Water Damage is among the most significant problems that hospitals face. It’s one of the major issues they confront. There are numerous instances when water damage could negatively affect hospital operations. While it’s not likely to cause an emergency in the internal environment, it will usually affect the budget. For more information, keep reading!
Nowadays, technology for water disaster recovery has advanced rapidly, and modern equipment may not be fully able to recover any material, for instance, some absorbent substances that don’t fully dry. For instance, ceiling tiles are made of fiberglass, as are some kinds of carpets.
The most frequent water damage causes are flooding in the hospital area and leaks inside some of the water tanks’ main tanks, damage to plumbing, or minor issues like blocks within the drainage system, like toilets. No matter the extent of damages caused by water, they need to be addressed immediately, as the most negligible impact is a feeling of discomfort that affects the majority of people, be it patients, guests, or medical experts.
Naturally, as we’ve mentioned before, the floods will cause the hospital to suffer adverse effects, affecting the operation and its property. In a hospital, water damage can cause damage to buildings and medical equipment, along with equipment that supports them, and the loss of archives and threats for patients who receive treatments!
In the aftermath, water damage can drain several resources from the hospital affected. Cleaning the facility on your own, in most cases, is not feasible, and expert assistance is required. Cleaning in hospitals is different in comparison to other areas. Specific sanitation and safety requirements are only two factors that help to make hospital cleaning more thorough. In addition, the use of high-tech equipment is essential too.
There has yet to be any discussion about the cost of restoration that must be incurred soon. The cleaning has been completed, and certain damaged parts must be fixed. Damages that can’t be repaired usually aren’t repairable and must be replaced. For example, carpets, nurse scrubs, or nurse scrubs that have been submerged in water for an extended period should be replaced. Certain materials are not then able to stand up to waterlogging.
How prevalent is water damage in the health sector?
According to Hartford’s claims statistics, older buildings and new constructions in the health industry are susceptible to water damage risk. The primary losses are caused by leaks from cooling and heating systems, internal pipes and fixtures pipe freezes, leakage of sprinklers, and drainage backup. Furthermore, water is often the result of poor plumbing, so choosing a skilled contractor with experience in producing high-quality is essential.
In this regard, Hartford has developed a set of steps healthcare companies can follow to guard against water damage and intrusion.
Plan for water damage prevention strategy
An organized water damage prevention program (WDPP) is essential in preventing significant loss. It’s always possible to make one. And if you do have plans, periodic reviews and updates are recommended.
The WDPP should include regular inspections of the building to detect exposed areas of water damage that are not controlled and should also incorporate regular maintenance to ensure that the drains are free of debris and divert the water to the catch basin or low point away from the structure. Additionally, a well-designed WDPP should be able to incorporate technology and include backflow stoppers on sewer connections and sensors for water to identify the areas most at risk of exposure.
Furthermore, a well-trained group of water damage responders must be enlisted to label and map all valves for zone-wide shutoff and keep the most current list of contractors’ contact details for emergencies.
To prevent water intrusions from domestic and fluid service systems, owners of buildings must also create a WDPP consisting of water control valve tags, an outline of the building’s water valves, the procedures for managers and employees to follow if the presence of a leak or damaged service system is detected as well as the accessibility of cleanup and restoration equipment and an agreement with an experienced water damage restoration company to ensure prompt intervention and cleaning.
Consider areas at risk for water intrusion.
Water can enter buildings in various ways, and there are some critical areas that a healthcare facility must be aware of. First and foremost is the building’s exterior, which includes the walls, roofs, and floors. It also includes internal systems like pipes for domestic water heaters, HVAC, medical and dental equipment that is water-based processing fluids, protection from sprinklers, and building apparatus and devices. Additionally, outdoor exposures like surface water from poor landscaping gutters, downspouts, and weather-related risks should be considered.
Monitor electronic exposures with high risk.
Managers and building owners can benefit from technology to lessen the cost of water damage claims. Internet of Things devices, like water sensors, could be utilized to monitor for leaks. These devices can provide earlier detection warnings, ideal for use in operating rooms and areas where sensitive equipment and diagnostics are used.
They are simple to install and feature wireless detection technology, which is linked to valves that control the flow of water for emergency shutoffs, alerts to mobile phones, and data on water use.
Working with an experienced insurance company
It’s not a secret that claims for water damage are frequent in the insurance business. However, healthcare companies can be protected by identifying at-risk areas, making a WDPP, and using technology to track and reduce the risk of costly losses. If a claim for water damage persists, being insured by an experienced company is essential.
In the healthcare sector, water damage in a hospital could disrupt the patient’s services. This can also pose problems when bringing patients in if there are concerns about the structure’s condition. Thus, the effects of interruptions to business operations could far surpass the physical damage to the building and its contents. Moreover, minimizing the risk of water damage is essential to ensure patients’ quality.
