The flood waters might have gone but a hidden killer may be lurking in the inundated properties of south west Queensland and northern NSW. Oliver Threlfall, CEO of Steamatic, is warning the insurance sector and clients that fungal spores left over expose the residents and travelers to the regions to health problems. A number of precautions must be made beyond the washing down that flood victims might consider adequate. “The most common process for cleaning internal walls by those affected by flood has been to hose internal walls with a pressure washer and then repaint when the plasterboard appears dry,” Mr. Threlfall says. “The problem with this is that fungal spores in the flood water will have reached the cavity behind plasterboard causing mould to grow rampantly. “As a result, people have reported experiencing headaches and respiratory problems that originate from the mould that is now likely to be well established.” The elderly and young particularly were vulnerable.

Mr. Threlfall has a 6 point systematic program as the most effective way to eradicate mould. The first two steps are to remove free water and remove and dispose of damage porous materials if the water source is deemed unclean or contaminated. Then clean and sanitise all non-porous surfaces that have come in contact with the water source. Follow this by install adequate drying equipment (dehumidification and air movement) to accelerate the drying of structural components to pre loss moisture levels. Dry structural materials to moisture levels evident in areas that were not affected by this loss (control).The 5th step is to ensure adequate and verified drying systems are installed so that ambient moisture conditions are reduced to inhibit mould amplification (Technically: “rH Then record and file all drying measurements for future use. This may be needed to demonstrate this event (proximate cause) is not necessarily the cause of future mould outbreaks.

“Overall the aim is to work calmly through the job needs rather than rush to reinstate. Knowing the risks associated with mould and bacteria are the first defense. “Inadequate, yet well intended quick fixes may often become long tail claims with potential for health issues and legal ramifications. He advises: “In short: clean it, sanitise what can be sanitised, replace that which can’t be (porous), dry and verify that it’s dry and record all measurements for future reference. Fix it once correctly.” Steamatic: Tel 1300 STEAMATIC or email help@steamatic.com.au.

I am pleased to announce the appointment of Mark Silveira as Steamatic’s National Marketing Director. His experience over 34 years in the insurance industry has seen him involved with Insurers, Brokers (local and international), Premium Funders, Underwriting Agencies and industry Association bodies. His major employment achievements include his developmental role as the General Manager of the Steadfast Group during its formation, his involvement in the acquisition of over 80 insurance broking businesses whilst at OAMPS and in more recent times, his appointment as CEO to the authorised representatives association – AFMA IAAA during which time the membership of the Association increased by over 80%.

As Steamatic continues to grow and develop an enviable reputation in the market place, the management team has recognised and documented the investment we need to make in people and technology to ensure we continue to remain the market leaders in our field of expertise. As a result, I am pleased to welcome Mark to the Organisation and look forward to his input into what is an exceptionally exciting phase of our development.

Steamatic, the world leaders in cleaning and restoration for domestic or commercial purposes celebrate 25 years in business.

September, 2011 – Finding the right services to help after experiencing damage from fire, flood or other disaster can be difficult without knowing exactly where to look.

Yet, Steamatic has cleaning and restoration experts on hand 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to assist with any emergencies. Steamatic offers a 24 hour Emergency Response service, designed to assist customers in many major city and large regional town locations around Australia.

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When disaster hits, it usually leaves destruction behind. This mess can be overwhelming to homeowners and business owners alike. When destruction hits, it is the perfect time to call Steamatic, the experienced professionals that will handle the cleanup process and restoration services.

August, 2011 – Steamatic, the disaster recovery specialists since 1968, uses state of the art techniques and equipment to efficiently and quickly clean up after a disaster such as a flood, fire, storm, or other destructive events. These experts not only clean, but they take immediate steps to implement emergency preservation procedures to prevent further damage. Steamatic will restore the structure, as well as furnishings, to reduce property loss and provide quick re-entry of the property.

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Cleaning up in the aftermath of floodwaters, fire, and other water damage can be a nightmare scenario for those who have no idea where to begin or who have other pressing matters to tend at a very difficult time in their lives. That is where the service pros of Steamatic at www.steamatic.com.au come into the picture.

July, 2011 – There are all kinds of difficult scenarios to contend with in the aftermath of fires and flood. With fires it seems that whatever the fire itself didn’t damage, the waters used to put the fire out tried to finish off. Then there is all the cleaning and mould removal that’s left behind. Combine that with insurance claims, questions, and paperwork and it’s no wonder that many families throughout Australia have a hard time coping at times like these.

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Steamatic is a company that specialises in cleaning and restoration of both residential and commercial buildings.

June, 2011 – Home and business owners alike are able to relate to the stress and overall inconvenience of keeping their buildings clean and healthy. Often, it seems as though there just simply are not enough hours in the day to ensure that even the most basic of chores are taken care of to ensure a home or company building stays in top shape. Luckily, there is a company that can solve that problem.

Steamatic Cleaning and Total Restoration is a cleaning company who provide a multitude of services to fit anyone’s needs.

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to the position of State Manager Victoria.

Grant has joined Steamatic after a successful lengthy tenure with a major Motor & Home Insurance Company holding leadership positions which include State Assessing Manager, Repairer & Supplier Manager and Business Development Manager.

During this time he managed departments through major events including the Victorian Bushfires, several Melbourne Storms and the integration of a significant business merger with another major Insurer.

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Steamatic will officially launch ‘Rosie’, Australia’s latest weapon of mass restoration, at Steamatic in Braeside on Thursday 12th August, at 5pm.

Rosie is the largest vacuum freeze dryer in the southern hemisphere, an exciting new resource for disaster recovery, water damage restoration and exhibit maintenance. This new technology is unique to Steamatic and offers unprecedented support for recovery and restoration whenever disaster strikes.

“Forget the coffee beans!” said Steamatic CEO Oliver Threlfall, “No other process can arrest the deterioration of water-damaged documents and artifacts like Rosie can.”

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Steamatic made front page news on the Herald Sun and The Age websites with this dramatic image of the tornado whirling above Moama. Steamatic was right there in the wake of the storm.

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