Whenever water damage takes place indoors, it can result in the destruction of building materials, equipment, furniture, and belongings. In some cases, it could even cause structural damage. Water can also create an indoor environment that could be hazardous to building occupants. 

Depending on the water source, it could contain bacteria, viruses, mold, chemicals, and more. Even water damage due to clean water, known as Category 1 Water, can result in mold growth in as short as 24 to 48 hours.

Category 2 Water, known as Grey Water, typically contains a significant amount of biological or physical contaminants that can cause sickness when humans are exposed or if it is accidently consumed. Examples include sump pump failures and water discharged from a dishwasher or washing machine. Category 2 Water, which is not promptly removed or has remained stagnant, may at times be reclassified as Category 3 Water.  

Category 3 Water, also known as Black Water, is grossly contaminated. It may contain harmful pathogens, microbes, and chemicals that could cause illness. Sources include sewage, seawater, rising water from rivers or streams, ground surface water, and standing water.

“No matter the source or category of the water, it’s important to have it safely removed as quickly as possible,” said Harry Pena, President of Zimmetry Environmental. “It’s also important to recognize that during the drying process, other contaminants or materials already in the building may cause health concerns. For example, asbestos-containing materials or lead-based paints may become aerosolized during the drying and cleanup process if not handled properly. The drying process could also result in airborne contaminants being spread throughout a property, even into areas not damaged by the water. These contaminants could include mold and bacteria, lead and asbestos, and particulate matter and chemical hazards.”

Facility managers, property owners, and tenants concerned about potential exposure to indoor environmental quality (IEQ) issues can turn to the experts at Zimmetry Environmental. Their professionals offer comprehensive testing, monitoring, and consulting services to identify, mitigate, and eliminate these types of hazards in all types of buildings. Zimmetry also recently sponsored an educational video about water damage and indoor exposure risks that can be seen below.

To learn more about Zimmetry Environmental and their IEQ, industrial hygiene, compliance, and consulting services, please visit www.zimmetry.com, call (787) 995.0005, or email info@zimmetry.com.

The primary goal of environmental, health, and safety programs is to prevent workplace injuries, illnesses, deaths, and environmental damage. They are also meant to avert the suffering and financial hardship these events can cause for workers, their families, communities, and employers.

Regarding these types of programs, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) shares the following: The recommended practices use a proactive approach to managing workplace safety and health. Traditional approaches are often reactive - that is, problems are addressed only after a worker is injured or becomes sick, a new standard or regulation is published, or an outside inspection finds a problem that must be fixed. These recommended practices recognize that finding and fixing hazards before they cause injury or illness is a far more effective approach.

Benefits of EHS programs listed by OSHA include:

• Preventing workplace injuries and illnesses
• Improving compliance with laws and regulations
• Reducing costs, including significant reductions in workers' compensation premiums
• Engaging workers
• Enhancing social responsibility goals
• Increasing productivity and enhancing overall business operations

In Puerto Rico, PR OSHA has adopted all OSHA standards and regulations applicable to state and local government and private sector employment with minor revisions to the recordkeeping regulation. PR OSHA has also enacted a standard to address workplace violence situations, and has its own standards on boilers and pressure vessels, and on elevators.

Successful EHS programs not only protect workers and communities, they also make for stronger businesses and institutions. At Zimmetry Environmental, their EHS professionals provide consulting, testing, monitoring, and training services to safeguard workers in Puerto Rico and across the region. These resources help to prevent accidents, injuries, and illnesses, while supporting employer health and safety compliance efforts.

To learn more about Zimmetry’s environmental, health, and safety services, please visit www.zimmetry.com, call (787) 995.0005, or email info@zimmetry.com.