When disaster strikes, whether it's a natural disaster like a flood or a tornado, or a human-caused disaster like a fire or a chemical spill, it can be a chaotic and stressful time for everyone involved. At WHS, our Occupational Hygienist understand that disaster response requires a quick and efficient approach to mitigate the risk to public health and safety. That's why WHS offer disaster response testing services to help our clients respond quickly and effectively to these critical situations.  WHS can perform wipe sampling to demonstrate surfaces have been properly cleaned or we can do air sampling prior to re-occupancy to ensure acceptable air quality and occupant safety.

Disaster Response Testing Services

Our disaster response testing services include:
  1. Environmental Monitoring and Sampling: Our experienced team of industrial hygienists is trained to conduct environmental monitoring and sampling to assess potential hazards in the aftermath of a disaster. We use state-of-the-art equipment to collect air, water, and soil samples and analyze them in our accredited laboratory to determine the presence of hazardous materials such as asbestos, lead, mold, and other contaminants.
  2. Health and Safety Consulting: Our team of experts provides health and safety consulting to help clients navigate the complex regulatory landscape that governs disaster response activities. We help clients understand their obligations under federal, state, and local regulations and provide guidance on best practices for protecting workers and the public.
  3. Site Assessments: Our team of industrial hygienists conducts site assessments to evaluate the safety of disaster sites and determine the potential risks to workers and the public. We use our expertise in hazard recognition and evaluation to identify potential hazards and develop effective control measures to mitigate those risks.
At WHS, we understand that disaster response requires a fast and efficient approach to minimize risk and ensure the safety of workers and the public. With our disaster response testing services, clients can be assured that they are receiving the highest level of expertise and support during these critical times. Contact us today to learn more about our disaster response testing services and how we can help you prepare for and respond to disasters.
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EFFECTIVE DISASTER RESPONSE SAMPLING TECHNIQUES

WHS offers either Fire-Related Testing for wildfires and structural fires to analyze combustion by-products such as char, black carbon/soot, and ash in fire residues. This test provides valuable information about the extent of damage caused by fires in residential, industrial, or wildfire locations. The results can be used for cleaning assessment and insurance claims purposes, helping clients make informed decisions about their next steps.
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WHS APPROACH

WHS offer 4 tiers of services with respect to Fire Related Testing based on ASTM D6602-13(2018) - Standard Practice For Sampling And Testing Of Possible Carbon Black Fugitive Emissions Or Other Environmental Particulate:
  • Tier 1: Char plus Soot ( Soot analysis is limited to presumptive analysis level only) plus Ash.  Level 1 is a screening level, very affordable and valuable for quick and easy assessment of the overall degree of contamination.
  • Tier 2: Char plus Soot (confirmation level) plus Ash
  • Tier 3: Char plus Soot (confirmation level) plus Ash plus common components of environmental dust (such as fibrous glass, biological material, cellulose, synthetic fibers, pollen, quartz, calcite)
  • Tier 4: Char plus Soot (confirmation level) + Ash+ common components of environmental dust (fibrous glass, biological material, cellulose, synthetic fibers, pollen, quartz, calcite) + Elemental composition of soot, char, and ash by SEM/EDX + pH (to determine overall corrosivity of the dust)
 
Note - Levels 2, 3 and 4 offer analysis using the best analytical methods for confirmatory presence of all the analytes of interest (including soot confirmatory analysis based on ASTM D6602).
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CONSIDERATION FOR TESTING

Char, soot, and ash are distinct byproducts of combustion, each with unique characteristics. Char is the solid residue remaining after incomplete combustion and appears as a blackened, carbon-rich substance. Soot, on the other hand, is a fine particulate matter composed of carbon and other compounds, resulting from incomplete combustion of hydrocarbons. It is often seen as black, greasy deposits. Ash, unlike the other two, is the residue left when materials burn completely. It consists of inorganic compounds such as minerals and metals that do not combust. While char and soot can be contributors to air and surface contamination, ash is relatively less mobile and can be corrosive, particularly in the case of wildfires, posing additional challenges for restoration and cleaning efforts.
                                                                                                 Table 1.
                                                                       Difference between Soot Char Ash​

WILD FIRE AND SMOKE REMEDIATION

Based on the findings, we can formulate a comprehensive remediation strategy. The presence of particles has raised concerns about surface and dust contamination. A strategic focus on thorough surface cleaning and dust removal can effectively tackle a significant portion of the particulate contamination challenge. However, the central issue tied to particulate contamination lies in the risk of recontamination. This is particularly heightened in scenarios involving extensive wildfires, where source materials such as char, ash, and soot persist outdoors. Factors like air currents and human movement can reintroduce these fire-related residues into indoor spaces. Notably, ash, especially from wildfires, possesses an additional concern – its potential to create a corrosive environment, exacerbating overall deterioration. Therefore, our remediation strategy should encompass rigorous cleaning practices, effective air filtration systems, and targeted prevention measures to mitigate the recurring impact of particulate contaminants, especially in the context of wildfire-related scenarios.

ASBESTOS AND HAZARDOUS MATERIALS

Western Health & Safety Occupational Hygienist in Calgary, Alberta, excels in post-disaster assessment and remediation, with a special focus on asbestos assessment. Our expert team conducts thorough site inspections to evaluate the impact of disasters, develops precise sampling plans, and collaborates closely with local, state, and federal agencies. This strategic partnership ensures the effective management and mitigation of risks associated with asbestos and other hazardous materials. Our approach is designed to provide peace of mind and safety for all stakeholders, demonstrating our commitment to excellence in environmental and occupational health.
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For further insights and to discuss tailored strategies based on these findings, we encourage you to reach out to our Occupational Hygienist and our team who have been servicing Alberta and British Columbia since 2004 without delay. Our expertise in addressing particulate contamination, especially in the context of challenges like widespread wildfires, can provide your restoration efforts with a solid foundation. Don't hesitate – contact us today to ensure a thorough and effective approach to safeguarding your business or home.
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