Section 02 - The Hazards of Flood Cleanup Operations

Flood Disaster Awareness Training - Student Handout
The Hazards of NOTES

Flood Cleanup Operations
Staying Safe and Healthy
In the aftermath of a flood, workers may be involved in a

variety of cleanup and recovery operations.
This portion of the training contains general guidelines that
may be applicable to workers involved in assessing and/or
cleaning up the damage to the impacted area.
Recovery operations typically occur at the conclusion of
rescue operations, thus the sense of urgency may be
somewhat lessened since the overall objectives are no
longer life-saving efforts, but cleanup and recovery.
During the cleanup and recovery phase, risks to employees
must be adequately managed.
This is intended to ensure no long term medical issues
arise from the short-term cleanup and recovery process.
About this Section
This Section is divided into the following

subsections:
• Cleanup Preparation Considerations;
• General Cleanup Hazards;
• Flood Cleanup Hazards;
• Electrical Hazards;
• Fungi;
• Fall Hazards; and
• Tree Trimming and Chainsaws.
Copyright © 1993-2017 Safety Unlimited, Inc. - All Right Reserved Page 1 of 22

Cleanup Preparation Considerations NOTES
Planning is Key
In an effort to provide much-needed assistance to flood

victims as quickly as possible, those providing the cleanup
and recovery can be put at great risk if certain precautions
are not taken.
Planning the cleanup and recovery effort is extremely
important.
All cleanup and recovery operations should be coordinated
with State and Local Authorities to ensure the safety of all
parties involved.
The rush to “get to work” should be tempered by the
establishment and prioritization of detailed objectives.
A well thought-out and developed Cleanup Recovery Plan
can greatly assist those involved.
Adequate Training
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)

requires all employees participating in flood cleanup and
recovery operations to be adequately trained before
being put to work.
The level of training depends on the type of work the
employee will perform.
Certain operations, such as utility restoration, cleaning up
spills of hazardous materials, and search and rescue,
should only be conducted by workers who have the proper
training, equipment, and experience.

Disaster Site Worker Training NOTES
All workers at disaster sites need to be aware of

the differences between disaster sites and
regular construction or demolition worksites, and
be able to inspect, don, and doff air-purifying
respirators as the situation dictates.
The OSHA Disaster Site Worker Outreach
Training Program is a training program for Disaster Site
Workers who provide skilled support services, (e.g. utility,
demolition, debris removal, or heavy equipment operation)
or site clean-up services in response to natural and man-
made disasters.
Go here to learn more about the both the 7.5-Hour Disaster
Site Worker Course and the 15-Hour OSHA Disaster Site
Worker Course.
Disaster Site Worker Requirements
Though the Disaster Site Worker Training Program is

voluntary, it is common for workers who cleanup after a
disaster to take this training.
The OSHA Disaster Site Worker Course must be delivered
in-person in order to receive a wallet ID card from the
Department of Labor and is not allowed to be taken online.
Completion of the 10- or 30-Hour OSHA Construction or
General Industry Outreach Training Program class (either
online or in the classroom) is a prerequisite for attending
this class because OSHA’s Disaster Site Worker course
does not cover in detail the safety and health hazards that
occur on a daily basis on a normal work site.

OSHA HAZWOPER Training NOTES
The Disaster Site Worker Training Program does not meet

the OSHA HAZWOPER training requirements for
Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response.
There are two levels of initial HAZWOPER training.
The 40 Hour OSHA HAZWOPER Course is the most
common training Disaster Site Workers receive for cleanup
tasks that involve work with or around hazardous waste,
hazardous materials, or toxic chemicals.
The 40 Hour HAZWOPER is offered online, in the
classroom, or as a blended version of online and classroom
training.
Clothing and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Proper PPE is essential for the health and safety of cleanup

and recovery workers.
Workers should always wear water-tight boots with steel
toes and insoles, suitable gloves, long pants, and safety
glasses during cleanup operations; sneakers should NOT
be worn because they will not prevent punctures, bites, or
crush injuries.
A hardhat should be worn if there is any danger of falling
debris.
A NIOSH-approved respirator should be worn if working
with moldy building materials or around hay, stored grain, or
compost.
When handling bleach or other chemicals, follow the
directions on the package; wear eye, hand, and face
protection as appropriate and have plenty of clean water
available for eye wash and other first-aid treatments.

