Stage 1: Restoration Industry Knowledge Flashcards

1
Q

What does a water damage company do?

A

Performs emergency services to extract water from clients’ homes as well as remove all contaminated materials. Example; A water pipe bursts and a plumber can turn off the water but he doesn’t have the tools to remove it so he calls out a water damage company to suck up the water, remove affected materials and set up fans to dry out the area.

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2
Q

Do plumbers handle water damage?

A

Some plumbers do handle water damage as well if they have the correct equipment.

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3
Q

What does a testing or inspection company do?

A

Visit properties to TAKE SAMPLES OF MATERIALS (floor, drywall, etc) that are expected to be removed to CHECK FOR HAZARDOUS MATERIALS.

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4
Q

Do water damage companies do repairs?

A

SOME water damage companies also offer repairs.

They will either have…

In-house employees
Higher/subcontract to other vendors
Send a referral to a construction company and get 10-20%.

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5
Q

Can a water damage company remove lead and/or asbestos?

A

NO.

BUT ONLY if they are certified to perform these services.

Most water damage companies are not certified and will send the referral to an “Abatement Company” for 10-20% referral or ad fee.

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6
Q

What does an abatement company do?

A

Remove; LEAD - ASBESTOS & MOLD

An abatement company will “abate” or remove hazardous materials from any job that is positive for lead and/or asbestos and/or mold.

It requires special certification and a process to remove hazardous materials.

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7
Q

Who are a few of the most common abatement companies?

A

Alliance

Burns

PW Stephens

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8
Q

Who is normally first on scene at a new loss?

A

A PLUMBER is normally the first on a job site because that’s who a property owner thinks to call if a pipe is leaking. The plumber will normally refer out to a water damage restoration company for a referral fee.

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9
Q

Who is an adjuster?

A

An adjuster is someone who works for the property owner’s insurance company.

They first approve or deny the claim, then move forward working with vendors to determine what needs to be done at the property.

They will also issue payments on the clients’ behalf to pay for the loss.

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10
Q

What is a typical water damage loss process?

A

Property owner calls their insurance or a PLUMBER.
The plumber comes out, turns off the water. The plumber then calls or refers the job to a WATER DAMAGE COMPANY.

The water damage company will go out usually within an hour no matter the time and remove all the standing water. They then set up fans and dehu’s. Before material can be removed they call YGM to test for hazardous materials.

YGM takes samples usually the same or next day and provides results within 24hrs (for lead and asbestos testing). If the tests come back NEGATIVE the water damage company is free to remove the materials and continue until dry. After the property is dry the adjuster will need to work with the Construction company to determine what they will be paying for and how much. Once they have agreed the repairs are performed and the job is completed.

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11
Q

What is a TPA?

A

A TPA is a Third Party Administrator. TPA’s job is to handle pre-vetted vendors (Water damage co’s) for the insurance company to make sure their jobs are completed correctly. They usually take a cut anywhere between 5-50%.

Not too many people like them but they do have volume so if a client needs business it’s an option to look into.

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12
Q

Is water damage an urgent matter, if so why?

A

Yes.

The longer water is in the home the more damage it will create. This is why water damage companies and plumbers work 24/7

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13
Q

Does YGM provide 24/7 services?

A

YES & NO.

Our territory reps are on call 24/7 to confirm jobs have been received and speak with HO’s to confirm.

Our field technicians generally work from M-F 7:30 -6: PM. Sat 8 -12pm.

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14
Q

What is a containment?

A

A containment is a PLASTIC BARRIER.

It’s set up so that hazardous materials do not escape into the air when demolition is occurring on mold and/or lead and asbestos jobs. It also helps with drying time.

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15
Q

When should a containment be setup?

A

When dealing with hazardous materials

and or

To reduce the size of a room (drying chamber) to dry it faster.

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16
Q

What is an air scrubber?

A

An air scrubber is a FAN WITH A FILTER on it.

It is set up to suck in air through the filter to clear mold spores and or any lead or asbestos out of the air.

The FILTER used is a HEPA filter.

17
Q

What is an air mover?

A

An air mover is a FAN.

It moves air around to dry.

18
Q

What is a dehumidifier?

A

A dehumidifier (dehu) is a FAN that SUCKS MOISTURE out of the air and helps dry a room.

19
Q

What is asbestos?

A

Asbestos is a mineral.

A group of six naturally occurring minerals composed of soft, flexible fibers that are heat-resistant.

20
Q

How is asbestos harmful?

A

YES.

The most common way for asbestos fibers to enter the body is through breathing.

It is not generally considered to be harmful unless it is releasing dust or fibers into the air where they can be inhaled or ingested.

Many of the fibers will become trapped in the mucous membranes of the nose and throat where they can then be removed, but some may pass deep into the lungs, or, if swallowed, into the digestive tract.

Once they are trapped in the body, the fibers can cause health problems.

21
Q

What does Friable mean?

A

The term “friable” means that the asbestos is EASILY CRUMBLED BY HAND.

It releases fibers into the air.

Sprayed on asbestos insulation is highly friable. Asbestos floor tile is not. However it still needs to be tested and abated if positive.

22
Q

What year was asbestos banned? What year is the cut-off for asbestos testing in homes?

A

Technically asbestos was NEVER FULL BANNED.

It can actually be found in a wide variety or products in stores today.

Because of this all homes should be checked for asbestos prior to ANY & ALL demo to avoid health hazards.

23
Q

What is lead?

A

“Lead paint” and “lead-based paint” are common terms used to describe any household paint that contains lead.

It can also be found in children’s toys and furniture.

Lead was commonly added to paints to accelerate the drying process, maintain durability, and add moisture resistance. It was a cheap, effective way to manufacture paint.

It is HARMFUL if ingested.

24
Q

What year was Lead banned?

What year is the cut-off for lead testing in homes?

A

Technically Lead-based paints were banned for residential use in 1978.

However, we are still finding lead-based paint in homes build much more recently than 1978 and even had one come back positive from 2004.

25
Q

What year do people “believe” asbestos was banned?

A

1985 or 1986. Which is NOT TRUE.

The majority of asbestos-containing building materials was NEVER BANNED. The EPA announced a phased-in ban of most asbestos products, but it was never implemented.

26
Q

What causes mold?

A

Wet areas with…

HIGH HUMIDITY

&

LOW LIGHT

27
Q

What is mold?

A

Mold is a FUNGAL GROWTH that develops on wet materials.

Mold is a natural part of the environment and plays an important part in nature by breaking down dead organic matter such as fallen leaves and dead trees; indoors, mold growth should be avoided and cause HEALTH PROBLEMS.

28
Q

What is CAT (Category) 1 water?

A

Clean water

29
Q

What is CAT (Category) 2 water?

A

Gray water. Dirty water from

Washing machines, 
Dishwashers, 
Water beds, 
Broken aquariums,
Urine.
30
Q

What is CAT (Category) 3 water?

A

Poopy

31
Q

What is a normal job flow?

A
Water damage at HO
Plumber on site
Recommends Water Damage co.
Water damage calls YGM for testing
Testing performed
If negative - water damage co can continue demo - Job moves to repairs. 
If positive - Abatement company is called in. 
Clearance needed after completion.
32
Q

Who is Alliance?

A

Abatement Company

33
Q

Who is Burns?

A

Abatement Company

34
Q

What is a HO & PO?

A

Home Owner

&

Policy Owner.

Usually the same person.