By Annabelle Canela

ackling contamination in storage facilities is a costly and challenging endeavor. Studies consistently show significant financial losses due to factors like temperature fluctuations, humidity, and contamination. This article explores the different types of contamination commonly encountered in storage facilities, along with effective strategies for identification, removal, and prevention.

Storage facilities are susceptible to various contamination threats that can damage stored items and pose health risks. David Dodge of Paramount Metal Systems says the most common building materials susceptible to contamination are steel, masonry block, and brick. Additionally, there are two prevalent types of contamination: mold and hazardous chemicals.

Mold thrives in damp environments and can quickly colonize porous materials. Early detection is crucial for effectively addressing mold growth. Some key indicators to watch for include visible discoloration (black, green, brown, or white patches), musty odors, warped or damaged materials, and visible moisture.

For large-scale mold infestations or suspected dangerous black mold, professional remediation is recommended. However, facility managers can tackle small-scale infestations (less than 10 square feet) by following safe methods like:

Prioritize Safety
Wear appropriate PPE (N95 respirator, gloves, eye protection, long sleeves) and contain the area with plastic sheeting.

Mold Removal Process
Ensure proper ventilation, then remove mold starting from the outside and working towards the center. Use a diluted bleach solution or commercial mold remover on hard surfaces, scrub, and let dry completely. Discard heavily infested porous materials. After removal, HEPA vacuum the area and dispose of the bag properly.

Preventative Measures
Address the moisture source (leaky pipes, condensation, poor ventilation) and ensure the area dries completely. Use fans and dehumidifiers to expedite drying. Monitor the area for signs of recurrence. If mold returns, consult a professional mold remediation company.

Self-storage attorney Scott Zucker emphasizes that “early communication” is key to successful remediation projects.

Chemical contamination poses another serious threat. Improper storage or spills of hazardous materials like cleaning products, paints, or pesticides can contaminate air, surfaces, and stored items. These chemicals can irritate skin, eyes, and respiratory systems and even pose environmental hazards.

To minimize risks, familiarize yourself with local regulations and partner with certified waste management companies for proper disposal. Tarik Williams of TLW Construction says, “There are specialized consultants and subcontractors that manage and conduct the removal of any hazardous materials.”

While mold, chemical spills, and common building materials pose contamination risks, self-storage facilities can encounter even more unexpected hazardous materials. Here are some lesser-known threats:

Mercury
Improperly disposed of fluorescent bulbs, thermometers, or certain medical equipment can introduce mercury into a storage facility. Mercury is a highly toxic heavy metal that can cause neurological damage, respiratory problems, and developmental issues in children. “It is essential to work with a licensed and insured remediation company” when dealing with any contamination, especially mercury, according to Zucker. Improper handling can exacerbate the problem.

Lithium-Ion Batteries
These batteries, commonly found in laptops, phones, and power tools, can pose a fire hazard if damaged or improperly stored. Dodge emphasizes that following “manufacturer recommendations for storage and disposal” is crucial.

Illegal Materials
Unfortunately, storage units can be misused for storing illegal or hazardous materials. This could include anything from illicit drugs, stolen chemicals, and biomedical or hazardous waste to unregistered firearms or explosives. Facility managers should be vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the authorities. Additionally, know that “an operator has the right to verify what tenants are storing in their units based on the ‘use’ clause of the rental agreement,” explains Zucker.

Once contamination is identified within a storage facility, proper disposal becomes paramount. Navigating the best course of action can be complex, and this section will guide you through the essential steps. However, it’s always important to consult a professional if possible.

Firstly, understanding the legalities is crucial. Different regulations govern the disposal of various types of hazardous waste, including mold, chemicals, and asbestos. Zucker says, “Both federal and state law contain ‘strict liability’ provisions against property owners, even if they were not the party that originally brought the hazardous materials onto the site.”

Next, choosing the right disposal method is essential. There’s a lot of misinformation circulating about proper disposal techniques. For instance, simply throwing away moldy items or pouring leftover cleaning products down the drain is not only ineffective but can exacerbate the contamination problem.

For complex contamination scenarios, particularly those involving hazardous materials like asbestos, seeking assistance from qualified professionals is highly recommended. Williams says, “There are specialized consultants and subcontractors that manage and conduct the removal of any hazardous materials such as asbestos, PCB contamination in soils, etc. The laws and rules for these contaminants and the subsequent ‘clean bill of health’ reports that follow are very strict and must be followed.” Certified remediation companies possess the expertise, equipment, and safety protocols necessary to handle these situations effectively and minimize risks to human health and the environment. They can also provide valuable guidance on post-remediation cleaning and preventative measures to safeguard against future contamination issues.

The first hurdle lies in identifying the source of the contamination. Pinpointing the root cause allows for targeted remediation efforts and prevents the issue from recurring. This is where communication is key. Effective communication and collaboration between facility owners, remediation companies, and construction teams is paramount for successful remediation projects, according to Zucker. He highlights the importance of communicating “as early as possible and ideally long before the regular construction schedules begin.” This allows for proper planning and minimizes potential delays or complications during the remediation process.

Secondly, prioritizing safety is paramount throughout the remediation process. This involves utilizing appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) for workers involved in the clean-up, depending on the specific type of contamination. Additionally, proper containment measures are necessary to prevent the spread of contaminants during the remediation process. From a construction standpoint, Williams says there are some important key considerations when removing hazardous waste. Construction companies should ensure they are “engaging with properly licensed, insured, and qualified consultants and subcontractors and ensuring that the lawful testing, reporting, and work completion reports are filed with the proper authorities.”

Finally, striking a balance between efficiency and cost-effectiveness is crucial. While thorough remediation is essential, the cost associated with the process can be significant. Exploring various disposal options, comparing quotes from qualified remediation companies, and potentially considering DIY solutions for smaller-scale contamination (with proper safety precautions) can help achieve successful remediation within a reasonable budget.

It’s important to note that, however costly it is, Zucker advises that professional remediation is essential from a legal and health standpoint. “There is direct, specific, and strict liability that can be imposed on a property owner that improperly disposes of hazardous materials, even if they were not the original owners of the hazardous materials. So, if anything is found in a tenant’s unit, using a professional remediation company is key. In fact, depending on the materials at issue, the failure to use a professional and well-trained company could be a life-threatening health decision.”

Remediation is a stressful project for self-storage facilities, but the key lies in proactive measures. There are many practical strategies to mitigate future contamination risks, such as maintaining proper ventilation and humidity control to prevent mold growth, ensuring the safe storage and handling of hazardous chemicals, and implementing proper waste disposal procedures for all types of materials.

Additionally, educating renters on best practices for storing their belongings can go a long way in preventing contamination issues. Zucker advises owners always to include rental agreements that “… include provisions where tenants are prohibited from storing anything that could be deemed as hazardous materials and facilities should have the right, upon discovery, to remove and dispose of any items that fall into this category. Additionally, operators always have a right to inspect their tenant’s stored goods, so if you are concerned about what is being stored, you can ask for the tenant to permit inspection of the goods as they are being stored and can demand access if there is later evidence of improper goods being stored.”

Moreover, the importance of regular inspections and maintenance cannot be overstated. Scheduling regular inspections of the facility to identify potential problems early on, combined with routine maintenance tasks like addressing leaky pipes or repairing damaged ventilation systems, can play a crucial role in creating a clean and healthy storage environment for everyone.