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Building Assessment, Restoration,
and Demolition
Removal of Floodwaters
from Structures and
Initial Entry into Previously Flooded Areas |
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Activity Description
- This activity sheet is for response and recovery workers and supervisors involved in initial building entry and floodwater removal, regardless of their specific profession or trade.
- For some operations or situations (e.g., entry into confined
spaces, using generators) other activity sheets also apply; see related activity sheets below.
- The flooding that occurred as a result of Hurricane Katrina (2005) left significant amounts of standing water. After a flood, response and recovery workers
might need to enter buildings to search for and rescue survivors,
retrieve critical items, perform initial inspections, and coordinate
residual water removal before other response-and-recovery activities
begin. Others will use fixed and portable pump systems to
transfer trapped water to more appropriate locations. Initial entry
in buildings and removal of standing water are likely first steps
in the response to any disaster that results in widespread flooding.
- The response and recovery workers who perform these activities are typically among
the first to enter previously flooded structures. They might encounter
situations that have not yet received a professional evaluation
to characterize the hazard.
- These individuals are also among those most likely to come in contact
with floodwaters. In some areas, the water may be contaminated
with fuels, oil, sewage, and other chemical or biological substances.
- Response and recovery workers conducting this operation may be employed by Federal, State, local, and private employers. Review How to Use This Matrix in the introduction for a discussion of how this information may apply to different employees.
About the Activity Sheet
This activity sheet does not provide an in-depth analysis of OSHA standards and regulations and cannot address all hazards. It does not increase or diminish any OSHA requirement or employer obligation under those requirements. It is intended as a guide and quick reference for employers and response and recovery workers. The Matrix captures major activities involved in hurricane response and recovery, highlights many of the hazards associated with them, and recommends beneficial work practices, personal protective equipment (PPE), and other exposure control methods. Employers must evaluate the specific hazards associated with the job/operation at the site where the work is being performed.
Employers are responsible for providing a safe and healthful workplace for their employees. OSHA's role is to assure the safety and health of America's workers by setting and enforcing standards; providing training, outreach, and education; establishing partnerships; and encouraging continual improvement in workplace safety and health.
The Hazard Exposure and Risk Assessment Matrix for Hurricane Response and Recovery Work provides a general overview of particular topics related to current OSHA standards. It does not alter or determine compliance responsibilities in OSHA standards or the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, or the equivalent State Plan standards and requirements. Because interpretations and enforcement policy may change over time, you should consult current OSHA/State Plan administrative interpretations and decisions by the Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission and the courts for additional guidance on OSHA compliance requirements. Employers should modify their procedures as appropriate when additional, relevant information becomes available.
General Recommendations
Key Engineering Controls and Work Practices. See general recommendations document.
Personal Protective Equipment.
The general PPE is recommended for
all response/recovery tasks/operations; only the additional
PPE that may be needed for a specific hazard is noted below.
General PPE includes:
- Hard hat for overhead impact or electrical hazards
- Eye protection with side shields
- Gloves chosen for job hazards expected (e.g.,
heavy-duty leather work gloves for handling debris with sharp edges
and/or chemical protective gloves appropriate for chemicals potentially
contacted)
- ANSI-approved protective footwear
- Respiratory protection as necessary—N,
R, or P95, filtering facepieces may be used for nuisance dusts
(e.g., dried mud, dirt and silt) and mold (except mold remediation).
Filters with a charcoal layer may be used for odors.
