Navy Remediation Methods

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CHAPTER 13, SECTION 3

MOLD CLEANUP, REMEDIATION, AND CLEARANCE SAMPLING

INTRODUCTION

The previous section stressed that prevention is the best policy: if

water doesn't get into the building, mold won't grow. However, if

you do find mold, it is crucial that you know how to safely and

effectively remove the contamination and to assess the project

success. Be prepared to review contract requirements, oversee the

remediation, or liaise with occupants about associated concerns.

This section is a compilation of the most widely practiced mold

remediation guidance, using the New York City (NYC) Department of

Health guidelines as the foundation. Originally issued in 1993

specifically for Stachybotrys remediation, these guidelines were

expanded in 2000 to cover all mold remediation in indoor

environments. Information from the EPA's Mold Remediation and

Schools and Commercial Buildings and several Canadian documents is

also incorporated.

" RULES " FOR RESPONSE AND REMEDIATION

1. Act Quickly. Rapid response and proper actions following water

damage are essential to significantly reduce or even prevent

microbial damage.

Ideally, response actions following water intrusion should begin

within 8 hours. Response within 24 hours will usually prevent mold

growth. If actions are not underway within 48 hours, chances are

good that mold will grow in or on water damaged materials and

remediation will be needed.

2. Locate and Fix Water Intrusion Source(s). This is essential to

stop additional water infiltration and damage. Make repairs before

or concurrent with removing water and drying the area.

Likely sources to check as water intrusion points include: the roof

(missing or damaged shingles/finish or flashing); loose or damaged

soffitts and gutters; chimneys; through-roof pipes or vents;

improperly sloped drains; improperly vented appliances, uncontrolled

humidity (i.e., moisture condenses on inside surfaces); improperly

installed vapor/moisture barriers or surface finishes (e.g.,

exterior insulation and finish system [EIFS] or unsealed stucco);

poorly fitted or sealed windows; crawlspace, slab or other

foundation material (standing water or episodic incursion from

rising water table); heating and cooling system; visible signs of

flooding or recurrent water damage.

3. Remove the Water and Protect Materials. Water can be removed from

hard surfaces by soaking it up or mopping. If large volumes of water

are in the building, it may be necessary to

Revised 11/6/03

actively pump out standing water and/or use wet vacuums. Other

actions that may be helpful for complete drying include:

a. Remove all wet carpet, rugs and padding.

b. Remove wall moldings (baseboard, decorative trim) to allow

drainage if water has entered the wall cavity.

c. Drill holes in the wallboard to facilitate drying inside the wall

cavities. Remove wet wallboard. This allows you to assess wall

cavity damage, determine when structural components are dry, and

removes a likely growth substrate for mold.

d. If built-in cabinets are wet, remove kick plates or drill holes

for drying.

e. Check for water in the ventilation ducts, pipe chases, crawl

spaces, basements, and attics.

Furnishings and other building contents that are not wet or damaged

by the water intrusion should be moved temporarily to a dry

location. If such items cannot be moved, protect them as much as

possible, e.g., by covering in plastic if water is still leaking

into the area or by elevating off the floor to remove from direct

water contact.

If this is not possible, you might consider moving wet items to a

separate dry location. This can decrease dry time since you aren't

drying to dry out the furniture and the room simultaneously.

4. Dry the Area. Control Humidity and Temperature. Once excess water

is removed, use fans/ air moving devices to promote evaporation and

help drive off remaining moisture from furnishings and building

materials. This step, in turn, increases the amount of moisture in

the air, which must be removed by using dehumidifiers or by actively

exhausting air outside. Take care to ensure that partially dried

areas and/ or those not initially damaged by water are stabilized as

other wet areas are being processed. Ideally, maintain relative

humidity at 30-50%.

If weather permits, move wet furnishings outside to help with drying.

Do not use any building ventilation systems unless you have

confirmed that they are not damaged, contaminated, or electrically

compromised (wiring damage or electrical hazards).

There are two basic types of drying systems: open and closed. An

open or natural dehumidification system exchanges the moist air

inside the structure with dryer air from outside. For example, if

outside conditions are favorable (i.e., relative humidity less than

about 40% with moderate temperatures), opening windows and doors and

continuously ventilating the area with air movers, building exhaust

fans and/or ceiling fans will speed the drying process.

A closed or mechanical system uses equipment to remove the

evaporated water from the remediation area. Be careful to ensure

that the dehumidification rate does not go below the evaporation

rate or you will slow drying time and may actually cause additional

damage.

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Controlling the temperature in the building will enhance both

evaporation and dehumidification efforts.

You should routinely check the temperature, relative humidity, and

material moisture to monitor drying progress. A moisture meter is

essential for determining the status of structural components and

furnishings.

