CHICAGO — Sewage backups are Category 3 water damage events — the highest contamination category under the IICRC S500 standard — that require strict safety protocols to protect workers and occupants from exposure to pathogenic bacteria, viruses, parasites, heavy metals, and toxic gases including hydrogen sulfide.
The first priority in a sewage backup response is to stop the source of contamination and prevent further spread. This typically involves shutting off the water supply, identifying and correcting the blockage or backup in the sewer line, and establishing containment to prevent contaminated water from spreading to unaffected areas.
All porous materials that have been contacted by sewage — including drywall, insulation, carpet, and padding — must be removed and discarded. These materials cannot be effectively decontaminated and pose an ongoing health risk if retained. Hard surfaces that have been contacted by sewage must be cleaned with a detergent solution and disinfected with an EPA-registered disinfectant.
Workers performing sewage backup remediation must wear appropriate PPE including chemical-resistant gloves, rubber boots, Tyvek coveralls, and a half-face respirator with P100 and organic vapor cartridges. The OSHA bloodborne pathogen standard may apply if the sewage contains human waste.
Post-remediation testing — including ATP testing of hard surfaces and air sampling for biological contaminants — is recommended to verify that the remediation has been effective before the structure is returned to occupancy. Several insurance carriers require post-remediation testing for Category 3 water damage claims.
