Things you need to know about standing water

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What is standing water?

Standing water can be defined as a pool of water, no matter what the size, it remains stagnant. Natural events like heavy rainfall, floods or storms often contribute to standing water. But it can also occur due to situations such as leaky pipe or bucket, pipe burst, leaky faucet, sewage backup, if not tackled on time. Standing water becomes hazardous over a period of time due to contaminants present in it, posing a severe risk to your health.

Where can standing water be found?

Standing water can occur in almost any area where the ground surface is not able to absorb the water resulting in water pooling. During excessive rains or storms, water gets accumulated on the ground if there is no outlet thus leading to water stagnation. The same applies to streets, where the drainage system is not sufficient to push out or sop up the water into the ground. In cities, standing water can occur when sewer systems suffer from inadequate infrastructure, thus unable to disperse heavy amounts of rainwater.

Which are the areas most prone to water stagnation?

Water stagnation is a common problem in properties that are not maintained or abandoned. There’s also a good chance of water getting accumulated when broken pipes are not repaired, flat roofs and lawns are not looked after. Homes that have swimming pools which are not in use, collect all the rainwater and eventually become a breeding ground for bacteria, algae, and insects.

What are the threats when it comes to health?

According to research, standing water eventually houses various bacteria and insects like mosquitoes, fleas, etc. It becomes a perfect environment for them to breed. The larvae after maturing carry and transmit deadly diseases. Mosquito breeding is quite common in standing water. It can be a source of diseases like malaria, dengue, etc.

Standing water is also conducive to mould and mildew growth. Mould could give rise to respiratory problems like sneezing, runny nose, cough, among others.

How can one avoid standing water in their home?

It is very important to prevent such a situation from occurring, to keep health issues at bay and protect your property from damage. Having regular checks for water buildup in lawns, on roofs, in the pools and around your home is a must. If you notice any stagnant water in these areas, get help immediately. Avoid cleaning any standing water on your own as this could have been stagnant for an undefined period of time, making it highly contaminated.

See also: Does your septic tank need emptying?

When an event contributes to the accumulation of water in unnecessary areas and causes substantial damage to property, turn to us for help. We provide water damage restoration as well as mould inspection and mould removal services to restore your home. Call us on 0427 411 789 to fix an appointment.

The After Effects of Smoke Damage

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Although the after-effects of a fire damage are obvious, the effects of smoke lingering around during the fire are something we do not take into consideration. It can be a serious factor that could affect the life and productivity of the machines and appliances in the house. The after effects of smoke can be far more serious and may take weeks to recover.

Here are some of the factors to consider while dealing with smoke damage:

Time

Smoke and other harmful off-gases during a fire can cause secondary damage, and the longer the surface is exposed to smoke, the worse the cleaning or etching process can be. Most electronics can conduct through the smoke. When the smoke sediments after the fire, it can cause short circuits on boards which can cause electronics to lead a pre-mature breakdown.

Humidity

With a high amount of moisture content in the air, there is a great risk of corrosive reactions and more subsequent damage.

Temperature and Pressure

The air volume doubles every 10 degrees. Which means that greater the pressure, the more smoke is driven into the porous surfaces in the house. It should be noted that the curtains and all other fabrics that survived the fire need to be properly cleaned and treated before being used again. 

Type of Combustion Materials

House fires are rather complex since they are fuelled by a lot of synthetic materials rather than natural materials. Complex fires cause significant damage.

The first plan of action after a fire damage is to contact your insurance agency and get a professional cleaning job done. As mentioned above, the after-effects of smoke are not visible to the naked eye and need expert cleaning job done. Even though it appears like you can handle the job, its best to hand it over to the professionals.

See Also: 7 ways to fireproof your house

Fighting the Effects of Smoke Damage

• In order to prevent any sort of secondary damage, apply a surfactant agent (e.g. cooking oil) to materials metal, glass, tile/grout and marble. 
• Provide proper ventilation by keeping the doors and windows open for as long as possible so that air flows freely and prevents soot from settling in. 
• Pre-treat fabrics by soaking them overnight in warm water and one cup of dishwasher detergent. 
• Check all the electrical appliances before using them. As mentioned earlier, smoke may have damaged these and a simple spark could give rise to another catastrophe. 