5. Clean the area. Remove Mold if Required.

a. Once water is removed, assess remaining structural materials and

building contents to determine what can be saved. The general rule

is to remove all porous materials that were/are wet or damaged. Use

a mild detergent and water solution to clean non-porous materials.

b. If mold is visible or materials have been wet longer than 48

hours, more extensive actions are needed to ensure that mold is

completely removed and unlikely to reappear. Mold removal plans must

be approved by the cognizant industrial hygiene, safety, and

facilities personnel.

c. As a minimum, the plan should specify exactly what will be done

during remediation, how it will be accomplished, acceptable criteria

for reoccupancy, required sampling procedures and how to interpret

results. For example, include detailed removal procedures;

protective equipment for remediators; type of containments;

contaminated material disposal; special cleaning requirements

(books, carpet): sampling method(s) and interpretation criteria if

sampling is required; employee relocation requirements if needed;

and risk communication plan (e.g., meetings with employees, method

and frequency of status reports to employees and management, points

of contact).

d. The cleanup and remediation guidance in this section applies only

when the contamination results from clean water intrusion, such as

broken water supply lines, roof or window leaks, or condensate from

high relative humidity. Cleanup of gray water (contains some

contamination, e.g., dishwasher or washing machine overflows; toilet

overflow (no feces)) or black water (unsanitary, pathogenic water

source, e.g., sewage; storm flooding) requires more extensive

procedures and protection because of the unsanitary conditions.

e. All procedures discussed in this section are minimum

recommendations for cleaning and/or decontaminating materials that

have been subjected to water damage, including building contents,

ventilation systems, and structural components. The investigative

team may recommend more stringent procedures based on actual

conditions at the site.

f. Killing mold is not sufficient. Because residual biomass can

still elicit allergenic responses from sensitive individuals, mold

must be removed.

6. Ensure Personnel Protection and Communication.

a. Protect personnel, including occupants and cleanup/ remediation

personnel. A successful remediation means that all mold, spores, and

dusts are removed without exposing

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personnel or releasing any of the contamination to other parts of

the building or to the environment. Protection is discussed in

detail later in this section.

b. Communicate. A critical component of the assessment phase was

open and honest communication and information exchange between the

investigators, managers, and occupants. This is even more important

during remediation. People need assurance that their work

environment is safe and that they are not exposed to the mold during

cleaning or removal procedures. Inform occupants of exactly what

will occur during remediation and what precautions are in place to

protect them.

7. Follow up. After cleanup/ remediation is complete, revisit the

area periodically to ensure that leak repairs were effective,

materials are still dry, occupants have no complaints, and mold has

not returned.

CLEANING AND REMEDIATION PROCEDURES

1. General Considerations

a. In most cases, at least some kind of cleaning will be required

following water infiltration. Even with quick response actions, the

area will have to be dried out and surfaces wiped down to prevent

mold growth. If mold is visible, it must be completely removed. This

can be as simple as washing and HEPA vacuuming, or as complex as

demolition and reconstruction.

b. Successful cleaning requires an understanding of the location of

contamination and the reason why fungal growth initially occurred.

The more extensive the moisture damage, the more likely it is that

you need to look for hidden mold colonization. Thus it may be

necessary to open and inspect representative structural components

(i.e., destructive investigation) to estimate the extent of mold

growth and determine the best remediation approach.

c. When writing your cleaning and remediation plan, think about:

(1) Type of Occupant – Use more conservative guidelines for cleaning

mold in high risk population, such as health care facilities or

child care centers.

(2) Building Structure - Residential buildings generally have more

wood (framing) than commercial buildings. Commercial building may

have steel support structures that are less likely to support mold

growth and are usually easier to clean if they become contaminated.

(3) Building Use - Special protocols are needed to clean mold in

libraries or museums where discarding contaminated contents may not

be an option.

(4) Extent of contamination – Small areas of visible mold growth can

be cleaned quickly and easily. At the other extreme, buildings with

extensive contamination may need to be demolished down to the

structural framing for successful remediation.

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(5) Potential health effects - Are occupants reporting symptoms? Are

there confirmed diagnoses from a physician (vs. self-reported

diagnosis)?

(6) Potential for personnel exposure – Define the exposure pathway

to ensure remediation addressees the complete process.

(7) Remediation risks - Consider the potential for spreading

contamination and possible health impacts to occupants and

remediators.

(8) Remediation costs - Can the area be cleaned successfully? What

are the costs for remediation vs. relocating employees to another

site?

(9) Building plans – Is the contaminated building already scheduled

for demolition or extensive renovation?

