Water in flooded areas can contain a wide variety of pathogenic organisms from sewage and other materials that could constitute a significant health risk. Water may
not be available or will need boiling before use. The Environmental Agency and its local departments issue advice on dealing with flood damage and cleaning up after.
The following gives some practical advice on coping.
Where possible avoid direct contact with flood water and associated debris.
1 Hand Cleaning
Good cleansing of the skin is very important in reducing the risks associated with handling contaminated water/materials. The skin cleansing can be augmented by the
use of an alcohol based hand sanitiser such as Soft Care Med to reduce any hazards associated with pathogenic organisms. This is especially important when the quality of
the water used for cleaning the hands is not of drinking quality.
2. Kitchen Surface Sanitising
If kitchen areas have suffered flood water damage it is important to thoroughly clean and sanitise. This should be done for all areas that have come into contact with the
flood water by either immersion or by being splashed - if in doubt sanitise all areas. The areas should be thoroughly cleaned using a sanitiser as mentioned below and then
disinfected by a repeat use of the sanitiser. The flood water may contain pathogenic organisms that the usual kitchen sanitisers may not be effective against. Suitable sanitisers for this purpose are ones containing a chlorine or oxygen based bleaching system such as Suma Sol D4.8.
If you have been advised to boil water before drinking, then use this boiled water for making up the sanitisers and for rinsing.
3. Dishwashing Machines
If tap water has to be boiled then use the dishwashing machine on its longest, slowest cycle. This will enable the heat to provide disinfection. Check that all wash and rinse jets are clear before washing and the running temperatures should be wash 55?-65?C and final rinse 80?-90?C.
4. General Surface Sanitising
All physical debris and damaged items should be removed and disposed of safely and then the areas should be thoroughly cleaned using a sanitiser as mentioned and then
disinfected by a repeat use of the sanitiser.
The flood water may contain pathogenic organisms that the commonly used sanitisers may not be effective against. Suitable sanitisers for this purpose are ones containing
a chlorine or oxygen based bleaching system such as Titan Sanitiser Powder or Titan Chlor plus tablets. For areas that are sensitive to chlorine such as fabric or furniture the use of Oxivir Plus is recommended. If you have been advised to boil water before drinking, then use this boiled water for making up the sanitisers and for rinsing.
After the areas have been cleaned and sanitised they should be dried out as soon as possible. This is because damp conditions are favourable for mould and fungal growth which can damage surfaces and their spores can cause health problems. If mould is observed it should be cleaned off using the sanitisers used for the original cleaning or Sani MouldOut. ( N.B. Chlorine based bleaching agents can damage soft furnishings, for soft furnishings use an oxygen based sanitiser e.g. Oxivir Plus).
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