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Guidelines for Entering Flooded Areas
Severe weather can bring heavy rainfall in a short period of time resulting in flooding of basements and other below-grade work areas. Flooding can also occur as a result of broken water or drain lines, sump pump failures, etc.
Flooded areas can be hazardous for reasons that may not be obvious. Potential hazards include electrical shock, holes, pits and tripping hazards obscured by water and slippery walking surfaces due to mud or other contaminants. The following guidelines are recommended for entering or working in flooded work areas.
- Assume that flood water is energized. DO NOT enter a flooded area unless the power has been turned off. Contact Facilities Customer Service (8-8000) or Public Safety (8-3134) to have the power turned off.
- Before entering a flooded space, check outside walls for possible cave-ins, evidence of structural damage or other hazards
- If you smell natural gas or suspect a leak, leave the area and contact Public Safety at 911. Do not smoke or use open flames
- In labs, turn off remotely supplied compressed gases.
- Open doors and windows to allow fresh air to enter the area. Do not use electric fans or other electrically powered equipment.
- Use a gas powered pump or a pump powered by a portable generator equipped with a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI). Gas powered generators or equipment should be located outside whenever possible and properly vented if operating inside. If gas powered equipment must be used indoors, monitoring for carbon monoxide is essential!
- Never attach a portable generator directly to the electrical system of a structure unless the generator has a properly installed open-transition transfer switch.
- If you must wade into standing water after the power has been disconnected, be mindful of hidden hazards. Sump pump pits, sewage ejection pits and objects previously placed on the floor may not be visible under the water.
- Wear appropriate personal protective equipment and avoid contact with floodwaters, especially if sewage has entered the area.
- Be aware of potential chemical hazards you may encounter. Flood waters may have buried or displaced hazardous chemical containers from their normal storage locations.
Cleaning Up
- Floors and walls may require sanitizing, particularly if sewage has entered the area. Walls, hard-surfaced floors, and many other household surfaces should be cleaned with detergent and water and disinfected with a solution of 1 cup bleach to five gallons water.
- Flooded areas may be fertile areas for mold growth following a flood unless quickly dried and kept dehumidified.
- Always wash your hands with soap and clean, running water after handling articles contaminated with flood water or sewage or after participating in flood cleanup activities. If you receive a puncture wound during cleanup activities, contact Employee Health to determine whether a tetanus booster is necessary.
If you have any questions, or if you are unsure of how to proceed, do not enter a flooded area. Contact Public Safety at 258-3134 for assistance.
For More Information
Contact EHS at 258-5294.
The following references may also be useful:
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