Mold in Commercial Buildings: - Mold in Commercial Buildings: Part 2
Investigate and Evaluate Moisture and Mold Problems
- 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
- Select cleanup methods for moldy items
- Select Personal Protection Equipment - protect remediators
- Select containment equipment - protect building occupants
- Select remediation personnel who have the experience and training needed to implement the remediation plan and use Personal Protection 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 moldy materials
- Discard moldy porous items that can't be cleaned
Courtesy of the EPA
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Questions of a Do It Yourself nature should be submitted to our
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The first step of this two-step process is to spray the mold area with bio-cide. Bio-cide is an EPA-approved liquid which kills mold. Note that bleach is not approved by the EPA for killing mold.