Includes information for Emergency Responders and other workers about emergency preparedness, disaster site management, terrorist response, personal protective equipment, natural disasters, chemical agents, more....
National Personal Protective Technology Laboratory (NPPTL)
Focuses expertise from many scientific disciplines to advance federal research on respirators and other personal protective technologies for workers.
CDC Emergency
Preparedness and Response - "Key Facts About Hurricane Readiness"
Essential tips to help you prepare for hurricanes and cope with their
aftermath.
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
External Link: http://www.fema.gov/
The Federal Emergency Management Agency is an independent agency reporting to the President and tasked with responding to, planning for, recovering from and mitigating against disaster.
National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) - Hurricane Response
External Link: http://www.niehs.nih.gov/research/resources/hurricane/
Includes a Geographic Information System, Environmental Health Resources for Medical Responders, Clean-up and Emergency Response Activities, Q & A, more...
Disaster Relief
External Link: http://www.disasterrelief.org/
The Disaster Relief website is a cooperative effort between the American Red Cross, CNN Interactive and IBM whose mission is to help disaster victims and the disaster relief community worldwide by facilitating the exchange of information on the Internet.
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Hurricane E-Matrix
External Link: http://www.osha.gov/SLTC/etools/hurricane/index.html
Presents links to information about emergency response in the workplace, including recognition, control, equipment, and planning.
Department of Health and Human Resources (HHS): Hurricane Information Pages:
External Link: http://www.hhs.gov/disasters/emergency/naturaldisasters/hurricanes
Presents links to information about how to get help, health and safety, what HHS and other federal agencies are doing, donating and volunteering, locating people, and key state government agencies in the region.
Repairing
Your Flooded Home
External Link: http://www.redcross.org/static/file_cont333_lang0_150.pdf
Presents information published by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
and the American Red Cross to help flooded property owners.
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