Never ignore the after-effects of a fire damage. Lingering smoke can have many health hazards. At Bio Cleanse Services, we deal with all kinds of fire damages, including dealing with smoke removal. We can restore your home to perfection. Call us on 0427 411 789.

Different Types of Mould That Grow at Your Home

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Hopefully, you never have to face this problem but, a little damp area and humid climate can give rise to a variety of mould which can have serious health effects if left untreated. If such a problem ever occurs to you, be sure to consult a professional cleaning agency to eradicate your home of mould and have a healthy lifestyle.

Here are the different types of mould that usually grow at your home:

Alternaria

Found indoors and outdoors, Alternaria is the most common type of mould. Alternaria thrives in damp and dimly lit areas like shower, sink or a dark outdoor area. Alternaria can give rise to health problems like asthma attacks and allergic reactions.

Aspergillus

Another commonly found, minimally dangerous mould is aspergillus. It has over 85 species occurring in different colours. Although it is an allergic mould, subject to the species and environment, this mould can pose serious health issues.

Aureobasidium

Aureobasidium mould thrives on wooden furniture, surfaces, painted walls and wallpapers as well as round windows and in caulk. A pink and black spot in any of these areas is an indication of  Aureobasidium mould. As it is commonly found, many people have known to develop allergic reactions because of it and can cause more severe reaction as opposed to any other moulds.

Chaetomium

A drywall that has experienced water damage is the perfect breeding ground for Chaetomium mould. Typically you can identify this kind of mould by a musty or old odour in your home.

Fusarium

Colder, wetter areas usually facilitate the growth of Fusarium mould. Fusarium mould prefers carpeted areas and similar fabrics as their home. Being a mould, it causes the standard allergic reactions in addition to chronic infections and inflammations.

Penicillium

Penicillium is a quick spreading mould normally found indoors inside insulations and in water damaged areas with furniture and carpets. Like every other mould, Penicillium too can cause homeowner some serious sinus infections and also allergic reactions.

Stachybotrys Chartarum

Stachybotrys Chartarum or black mould also goes by the name of Toxic Mould owing to the toxic compound it creates. This compound (mycotoxins) can cause breathing issues, asthma attacks and many more health problems. This mould is normally found in areas that stay damp most of the times like air conditioning pipes and ducts.

Serpula Lacrymans

A commonly found outdoors mould, Serpula Lacrymans can also be found growing indoors on wooden surfaces. This mould feeds solely on wooden surfaces causing dry rot within the wood, gradually ruining the furniture. It has a yellow appearance.

See Also: How can you control mould growth in your home

May it be any type of mould, having it growing in your house can have serious respiratory issues to you and your family. And although some people seem immune to mould, children and elderly can have major problems. It's best to have a professional cleaning company do a mould test and get a thorough mould cleanup done. Contact Bio Cleanse Services on 0427 411 789 for mould remediation services.

Qualities of a Good Disinfectant

By cleaning your home or office regularly, are you really getting rid of germs and bacteria or are you just removing all the dirt and stains? By spraying and wiping surfaces, you may manage to restore the place to a clean and tidy state, but there could still be a wide range of viruses, bacteria, germs, etc. lingering on surfaces.

It is not ideal to use a single cleaner to clean every type of surface as each surface may demand a different formula for cleaning. To make the right choice it is important to know the qualities of a good disinfectant. Read on to find out what those features are.

Wide usage

Instead of storing several bottles in your cabinet, opt for a disinfectant that claims to effectively kill a major variety of germs and bacteria. A solution with good cleaning properties helps to avoid the need for a separate cleaner. But don’t forget to bear in mind the type of surface while selecting a cleaner.

Stable and Effective

Ensure the disinfectant is stable in concentrated as well as in diluted states. Check for compatibility and select a cleaner that can be used in combination with other solutions. The effectiveness of the disinfectant should not be compromised even after being combined with other formulas during use.

