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FibreGLASS – Myths & Facts
For years fibreglass dust has been considered to be a nuisance (irritation) dust which does not cause disease. Now studies show that fibreglass dust can be dangerous, maybe as dangerous as asbestos dust. The implantation of fibreglass into the lining of the lungs of animals has caused cancer in the same way that asbestos does. Scientists now believe that asbestos causes cancer because of the physical shape of the fibre and not because of its chemical make up, This belief raises the concern that all fibrous materials could cause cancer. What is Fibreglass? Fibreglass is a part of group called Synthetic Mineral Fibres. Synthetic mineral fibres are fibrous inorganic substances made primarily from rock, clay, slag or glass. These fibres are classified into three general groups: (1) fibreglass (glass wool and glass filament), (2) Mineral wool (rock-wool and slag-wool), and (2) Refractory Ceramic fibres (RCF), *Glasses are a class of materials made from silicon dioxide with oxides of various metals and other elements that solidify from the molten state without crystallization. ** A fibre is considered to be a particle with a length-to-diameter aspect ratio of 3 to 1 or greater, respirable fibres have mass medium aerodynamic diameter approximately 3,5 urn or less, USES Generally, fibreglass is light, strong, resistant to moisture. odours, rot, and easily formed into complex shapes and they are dimensionally stable. These qualities make fibreglass an excellent material to be used in the construction of buildings and for pluming and air handling systems such as the HVAC insulation. Also fibreglass can be found in a large number of products: It’s used in vehicles bodies, vessels, insulation, fabrics, wire insulation in electronics, and replacement insulation for asbestos. Health Hazards: A Myth or Fact? Synthetic mineral fibres are believed to cause respiratory cancers and other adverse respiratory effects, Typical fibres from continuous filament fibreglass are not small enough to travel deep into the lungs. Instead, these larger glass fibres can be very uncomfortable and irritating to the skin. Smaller fibres associated with fibreglass wool have been developed for some industries, and can travel deep into the lungs. Once there, these smaller fibres have shown signs of being potentially carcinogenic (cancer-Causing) in humans, In 1988 the Internal Agency of Research on Cancer (IARC), a branch of the World Health Organization (WHO), classified fibreglass as a possible carcinogen. However, it must be noted that there are no conclusive facts that show that it does cause cancer. Evaluating the Exposure Dermatitis (rash), bad itching, sore throat, painful running noses, and excessive coughing are common complaints of people exposed to fibreglass and indicate the need for additional controls. The primary routes of potential human exposure to glass wool are inhalation and dermal contact. An exposure, which may cause long-term damage to health, such as: exposure to damaged or old dry loose fibreglass wool insulation inside the air conditioning duct system: grinding operation or any other operation causes a visible release of dust into the air. Large diameter (greater than 3.5 micron) glass fibres have been found to cause skin, eye, and upper respiratory tract irritation. While smaller diameter fibres <3.5 micron has the ability to penetrate the alveoli or deposit in the Alveolar regions of the lung, where gas exchange occurs (WHO, 1903). This is a potential cause for concern and is the primary reason that the fibres are subject to special controls, To determine if the indoor dust is small enough to be inhaled, industrial hygiene measurements are needed. National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIDSH) NIOSH has proposed a new standard, which gives some guidance in controlling fibreglass dust. This standard is not yet enforceable in the US by U.S. Department of Labor Occupational Safety S. Health Administration (OSHA). The proposed standard measures both the total weight of all dust and the number of tiny fibres. The proposed limits for Total Dust Recommended Exposure Limits (REL] is 5 mg/m3 (5 milligrams per cubic Meter of air] for 10-hour Time-Weighted Average (TWA), While for Tiny fibres it is 3,000,000 fibres per cubic meter of air, NIOSH REL -TWA Fibrous Glass Dust Total for dust fibres with diameter equal or less than 3.5 urn (Micron), and length equal to or greater than 10 um is 3 f/cc (fibres per cubic centimeter of air). The TWAs apply to any 10-hour shift in a 40-hour work week (NIOSH, 1977). Scientists, view this standard as a minimum level of control but recommends air measurements to help evaluate the exposure. Regulations OSHA endorses major agreement with industrial groups in the US to protect