General Cleanup Hazards NOTES
General Health and Safety
In order to protect the health and safety of employees, here

are some general cleanup tips for working around areas
that have flooded:
• Take frequent rest breaks when lifting heavy, water-
laden objects;
• Avoid overexertion and practice good lifting
techniques, though this may be difficult because of
sodden ground or damaged objects;
• Use teams of two or more to move bulky objects,
avoid lifting any materials that weigh more than 50
pounds per person, and use proper automated lifting
assistance devices if practical;
• When working in hot environments, have plenty of
drinking water available, use sunscreen, take
frequent rest breaks, and wear light-colored, loose-
fitting clothing;
• Be sure a first-aid kit is available to disinfect any cuts
or abrasions;
• Protect open cuts and abrasions with waterproof
gloves and/or dressings; and
• Wash your hands often during the day, especially
before eating, drinking, or applying cosmetics.
General Precautions for Preliminary Work
Conduct a preliminary worksite inspection to

verify stability before entering a flooded or
formerly flooded building, or before operating
vehicles over roadways or surfaces.
Don't work in or around any flood-damaged building until
it has been examined and certified as safe for work by a
registered professional engineer or architect.
When working in areas that still have water a wooden stick
or pole should be used to check flooded areas for pits,
holes, and protruding objects before entering.
Ensure all ladders and scaffolds are properly secured prior
to use.
General Precautions for Washouts & Trenches NOTES
Washouts, trenches, excavations, and gullies must

be supported or their stability verified prior to worker
entry.
All trenches should be supported (e.g., with a trench
box).
If no support is available, the trench must be sloped at no
less than a 1:1 (45°) angle for cohesive soil and 1:1½ (34°)
angle for granular soils including gravel, sand, and loamy
sand or submerged soil or soil from which water is freely
seeping.
Working in and around trenches requires specialized
training and a Competent Person to be on site.
Other General Precautions
Have a plan for contacting medical personnel in the event

of an emergency.
Report any obvious hazards such as downed power lines,
frayed electric wires, chemical spills, gas leaks, or wild
animals to appropriate authorities.
Use fuel-powered generators outdoors, do not bring them
indoors.
Use life-vests, known in the workplace as Personal
Floatation Devices (PFDs), when engaged in activities that
could result in deep water exposure.
Do NOT use improvised surfaces (e.g., refrigerator racks)
for cooking food or for boiling water to avoid exposure to
heavy metals.
Fire Protection
Floods can damage fire protection systems, delay

response times of emergency responders, and
disrupt water distribution systems.
All of these factors lead to increased dangers from
fire and decreasing firefighter capabilities.
Immediately evacuate any building that has a gas
leak until the leak is controlled and the area ventilated.
Be sure an adequate number of fire extinguishers are
available and re-evaluate the fire evacuation plan.
Be sure all fire exits are clear of debris and sand bags.

Heat Stroke and Heat Exhaustion NOTES
Heat stroke is the most serious heat-related health

problem.
Heat stroke occurs when the body's temperature regulating
system fails and body temperature rises to critical levels
(greater than 104°F).
This is a medical emergency that may result in death!
The signs of heat stroke are confusion, loss of
consciousness, and seizures.
Workers experiencing heat stroke have a very high body
temperature and may stop sweating.
Heat exhaustion is the next-most serious heat-related
health problem.
The signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion are headache,
nausea, dizziness, weakness, irritability, confusion, thirst,
heavy sweating and a body temperature greater than
100.4°F.
Flood Cleanup Hazards
Floodwater Hazards
Flooding can cause the disruption of water

purification and sewage disposal systems,
overflowing of toxic waste sites, and
dislodgement of chemicals previously stored
above ground.
Although most floods do not cause serious outbreaks of
infectious disease or chemical poisonings, they can cause
sickness in workers and others who come in contact with
contaminated floodwater.
In addition, flooded areas may contain electrical or fire
hazards due to downed power lines.

