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In the world of fire restoration, there are many types of equipment that will need to be utilized for remediators to achieve their overarching goal of restoring the fire affected structure back to its original state. This equipment, though highly effective, requires the skill and expertise of a well-trained technician and comes with a few safety precautions that will need to be put into place to ensure the safety of all involved.
Forms of Restoration
To get a better understanding of fire restoration equipment and their function, it is helpful to know the types of restoration that might be needed for a home or building affected by fire.
Some of the most common forms of restoration that remediators often take on include primary damage that has occurred from the impact of direct contact with fire or smoke, drying of the structure, restoration of content within the affected structure, cleaning of soft and hard surfaces and odor control.
All of these and more will need to be corrected by a remediator in order to achieve total restoration of a building or residence. To complete these tasks, your remediation team will need to make decisions about what type of equipment to use, based on the need.
The following list, though long, details only the most basic pieces of equipment you may see remediators utilize as they take to the task of structural restoration:
- Portable Generator
- Portable Lighting
- Extension Cords
- Thermal Fogger
- Ultra-Low Volume Fogger
- Ozone Generator
- Vapor Dispersal Unit
- Air Filtration Devices
- Vapor Resistant Exhaust Fans
- Portable Generator
- Dumpsters
Must Have Equipment for Fire Restoration
As you may notice from the list above, your remediation technician will come equipped with his or her own portable lighting and electric generator. You do not need to worry about the fact that you may not have electricity to supply your technician with for the proper function of his or her remediation equipment. That is your restorer’s job, and he or she is prepared for it.
Remember never to touch frayed or exposed electrical wires, and to keep those of special interest, such as babies, toddlers or pets, away from these hazards as well.
Three Types of Deodorizing Equipment
Though there are many types of equipment needed for fire and smoke restoration, the following are three types of deodorizing equipment that play an important role in deodorizing a building or residence for the comfort and safety of the owner and occupants.
Ultra-Low Volume Fogger
An ultra-low volume fogger, or a ULV unit, is a piece of equipment that is electrically powered to use water-based deodorizers to neutralize odors within a space. They are particularly useful for tight and confined spaces. Since the droplets produced by this type of machine are so small, they often stay in the air for hours on end, which makes them particularly useful in deodorizing a structure.
Thermal Fogger
A thermal fogger is a device that uses heat to produce an even smaller droplet than the ultra-low volume fogger. Because of its hot temperature, it will move throughout the air of an affected home or structure in a similar way to what smoke would, as it will be attracted to colder surfaces. The result is a highly beneficial means of re-odorizing for optimal effectiveness.
Ozone Generator
An ozone generator works with oxygen molecules in the air to deodorize structures affected by fire. Though effective, ozone generators will work to not only eliminate odors in the air, but will also neutralize any unpleasant odors, as well. Hence, remediators will need to use masking agents, such as a vapor diffusing machine, following the use of the ozone generator.
Safety Considerations
While these types of equipment perform well at eliminating odors, remediation teams that use them must take the necessary precautions to ensure that all parties involved stay safe. As such, no one should remain in the structure as it is being restored unless wearing the appropriate personal protective equipment, or PPE. This could include gear such as gloves and masks, but will largely depend on the situation and the immediate need. Pets and unauthorized individuals will need to leave the affected premises, immediately.
Upon use of the previously mentioned machinery, technicians must be aware of the impact that the machine they are using may have on the environment.
For example, ozone machines often have negative effects on rubber, people, pets and live plants. They can also take up to three days to work. Owners and occupants of structures treated by ozone generators should expect to have to vacate the premises, especially if they aren’t equipped with the appropriate personal protective gear.
Another concern with ozone machines is that they burn mucus membranes because of the reduction of oxygen molecules in the air when they are in use. Respirators cannot protect you from this type of hazard.
In addition, the overuse of foggers of all types often cause damage to paper, cloth and paintings, and can also leave residue on surfaces, depending on the type of fogger used. Your technician will have received training on all of this, so be sure to follow their directives as it relates to safety during the extent of the remediation process.
When Used Properly, Fire Restoration Tools Are Highly Effective
When in the hands of skillful and well-trained professionals, you can expect foggers, ozone generators and other tools used by your restoration technician to work wonders. Your remediation team will come fully equipped with electrical generators and portable lighting, so they will have full access to the electric supply they need to get their equipment up and running.
Whatever you do, do not attempt to remediate, deodorize or fix electrical issues that follow fire events on your own. Always contact your local restoration professional for help.
