Business Facility Clean-Up After Wind and Water Damage: A Step-by-Step Guide

Natural emergencies, by their very nature, are disruptive to businesses and can be highly stressful for managers and personnel to navigate. In addition to the immediate concerns of property damage and business continuity, employees may also be dealing with the effects of storms and extreme weather events in their personal lives, too.

A major dilemma many businesses face after emergency weather events such as floods, cyclones, hail, and dust storms is determining how and where to begin the clean-up process. The goal is to return to business-as-usual as quickly as possible while keeping employees safe.

We’ve outlined three crucial yet simple steps to help you get started:

1. Prioritise Safety & Hygiene

When conducting a flood clean-up, hygiene and safety should be the number one priority. Floodwaters can be contaminated with sewage, chemicals, and debris, posing serious health risks. To mitigate these risks, ensure that everyone involved in the clean-up follows these safety measures:

• Wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE)?– including gloves, sturdy boots, eye protection, and, where necessary, respiratory masks.
• Maintain proper hygiene?– wash hands thoroughly before eating, drinking, or smoking, and ensure that any cuts or grazes are properly cleaned and covered.
• Be cautious of structural hazards?– trees and branches may have been weakened by strong winds and could fall unexpectedly. Avoid working near damaged trees until they have been professionally assessed and cleared.
• Stay hydrated and avoid overexertion?– emergency clean-up can be physically and emotionally demanding. Take regular breaks and drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.

2. Assess and Secure the Facility

Before beginning the clean-up, it’s important to assess the extent of the damage and secure the facility to ensure it is safe to enter and work within. Key considerations include:

Structural Integrity

• Avoid entering buildings that show visible signs of severe damage, such as roof collapses, cracked or bowed walls and ceilings, or compromised foundations.
• If in doubt, wait for an inspection by a qualified building engineer before proceeding.

Utility Safety

• Check for gas leaks or water leaks. If you smell gas or hear hissing sounds, evacuate immediately and contact emergency services.
• Do not use electricity, gas, or water until it has been confirmed safe by the appropriate providers.
• Be cautious of fallen powerlines and avoid entering water that may be in contact with live electrical sources.
• If you notice sparks, broken or frayed wires, or a burning smell, turn off the electricity at the main circuit breaker. If standing water is present near the fuse box, seek advice from an electrician before proceeding.

Wildlife Hazards

• Be mindful of animals such as snakes, spiders, and rodents that may have taken shelter in your facility.
• Contact local wildlife rescue services or your local council if you need assistance with safe removal.

3. Begin the Clean-Up Process

Once personal safety is ensured and the facility has been deemed safe, the actual flood clean-up process can begin. A systematic approach will help get operations back on track as soon as possible:

Document Any Damage

• Take clear photographs and videos of all damage before beginning repairs or disposal.
• Maintain a detailed record of damaged equipment, furniture, and structural elements.
• Contact your insurance provider to initiate the claims process as soon as possible.

Water Removal and Drying

• Remove any standing water.
• Use dehumidifiers and fans to accelerate the drying process.
• Dispose of porous materials that have absorbed water and cannot be salvaged, such as carpets and insulation.

Industrial Cleaning and Sanitisation

• Hard surfaces should be cleaned using industrial-grade disinfectants to eliminate bacteria and mould.
• Floors, especially those affected by floodwaters, should be thoroughly scrubbed using professional floor-cleaning equipment.
• Hiring equipment such as floor scrubbers, burden carriers, and industrial tugs can help expedite the cleaning process while minimising risk to personnel.

Restoration and Reopening

• Conduct a final inspection to ensure that all areas are dry, clean, and structurally sound.
• Test all electrical appliances and machinery before use.
• Implement measures to prevent future damage, such as installing water barriers and improving drainage systems.

Conquest Hire: Your Partner in Flood Clean-Up and Emergency Cleaning Events

When it comes to industrial cleaning and recovery, having the right equipment makes all the difference to a fast, effective and safe recovery effort.?Conquest Hire?offers an extensive range of hard floor cleaning equipment and?industrial vehicles, readily available for fast delivery in Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Adelaide, and Perth.

Our expert team are glad to provide expert advice on equipment selection, and offer thorough operator training provided at the time of delivery. Whether you need floor?scrubbers,?sweepers, or?industrial burden carriers, we’re here to support your business in getting back to full operation as quickly as possible.

Get Started Today

Recovering from flood damage is a challenging process, but with the right approach and equipment, businesses can restore operations efficiently while keeping their employees safe. By prioritising personal safety, assessing and securing the facility, and implementing an organised clean-up strategy, businesses can minimise downtime and financial losses.

If you require specialised cleaning equipment to assist in your flood clean-up efforts,?contact Conquest?today. Our team is ready to help you get back to business with minimal disruption.

Call 1800 100 150 or complete the form for a no obligation hire equipment?recommendation and?quote.

Conquest is Australia’s leading supplier of industrial and commercial floor cleaning equipment. Our reliable and heavy-duty range of industrial?power sweepers, commercial?power scrubbers, orbital scrubbers, combination machines, and outdoor street cleaning solutions come backed by a highly dedicated team, nationwide service and support, and a commitment to genuine customer care. No matter your floor cleaning challenge, Conquest is behind you all the way.

For national sales, service and support:

P: 1800 100 150

E: [email protected]

W: conquestequipment.com.au

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