workers exposed to fibreglass insulation similar to NIOSH safe levels. The Health and Safety Partnership Program (HSPP) has established a voluntary PEL (Permissible Exposure Limit) for fibreglass exposure, makes comprehensive work-site recommendations for the proper and safe handling of insulation materials, and organises ducation and training programs for workers. OSHA classifies glass-wool fibre as a “Particulate Not Otherwise Regulated,’ with a workplace permissible exposure limit (PEL) of 5.0 mg/m3 for respirable dust and 15.0 mg/m3 for total dust. US EPA regulates particulate emissions from glass-wool insulation manufacturing plants under the Clean Air Act (CAA] . Medical Examinations NIOSH recommends the same medical testing for workers exposed to fibreglass as it does for asbestos: yearly physical examinations which include lung function tests (pulmonary function], chest x-rays, and medical histories. Subsequent annual examinations should give attention to the skin condition. The examinations should be given to anyone exposed at half the limit (REL). Control Measures As with any other potentially dangerous air contaminant controlling the dust, its source should be the first line of defense. Possible controls are: Process design changes such as substitute materials and regular cleaning; Engineering controls such as enclosures and exhaust ventilation; Work practices such as vacuum cleaning with HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) filtration. Special precautionary measures need to be taken to ensure comfort and health of all that come into contact with fibreglass. Special clothing that prevents contact of fibreglass dust with the skin should be used while dealing with fibre class. Respirators are the last resorts and temporary measures. Dust collection system should be used whenever fibreglass exposure may exceed either established particulate standards or recommended fibre standards. If fibreglass particles accumulate on exposed skin areas, do not rub or scratch. Remove the material by washing the skin thoroughly but gently with warm water and mild soap. Fibreglass is and will continue to be one of the most useful construction materials available. Its strength and insulating properties and its durability under adverse circumstances make it the one choice for insulation in many cases. Following the above stated recommendations for handling and control of fibreglass products will help to minimize the danger and discomfort people are exposed to in using fibreglass products.
Read MoreFIRE’S OUT… BUT HOW DO I DEAL WITH THE DAMAGE OF A HOME FIRE?
The damage caused by the fire continues even after the fire is fully contained. Smoke residue and water from fire hoses, or even humidity, can significantly harm your belongings. Knowing what to do is very important right from the start to minimize the loss due to fire. Prompt action can lower overall cost, as well as save valuable possessions that might otherwise be lost. The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC), a non-profit certification body, who sets and promotes high standards and ethics to advance communication and technical proficiency within the inspection, cleaning and restoration service industry list the following tips. Contact your insurance company immediately. It is your responsibility to begin loss mitigation, including steps to prevent the damage from getting worse. Take inventory of damaged goods before discarding anything and save receipts for money spent relating to fire loss. Avoid falling structural components. Although fire authorities may allow you to enter the house, the area still could be hazardous. Look for structural damage that will need repair, like charred beams and sagging ceilings. Stay away from electrical shock hazards. Check for exposed wiring. Also, be careful of damage inside walls and electrical lines not normally visible. Keep people with allergies out of the home. People with severe allergies or respiratory problems should stay out of the area until initial cleanup is complete. Weather permitting ventilate the home to remove soot residues. Wipe down durable surfaces. Smoke residues combine with humidity to form acids that can stain grout, paint, bath fixtures, kitchen counter tops and may appliances. Immediate clean up of durable surfaces with household cleaners can dramatically limit your loss. Call a professional. Hire IICRC (Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification) certified professional to provide advice and repair damage to your home after a fire. Fire restoration experts can help you get your home and furnishings back to a “pre-loss” condition. In many cases, attempting the clean-up process you will only make matters worse. IICRC-certified technicians have the experience, training and knowledge to assess the damage and restore your belongings.