No health risks

Pay extra importance when it comes to safety. Make sure neither the disinfectant nor its residue has an adverse effect on you, your family and your pets. This is a crucial step especially if someone in your home suffers from allergies and other health problems.

Environmental friendly

Many times, disinfectants end up going down the drains of sinks bathrooms, toilets, etc. and are quite hazardous to the environment. It is best to choose disinfectants that are bio-friendly. Beware of products that make false claims of being environmentally safe. Read product labels carefully to find out if they are truly safe or not.

Damage and odour free

You don't want your surfaces to look discoloured or start to erode after using a disinfectant. Keep in mind all cleaners are not always suitable for all surfaces, so choose wisely. Also if you notice any strong or unusual odours before buying, look for other options.

Affordable

Since eliminating germs and bacteria is of utmost importance when it comes to regular cleaning, you need to look out for a disinfectant that is not highly priced rather cost-effective. 

Clear instructions

For a disinfectant to work effectively, you need to follow the cleaning procedure mentioned on the product label. Proper instructions related to how to use the solution, how long it must be left on a surface to kill germs/bacteria. Instructions related to storage and disposal should also be covered.

If your property has become severely contaminated after a biohazardous event, leave the cleaning and disinfecting process entirely to Bio Cleanse Services. Reach us on 0427 411 789.

How Does Dry Ice Blasting Work?

Dry ice blasting is an improvement over sandblasting cleaning method. In this, dry ice is blasted on the surface at high speeds and pressure. Instead of using hard abrasive media to do the blasting (and damaging the surface in the process), dry ice blasting uses comparatively soft dry ice, accelerated at supersonic speeds. Upon contact, the ice creates mini-explosions on the surface which cause the dirt or the undesirable substance to lift off the underlying substrate. The frigid temperature of dry ice causes the undesirable substrate to shrink and lose adhesion. Since the surface to be cleaned is at a higher temperature than the dry ice, it immediately converts back to its gaseous form after hitting the surface and the only residue left is the undesirable substance to be disposed.

Dry ice blasting is highly superior to sandblasting cleaning method because, in the case of dry ice blasting, the surface does not get damaged at all. Whereas the same cannot be said about sandblasting. It avoids equipment damage in two ways. Firstly, dry ice does not erode or damage the surface to be cleaned in any way. Secondly, since dry ice blasting can be done on site, the machinery need not be transported to a separate cleaning facility which exposes it to potential damages like drops and bumps.

Here are some of the benefits of dry ice blasting:

• It is a non-abrasive, non-flammable and non-conductive, efficient cleaning method.
• It is environmentally stable and does not involve any harmful chemicals.
• It has been approved to be used in the food industry.
• It allows cleaning of most equipment without the need of time-consuming disassembly.
• It does not have the chance of causing a fire hazard and can carry out the cleaning process with the existing electrical and mechanical structure of the machine.
• It is used to remove production residue, release agents, contaminants, paints, oils, and biofilms.
• It can serve both extremes. It can be used to blow the dust of books as well as to remove weld slag from tooling.
• Apart from the above mentioned, it can be used in several other applications.

We at Bio Cleanse offer efficient cleaning services in dry ice blasting. Call us now on  0427 411 789 or email us at info@primerestorations.com.au to know more.

Sewage Spill - A Health Hazard

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A sewage spill is one of the most unpleasant situations that can occur in your home, not to mention one that can damage your property and cause serious sanitation problems. A septic tank backup, a toilet overflow, a clogged drain, or area flooding due to a natural calamity, all classify as water damage and can create a hazardous environment for your family. Also of paramount concern is the health risk of being exposed, especially to a sewage spill. If the spill is small, you can choose to clean it up yourself with specialized cleaning products to disinfect the area. But if the spill is massive, it’s best to call in the professionals. Even just being in the vicinity of the spill can put your family’s health at risk, because the contaminants contained in sewage and septic tank spills can cause serious illness or disease.

Here are a few things to keep in mind when a sewage spill occurs:

Evacuate

It is important to act quickly and evacuate all people with compromised immune systems, or problems like asthma. These would include young children, the infirm and the elderly, and even your pets. Ensure that nobody eats or drinks in the location of the spill.

