The clean up continues after the widespread floods throughout Australia:

As the heavy equipment moves mud and garbage away and power is reconnected, the carpet and restoration industry is poised to play its part in delivering critical hygiene services to South East Queensland, northern New South Wales and parts of regional Victoria. It is at these times that education and training come to the fore in dealing effectively, for the long term, with mould and cross contamination issues.

At the time of INCLEAN’S industry ring around mid-January, service providers were ready to meet the call of insurance companies and assessor. The waiting time for phone calls and txt messages from insurance companies was predicated on just when those companies were up and running having been affected themselves.

NUCCRA national president Gary Bourke – whose firm is Gold Coast based – outlined what’s in store for service provider technicians. “The work hasn’t started coming in yet and much has to be done in terms of restoring power and clearing away mud, dirt and garbage.

“Hopefully the insurance companies will have learned from previous flood scenarios and will ensure that sites are properly dried and dehumidified before builders start their work. That means using the right equipment and taking the time needed to make sure the building frames etc are truly dry,” Bourke stated.

He noted that the ideal machines for doing drying tasks most effectively, desiccant de-humidifiers, are thin on the ground in Australia.

“It should also be noted that not all carpet cleaners are restorers and not all restorers do mould,” Bourke cautioned.

He pointed out the safety issues related to the application of applying antimicrobials and emphasised the need for protective clothing and face masks for applicators.

“It’s at these times training and education comes to the fore. Those who have invested time and money into education will benefit from these tragic situations but those not educated will be caught out in the longer term” (by not applying the correct processes).

To read the full article go to:   http://incleanmag.com.au/2011/01/16/floods-industry-poised-to-tackle-it-critical-tasks/