Read MoreWATER HYGIENE
In summer when the heat impedes or in winter when the cold hinders, WATER hot or cold is certainly a first relief. We turn on a tap and out it pours. Water is an essential aspect of our every day life. From the time we wake up in the morning until we go to bed in the night, we depend on water for several uses. Unfortunately the conditions in which it is stored and distributed are often far from ideal. Water is generally stored in overhead or underground tanks; it is rather a case of “out of sight out of mind situation”. Very few people observe the condition of their water storage tanks and distribution pipelines. With an aim to promote awareness of the importance of protecting and managing fresh water, the United Nations has marked the year 2003 as the International Year of Fresh Water. In summer when the heat impedes or in winter when the cold hinders, WATER hot or cold is certainly a first relief. We turn on a tap and out it pours. Water is an essential aspect of our every day life. From the time we wake up in the morning until we go to bed in the night, we depend on water for several uses. Unfortunately the conditions in which it is stored and distributed are often far from ideal. Water is generally stored in overhead or underground tanks; it is rather a case of “out of sight out of mind situation”. Very few people observe the condition of their water storage tanks and distribution pipelines. With an aim to promote awareness of the importance of protecting and managing fresh water, the United Nations has marked the year 2003 as the International Year of Fresh Water. Most of us who live in the cities and have access to running water all the time at our convenience naturally tend to ignore the hygiene and health aspect of water. “Why should I be too concerned about water hygiene? I only drink bottled water.” That could be the typical reaction of a Dubai resident. But is it right? Is our use of water limited to just drinking? Don’t we take a shower? Do we not wash our face and mouth? Do we not dive into the pool? No matter what we use water for, water storage systems need to be cared and maintained to prevent contamination of water and the resulting health hazards. The water we receive from the different municipality outlet is indeed of high quality, however when it reaches the unclean storage tanks its purity may perish. Very few people clean their water tanks regularly and there is evidence to show that the tanks not cleaned for 2-3 years are huge breeding grounds for harmful microbes and organisms. Extremely high levels of bacteria can build up in water tanks in the summer heat as protective chlorine breaks down. There are many types of bacteria, which are harmful such as salmonella (spread by bird droppings) that find their way into the tanks and Legionella, which has more than 39 different strains and cause disease and infection, which can at times be fatal. Legionella bacteria grow in water where general dirt sediment and other bacteria exist. Such conditions provide a favourable medium for the reproduction of Legionella. Infection can only be spread by creating a fine mist of water vapour typical of cooling towers, sprinkler systems and showers, which enters the lungs by inhalation. The bacteria then embed itself deep in the lungs and the infection spreads rapidly. The death rate for Legionnaire is quoted at 12%. Usually chlorine is introduced into our water system by the municipalities to maintain a bacteria free water supply. However, there are several points that need to be discussed when using chlorine. Firstly, chlorine will dissipate very quickly especially when it comes into contact with any organic material including sludge and sediment at the bottom of your water tanks. Chlorine (bleach) used for the purpose of disinfection is dangerous. As a result many beneficial bacteria are killed when chlorine is poured down our drains. In addition it does not kill all forms of Legionella. Most establishment that are environmentally aware, do not use chlorine for such purposes. The use of environmentally safe chemicals for tank cleaning is mandatory in many countries. A more suitable cleaning agent for disinfecting tanks and pipes, is hydrogen peroxide which reverts to oxygen and water in a very short time after disinfecting has taken place. It is both effective and environmentally safe, The quantity of stored water should not exceed that amount required for 24 hours and ideally only 12 hours. Stagnant water facilitate growth of bacteria. Regular cleaning of water tanks should be done at least every 6 months. When you want your tanks and water system cleaned and disinfected ask the cleaning company by what methods they will carry out the work and what standards they follow. Ask them about HS (G) 70 guidelines for prevention of Legionella
Read MoreDISASTER COMES IN THREES
Fire and smoke damage costs millions of dollars a year to property and loss of business during restoration. 80% of companies that undergo a major fire never actually recover (National Audit Office) They say disasters comes in threes You lose equipment and stock You lose the means to produce and do business You lose customers – often permanently Getting the business up and running again is the prime concern. This will require specialist cleaning of carpets, furniture, walls, A/C systems, electronics cleaning and data retrieval. Checklist after a Fire or Water damage Never switch on equipment even to test Switch off equipment, disconnect any back up batteries Allow smoke to escape by opening windows or vents Place smaller equipment in a clean dry room Remove excess water by vacuuming Call the Professionals Install dehumidifiers or fans One of the most important things is speed because smoke residues and water continue to damage equipment and property often irreversibly. This is primarily due to the acidic level of smoke residues, cleaning should commence within 48 hours to be successful with restoring the contaminated goods back to the original condition. While decisions are being made the emergency cleanup plan needs to be put into ACTION to minimise damage. Imagine you work in an office with extensive electronic equipment and sophisticated computers and your office is the regional headquarters All your branches rely on your computer servers to save files and have all business transactions logged. When you get a phone call in the middle of the night from the security services saying your building is on fire, the good news is that it was not your office but all the smoke has entered into your offices through air condition ducting. The next day when you get into your office you see total devastation, you can hardly breathe, there is no power, the smoke is like a thick fog and you look at the quotations and tenders on your desk that have closing dates just a few days away. The first step of remediation is to reduce the odour level and clean sensitive items like computers, Fax, Printers and other electronic equipment. Failure to carry out cleaning as quickly as possible will result in permanent damage and system failures, especially computers. It is then possible to start with general cleanup. Everything in the home is made of different materials, oriental carpets, works of art, metal items, crystal glass, wooden furniture, upholstery, leather, A/C systems, walls, ceilings, marble floors, clothing and many more. Each of them must be individually dealt with to bring them back to pre-incident condition. Clothes cannot simply be sent to the laundry, as some items will lock in the smoke odour. Deodorization has to be done before cleaning. Metal items will tarnish due to the acidic nature of the smoke, and needs to be cleaned quickly like chrome bath taps etc. The A/C system has to be cleaned and deodorised by qualified and certified staff using the correct equipment. Regular cleaning materials are not at all designed to deal with the complex problems of smoke, odour and bacteria. Call the Professionals, get free advice, immediate action and a fair and a realistic estimate to get you back in business. Don’t be a statistic and end up going out of business caused by delaying urgently required and immediate action.