Driving During Flood Conditions NOTES
It is important to be careful when driving

during flood conditions.
Nearly half of flood fatalities are vehicle-
related.
Six inches of standing water is enough to stall some cars, a
foot of water can float a vehicle, and two feet of moving
water is enough to sweep a car away and cause the vehicle
to flip.
If the water level is rising around your vehicle, you should
abandon the vehicle.
Be wary of unknown road conditions.
Do not try to cross flooded roadways if you do not know the
depth of the water.
Infectious Organisms
Floodwater often contains infectious organisms, including

intestinal bacteria, such as:
• E. coli;
• Salmonella;
• Shigella;
• Hepatitis A Virus; and
• Agents of typhoid, paratyphoid, and tetanus.
Chemicals and raw sewage are also fairly common in
flooded areas.
After working in or around floodwater, it is important to
conduct adequate decontamination, or washing off, with
clean water.
Common Signs and Symptoms of Exposure
The signs and symptoms experienced by the

victims of waterborne microorganisms are similar,
even though they are caused by different
pathogens.
These symptoms include nausea, vomiting,
diarrhea, abdominal cramps, muscle aches, and fever.
Most cases of sickness associated with flood conditions are
brought about by ingesting contaminated food or water.

Tetanus NOTES
Tetanus can also be acquired from contaminated

soil or water entering broken areas of the skin,
such as cuts, abrasions, or puncture wounds.
Tetanus is an infectious disease that affects the
nervous system and causes severe muscle
spasms, known as “lockjaw.”
The symptoms may appear weeks after exposure and may
begin as a headache, but later develop into difficulty
swallowing or opening the jaw.
Other Contaminants
Floodwaters also may be contaminated by

agricultural or industrial chemicals, or by
hazardous agents present at flooded
hazardous waste sites.
Flood cleanup crew members who must work near flooded
industrial sites also may be exposed to chemically
contaminated floodwater.
Although different chemicals cause different health effects,
the signs and symptoms most frequently associated with
chemical poisoning are headaches, skin rashes, dizziness,
nausea, excitability, weakness, and fatigue.
Stagnant Water
Pools of standing or stagnant water become

breeding grounds for mosquitoes, increasing the
risk of encephalitis, West Nile Virus, or other
mosquito-borne diseases.
The presence of wild animals in populated areas
increases the risk of diseases caused by animal
bites (e.g., rabies) as well as diseases carried
by fleas and ticks.
On a regular basis, it is important to partner up with
someone and inspect each other for ticks, leeches, bites,
and rashes.

Hypothermia NOTES
Hypothermia is a condition brought on when the

body temperature drops to less than 95°F.
Standing or working in water that is cooler than
75°F will remove body heat more rapidly than it
can be replaced, resulting in hypothermia.
Symptoms of hypothermia include uncontrollable shivering,
slow speech, memory lapses, frequent stumbling,
drowsiness, and exhaustion.
What to do if Symptoms Develop
If a cleanup worker experiences any of the signs

or symptoms mentioned, appropriate first-aid
treatment and medical advice should be sought.
If the skin is broken, particularly with a puncture
wound or a wound in contact with potentially contaminated
material, a tetanus vaccination may be needed if it has
been five years or more since the individual's last tetanus
shot.
Protect Yourself
After a major flood, it is often difficult to maintain good

hygiene during cleanup operations.
To avoid waterborne disease, wash your hands with soap
and clean, running water, especially before work breaks,
meal breaks, and at the end of the work shift.
If water is suspected of being contaminated with hazardous
chemicals, cleanup workers may need to wear
special chemical protective outer clothing and
goggles.
Before entering a contaminated area that has
been flooded, you should don plastic or rubber
gloves, boots, and other protective clothing
needed to avoid contact with floodwater.

