Experience Files

A question I get asked often: "The insurance adjuster is saying antimicrobial isn't warranted on category 1 water losses.. what am I supposed to do? Roll over, and eat the charge?"

Ok, there's a lot going on here, I don't want to discuss situations where adjusters want to consider properties that have sat wet for more than a week as category 1 water. For all intents and purposes let's say this hypothetical water loss is a true category 1 loss, wet from a potable source that was quickly caught.

1: This "rule" was basically created because the risk of exposing occupants to disinfectants was worse than the biological activity present on category 1 losses.

2: Botanical based disinfectants are generally made from from cold pressed thyme oil. The SDS from these products have no hazard signaling verbiage, nor is there a requirement for PPE for the applicator.

3: Botanical products are as good or better at destroying or deactivating micro-organisms than their synthetic compound counterparts.

4: The adjuster doesn't truly care if you've applied a disinfectant. They only care about standard of care when it benefits the carrier.

5: Never apply any disinfectant product without first getting written, signed authorization to apply the intended product in a clients building or home. Also, make available the SDS for these products prior to asking for a signature.

6: Always apply disinfectants with strict adherence to to the product label. As we've all heard "the label is the law", as in federal law.

7: You should be using RTU disinfectants, as opposed to concentrated products. Techs in the field tend to eyeball the dilution ratio. Or worse, they use the product full strength which is both ineffective, and expensive. Concentrate manufacturers also recommend RO (Reverse Osmosis) or distilled water for dilution, as the contamination in tap water will decrease the products efficacy of killing microorganisms.

Finally, one of the first things we need to do on any project is gain the customers trust. Customers that see the value or purpose of the steps we take, will fight on our behalf when we are ensuring the safety of their family & home. 

Get your client on your side to see the benefits of using plant-based disinfectants to stall growth while you get a grip on the dryout.