DEP advisory to residents regarding WTC dust, Oct 2001

NYC 9/11 Public Portal Document FROM: TO:17185954544 P:1^4

Health THtNfWTOmCITT MMITaiNTttMMUR

RECOMMENDATIONS FOR PEOPLE RE-OCCLPYING COMMERCIAL BUILDINGS AND RESIDENTS RE-ENTERING THEIR HOMES What stepe have buUding oMto't and managerf taken to ensnre budding steely? Before building owners and managers allow residents and occupants to return, (hey hose been required by New York City to assess and certify the stability and safety of their buildings. Specifically, no building may be re­ occupied unless eacli of the following steps has been token; 1) foe structure has been thoroughly assessed for strength and stability*, 2) gas service has been cheeked and restored, with the help of Con E^son: 3) electrical service is operating, and any’ exposed wires or damaged fixtures have been repaired or removed; 4) building wator service is operating, roof water tanks have been flushed and re-fillcd and, if necessary, cleaned, 5) Steam service has been checked and restored, where appropriate; 6) the building has been assessed for hazardous materials and if any hove been found, they have been removed according to applicable regulations; 7) building mechanical systems have been inspected and cleaned and repaired, as necessary, including healing, ventilation aid air coodiiioning systems; 8) foe interior htw been cleared of dust and debris. In addition, ^ew York CiQ' is rwiuiring building owners and managers to communicate with building occupants and be available to answer questions reEarding building enttditiems. If you have questions about any of the above issues. you should contact your building owner, manager, or superintendent fVhat fteps shfiufd I Ittke upon returning workpfooe or koineT If you were evacuated from a residence or workplace south of Warren Street, u'est ofBroadway, a«d north <rf Exchange Street, and have been ajrproved to resume tenancy by your building manager, you are advised to wear a dust mask qx>n entering this area to decrease the possibility of dusi inlialation and throat irritation. Outside these boundaries, masks are not necessary, but may he worn for your own comfort. If there is dust present indoors, it , should not be necessary to wear this mask ifyou follow the cleaning {noceduios detailed below In a workplace, speak to your supervisor to see if there arc special startup and cleaning procedure. In very dusty places, clcan-up may be necessary before equipment can be resulted Follow the cleaning procedures discussed below. la your home, you should first make sure that eonditious are safe. You should enter yotu home dressed in a long sleeve shin and pants, and with dosed shoes. Upon entry: • ClicOk for the smell of gas. If the apartmcui smells of gas, leave immediately and report it to your building manager and to Con Rdison. • Cheek for broken glass and fi.\tuies Wrap any broken gloss in paper and mark it ‘'broken glass ’' If largo pieces of glass arc bioken, ask your building supcrintendoil for instructions on disposal « Run hoi and cold water from each of the taps for at least too tuiautes, or until water runs completely dean • Flusli toilets until bowls are refilled. For air pressure systems, you may need to Rush several limes. If there are any problems with ihe toilet or plumbing system, call u plumber - do not try to fix the problem yonraelf. • Follow the cleaning iMoccdures discussed below. t have heard tkai axhestos teax reieased/roM the coilapxe i>/ the H'ortd Trade Center. W'hat are the health tweets o/asie^Oi?

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