Assuming that Flood Water is Unsafe NOTES
Workers should assume any water in flooded

or surrounding areas is not safe unless the
local or state authorities have specifically
declared it to be safe.
If no safe water supply is available for washing, use bottled
water, water that has been boiled for at least 10 minutes, or
chemically disinfected water.
To disinfect water, use 5 drops of liquid household bleach to
each gallon of water and let sit for at least 30 minutes.
Water storage containers should be rinsed periodically with
a household bleach solution.
Insects, Hand Washing, and Children
Decrease the risk of mosquito and other insect bites by

wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and using insect
repellants.
Wash your hands with soap and water that has been boiled
or disinfected before preparing or eating foods, after using
the bathroom, after participating in flood cleanup
activities, and after handling articles
contaminated by flood waters.
In addition, children should not be allowed to play
in flood waters or with toys that have been in
contact with flood waters.
Toys should be disinfected.
Chemical Hazards Around Water
Be alert for chemically contaminated floodwater at

industrial sites.
Use extreme caution with potential chemical and
electric hazards, which have a strong potential for
fires and explosions.
Floods have the strength to move and/or bury
hazardous waste and chemical containers far from their
normal storage places, creating a risk for those who come
into contact with them.
Any chemical hazards should be reported to the fire
department or police.

Tips to Remember NOTES
• Before working in flooded areas, be sure your

tetanus shot is current (received within the last 10
years);
• Wounds associated with a flood or incurred during
cleanup should be evaluated for risk; a physician
may recommend a tetanus immunization;
• Consider all water unsafe until local authorities
announce the public water supply is safe;
• Do not use contaminated water to wash and prepare
food, brush your teeth, wash dishes, or make ice;
• Keep an adequate supply of safe water available for
washing and potable water for drinking;
• If the safety of a food or beverage is questionable,
throw it out; and
• Seek immediate medical care for all animal bites.
Electrical Hazards
Electricity and Flooding
Hazards multiply for workers involved in cleanup

and recovery efforts following major disasters and
weather emergencies.
Working with electricity is dangerous under the best
of circumstances; working with power lines,
electrical systems, generators and cords during a flood or
during flood cleanup can be especially dangerous.
Because they carry extremely high voltage, working around
power lines, whether overhead, buried, on the ground, or
having fallen in water, carries the risk of fatal electrocution
and burns.

Electrical Hazards – Power Lines NOTES
Do NOT touch downed power lines or any

object or water that is in contact with such
lines.
Treat all power lines as energized until you
are certain that the lines have been de-energized.
Beware of overhead and underground lines when clearing
debris.
Extreme caution is necessary when moving ladders and
other equipment near overhead power lines to avoid
inadvertent contact.
During storms, wind-blown objects such as canopies,
aluminum roofs, siding, sheds, etc., can be energized by
downed wires, so approach them with extreme caution.
Electrical Hazards – Damaged Systems
If damage to an electrical system is suspected,

turn off the electrical system in the building and
follow lockout/tagout procedures before
beginning work.
Electrical damage may be present if wiring has
been under water, you can smell burning
insulation, wires are visibly frayed, or you see
sparks.
Do not turn the power back on until electrical equipment
has been inspected by a qualified electrician and deemed
safe.

Electrical Hazards – Generators & Cords NOTES
When using a generator, be sure that the main circuit

breaker is OFF and locked out prior to starting the
generator.
This will prevent inadvertent energization of power lines
from backfeed electrical energy from generators and
protect utility line workers from possible electrocution.
Be aware that de-energized power lines may become
energized by a secondary power source, such as a
portable backup generator.
Any electrical equipment, including extension cords, used
in wet environments must be marked, as appropriate, for
use in wet locations and must be undamaged.
Be sure that all connections are out of water.
All cord-connected, electrically operated tools and
equipment must be grounded or be double insulated.
Ground-fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) must be used in all
wet locations.
Portable GFCIs can be purchased at hardware stores.
Fungi
Flood Cleanup and Fungi
Flood conditions contribute to the growth and

transmission of many kinds of fungi, some of
which can cause sickness.
Cleanup workers are at increased risk of
exposure to airborne fungi and their spores
because they often handle moldy building
materials, decaying vegetable matter, rotting waste
material, and other fungus-contaminated debris.
The fungal material is carried into the respiratory tract when
airborne dust particles are inhaled.

