How to Handle Water Contamination at a Commercial Building

6/21/2019 (Permalink)

Commercial office clean up in Northglenn, CO

How to Handle Water Damage at a Commercial Building

Water damage that occurs at a commercial building in Northglenn, CO can create a precarious situation for a business owner and employees. If a flood occurs in an office, it’s important for building occupants and employees to understand the severity of the situation and to know what to do about it. Flood water may not be clean water. The water may be (or become) contaminated, and it’s vital that individuals in the building are prepared. Here are three examples of how to handle water damage at a commercial building.

1. Explain Water Contamination to Employees

Water damage can happen at any time, and often without warning. Damage may result from a natural disaster that strikes, or it could occur due to something like a toilet overflow in a restroom, a broken pipe, or a broken supply line, for instance. It may be advantageous to prepare employees for the possibility of an emergency like a flood. Explaining water contamination may be a great place to start.
There is a classification system that is used to explain the level of contamination in water, and there are three categories of contaminated water. These categories range from clean water (category one), to moderately contaminated water (category 2), and highly contaminated (category three). Taking time to explain water contamination and providing examples about the three-category system of contaminated water to employees may help to facilitate the cleanup of a flood, as well as help prevent individuals from becoming ill.

2. Make an Emergency Plan

Creating an emergency plan may help prevent employees from becoming ill due to any contaminated water. While category one water poses no health risks, category two and category three contaminated water can be very dangerous. It may be beneficial to have a plan in place for an emergency. This plan may include requiring employees to report any damage and to avoid contact with flood water.

3. Call a Professional

In the event of a flood, professionals who handle water damage should be called for assistance. Professionals are trained and qualified to make repairs, as well as properly assess whether there is clean water or contaminated water in the commercial building.