Why SERVPRO of Jacksonville Performs Frequent Equipment Safety Tests

At SERVPRO, we understand that sometimes entering a job site can be unsafe, especially if there is still smoke leftover from a recent fire. Safety masks allow us to breathe and work without worry of adverse reactions to our surrounding environment. However, if they are not in working condition, wearing a safety mask does little to help our technicians out in the field. Here at SERVPRO, we strive to prevent accidents and injury before they happen through extensive safety tests on our equipment and safety training.
 
During an equipment safety test on the masks that are used by SERVPRO of Jacksonville South, the test administer asked his technicians to move their heads back and forth while waving a burning object around their masks. He states that their goal is to, "simulate you moving around in a work environment." He tests the masks this way to make sure that movement does not allow smoke or mold spores through the mask and into his employee's lungs. Should the masks fail on the job, it could be a significant safety hazard to the SERVPRO technicians.
 
He does not only check the masks once, in fact, he does another test right after the first, getting the employees to move even more aggressively. He asks the technicians to "twist your body around a bit, bend over, touch your toes." This movement allows him to test whether the masks can withstand sudden movements.
 
To further outline what may happen should the masks fail, he allows employees to breathe in some of the smoke that he is using to test the masks. Naturally, this causes the technicians to go into a coughing fit, something that they would never want to happen while out in the field. For this reason, it is essential to perform equipment safety checks, especially because smoke inhalation and excessive exposure to mold are dangerous for the health of his employees.
 
Should you find yourself in urgent need of remediation services, reach out to SERVPRO of Jacksonville South at (904) 762-8066. Our techs are extensively trained to do their job safely to help ensure a successful remediation.