Inhalation of Fungi NOTES
There are many different kinds of fungi, including

mildew, molds, rusts, and yeasts.
Most of these are harmless, but some can cause
respiratory and other disorders when workers
inhale or come into contact with fungi.
Inhalation is the route of exposure of most
concern to flood cleanup workers.
The recommendations on subsequent slides offer
strategies for workers renovating flooded buildings, homes,
and structures to protect themselves while handling
building materials that are visibly contaminated with fungi.
Health Effects and Precautions
For workers cleaning up flooded buildings, homes, and

other structures, excessive moisture or water accumulation
indoors will encourage the growth of the fungi that are
already present.
Some fungi have the potential to cause adverse health
effects such as allergic responses and asthma attacks.
Individuals sensitive to molds may have signs and
symptoms of allergic reactions, such as nasal stuffiness,
eye irritation, and wheezing.
These individuals should minimize fungal exposure by
wearing respirators, gloves, and eye protection.
In addition, repeated or prolonged contact of the skin with
flood water and continuous sweating can lead to fungal skin
infections.
These can be minimized or avoided by washing the skin
with warm, soapy water and keeping it as dry as possible.
What to do if Symptoms Develop
If a cleanup worker experiences severe

allergic or skin symptoms, or severe flu-like
symptoms, he or she should seek medical
advice.
A health care provider can determine whether
medication or any other precautions are
necessary.

Tips for All Workers NOTES
For all workers who may be exposed to mold and fungi:

• Avoid breathing dust (fungal spores) generated by
wet building materials, crops, and other materials;
• Consider using an N-95 NIOSH-approved
disposable respirator as a minimum when working
with moldy or damp hay, grain, compost, or building
materials;
• Consider discarding all water damaged materials;
articles that are visibly contaminated with mold
should be discarded; When in doubt, throw it out;
• Surfaces that have a light covering of mold should
be scrubbed with warm, soapy water and rinsed with
a disinfectant made of ½ cup liquid household
bleach mixed in one gallon of water;
• CAUTION: Do not mix bleach with other cleaning
products that contain ammonia;
• After working with mold-contaminated materials,
wash thoroughly, including the hair, scalp, and nails;
and
• If the safety of food or beverage is questionable,
throw it out; only drink safe drinking water that has
been bottled, boiled, or treated until there is
confirmation that the community water supply is safe
for consumption.
Tips for Building Cleaning and Renovation 1 of 2
If you are cleaning up or renovating buildings and homes

that have suffered severe damage to a building due to
flooding, and there is a chance of extensive mold growth,
consult your insurance carrier or local health department to
identify a professional with expertise in Mold Remediation.
If you suspect flooding has damaged building integrity,
consult a structural engineer or other professional with
appropriate expertise.
NIOSH-approved respirators are strongly recommended as
protection from potential mold growth and other airborne
contaminants.
Respiratory protection such as the N-95 must be used in
accordance with OSHA's Respiratory Protection Standard
(29 CFR 1910.134).
You should also wear gloves and eye protection.

Tips for Building Cleaning and Renovation 2 of 2 NOTES
Remove building materials and furnishings that are wet and

may become contaminated with mold growth and place
them in sealed impermeable bags or closed containers.
Large items with heavy mold growth should be covered
with polyethylene sheeting and sealed with duct tape
before being removed from the area.
These materials can usually be discarded as ordinary
construction waste.
Remove and discard porous organic materials that have
become wet or are visibly contaminated (e.g., damp
insulation in ventilation system, moldy ceiling tiles, and
mildewed carpets).
Again, these materials can usually be discarded as ordinary
construction waste.
Clean and disinfect nonporous surfaces where microbial
growth has occurred with detergents, chlorine-generating
slimicides, or other biocides and ensure that these cleaners
have been removed before air handling units are turned on.
Building Cleaning and Renovation PPE
When you use a biocide or disinfectant, use appropriate

personal protective equipment.
NIOSH-approved respirators with the appropriate chemical
cartridges are recommended.
Wear gloves and eye protection as well.
Cleanup in Rural and Agricultural Communities
Silos and other enclosed areas should be vented

