chemical poisonings, they can cause sickness in

workers and others who come in contact with

contaminated floodwater. In addition, flooded

areas may contain electrical or fire hazards

connected with downed power lines.

Floodwater

Floodwater often contains infectious

organisms, including intestinal bacteria such as

E. coli, Salmonella, and Shigella; Hepatitis A

Virus; and agents of typhoid, paratyphoid and

tetanus. The signs and symptoms experienced

by the victims of waterborne microorganisms are

similar, even though they are caused by different

pathogens. These symptoms include nausea,

vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramps, muscle

aches, and fever. Most cases of sickness

associated with flood conditions are brought

about by ingesting contaminated food or water.

Tetanus, however, can be acquired from

contaminated soil or water entering broken areas

of the skin, such as cuts, abrasions, or puncture

wounds. Tetanus is an infectious disease that

affects the nervous system and causes severe

muscle spasms, known as lockjaw. The

symptoms may appear weeks after exposure

and may begin as a headache, but later develop

into difficulty swallowing or opening the jaw.

Floodwaters also may be contaminated by

agricultural or industrial chemicals or by

hazardous agents present at flooded hazardous

waste sites. Flood cleanup crew members who

must work near flooded industrial sites also may

be exposed to chemically contaminated

floodwater. Although different chemicals cause

different health effects, the signs and symptoms

most frequently associated with chemical

poisoning are headaches, skin rashes, dizziness,

nausea, excitability, weakness, and fatigue.

well as diseases carried by fleas an

Protect Yourself

After a major flood, it is often diff

maintain good hygiene during clean

operations. To avoid waterborne d

important to wash your hands with 

clean, running water, especially befo

breaks, meal breaks, and at the end 

shift. Workers should assume that 

flooded or surrounding areas is not 

the local or state authorities have sp

declared it to be safe. If no safe wa

available for washing, use bottled w

that has been boiled for at least 10 

chemically disinfected water. (To di

use 5 drops of liquid household ble

gallon of water and let sit for at leas

for disinfection to be completed.). 

containers should be rinsed periodi

household bleach solution.

If water is suspected of being con

with hazardous chemicals, cleanup 

need to wear special chemical prote

clothing and goggles. Before enter

contaminated area that has been flo

should don plastic or rubber gloves

other protective clothing needed to 

with floodwater.

Decrease the risk of mosquito an

bites by wearing long-sleeved shirts

and by using insect repellants. Was

with soap and water that has been 

disinfected before preparing or eati

after using the bathroom, after part

flood cleanup activities, and after ha

articles contaminated by flood wate

addition, children should not be allo
2003

This is one in a series of informational fact sheets highlighting OSHA programs, policies, or standards. It d

any new compliance requirements. For a comprehensive list of compliance requirements of OSHA standards 

refer to Title 29 of the Code of Federal Regulations. This information will be made available to sensory-impa

upon request. The voice phone is (202) 693-1999. See also OSHA’s website at www.osha.gov.

potentially contaminated material, a tetanus

vaccination may be needed if it has been five

years or more since the individual’s last tetanus

shot.

Tips to Remember

■ Before working in flooded areas, be sure your

tetanus shot is current (given within the last 10

years). Wounds that are associated with a

flood should be evaluated for risk; a physician

may recommend a tetanus immunization.

■ Consider all water unsafe until local authorities

announce that the public water supply is safe.

and electric hazards, which have 

potential for fires and explosions

the strength to move and/or bury 

waste and chemical containers fa

normal storage places, creating a 

who come into contact with them

chemical hazards, such as a prop

should be handled by the fire dep

police.

■ If the safety of a food or beverage 

questionable, throw it out.

■ Seek immediate medical care for 

bites.