3 Types of Flood Water and How They Can Affect Your Workplace

9/12/2019 (Permalink)

Every business owner should know these three categories of water damage.

As a business leader, you're concerned about the profitability of your company. You also have responsibility for the safety and well-being of your employees and for the integrity and functionality of your organization. You probably have plans in place to respond to fires and other emergencies, but are you aware of the dangers of flood water? There are different degrees of severity when it comes to flooding. The more you understand these, the better response you can have in your Summit, Lake, Park & Eagle Counties, CO, workplace.

Flood Causes
Any number of things could go wrong in your office to start a flood. Sometimes, it could be a simple matter of your building succumbing to age and to wear and tear. Often, the following will introduce water on the floors or into the walls or ceiling of your facility:

-A toilet overthrow
-Backed-up sewer line
-Poorly placed rain gutters and downspouts
-Broken or leaking pipes
-Damaged foundation

Category 1 Flooding
This is the least harmful type of flood water. It consists of clean water, so you can take comfort that it won't have dangerous materials in it. Though the water can still damage electronics, documents, furniture, carpet and walls, it won't pose harm to you or your employees. It can occur as a result of pipe problems or a leaking roof.

Category 2 Flooding, Gray Water
This type of water has moderate health concerns for individuals. A broken dishwasher in your break room or a toilet overflow could bring Category 2 water into your office. You should still exercise caution around this water.

Category 3, Black Water
This water can be lethal to humans, as it contains raw sewage, including fecal matter. You may also find hazardous materials such as silt in black water. Never attempt to clean up black water on your own Instead, call a skilled sewage cleanup team immediately.

Flood water can be a serious matter in your building, regardless of the category. Be aware of what characteristics constitute these three types.