prior to entry.
However, this may not eliminate a mold issue.
If a worker is transporting or working with moldy
animal feed, exposures are likely to be threatening
if the feed and the worker are enclosed in a barn, silo or
other structure.
Workers will need to wear respirators.
Workers uncapping a silo, shoveling grain, or working with
feed, especially in any enclosed space, should always
wear, at a minimum, a NIOSH-approved N-95 particulate
respirator.
Grain and hay should be stored when fully dry.
Fall Hazards NOTES
Falls During Flood Cleanup
Falls and falling objects can result from unstable working

surfaces, ladders that are not safely positioned, and misuse
of fall protection.
Workers are also subject to falls or to the dangers of falling
objects if sides and edges, floor holes, and wall openings
are not protected.
Any time a worker is at a height of six feet or more
(construction industry) or four feet or more (general
industry), the worker must be protected.
Employers are required to develop, implement, and commit
to a fall protection program, and provide training on the fall
protection program.
This includes working during cleanup and recovery from a
flood.
Fall Protection and Prevention
Employers are required to assess the workplace to

determine if the walking/working surfaces on which
employees are to work have the strength and structural
integrity to safely support workers.
Once employers have determined the surface is safe for
employees to work on, the employer must select one of the
options listed for the work operation if a fall hazard is
present:
• Where protection is required, select fall protection
systems appropriate for given situations; or
• Use proper construction and installation of safety
systems.
Fall Protection is another subject workers must be
adequately trained on prior to working around fall hazards.
Tree Trimming and Chainsaws NOTES
Tree Trimming Safety
Thousands of massive trees may have been

uprooted by powerful winds from a hurricane,
taking power lines and transformers with
them.
Removal of these trees from roads and public and private
property is one of the main tasks of flood cleanup, as is
trimming broken limbs and branches.
Working Around Power Lines
Always assume power lines are energized.

If clearing trees, contact the utility company to
discuss de-energizing, and grounding or
shielding of power lines.
Extreme caution is necessary when moving ladders and
other equipment around downed trees and power lines.
Felling Trees Safely 1 of 2
Always perform a hazard assessment of the work

area prior to start of work.
To “fell a tree” means more than just cutting it
down.
Felling means to cut the tree in such a way that it
falls in the desired direction and results in the
least damage to the tree.
To safely fell a tree, you must: Eliminate or minimize
exposure to potential hazards found at the tree and in the
surrounding area.

Felling Trees Safely 2 of 2 NOTES
Extreme care must be taken to safely bring

the trees to the ground.
If possible, avoid felling into other trees or
objects.
Don’t turn your back on the tree as it falls, and hide behind
a standing tree if possible.
As trees fall through other trees or objects, branches and
objects may get thrown back towards the logger.
More people are killed while felling trees than during any
other logging activity.
Reminders
Determine which hazards are present in the

area where the logger will be working.
Determine the felling direction and how to
deal with forward lean, back lean, and/or side
lean.
Provide a retreat path so the logger can reach safety while
the tree is falling.
Determine the proper hinge size to safely guide the tree in
its fall.
Look out for Hazards and make sure you know where
everyone is located!
Trimming
When cutting limbs or branches, always use proper

personal protective equipment as recommended by the
manufacturer’s operating manual, including eye, face,
head, hand, and foot protection.
Broken or hanging branches, attached vines, or a dead tree
that is leaning are hazards that can cause an injury.
If you have to cut a dead tree, be careful; the top could
break off.
If the tree is broken and under pressure, make sure you
know which way the pressure is going; if not sure, make
small cuts to release some of the pressure before cutting
up the section.
Be careful of young trees that other trees have fallen
against. They act like spring poles and can propel back.
A tree may have not fallen completely to the ground and be
lodged against another tree and in such cases, extreme
care must be taken to safely bring the trees to the ground.

