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"Mold Remediation in Schools and Commercial Buildings"
Checklist for Mold Remediation
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