Recommendations Specific to Hazards Associated with This Activity
STRUCTURAL INSTABILITY
Key Engineering Controls and Work Practices
- Limit access/set up controlled access
zones until stability
and structural integrity is known
- Ensure that a competent person inspects
building and floors before entry to perform work. A
competent person is able to recognize existing and predictable
hazardous conditions and has the authority to take prompt corrective
measures to eliminate the hazardous conditions
- Install temporary structural support (shoring, bracing) adequate
to protect response and recovery workers
CONTACT WITH DOWNED LINES AND LIVE ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT AND OTHER UTILITIES
(E.G., GAS, WATER)
Key Engineering Controls and Work Practices
 Assume that electrical lines are energized
until proven otherwise. Lines
and other conductors may become re-energized without warning as
utilities are evaluated and restored after a disaster- Inspect the work area for downed conductors and do not go near,
drive over, or otherwise come in contact with them
- Downed electrical conductors can energize other objects, including
fences, water pipes, bushes, trees, and telephone/CATV/fiber optic
cables
- Unless deenergized and visibly grounded, maintain proper distance
from overhead electrical power lines (at least 10 feet) and/or
provide insulating barriers
- Do not approach any gas leaks; if a gas leak
is detected, secure spark-producing devices (e.g., engines, tools,
electronic, and communications equipment) and evacuate the area
until the leak is secured
- Contact utility company to assist in locating,
marking, and shutting off/purging utility lines that may pose a
hazard or may be impacted; ensure that lines have been
purged as needed before beginning work
UNSECURED HAZARDS IN THE WORK AREA
Key Engineering Controls and Work Practices
- Remove or secure objects (glass, structural members) that may fall while employees work under them
- Use debris netting, sidewalk sheds, canopies, or catch platforms to reduce hazards from falling objects
- Verify the location of all other utility lines; ensure lines have been shut-off, capped, or otherwise controlled outside the building before beginning work. Notify utility companies before controlling their utility lines
- Assess the presence, contents, and condition of tanks and equipment that might contain hazardous chemicals, gases, or flammable materials. If the condition of tanks or equipment is suspect, avoid disturbing them until after the assessment is done and a plan of action determined
- Purge lines, tanks, and equipment containing hazardous chemicals, gases, or flammable materials. Use air monitoring equipment such as a combustible gas indicator, toxic gas monitor, or oxygen monitor to determine if any hazardous conditions remain. When necessary, provide additional controls to protect response and recovery workers (e.g., forced ventilation, respiratory protection)
- Provide and use safe walkways to reach any point without having to walk on exposed beams; walkways should be at least 18 inches wide and formed by using 2-inch thick wood, with stringers installed as needed for support
FALLS FROM HEIGHTS OR THROUGH OPENINGS
Key Engineering Controls and Work Practices
- Limit access/set up controlled access zones
- Use fall protection systems: guardrails, safety nets, or fall
arrest systems
- Cover or guard holes and openings as soon as they
are created. Covers must support two times the weight (body, equipment,
materials) that may be imposed
Additional Personal Protective Equipment
- Personal fall arrest system including harnesses,
lanyards, lifelines, connectors, anchorages, and anchor points
(as needed)
CONFINED SPACES
Key Engineering Controls and Work Practices
- Confined spaces have limited means
of entry or exit, are large enough to bodily enter, and may contain
physical (e.g., mechanical, electrical, hydraulic, pneumatic
energy; engulfment hazards; inwardly converging surfaces) or
atmospheric hazards (e.g., atmospheres that are oxygen-deficient
or oxygen-enriched, contain or may contain flammable gas, vapor
or mist, airborne combustible dust, toxic substances, or any
other atmosphere that is immediately dangerous to life or health).
Examples include storage tanks, process vessels, bins, boilers,
vaults, ventilation or exhaust ducts, sewers, tunnels, pipelines,
and pits more than 4 feet in depth
- Hurricane-related events might introduce
hazards or potential hazards into confined spaces. For example, a space might
have a potential to contain a hazardous atmosphere due to the presence
of decomposing organic matter, to the use of hazardous chemicals
in the space, or to the performance of operations in the space,
such as welding, cutting, or burning, that may create a hazardous
atmosphere. Additional precautions must be taken to make
the space safe for entry
- During the initial entry into a previously flooded structure
or one that has been sealed for an extended period of time, conduct
atmospheric monitoring to detect hydrogen sulfide, an oxygen deficient
atmosphere, flammables, and any other chemical that may have been
stored in the structure and then released as a result of the hurricane
- Evaluate the need for entry (i.e., placing any body part into
the space)
- If entry is required, see Entry into Confined Spaces activity sheet
EXPOSURE TO CONTAMINATED WATER AND/OR
FLOODWATERS
Key Engineering Controls and Work Practices
 Reduce the exposure to splash or aerosolized liquid hazards by
limiting the number of people in the area and having those in the
area stay upwind of water discharge areas - Ensure that good hygiene, especially
hand washing, is practiced before eating, drinking, and smoking. If
clean water is not available, use an alternative such as hand
sanitizer or sanitizing wipes
- Ensure that cuts and bruises are protected from contact with
contaminated water
- Clean areas of the body that come in contact
with contaminated water with soap and water, hand sanitizer, or
sanitizing wipes
