What is the recommended action to manage the HVAC system during salvage operations?

What is the recommended action to manage the HVAC system during salvage operations?

• A. Leave HVAC running to ventilate smoke.
• B. Open all doors and vents to maximize airflow.
• C. Isolate HVAC, seal ducts or remove and clean, and prevent cross-contamination to other spaces.
• D. Disconnect main power and ignore the ducts.

Answer: (C)

During salvage operations, the air system can become a powerful conduit for smoke, soot, and other contaminants to travel to parts of the building that aren’t affected. If the HVAC is left running or doors and vents are opened, those contaminants can be circulated throughout multiple spaces, causing more damage and health risks. Simply disconnecting power without addressing the ducts can also leave contamination still moving through the system or create electrical hazards.

The best approach is to isolate the HVAC so air movement stops, seal the ducts (or remove and clean them) to break the pathways that could carry contaminants, and take steps to prevent cross-contamination to other spaces. This containment helps protect clean areas and makes subsequent cleaning and restoration more effective.