Mold Cleanup
The purpose of mold remediation, as described in the IICRC S520 Mold Remediation Standard, is to restore an affected property to a "normal" condition.
Approved Filtering Facepiece Respirator (Disposable)
You should be aware while cleaning up mold on a construction site:
- Identify moisture problems and remove excess moisture with a wet-dry vacuum and dry out the building as quickly as possible.
- Make sure working area is well ventilated.
- Use fans to assist in the drying process.
- Clean wet items/surfaces with detergent and water.
- Work and egress areas should be cleaned with a damp cloth or mop and a detergent solution.
- Discard all water/mold damaged materials; discard mold damaged materials in plastic bags; discard all porous items that have been wet more than 48 hours.
- Disinfect surfaces with 1/2 cup household bleach in 1 gallon of water. CAUTION: Do not mix bleach with cleaning products that contain ammonia.
- Use approved respiratory protection.
- Use hand and eye protection (non-vented goggles).
- Wear long gloves made of material that will protect from chemicals used for surface cleaning.
- Wear protective clothing to prevent contamination and skin contact with mold and chemicals.
- Set up a decontamination area.
- Re-wet materials with a mist of water to suppress spores, dust, and debris.
- Vacuum areas that are clean and dry with a HEPA vacuum.
- Do not eat, drink, or smoke in work areas; avoid breathing dusts; after working, wash thoroughly, including hair, scalp and nails.
Note: Bleach may not always be the answer. The use of a chemical or biocide that kills organisms such as mold (chlorine bleach, for example) is not recommended by the EPA as a routine practice during mold cleanup. Chlorine bleach is also NOT registered with the EPA as a disinfectant to kill mold. The best way to kill mold and mildew in some instances may be to treat areas with an PA-registered mold and mildew disinfectant (bioside).
Half-Mask, Elastomeric, Air Purifying Respirator
Respiratory Protection for Exposures to Mold
Respiratory protection for exposure to mold will depend on the size of the particle and its level of toxicity. Whenever you smell or see the presence of mold, it is important to take precautions to limit your exposure to mold and mold spores. In order to limit your exposure to airborne mold, you need to wear, at a minimum, an N-95 respirator. If oil is present in the air, make sure to use either an R or a P designed filter.
Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.
3-6. When cleaning up light mold contamination, which is the correct amount of solution to use?
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