1. Site Inspection for Safety before starting fire cleaning
Conduct a thorough inspection of the site to ensure safety measures are in place before commencing fire cleaning.
Check for structural integrity, potential hazards, and any unstable areas.
Slip and fall hazards commonly exist after a fire. Standing water may be present and with that issue electrical concerns and possible mold contamination must be looked into.
Broken glass and structural debris may be present, therefore proper footwear is important.
Be vigilant in identifying any risks or dangers that may impede the cleaning efforts and address them promptly to create a safe working environment for all involved.
2. PPE use fire cleaning
When handling fire cleaning tasks, it is crucial to prioritize safety by donning appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE).
This includes but is not limited to goggles, gloves, masks, and protective clothing.
By wearing PPE, you safeguard yourself from potential health hazards such as exposure to soot, ash, harmful chemicals, and other contaminants present in fire-damaged areas.
Always ensure that your PPE is in good condition and fits properly to provide maximum protection during the cleaning process.
3. Assess the Damage
Begin by assessing the extent of the fire damage to determine the level of cleaning required.
This includes checking for smoke damage, soot residue, and water damage from firefighting efforts.
Take note of any areas that may need special attention or professional cleaning.
4. Ventilate the Area
Proper ventilation is essential to remove smoke odor and improve air quality. Open windows and doors to allow fresh air to circulate throughout the space. Consider using fans Air scrubbers to help expedite the process.
5. Remove Debris and Ash
Start by clearing out any debris, ash, and charred items from the affected area. Use a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter to remove fine particles and soot residue. Be cautious while handling debris, as it may contain harmful substances.
HEPA vacuums are used to remove loose particles and other contaminants during the pack-out of contents and structural cleaning. They are specially designed vacuums that contain a HEPA filter, which when installed correctly, will capture 99.97% of particles 0.3 micron in size.
6. Identifying the type of fire cleaning required
7. Cleaning supplies used in fire cleanup
Gather all necessary cleaning supplies for fire cleanup, including the appropriate chemicals for the type of cleaning required. Organize the supplies in a convenient and accessible location near the work area to facilitate efficient and effective use during the cleanup process.
Soot Removal Sponges: Also known as “chem” sponges, soot removal sponges are made from vulcanized rubber. Vulcanization is a chemical process which enhances the physical properties of the rubber, making it more durable and resistant to abrasion. These unique sponges are an important part of the mechanical (physical) removal of embedded soot particles. The sponges capture and hold soot particles within the pores of the sponge. Typically all flat or matte surfaces will require the use of soot removal sponges during the dry soil removal process.
Solvent Action: Most water-based cleaning products used in fire mitigation are alkaline (pH 7-14) because smoke residues are usually acidic (pH < 7). The higher the pH is, the more aggressive the cleaning product will be. Note: pH is a measure of the concentration of hydrogen atoms in a given solution.
Because smoke residues are often oily, a solvent is required to remove them - a solution in which the residue can be dissolved for removal. Each type of solvent can dissolve different things. Water is the most common solvent to use (sometimes called the 'universal solvent') but organic solvents may be used for greasy, oily or waxy things.
Chemical Reaction: In this type of cleaning, the product used will react with the substance and create a third substance that can be easily wiped away.
Example: Rust (oxidized metallic residue) reacts with acidic cleaning products. Then it can simply be washed away.
Lubrication:Lubrication is the act of reducing friction between the surface and the smoke residue. This allows for removal of the residue without scratching the surface.
Example: Vegetable oil soap is often used on finished wood surfaces that won't be damaged by water.
Agitation:Agitation is the act of using physical force to suspend soot and smoke residue. The tool used may be soft (terrycloth towel) or hard (bristled brush) with the level of contamination and type of surface determining the cleaning agent used.
Temperature:Cleaning under high temperature causes faster results because chemical reactions occur more quickly, pores become open, and the material dries more quickly. Always check to make sure the surface can withstand high temperature.
Dwell Time: Dwell time is the amount of time during which a cleaning agent is in contact with the contaminated surface. Follow the manufacturer's instructions regarding dwell time, as it changes from product to product.
8. Clean Surfaces
Use a mixture of mild detergent and warm water to clean walls, floors, and other surfaces affected by smoke and soot. Scrub gently to avoid spreading soot further. Consider using specialized cleaners designed for fire damage restoration for more stubborn stains.-
See above step for types of cleaning supplies
9. Clean Fabrics and Upholstery
Launder or dry clean any fabrics, upholstery, and linens that have been affected by smoke or soot. Use an upholstery attachment on a vacuum cleaner to remove residue from furniture. Consider hiring a professional cleaner for delicate or heavily soiled items.
10. Eliminate Smoke Odor
To remove lingering smoke odor, use odor absorbers such as baking soda, activated charcoal, or commercial odor-neutralizing products.
Place these products in affected areas for several days to absorb the odor molecules.
Consider using an ozone generator or professional smoke odor removal services for persistent odors.
Air filtration devices(Air scrubbers) are the most basic, yet essential, piece of equipment used in fire damage restoration, with the use of a Carbon (charcoal) filter
