6.28.1 General Policy

Introduction
Water damage losses caused by weather related water infiltration, work involving water piping, pumping, drainage or mechanical building systems can be prevented or minimized by developing and implementing an effective Water Damage Prevention Plan (WDPP).

Policy
This program addresses the prevention, management, and response to water intrusion events and potential mold growth. It is important to note that this is a basic outline to respond to water intrusion events. Each water intrusion event has different characteristics. Although this guidance document can be used as a tool, each event needs to be assessed on an individual basis.

Responsibilities
Carter & Carter Construction is accountable for the enforcement of the plan. While senior management is ultimately responsible, all personnel involved in company operations have a responsibility to be familiar with and comply with the provisions of this plan. Compliance with the provisions shall be enforced by the project Lead Superintendent. It is the responsibility of all site personnel to report observed water intrusion and mold growth to the project site’s supervisory personnel upon discovery. Site personnel will also report site or design issues that have the potential to cause water intrusion if left uncorrected.

Procedure for Responding to Water Intrusion

These procedures are designed to respond to water intrusion generated as a result of clean water and not contaminated water (i.e. sewage). In the event moisture/water enters the structure during the construction phase (e.g. roof leak, pipe leak, weather-related flooding), the emphasis must shift to removing the moisture/water, halting the source of
the moisture/water, and drying any impacted materials. In some instances, impacted porous materials may need to be removed and replaced. Response activities must commence immediately (within 24 to 48 hours) following the moisture/ water event or upon discovery of the moisture/water damage. Field personnel should notify Carter & Carter management of the moisture/water intrusion event as soon as possible. In the event that a moisture/water intrusion event is suspected to involve contaminated water, an appropriate specialty contractor should be contacted.

If moisture/water intrusion response is not conducted promptly, mold growth may develop. The following actions shall be taken within 24 to 48 hours for handling objects and construction materials that have come into contact with clean moisture/water:
1.Identify and eliminate the moisture/water source.
2.Wet vacuum
Wet vacuums are designed to collect water. They can be used to remove accumulated water from floors, carpets, and other hard surfaces. They are less effective for removing water from dense porous materials such as gypsum board.
Wet vacuums may spread mold spores if sufficient liquid
is not present. The tanks, hoses and attachments of these vacuums should be thoroughly cleaned and dried after use because mold and mold spores may stick to the equipment surfaces.
3.Drying and ventilation
Materials that come into contact with water must be dried prior to being installed or covered with additional material. There are several methods used to assist in drying wet materials. Large blowers with directional controls or heaters assist in the drying process.
Forced ventilation should be vented directly outside.
Avoid combustion type heaters for drying purposes as oxygen levels are decreased, the exhaust requires outside ventilation, and moisture is generated as a by-product of incomplete combustion. Ensure impacted area is dry before proceeding with repairs.
4.Material disposal
Damaged materials that are not salvageable, must be disposed. These materials are doubled-bagged using 6-mil polyethylene bags and discarded as construction waste.
It is important to package mold-contaminated materials
in sealed bags before removal from the contaminated area to minimize the dispersion of mold spores. Large items
that have heavy mold growth should be covered with polyethylene sheeting and sealed with duct tape before they are removed from the containment area.
Note: Guidelines for evaluating damaged materials should be provided to site personnel to assist them in determining if materials should be discarded or reused.

Documentation

Throughout the phases of a project it is essential that communication with internal and external personnel
are implemented and documented. Carter & Carter must determine and ensure that the appropriate levels of communication and documentation are maintained throughout the project to ensure that all parties involved understand the risk.
Below is an outline of actions that should be taken when responding to a water intrusion or discovery of mold event. The key is to appropriately determine the significance of the event and ultimately the appropriate response, notification, and documentation required. This approach should include the following steps:
• Identification of a water or mold concern on a project; examples include unwanted water accumulation, water- impacted materials, visible mold growth, material staining, and musty odors .
• Field personnel to communicate water intrusion issues to Carter &. Carter Project Management
• Direction from corporate management such as, but not limited to:
o Steps for the continuation or stoppage of work as appopriate
o Appropriate steps for the stoppage of work
o Formal notification of project owner and construction manager
o Completion of appropriate documentation
In order to document a water intrusion event, the following list of items will be included.
• Project name
• Date of occurrence
• Location of incident
• Date and time of observation of occurrence
• Date and time action initiated
• Describe materials affected
• Actions taken (water source controlled, owner notification only, self-performed cleanup, remediation firm, etc.)
• Equipment used
• Photographs should include date and location description
• Follow-up actions
• Re-inspection (date, results, methods of verification)
• Comments
A copy of the completed form should be provided to owner/client and when possible have the owner/ client sign the document. The original document is retained in the project records.