Why the Restoration Industry is Best Prepared to Save Us from the Coronavirus (COVID-19) Pandemic!

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We are aware of this pandemic that has breached this great country, and we understand the scientific literature behind what this virus will bring. In that regard, we know that we are ready to act immediately to any alarms that may occur. PropertyCraft is proudly EPA certified, IICR Certified, and hold both the General Contractor and General Abatement Contractor License.

We have provided our services in over 27 cities within state lines and have ensured that we abide by all set regulations including OSHA and the World Health Organization (WHO) standards. Our team provide services in the restoration industry which include water & sewer damage, fire damage, mold removal, trauma, and asbestos remediation.

We use meticulous and regimented cleaning processes and ensure that we surpass the WHO standards, hospital grade. We have taken initiative on this pandemic by taking courses, retrieving and sharing proper information from the WHO, EPA, and CDC to ensure that we have all the resources necessary to protect our county. We were also awarded a record of achievement for COVID-19 Operational Planning and Partners Platform to support country preparedness and response. As for our team and tools, we have Abatement Certified Supervisor(s), IICRC Fire and Water Certified Supervisor(s), and not to mention an in-house roofing company.

We are equipped with state-of-the-art technology in each respected service to ensure that work is done properly and efficiently. We believe we are uniquely qualified to apply our skills and qualifications in the inevitable event our city experiences exposure. In order to prevent the virus from spreading we will implement cleaning protocols similar to asbestos and mold. We will utilize HEPA air scrubbers to help clean large air space and apply a detailed clean to hard surfaces. We hope to alleviate janitors and other workers who may be under-prepared and exposed to dangerous scenarios thus further cultivating the distribution of the virus.

The United States has just reached the highest number of confirmed cases of coronavirus in the world. Health care systems and economies across the world are reeling from an invisible threat. An uncovered cough can spray hundreds of thousands of viral particulates through the air eventually landing on desks, couches, remote controls, or office help desks.

Unsuspecting hands, loose clothing, or even pets can pick up these particles and transfer them throughout a property in a matter of minutes.  How do we battle an enemy we can’t see, smell or touch? The water and fire restoration industry has been fighting against invisible threats for years.

Historically these men and women have been used by both property owners and insurance companies to clean up flooded basements, sewage backups, fires, and even mold. While some might consider this type of work “grunt work” or “janitorial” a clear argument of the care these workers must take in protecting themselves and the property must be made.

Mold, Asbestos, Smoke & Odor EXPERTS:

Every human being has a unique respiratory system and reacts to different environmental allergens, dust, and mold. The American Lung Association states that “Anyone—with or without allergies—may experience irritation of the eyes, skin, nose, throat, and lungs when exposed to airborne mold particles.” (https://www.lung.org/clean-air/at-home/indoor-air-pollutants/mold-and-dampness)

The Coronavirus (COVID-19) can be attacked using the same detailed cleaning and unequally qualifies these industry experts to achieve clean environments.

Protecting the worker:

An employee in the restoration industry is taught early in their career to protect themselves before they enter a potentially harmful environment. Proper personal protective equipment (PPE) should be issued to each employee.

According to OSHA, these companies should create a respiratory protection program outlining when to use respirators and the types of filters appropriate for different environments. (https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/regulations/standardnumber/1910/1910.134)

Containment:

Establishing a job site and Reducing airspace is critical to save expenses and clear a set space of harmful components. Water Damage Restoration and Asbestos companies are experts in this method.

Cross-Contamination:

When the water damage or fire damage technician arrives on a job site, they must inspect the property for the damage created by the source. Should a wet drywall ceiling fall to the floor the Water Damage technician should immediately consider a potential asbestos spill. If the drywall material has been tracked through the property by shoes, wind, or pets the size of the job site begins to grow.

However, if an established containment has been built and a careless technician forgoes protocols like removing a used suite or dragging unbagged drywall to the front door they have technically expanded their worksite and now must clean the additional contaminated area. The CORONAVIRUS must be treated similarly. A technician would understand the nature of following the potential path of cross-contamination.  Careful consideration of where the edge of a job site must be taken.

Clearance Tests:   

Water Damage Restoration and Asbestos companies have experience clearing industry-standard tests inside various types of properties. (https://www.iicrc.org/page/SANSIIICRCS520)