Additional Personal Protective Equipment
- Goggles if routinely working near splashing floodwater
- N, R, or P95 respirators may be necessary for exposure to contaminated
water that may become aerosolized
- Watertight boots with steel toe and insoles
- Waterproof gloves
for contact with contaminated water
ASBESTOS
Key Engineering Controls and Work Practices
- Consider the potential for Asbestos
Containing Materials (ACM). Structures
built before 1980 are more likely to contain ACM
- If available, review the building operations
and maintenance plan and ACM survey to determine the locations
and types of ACM in building
- Thermal system insulation (formed or
spray-on) is the ACM of greatest concern for response and recovery worker exposure
- Other materials that may contain asbestos
include: vinyl floor tile, home siding & shingles, transite
(including cement piping), flame retardant materials (e.g., gloves,
curtains) and roof flashing
- If
building is suspected or known to contain asbestos-containing thermal
system insulation, ensure a qualified individual, such as a competent
person, a person certified as an asbestos inspector by the State,
or a safety and health professional, inspects the building and
evaluates the condition of the material prior to any remediation or cleanup of ACM or PACM by other response and recovery workers
- If located, do not disturb material and isolate
area until material can be visually inspected for integrity
- If removal
is necessary to complete work, ACM must be removed by employees who
are trained to perform the class of abatement work they will conduct,
using the methods identified in 29 CFR 1926.1101. ACM must be discarded
in a landfill that has a permit to accept ACM
Additional Personal Protective Equipment
- Based on the initial exposure assessment,
select a respirator and protective clothing for visual inspection,
sampling, and subsequent abatement work
GENERATOR USE
Key Engineering Controls and Work Practices
- Never attach a generator directly to
the electrical system of a structure unless a qualified electrician
has installed a transfer switch for the generator. If the structure’s
electrical system is not isolated, it may energize the utility’s
wiring system for great distances and create a risk of electrocution
for utility workers and others in the area
- Always plug electrical equipment directly
into the generator using the manufacturer’s supplied cords
or grounded (3-pronged) extension cords that are rated for the
total anticipated load
- Do not overload a generator; it can overheat and create a
fire hazard
- Ground and bond generators according
to the manufacturer’s
recommendations; ensure that any manufacturer-required connections
are secure before using the generator
- Keep the generator dry; protect with a canopy if needed; do not use it in wet or rainy conditions
- Carbon monoxide (CO) is a poisonous,
colorless, and odorless gas that is produced by the incomplete
burning of the generator’s
fuel. CO is harmful when breathed because it displaces
oxygen in the blood and deprives the heart, brain, and other
vital organs of oxygen
- Never use a generator indoors or in enclosed spaces such
as garages and basements; opening windows and doors may not
prevent CO from building up in those spaces. Do not use a generator
outdoors near doors, windows, and vents that could allow CO
to enter
- Ensure that a generator has 3 to 4 feet of clear space on
all sides and above it to ensure adequate ventilation and cooling
- Before refueling, shut down the generator and allow it to
cool
Additional Personal Protective Equipment
IMPROPER LADDER USE
Key Engineering Controls and Work Practices
- Inspect ladders for cracked, broken, or defective parts before
use
- Do not exceed the load rating of ladders—remember
that load ratings include people, tools, and equipment
- Set up ladders on stable surfaces
- Set extension or straight ladders at a 75 degree angle from the
ground (1/4 foot back for every foot of rise) and provide 3 feet
above an upper landing surface to ease climbing onto/descending
from height
- Use non-conductive ladders (e.g., fiberglass) and exercise extreme
caution when working near power lines
- Secure ladders that can be displaced by work activities; consider barricades
at the base to keep traffic away
SLIPS, TRIPS, AND FALLS ON WORKING SURFACES
Key Engineering Controls and Work Practices
- Establish barriers/marks around areas of known hazards (holes,
overhead hazards)
- Take extra care when stepping into areas that are unstable/uneven
or where the surface cannot be seen
- See general recommendations document
SILICA, MOLD, NUISANCE DUST, DRIED MUD, OR SILT
Key Engineering Controls and Work Practices
 Stay upwind of or away from dust-generating
activities, and in particular those involving crystalline silica-containing
materials like concrete, brick, tile, drywall, mortar, sand,
or stone. When
inhaled, the fine crystalline silica particles contained in the
dust can become lodged deep in the lung, which can lead to silicosis
and other respiratory illnesses - Use water spray or mist to suppress dust generation, especially
during operations that may create a lot of dust, such as cutting
or sawing silica-containing materials, jack hammering, impact drilling,
using heavy equipment, and demolishing structures
- Avoid using compressed air for cleaning surfaces
- Sample employee exposures to silica during dust-generating activities
- Limit contact or disturbance of surfaces containing substantial
visible mold growth
- See Mold Remediation activity sheet
Additional Personal Protective Equipment
- At a minimum, use respirators with
N, R, or P95 filters for work with crystalline silica-containing
materials (e.g., concrete, brick, tile, mortar). The use of N,
R, or P100 filters may provide additional protection. Higher
levels of respiratory protection may be needed for some operations
(e.g., cutting concrete, sandblasting, mixing concrete)
- N, R, or P95 respirators may be used for nuisance
dusts (e.g., dried mud, dirt, or silt) and mold (except mold remediation).