Chain Saw Safety NOTES
The chain saw is one of the most efficient

and productive portable power tools.
It can also be one of the most dangerous.
If you learn to operate it properly and
maintain the saw in good working condition, you can avoid
injury as well as be more productive.
Proper Procedures
Follow these procedures for safe chainsaw use:

• Check controls, chain tension, and all bolts and
handles to ensure they are functioning properly and
adjusted according to the manufacturer’s
instructions;
• Fuel the saw at least 10 feet from sources of ignition;
• Keep hands on the handles, and maintain secure
footing while operating the chainsaw;
• Clear the area of obstacles that might interfere with
cutting the tree or using the retreat path;
• Do not cut directly overhead;
• Shut off or release throttle prior to retreating;
• Shut off or engage the chain brake whenever the
saw is carried more than 50 feet, or across
hazardous terrain; and
• Be prepared for kickback; use saws that reduce
kickback danger (chain brakes, low kickback chains,
guide bars, etc.).
Chain Saw PPE
Personal protective equipment (PPE) for the head, ears,

eyes, face, hands, and legs are designed to prevent or
lessen the severity of injuries to workers using chain saws.
PPE must be inspected prior to use on each work shift to
ensure it is in serviceable condition.
The following PPE must be used when hazards make it
necessary:
• Head Protection;
• Hearing Protection;
• Eye/Face Protection;
• Leg Protection;
• Foot Protection; and/or
• Hand Protection.
Summary NOTES
Flood cleanup presents a variety of hazards not limited to

the flood itself.
Damaged electrical lines, mold and fungus,
contaminated water, and damaged trees
represent some of the dangers workers may
encounter during cleanup.
Knowing how to recognize these hazards and how to
protect yourself from them, through avoidance or the use of
PPE, is essential to protecting yourself and other workers
during recovery.
Cleanup is an important component of recovery after the
storms and floodwaters have passed, but remember to
maintain your awareness to guard against those hazards
that remain.

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Flood Disaster Awareness Training - Student Handout

The Hazards of NOTES

Staying Safe and Healthy

In the aftermath of a flood, workers may be involved in a

About this Section

This Section is divided into the following

Copyright © 1993-2017 Safety Unlimited, Inc. - All Right Reserved Page 1 of 22

Cleanup Preparation Considerations NOTES

In an effort to provide much-needed assistance to flood

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)

Copyright © 1993-2017 Safety Unlimited, Inc. - All Right Reserved Page 2 of 22

Disaster Site Worker Training NOTES

All workers at disaster sites need to be aware of

Disaster Site Worker Requirements

Though the Disaster Site Worker Training Program is

Copyright © 1993-2017 Safety Unlimited, Inc. - All Right Reserved Page 3 of 22

OSHA HAZWOPER Training NOTES

The Disaster Site Worker Training Program does not meet

Clothing and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Proper PPE is essential for the health and safety of cleanup

Copyright © 1993-2017 Safety Unlimited, Inc. - All Right Reserved Page 4 of 22

General Cleanup Hazards NOTES

General Health and Safety

In order to protect the health and safety of employees, here

General Precautions for Preliminary Work

Conduct a preliminary worksite inspection to

General Precautions for Washouts & Trenches NOTES

Washouts, trenches, excavations, and gullies must

Other General Precautions

Have a plan for contacting medical personnel in the event

Floods can damage fire protection systems, delay

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Heat Stroke and Heat Exhaustion NOTES

Heat stroke is the most serious heat-related health

Flood Cleanup Hazards

Flooding can cause the disruption of water

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Driving During Flood Conditions NOTES

It is important to be careful when driving

Floodwater often contains infectious organisms, including

Common Signs and Symptoms of Exposure

The signs and symptoms experienced by the

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Tetanus can also be acquired from contaminated

Floodwaters also may be contaminated by

Pools of standing or stagnant water become

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Hypothermia is a condition brought on when the

What to do if Symptoms Develop

If a cleanup worker experiences any of the signs

After a major flood, it is often difficult to maintain good

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Assuming that Flood Water is Unsafe NOTES

Workers should assume any water in flooded

Insects, Hand Washing, and Children

Decrease the risk of mosquito and other insect bites by

Chemical Hazards Around Water

Be alert for chemically contaminated floodwater at

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