Act quickly

The longer you are exposed to the sewage, the worse it gets, because bacteria spread quickly. Parasites, fungi and viruses are also among the agents found in raw sewage responsible for causing diseases like Hepatitis A. Allowing time to pass before clean-up may also create foul doors that will later be difficult to remove. Therefore, spills must be dealt with promptly.

Stay protected

Spills must also be dealt with in a safe manner, wearing protective gear, considering that one is handling infectious waste. Wear waterproof boots and gloves, a face mask, safety goggles or similar protective eyewear, and thick clothing which is best to throw away after the cleanup. If one already has any wounds, cuts or bruises on the body, they must be covered up so that they do not get exposed to sewage.

How long has it been there?

If the spill or overflow has happen when no one is around, it’s likely that it has been sitting around for some hours. It is probably too late to stop bacteria from spreading. Safety gear is essential in such a situation and breathing apparatuses are highly advised.

Mould growth

It is also necessary to protect other areas and your property such as furniture from the overflow. Water damage creates an environment conducive to the growth of mould or fungi. This can play havoc with your family’s health in the long run.

After the cleanup, the property must be thoroughly decontaminated, to create a safe and healthy environment in your home.

See Also: Proper sewage cleanup is necessary

Call in the pros

Getting professional help is necessary in case of a large spill. We at Bio Cleanse Services handle sewage cleanup in a professional manner. Apart from cleaning up the disgusting mess, we also clean carpet and upholstery, decontaminate and restore your property. Speed is our forte, and this would not only mean damage control but would also help you get back to normal life quickly. Call us on 0427 411 789.

Safety with Flammable Liquids at Home

If you are an average homeowner with regular household items like hair sprays, rubbing alcohol, paint thinner, linseed oil under your roof, then you must also be aware of the risks these have to offer. While they may not seem like a serious threat in most cases, they sure can increase your risk during a fire accident. Here are a few handy tips to keep in mind while housing these liquids.

1. Hand sanitizers

 A true fact but hand sanitizers are flammable because of the high alcohol content in them. Whether gel or liquid, all alcohol-based hand sanitizers pose a great risk in case your house gets caught in a fire. A safety measure to follow here would be to keep sanitizers away from heat or direct sunlight. Avoid keeping them near stoves, heaters or in areas directly exposed to sunlight or areas that tend to get warm.

2. Gasoline, paint thinner and turpentine

Paint thinners are a common household liquid used to lighten oil-based paints or clean up after their use. Being widely used, they are also the reason for top residential fire accidents. In most homes, these liquids are carelessly stored in garages and often with negligence, a spillover is capable of causing sparks. To avoid accidents, these flammable solvents should be stored in tightly sealed containers away from sources of heat.

3. Nail polish remover

Because of the acetone content in this liquid, this is considered one of the most common flammable household liquids. The vapours it produces are also flammable as they are able to travel through the air, igniting any nearby flames. If you are using a candle, make sure to blow it out and keep it at a safe distance before you apply or remove any nail polish.

4. Linseed oil

Linseed oil a common household liquid used for staining and finishing work and dried upon exposure to heat. It generates heat as it dries, which can cause the spontaneous combustion of materials. Rags, waste, and other oily materials having residues of linseed oil can cause spontaneous combustion fires if not handled properly. This liquid is to be handled with great caution and stored in an appropriate place away from sunlight.

5. Aerosol cans/sprays

Over half of the household products stored in residential homes are contained in aerosol cans. Aerosol sprays are no surprise in catching fires when sprayed in close proximity of a flame or a fireplace. As much as possible store these cans away from heat-related appliances and warm areas and do not spray them near candle flames and kitchen stoves.

See Also: Fire damage and the Need for Restoration  

Safeguard your homes with these simple tips. In case of fire accidents, fret not! Our team of fire damage restoration experts at Bio Cleanse Services is always there to help. Call – 0427 411 789 in case of an emergency. You may also email us at – info@primerestorations.com.au