Remediation Following Weekend Sprinkler-Head Activation in a Clinic Setting

ISSUE: A sprinkler-head failed in our newly constructed clinic 1 month before habitation. Sprinkler systems release 16–20 gallons of water per minute. The system was activated for 28 minutes and released 448–560 gallons of water. Water flowed down through stairwells, chases, between walls, and followed the underside of ducts. PROJECT: A team of experts determined the extent of water damage, assessed available resources, and developed a plan with acceptable timeframes. The goal was to dry all affected building materials <72 hours after the incident. The Fire Department squeegeed water down one elevator shaft to a sump pump, and carpeting was extracted that night. The ventilation system was immediately adjusted to increase outside air, temperature, and flow. Most ceiling tiles were left in place to maintain increased airflow through the sub-floor space. The team identified the ceiling tiles, drywall, casework, insulation, and wallpaper that needed to be removed early the next day. RESULTS: Moisture readings were obtained and compared to a control area within the building. There was no difference in moisture readings between the flooded area and control area above. Readings ranged from 0–23/4% for both groups. LESSONS LEARNED: Effective remediation was achieved by channeling water down the elevator shaft, extracting carpets, and opening the infrastructure. Infection Control initially suggested removing the lower 6 inches of drywall but it was easier to cut out 12 inches to facilitate drying and repair. Infection Control needs access to moisture detectors to record levels before closing the infrastructure.