Read MoreMOULD -Don’t gamble with mould in multifamily buildings
Greg Laycock The presence of mould has become a high-stakes gamble for apartment building owners, management companies, developers and builders. The past wave of litigation sought verdicts in the billions of dollars. Since mould and other airborne pollutants are often difficult to detect, potential buyers also are at significant risk. There are a couple of simple steps buyers can take to protect themselves. First, have a qualified engineer inspect the property. Even if you think you see mould, you may not have identified the source – and therefore the solution – to the problem. Also, make sure that owners are required to spell out any mould problems in disclosure documents, and that they identify whether these incidents were caused by tenant lifestyle issues (for instance, not running the bathroom fan) or if the problem is structural. Again, this information will be key to knowing how to fix the problem and how much it will cost. Developers and builders also need to be cognizant of mould and implement risk mitigation measures, primarily by preventing water intrusion and mould growth in the first place. But preventing water intrusion can be difficult, especially if multiple subcontractors are on a project. Builders need to get subcontractors to sequence and coordinate their work so that water doesn’t get into the building. And if the building’s interior does get wet, the subcontractors should work together to dry it immediately to prevent mould growth. One way to prod subcontractors to prevent water intrusion, and for builders to protect themselves if it does occur, is a clause in subcontracts that shifts the risk of water intrusion and mold to the subcontractors if they are responsible it. The clause should make subs responsible for sequencing, coordinating and protecting the work during construction. If they fail to do this, the clause should also make them responsible for the costs to remediation any damage and for other costs incurred as a result. Landlords and property managers can help head off mold growth by educating residents that it is important not only to immediately report any plumbing leaks or other moisture sources, but also to take specific actions to minimize mould growth in their apartment homes. These include the following steps:1. Periodically clean and dry the walls and floors around the sink, bathtub, shower, toilets, windows and patio doors using a common household disinfecting cleaner. 2. On a regular basis, wipe down and dry areas where moisture sometimes accumulates, like countertops, windows and windowsills. 3. Use the preinstalled bathroom fan or alternative ventilation when bathing or showering and allow the fan to run until all excess moisture has been vented from the bathroom.4. Use the exhaust fans in your kitchen when cooking or while the dishwasher is running and allow the fan to run until all excess moisture has been vented from the kitchen. 5. Ensure that your clothes dryer vent operates properly, and clean the lint screen after every use. 6. Do not overfill closets or storage areas. Ventilation is important in these spaces. 7. If possible, maintain a temperature of between 10 and 20 degree Celsius at all times. 8. Clean and dust your apartment on a regular basis as required by your lease. Regular vacuuming, mopping and use of environmentally safe household cleaners are important to remove household dirt and debris that contribute to mould growth. 9. Immediately report to management any evidence of a water leak or excessive moisture in your apartment, storage room, garage or any common area. 10. Immediately report to management any evidence of mould growth that cannot be removed by simply applying a common household cleaner and wiping the area. Also report any area of mould that reappears despite regular cleaning. Potential signs of mould growth include: Stained ceiling tiles or walls musty, earthy or urine smell or odor black, brown, orange-pinkish or green speckled walls or around any plumbing grout or tile Mild to severe unexplained illness swollen or crumbling walls or floor boards sewer backup leaky roof, window or door For more information, the National Multi Housing Council has published an operations and maintenance plan for mold and moisture control on its Web site at http://www.nmhc.org. This document identifies best practices and concrete steps apartment owners and managers can use to manage mould growth and moisture problems on their properties. GREG LAYCOCK is a senior director at Cushman & Wakefield of Washington. This report was originally published in the Sept. 13, 2002 print edition of Puget Sound Business Journal.
