Contact us to learn how you can get started with re-occupancy of your facility.

The COVID-19 pandemic has forced the temporary shutdown or reduced operation of buildings and created reductions in normal water use that can create hazards for returning occupants. In addition to the COVID-19 virus, other potential microbial hazards that should be considered prior to reopening after a period of building inactivity are mold and Legionella (the cause of Legionnaires' disease). Additional hazards, may also exist for returning occupants. These can include, changes in water chemistry that lead to corrosion, leaching of metals (such as lead) into stagnant water and disinfection by-products.

MOLD

For mold, a "prolonged period" may be days, weeks, or months depending upon building-specific factors, season, and weather variables. In addition, extended periods of elevated humidity, due to the lack of sufficient utilization of the HVAC systems and limited ventilation, can result in mold growth on surfaces in structures. Mold will grow on building materials where there is moisture, produced from leaks or condensation from roofs, windows, or pipes, or from a flood. Mold can grow on a variety of surfaces, such as ceiling tiles, wallpaper, insulation, drywall, carpet, and fabric. Ensure that your building does not have mold after a prolonged shutdown to maintain a safe working environment for returning occupants.

LEGIONELLA

As buildings sit empty, Legionella pneumophila risks increase. For Legionella, a "prolonged period" may be weeks or months depending on plumbing-specific factors, disinfectant residuals, water heater temperature set points, water usage patterns, and preexisting Legionella colonization. The connection between Legionella pneumophila contamination and water stagnation in building distribution systems is well-known. When buildings are used less frequently or shut down completely, water quality degradation can become a silent but serious issue, warns the nonprofit Environmental Science, Policy & Research Institute (ESPRI) in a new brief called Building Water Quality and Coronavirus: Flushing Guidance for Periods of Low or No Use.

COVID-19 Specific Post Disinfection Verification Analysis

This analysis is available for use in environmental surface testing. It utilizes COVID-19 specific PCR (RNA) techniques to evaluate the presence or absence of the Coronavirus-19 Strain. SELC is using these analytical techniques and CDC guidelines to assist disinfection /remediation efforts to conduct Pre and Post Disinfection Verification Assessments. The COVID-19 method is entitled "SARS-CoV-2 [COVID-19] by Reverse Transcriptase Real-Time PCR panel (CDC NI, N2, RP targets) which has been authorized by emergency use authorization (EUA) from the Food and Drug Administration."