To assess a mold problem, visit the home to gather facts. Here, we'll review how to protect yourself during your investigation, as well as some general ways to find and deal with mold growth.
What to take with you
Before heading out to the home, remember to bring along the appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) for assessing a mold situation. At a minimum, this includes a N95 respirator, eye goggles without vents, and rubber gloves that extend to the mid-forearm.
According to Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Title 29 CFT 1910.1032, your company must train and test you in proper use and care of your PPE before you conduct any assessments. This training should cover at least the following information:
What PPE is necessary
When PPE is necessary
How to put on, take off, adjust, and wear PPE properly
What limitations the PPE has
Proper care, maintenance, useful life, and disposal of the PPE
Once you arrive at the home but before you enter the area suspected to have mold, put on your PPE. Wear your PPE the entire time you're conducting the assessment to protect yourself from exposure to mold.
Finding and dealing with mold growth
As you begin looking for mold, think about possible moisture sources that may be causing the mold growth. Remember, the moisture can be coming from liquid water or from water vapor.
High humidity within the home can cause just as many moisture problems as liquid water. As the water vapor in the air meets cooler surfaces, it condenses, changing from a vapor to a liquid. This wets the cooler surface and surrounding materials, enabling mold to grow.
If you or the homeowner suspects mold contamination because of musty odors or water problems, but can't see the mold easily, it may be hidden. In these situations, proceed with caution and investigate further. If in doubt, consult your supervisor.
First, contain the area by closing doors, blocking registers, and sealing the area with polyethylene sheeting and duct tape. Then, doing as little damage as possible, continue looking for the mold. If you suspect mold growth within a wall cavity or a ceiling, use a knife or small saw to cut the smallest hole possible that still provides a good view into the cavity. Enlarge the hole only as necessary to properly assess the situation. If you're dealing with wallpaper or carpeting, peel back as little of the material as possible while looking for the mold. While cutting or removing materials, be sure to use a High Efficiency Particulate Arrestance (HEPA) vacuum to collect potential airborne mold spores and dust. Any moldy materials you remove from the home during your investigation, such as pieces of drywall or carpeting, must be double bagged in 6 mil polyethylene. Then, they can be discarded safely with regular trash.
More Best Practices® that will help you protect your homes from mold growth can be found in the online training course, Mold Assessment and Remediation, from BuildIQ University.