Filters with a charcoal layer may be used for odors
NOISE
Key Engineering Controls and Work Practices
- Place generators, compressors, and other noisy equipment at a distance or
behind a barrier when possible
Additional Personal Protective Equipment
- Hearing protection when working around potential
noise sources and when noise levels exceed 90 dBA. A useful “rule
of thumb”—if you cannot hold a conversation in a normal
speaking voice with a person who is standing at arms length (approximately
3 feet), the noise level may exceed 90 dBA
ANIMAL, SNAKE, AND INSECT BITES/STINGS AND AGGRESSIVE BEHAVIOR
Key Engineering Controls and Work Practices
- See general recommendations document
- Be on guard for stray animals as they exhibit unpredictable or
aggressive behavior
- Unless properly trained, do not attempt
to take custody of animals – watch
the animal from a safe distance while contacting animal rescue/control
personnel
- Use insect repellent containing DEET or Picaridin on exposed
skin and wear long pants and a long-sleeved shirt
- Inspect areas for nests and stray animals
- Assume all snakes are
poisonous and all animals are rabid
DISCOVERY OF HUMAN OR ANIMAL REMAINS
Key Engineering Controls and Work Practices
- If
found, contact public health/mortuary personnel for removal
DISCOVERY OF UNKNOWN CHEMICALS
Key Engineering Controls and Work Practices
- If hazardous chemical containers are found or leaking materials
are detected:
- Do not use spark-producing devices (e.g., engines, tools, electronic,
and communications equipment) in the immediate area
- Take self-protective
measures (i.e., move to a safe distance upwind) and contact hazardous
material response personnel for evaluation/removal before continuing
work in the area
Additional Personal Protective Equipment
- Evaluate the need to revise protective clothing,
respirator, and glove selection
OTHER POTENTIAL HAZARDS
Select any of the following
potential hazards that can be associated with this activity in
order to access relevant recommendations in the general recommendations
document:
Additional Medical Needs
- Follow medical guidance and precautions outlined
in the general
recommendations document.
- An asbestos-specific medical surveillance program, as outlined
in 1926.1101(m), is required for employees working with asbestos for 30 or more days per year (1) who may be exposed
at or above the permissible exposure limit or (2) who are likely
to conduct Class I, II, or III asbestos abatement activities.
Additional Training Needs
- Follow general site- and task-specific training
guidelines as outlined in the general recommendations
document.
- Employees who will be required to remove ACM must receive asbestos
training, as outlined in 1926.1101, for the class of work they
will perform. See the general recommendations document
and 1926.1101(k)(9) for additional asbestos-specific training
information.
- Personnel who are likely to respond to an emergency involving
the release or potential release of a hazardous substance (e.g.,
oil or gasoline, chlorine, pesticides, corrosives, other chemicals)
must be trained to perform their role as outlined in the Hazardous
Waste Operations and Emergency Response (HAZWOPER) standard,
29 CFR 1910.120(q)(6) or 29 CFR 1926.65(q)(6). Personnel
who are likely to witness or discover a release, initiate an
emergency response sequence, and take no further action must
receive training equivalent to the “first responder awareness
level.” Personnel who will take any further action to stop
or clean up the spill must receive additional training under
HAZWOPER(q)(6).
Related Activity Sheets
Other Resources and References
- 29 CFR 1910.120, Hazardous waste operations and emergency response.
OSHA.
- 29 CFR 1926 Subpart M, Fall protection. OSHA.
- 29
CFR 1910.23, Guarding of floor and wall openings. OSHA.
- 29 CFR 1926 Subpart X, Ladders. OSHA.
- 29 CFR 1910.1001, Asbestos in general industry. OSHA.
- 29 CFR 1926.1101, Asbestos in construction. OSHA.
- Preventing Falls. OSHA Fact Sheet, (2004), 352 KB PDF, 2 pages.
- Working Safely Around Downed Electrical Wires. OSHA Fact Sheet, (2005), 21 KB PDF, 2 pages.
- Using Portable Generators Safely. OSHA Fact Sheet, (2005), 22 KB PDF, 2 pages.
- Portable
Generator Safety. OSHA Quick Card, (2005), 19 KB PDF,
1 page.
- Mold. OSHA Fact Sheet, (2005), 22
KB PDF,
2 pages.
- Respiratory Protection. OSHA Safety and Health Topics Page.
- NIOSH
Respirator Selection Logic. Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention, (2004).
- Atmospheric Testing in Confined Spaces.
OSHA Quick Card, (2005), 21 KB PDF, 2 pages.
- NIOSH Interim Guidance: Working Safely in Confined Spaces. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, (2005).
- Confined Spaces. OSHA Safety and Health Topics Page.
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