Water Restoration for Restorers in a Hurry: Part 1

Part 1 of 8

Understanding the importance of following proper procedures is essential to avoid costly mistakes and save both time and money. Imagine disregarding the Standard of Care and proceeding without caution. You rush to place air movers, dehumidifiers, and perhaps even an injector dryer to speed up the drying process for walls and ceilings, as you’ll soon read in the example. Skipping steps not only jeopardizes the well-being of your team or occupants but can also expose you to potential legal repercussions. Remember, as an expert in your field, you should rely on your knowledge, expert advice and not let anyone else dictate your informed decisions.

When you first begin learning about these processes in person, you might not realize that the teachings are often tailored to near-perfect scenarios with readily available equipment. In reality, effective water damage mitigation is a methodical, step-by-step process that can’t be fully grasped in just 3 or 5 days. Ever wonder why there are multiple certifications in this field? It’s because there’s much more to it than meets the eye. At this moment, my goal is to inform business owners, managers, and technicians about the intricacies of this industry. 

In this 8 part series journey I’ll break important things down for you so you know what to expect:

• Everyone’s Safety
• Hazards
• Categorization
• Stabilization
• Antimicrobials
• Vapor Pressure
• Dew point
• Purpose of Service

There is way more formal education on this and I will encourage you to push yourself to get the book of Leadership in Restorative Drying by Ken Larsen and read it if your day is always chaotic. Most of the greatest solutions start with curiosity.

Everyone’s Safety

To this day, many restorers do not prioritize safety as the first step in our daily processes. In a way, we can draw a parallel to paramedics when it comes to safety. Paramedics don’t rush to a call in the middle of the day or night without being fully prepared. Their top priority is ensuring they have the necessary tools and materials to protect themselves.

You won’t see them handling biological materials with their bare hands or arriving at a location only to realize they forgot something crucial.

Sometimes, we underestimate the potential risks of a seemingly routine inspection, thinking, ‘I’m only taking pictures, readings, and measurements – what could go wrong?’

One suggestion to expand your knowledge and approach would be this: Instead of sending your technicians straight for the IICRC Water Restoration Technician certification, as is the common practice, consider making their first certification the Health and Safety Technician. Not only will you, as a business owner or manager, have one less thing to worry about, but your company’s overall risks will decrease. Moreover, the return on investment will be substantial.

Have you ever considered invoicing for the use of a portable AC unit for your team during controlled removal or renting it to your customers WHEN IT’S SAFE, if they don’t have ALE coverage? If you think it’s not possible – think again!

Ensuring safety in the restoration industry is not just a legal requirement; it’s a fundamental necessity that cannot be learned on the job. All restoration professionals need proper training within the office environment to minimize risks.

Let’s delve deeper into the inspection process. Imagine you’re called in to assess a property eight days after a water damage incident. The customer has only fixed the leak and provided you with some photos that don’t appear too severe.

In this scenario, you’re dealing with a kitchen and bedroom affected by a pipe burst on the ceiling. Initially, it might not seem too severe – there’s no visible collapse, just a peculiar odor. After conducting moisture mapping and discussing the situation with the customer, you’ve spent about two hours on site, addressing their inquiries.

However, appearances can be deceiving. As a seasoned professional, you recognize that lead and asbestos are common hazards in such situations. You decide to check the age of the house, and it turns out the house is relatively new, (asbestos is still a concern) (Silica on drywall is another hazard).

Your crew is scheduled to begin the demolition work, but as they approach the HVAC unit located between the affected areas, they discover extensive mold growth from top to bottom behind walls.

Not only has it spread throughout the entire home, it’s a significant safety concern. Unfortunately, your crew members have limited knowledge about safety procedures. They were only wearing N-95 masks, possibly without gloves and eye protection.

Imagine the well-being of your customers, their families, or even your own team at risk.

How can you provide proof that you’ve taken every necessary precaution?

Moreover, consider the countless years you’ve spent inspecting properties without ever witnessing the hidden dangers. Have you ever wondered why you or your team are suddenly experiencing health issues or allergies that were never a concern before?