Ghent fire: General recommendations how to clean soot/ash - NEWS10 ABC: Albany, New York News, Weather, Sports

Ghent fire: General recommendations how to clean soot/ash

The below information comes directly from the New York State Department of Health:

General Recommendations for Clean-up of Soot/Ash from the TCI of New York Facility Fire

The following procedures are intended for those areas that have a visible accumulation of soot and dust from the fire:

• Exterior Surfaces (including vehicles) - Use water and detergent to spray off accumulated deposits.  In the event the residue is sticky then the addition of stronger cleaning solution such as tri-sodium phosphate (TSP) may be used.  TSP can be purchased at local hardware stores.
• Air Conditioning Vents and Filters - Before turning on any air conditioning unit, be sure to inspect for visible dust/soot.  Disposable filters should be replaced.  Filters that can be washed and re-used should be washed with water and detergent as discussed above to remove any visible dust/soot.  Outside of air conditioning units can be washed to remove soot and deposits.
• Interior Surfaces - In the event any dust or soot is visible inside a building use wet washing with detergent and water in a bucket.  Change water frequently.  Vacuuming should only be performed with a High Efficiency Particulate (HEPA) vacuum or equivalent.

All exterior wash water should be hosed down with fresh water and cleared away from structures as best as possible.  Wash water should also be diverted from vegetable gardens or areas where children may play.

Personal protection measures:

Protective clothing such as rubber gloves, long sleeves, long pants, closed toed shoes are recommended.  If conditions are dusty or material is airborne, then the use of an N-95 particulate respirator is recommended.  These respirators can be purchased at hardware or home centers.

Emergency Vehicles/Turn Out Gear:

Hose/wash affected exterior surfaces in close proximity to the TCI facility.  The facility property has a liner under the property and surface ground direction will contain the effluent from the washing.  Interiors of emergency vehicles can be vacuumed with High Efficiency Particulate (HEPA) vacuums or wet washed as appropriate.

If you have any questions please call your local or state health department.

Columbia County - 828-3358

Rensselaer County - 270-2674

New York State Department of Health - 402-7800