Read MoreLEGIONNAIRE’S ALERT
Legionnaire’s Disease remains a continual public threat of today’s modern world. The first outbreak was identified in Philadelphia USA in 1976 at a convention of the American Legion. It affected 221 and 34 died during the out break. This sparked mass panic in the media and public in the US. Since then massive outbreaks were spotted world wide. The biggest outbreak that claimed lives was in Murcia, Spain. Legionellosis is an infection caused by the bacterium Legionella pneumophila. The disease had two distinct forms. Legionnnaires disease, the more severe form of infection which includes pneumonia and Pontiac fever a milder illness. Legionnaires disease, due to Legionella sero group 1, is the most well-known form of legionellosis, probably because of the fatalities. About 5% to 30 % of people who have Legionnaires disease die. Where do the legionnella bacteria come from? Legionella bacteria are common and can be found naturally in environmental water sources such as rivers, lakes and reservoirs, usually in low numbers. If the bacteria get into water systems used in buildings such as hotels, they can sometimes cause a risk to humans if people get exposed to them through air conditioning or air cooling systems or through contaminated water systems used for baths or showers etc. How do you get legionnaires disease? People become infected when they breathe in air that contains tiny droplets of water known as aerosols, inside of which are the legionella bacteria. If the bacteria get inhaled into the lungs they can cause infection. Legionnaires disease is not transmitted through from water you drink that enters your stomach in the normal way Bacterium has to get into the lungs through breathing it. The illness is not spread from person to person. What are the usual symptoms of legionellosis? Patients with Legionnaires disease usually have fever, chills and a cough which may be dry or may produce sputum. Some patients also have muscle aches, headache tiredness loss of appetite and occasionally diarrhea. Laboratory tests may show that these patients kidneys are not functioning properly. Chest X-rays often show pneumonia. It is difficult to distinguish Legionnaires disease from other types of pneumonia by symptoms alone, other tests are required for diagnosis. Persons with Pontiac fever experience fever and muscle aches and do not have pneumonia. They generally recover in 2 to 5 days without treatment. The time between the patient’s exposure to the bacterium and the onset of illness for Legionnaires disease is 2 to 10 days, for Pontiac fever, it is shorter, generally a few hours to 2 days. How do outbreaks occur? Experience shows that outbreaks in hotels are mostly associated with hot or cold water distribution systems. If the bacteria is in the water in quantities that can cause infection, someone taking a shower would inhale the bacteria trapped inside the tiny aerosols that are created when the shower water hits the hard surfaces of the shower unit or bath. They may also be affected by other water systems that cause aerosols, for example whirlpool spas and fountains. In contrast large explosive outbreaks in the community are mostly associated with cooling towers. Cooling towers are devices used to cool buildings. They are also called “wet air conditioning systems” because the process of cooling air involves extensive contact between water and air thereby creating aerosols. When the legionella bacteria are present in these systems they can cause legionnaires disease. Air conditioning units that use water to cool the air can also pose a risk in hotels. However, many air conditioning systems are dry and these pose no risk for legionnaires disease. When an outbreak of legionnaires disease occurs the source may be found through two types of investigation. One collects information on the activities and where about of the patients with legionnaires disease to look for links between cases such as staying at or visiting the same places before they became ill. The other involves looking for the legionella bacteria in the suspected water sources and in clinical specimens from the patients. It the bacteria are found in both, specialised laboratory methods are use do see if they are of the same type. What should be done to prevent legionellosis? Improved design and maintenance of cooling towers and plumbing systems to limit the growth and spread of Legionella organisms are the foundations of Legionellosis prevention. Factors increasing susceptibility Age >50 Children rarely infected Sex, males 3x more susceptible Existing respiratory disease Smoking Cancer, diabetes, surgery, alcoholism Travel Mortality rate approx. 12% Hospitalised patients 25% ged/immunocompromised up to 80% Route of Infection The principle route of infection is through inhalation of the bacteria into the lungs. Bacterium is carried in water of a particular droplet size. The risk is related to the number and type of Legionella in the water, Risk is increased with the density of the aerosol and the droplet size (Range 2-5 microns in diameter). No evidence of person to person transmission Hazard Rating Factors Production Growth Stagnant water, Temperature for growth (Range 20 °C to 60 °C), Below 20 °C the growth remains dormant. The range 20 °C – 45 °C favours growth, 37 °C optimum for growth, Above 60 °C the organisms can not survive, Contact time (the death rate is logarithmic with time for a given temperature). Nutrients (Food): The presence of sediment, sludge, scale, organic material, iron oxide (rust) algae, amoebae and other bacteria. Note: Algal slime provides an ideal stable habitat for multiplication and survival of the organism. Water distribution pipe work fittings and materials used in the installation of the system. Sources of Legionellosis Cooling Towers Showers/taps Spa's & Jacuzzi's Ornamental Fountains Water Sprinklers Misting Machines Clinical Humidifiers Drilling/Grinding Machines Dental Chairs Car Washes WC's.
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