Hazards & First Aid Basics

Spotting bad floors & ceilings

Inspect visually before stepping. Warning signs include:

• Soft, spongy, or sagging floorboards; visible daylight through floorboards below.
• Warping, large cracks, or water stains on ceilings and joists.
• Rusty or missing fasteners on metal stairs and balconies; heavy corrosion on supports.
• Accumulations of debris, pooled water, or rot near entry points.
• Use a probing stick or gently test with a foot at the edge before committing to a step—never hop across suspect spans.

Ventilation awareness & air quality

Poor ventilation concentrates dust, spores, and gases. Signs of hazard:

• Musty, damp, or chemical smells; visible mould patches (black/green/white) on surfaces.
• Poor lighting and long, enclosed corridors with no airflow.
• Old insulation fibers, deteriorated drywall, and loose ceiling material that produce dust.

Precautions: avoid confined spaces; consider a P100 respirator in dusty, mouldy, or poorly ventilated areas; keep exposure times short and leave if you feel dizzy, lightheaded, or have trouble breathing.

Mold, asbestos & chemical cautions

• Mould: can cause respiratory irritation and allergic reactions. Avoid disturbing large mould patches.
• Asbestos: common in older buildings (insulation, floor tiles, pipe wrap). If you suspect asbestos, do not disturb it—do not scrape, sand, or break materials.
• Chemicals: Rusted drums, unknown containers, paint cans, and solvents can be hazardous—do not open or move them.
• Rule of thumb: if materials crumble into dust or fibre when touched, assume hazard and withdraw.

Cuts, punctures & tetanus

Minor wounds are common. Quick steps:

• Clean immediately with clean water and soap where possible.
• Apply direct pressure for bleeding; use sterile dressing or clean cloth and bandage.
• For puncture wounds, deep cuts, or heavily contaminated wounds, seek medical attention—tetanus risks are higher with rusty metal.
• Keep tetanus vaccinations up to date (follow local public health guidance).

When to bail — clear red flags

• Visible structural failure (major sagging, fresh collapse, large cracks).
• Strong chemical smells, unexplained vapours, or active leaking containers.
• Obvious animal nests with aggressive animals present.
• Dizziness, shortness of breath, or sudden nausea—leave immediately and seek fresh air.
• Signs of recent human activity suggesting active occupancy or security (working lights, recent repairs, cameras).
• If in doubt, retreat and reassess from a safe distance—no photograph or experience is worth serious injury.