4 Critical Tips for Proper Mold Remediation and 10 Tips for Containments

03 Oct 4 Critical Tips for Proper Mold Remediation and 10 Tips for Containments

Although there is not much regulation in the U.S. mold remediation industry, it is important to remember that standards are recommended and based on solid science, but are not mandatory.

These are the mold professionals who claim to use them. However, it is important to be familiar with these procedures before you hire a mold remediation contractor.

It is important to identify and correct all water penetration problems before any restoration work can be done.

Four Tips to Help You Get Mold Remediation Right.

1. Professionals in remediation must inform the Standard by writing if they are departing from it. This applies even if they are involved in both testing and remediation. What incentive is there for them to say they did a poor job and that the mold isn’t gone or is worse?
2. NO COATINGS ABOVE MOLD REMOVAL. All testing must take place before any coatings can be applied. Coatings are not designed to protect against mold spores and their toxic by-products called “mycotoxins”.
3. NO FOGGING IN ADDITION TO MOLD REMOVAL Also , remediator’s shouldn’t mist or fog their efforts to kill mold in order to remove the source.
4. CONFLICT of INTEREST DISCLOSURE in WRITING: Testing and remediation done by the same company present a ‘complexity’ that must be disclosed in writing according to the ANSI/IICRC S520 Standards. This is referred to in the ANSI/IICRC webinar as a conflict of interests’. It is important that the person or company performing the testing does not know the identity of the person doing the work. Unless otherwise stated in writing, the ANSI prefers an impartial confirmation of the air quality status and successful remediation.

10 Tips to Proper Containment

The EPA recommends that full containment be used for mold contaminated surfaces greater than 100 sq. feet. In any case where occupants have reported symptoms or health concerns, it is highly recommended to use.

1. Two layers of polyethylene should create a barrier to separate the moldy area from other areas of the building. To protect the work areas, install appropriate containment. Typically, 6-mil polyethylene sheets are used. This sheeting can be opened to allow for access to the window or door. It is recommended to have a double barrier. This will allow the inner layer of contamination to be removed after cleaning, but before clearance approvals.
2. An airlock or decontamination chamber should be built to allow entry and exit from any remediation area. Workers should use an airlock vestibule to dispose of contaminated protective gear.
3. Each slit entry should have covering flaps at the exterior of it.
4. The chamber should be large enough for a waste container to be placed in and the person to remove and put on PPE.
5. While in the chamber, all contaminated PPE should be sealed, except respirators.
6. Containments must be placed under negative pressure relative the rest of the building using high-efficiency particulate Air (HEPA) filters. Air should be discharged from the containment into the outside atmosphere. HEPA air scrubbers with clean filters should be used for all remediation activities and for at least 48 to 72 hours after work is completed.
7. All air handling systems must be removed from work areas. This includes the furnace and duct systems. All supply and return ductwork must be protected from any remediation or follow-up construction debris.
8. Protect uncontaminated areas during the removal of debris, as agreed to with the owner.
9. To reduce aerosolizing mold-spores, remove mold-contaminated Gypsum wallboard in large sections
10. All debris must be placed in sealed 6-mil polyethylene bags, or in polyethylene sheeting. Remove contaminated materials from the container and bag them. Recycled material is not allowed.