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Chapter 4 - General Remediation Issues
Lesson 2 - Assess Mold Problem
Chapter 4 - General Remediation Issues
Lesson 1
Dry Quickly
Lesson 2
Assess Mold Problem
Lesson 3 Remediation Plan
Lesson 4
Mold Remediation Procedures
Table 1
Water Damage
Table 2
Remediating Mold
Mold on gypsum wallboard.
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Questions to consider before starting remediation include:
- Are there existing moisture problems in the building?
- Have building materials been wet more than 48 hours?
- Are there hidden sources of water, or is the humidity high enough to cause condensation?
- Are the building occupants reporting musty or moldy odors?
- Are the building occupants reporting health problems?
- Are building materials or furnishings visibly damaged?
- Has maintenance been delayed or has the maintenance plan been altered?
- Has the building been remodeled recently, or has its use changed?
- Are consultations with health professionals indicated?
Remediating mold and moisture problems may be complex, and it may increase workers' exposure to mold unless personal protective equipment (PPE) is used.
Avoid Mold Exposure
N-95 disposable respirator used to protect against fungal exposure.
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- Do not touch mold or moldy items with your bare hands.
- Do not get mold or mold spores in your eyes.
- Avoid breathing in mold or mold spores.
- Consider using PPE if disturbing mold during a building inspection, assessment, or walkthrough, for example. The minimum PPE is an N-95 respirator (available at most hardware stores), gloves, and goggles
- Review guidelines for using containment and PPE before starting remediation. (see Table 2)
Remediation workers, especially if they have health concerns, may want to check with their doctors before working on a mold investigation or remediation project. Anyone who has any doubts or questions should consult a healthcare professional before beginning work on a remediation project. See Chapter 6, Lesson 4, for more information on PPE.
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