The ANSI/IICRC S500 states containment is “an engineering control designed to isolate an area
for drying or used to minimize cross contamination from affected to unaffected areas by traffic
or material handling. Containment is often used in conjunction with managed airflow (e.g.,
negative air pressure).”

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Every drying project should be contained to not only focus the drying on the smallest area
possible to make the drying more effective, but also to separate the affected area from the
unaffected to minimize potential cross-contamination, heat, temperature, or noise. Setting
containment could be as simple as closing a door or constructing plastic with extension poles.
Remember, use sand bags, if possible, instead of tape when it is a category 1 or 2 and there
are no big health concerns to hold down the edges of the plastic. Tape has a very limited warranty
and can pull off finishes or leave residues so restorers need to be careful before using.

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It is critical that when you go over the job scope/drying plan with the lead technician that you
discuss the use of containment. See some suggested questions below to assist in making sure
the strategy includes focusing the drying on the smallest area possible and not
spreading contaminants.

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Recommended Questions

1. Ask the lead technician or project manager how they are setting containment when discussing the
   drying chambers. Don’t give them a choice; assume it is being set, and you just need to record how
   it is being placed, adding you need photos of the containment. They can take the photos of it when
   they take the photos of their equipment setup. It is critical we obtain these photos by the second
   day of drying. You must set that expectation from the very beginning.
2. If there are vaulted ceilings or open floor plans that make setting containment difficult, it is still
   important they contain the affected area, because if they don’t, it will dramatically slow down the
   drying. Restoration supply houses sell plenty of containment options with ziplock doors, extension
   poles, etc.
3. If it is a category 3 with mold, lead, or asbestos contaminated water loss, it is even more important
   containment be used to prevent the spread. We may even need them to prove they have the affected
   area under negative pressure by taking photos of manometer readings. Negative pressure of 0.02”
   w.g. (5 pascals) is normally considered adequate to prevent the spread of contaminants.
4. When drying wood flooring, there are other category 4 situations, or when the drying is not
   progressing properly, containment can greatly shorten the drying time by raising the wet surface
   temperatures. Wet surface temperatures combined with the gpp in the affected areas should be
   recorded to show the restorer achieved good evaporation potential.

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Conclusion

It is amazing in today’s water mitigation industry how many materials can be saved and dried
quickly by utilizing the science of drying and new drying technology. The problem we see in the
industry is many technicians don’t take the time to focus their drying by setting good containment.
Remember, the drying process creates lots of wind noise, heat, and possible spread of
contaminants or dust, and the affected areas must be separated from the unaffected. That is
why we always ask for readings in both areas to ensure the unaffected areas remain protected
and the affected areas have good conditions for drying.

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