Restoration Make Safe Requests

When we request a restoration trade to attend, it is more than likely the costs will exceed our make safe minimum amount.

We should request the trade to attend to do an inspection and install the necessary equipment. They should then provide ETS with an initial report and a scope of works detailing which equipment is required, how many days and an estimate of the overall job costs.

We would then seek approval from our client for the overall costs and advise the trade it has been approved. This needs to be done as soon as possible and not left until the end of the time equipment is in place.

The trade will normally advise if any flooring and which areas have been affected by water and if floor coverings are salvageable or not. If they are not salvageable, we must obtain approval from the insured by them signing a waiver to have the floor coverings removed from site.

You may also need to ask for an estimate of power usage from the restoration trade so that our client can reimburse the insured for the power used during restoration works.

Clearance certificates

For jobs that involve flood water, mould or sewerage, once the drying and treatments have been completed there needs to be an attendance by a hygienist. They take swabs from different areas and these are sent to a lab for processing. If the swabs come back as within a normal range then the hygienist issues a clearance certificate. Normally this is required before people can go back to the area to live or work or before more permanent repairs can proceed.

Water damaged flooring

It’s important to get wet and flooded flooring attended to as a priority. The longer it’s left the higher the likelihood of mould growth. Removing mould can be expensive so our clients want to avoid that as much as is possible.

Water damaged walls, skirting, cabinetry and subfloor

Trades might ask to remove skirting or to drill into walls to enable the drying equipment to reach those areas more effectively. Before any work can be done to damaged skirting, walls, cabinetry and subfloor we must check with our client first. These areas are normally covered by building insurance only. If the insured does not own the building or hasn’t installed the fit out, then our client will advise on how we should proceed.

Types of equipment and materials

Air blower

Helps with airflow to dry the area.

Dehumidifier

Comes in a small or large size. Removes moisture from the air to assist with drying.

Air Scrubber

Removes pollutants from the air i.e. smoke, soot, bacteria and viruses.

Extraction Unit

Can be portable or truck mounted. This is how they extract large amounts of water from the area.

HEPA Vacuum & HEPA Filters

HEPA filters capture pollen, dirt, dust, moisture, bacteria, virus, and submicron liquid aerosol. Asbestos trades also use a HEPA vacuum to ensure there is no residue left from working with or removing asbestos materials.

Steam Cleaner

The trade normally steam cleans carpets once all drying has been completed and this assists with removing water stains and any remaining dirt.

Anti-microbial

This is used to prevent bacteria and mould growth.

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