Wednesday, February 4, 2009

Checklist for Mold Remediation

As per the US EPA:

Investigate and evaluate moisture and mold problems

Please note that this checklist was designed to highlight key parts of a school or commercial building remediation and does not list all potential steps or problems.
  • PDF Version of the Checklist for Mold Remediation (PDF, 1 page, 20KB, About PDF)
  • Assess size of moldy area (square feet)
  • Consider the possibility of hidden mold
  • Clean up small mold problems and fix moisture problems before they become large problems
  • Select remediation manager for medium or large size mold problem \
  • Investigate areas associated with occupant complaints
  • Identify source(s) or cause of water or moisture problem(s)
  • Note type of water-damaged materials (wallboard, carpet, etc.)
  • Check inside air ducts and air handling unit
  • Throughout process, consult qualified professional if necessary or desired

Communicate with building occupants at all stages of process, as appropriate

  • Designate contact person for questions and comments about medium or large scale
  • remediation as needed

Plan Remediation

  • Adapt or modify remediation guidelines to fit your situation; use professional judgment
  • Plan to dry wet, non-moldy materials within 48 hours to prevent mold growth (see Table 1 and text)
  • Select cleanup methods for moldy items (see Table 2 and text)
  • Select Personal Protection Equipment - protect remediators (see Table 2 and text)
  • Select containment equipment - protect building, occupants (see Table 2 and text)
  • Select remediation personnel who have the experience and training needed to implement the remediation plan and use Personal Protective Equipment and containment as appropriate

Remediate moisture and mold problems

  • Fix moisture problem, implement repair plan and/or maintenance plan
  • Dry wet, non-moldy materials within 48 hours to prevent mold growth
  • Clean and dry mold materials (see Table 2 and text)
  • Discard moldy porous items that can't be cleaned (see Table 2 and text)

Questions to Consider Before Remediating

  • Are there existing moisture problems in the building?
  • Have building materials been wet more than 48 hours? (See Table 2 and text)
  • Are there hidden sources of water or is the humidity too high (high enough to cause condensation)?
  • Are building occupants reporting musty or moldy odors?
  • Are building occupants reporting health problems?
  • Are building materials or furnishings visibly damaged?
  • Has maintenance been delayed or the maintenance plan been altered?
  • Has the building been recently remodeled or has building use changed?
  • Is consultation with medical or health professionals indicated?

Avoid Exposure to and Contact with Mold

  • Use Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

For more information go to Source: www.epa.gov/mold

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