2. Cleaning Guide Based on Type of Material. In general, the success

and ease of cleaning building materials is based on their porosity.

a. Non-porous - Materials that do not absorb moisture and will dry

quickly, such as metal, glass, hard plastic, tile. These materials

can usually be salvaged by thoroughly cleaning with a mild detergent

solution. If visibly contaminated, materials should also be HEPA

vacuumed before returning to service. Ensure that ALL surfaces of

the object(s) are clean.

b. Semi-porous – Materials like wood, concrete, linoleum and vinyl

floor covering, vinyl wall covering, hardboard furniture, painted

drywall or plaster. These will absorb moisture if exposed to water

for a long time. If semi-porous materials are very wet, it is best

to discard them. Otherwise, they can be dried thoroughly and cleaned

the same as non-porous materials.

c. Porous – Because porous materials readily absorb and retain

water, they should almost always be discarded. Examples include

carpet, padding, mattresses, stuffed furniture, wicker, fabrics,

wallboard, insulation, and ceiling tiles. You can usually save

linens, drapes, and clothes after thorough washing or professional

dry-cleaning.

(1) Damp wiping and vacuuming will not work because you can't clean

the air spaces and channels that are an inherent part of the

structure of porous materials. For example, damp wiping gypsum wall

board will remove vegetative colonies and mold components on the

surface but will not remove colonies or spores that have infiltrated

the " nooks and crannies " within and throughout the wallboard. This

is why if you wash mold off a wall but take no further action, the

mold will usually reappear in a week or so.

(2) The exception to discarding porous materials is when dealing

with items that have historic or high monetary value, are

irreplaceable, or have sentimental or other inherent value (i.e.,

furniture, books, art, carpets). Such articles may be cleaned, but

it requires special procedures and hiring a specialist is usually

the best option. This is very expensive and may not be successful.

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d. Following is general guidance for cleaning groups of material

that are damaged by clean water and/or have visible mold growth.

Check material dryness with a moisture meter. For floors and

structural components, a meter with drivable pins is best so that

the probes can penetrate to the center of the material.

(1) Papers and Books. Consider photocopying important documents and

discarding the originals. You may be able to freeze or freeze dry

paper items.

(2) Ceiling tiles & insulation. Discard.

(3) Upholstery & drapes, including upholstered furniture. May

require fans, heaters, and dehumidifiers for complete drying.

Launder drapes if washable. If foam or stuffing material in

upholstered items cannot be dried completely, remove and replace it.

If this is not possible, discard the item.

(4) Wallboard, drywall, gypsum. Dry in place and check with moisture

meter. If seams separate or swelling occurs, remove and discard.

Ventilate wall cavities to ensure drying of support structures.

(5) Wood surfaces (such as floors, furniture, wood structure

supports). Dry furniture and flooring thoroughly, using heat with

caution so as not to split or crack the wood. Wood paneling should

be removed from the wall for drying.

(6) Hard surfaces & porous flooring (metal, plastic, glass,

linoleum, vinyl, ceramic tile). Mop or wet vacuum excess water from

hard surface, then air or heat dry. It is important to check sub

floors with a moisture meter to ensure they are dry. If drying is

not successful or flooring warps, cracks, or splits, it will be

necessary to completely remove the floor or wall covering.

(7) Carpet and backing/padding. While carpet can be successfully

cleaned and dried if done correctly, in most cases it is more

economical and practical to remove and discard the carpet and pad.

Individual rugs can be washed or dry-cleaned.

(8) Concrete/ block. Fans and/or heaters will probably be needed for

thorough drying.

3. Cleaning Guide Based on Cleaning Method

a. Damp wiping. For visibly contaminated hard, non-porous surfaces

(metal, glass, hard plastic) and some semi-porous surfaces (wood,

concrete), mold spores and fragments can usually be removed

satisfactorily by wiping the surface and/or scrubbing with water and

a mild detergent solution. Use wood floor cleaner for wood surfaces

to preclude further damage to the wood. Ensure that all wiped

surfaces are completely dried.

b. Wet vacuuming, also called water extraction vacuuming, is used to

remove water from floors, carpets, and hard surfaces. For porous

materials that have been wet less than 48 hours

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and are not visibly contaminated, these vacuums can be useful to

speed the drying process. DO NOT use wet vacuums on porous materials

after they are dry, as this can actually spread spores. Thoroughly

clean and rinse the vacuum, hoses, and attachments after use.

c. HEPA vacuuming. Vacuum all surfaces with a high efficiency

particulate air (HEPA)-filtered vacuum after completing the damp

wipe step. Ensure items are completely dry before vacuuming.

Properly cleaned and vacuumed items can usually be returned to

service when the area is cleared for reoccupancy.

HEPA vacuum all room surfaces before collecting clearance samples,

making sure to vacuum ledges, cabinet tops, and other hidden

surfaces where spores are likely to settle. The HEPA vacuum filter

and contents should be double bagged, sealed, and disposed of

properly.

d. Disposal. Prior to disposal, secure mold-contaminated waste using

the following procedures. Ensure that rags, disposable protective

clothing, and similar items are also placed into disposal bags.

Dispose of wastes in a sanitary landfill.

(1) Small remediation jobs (i.e., less than 100 square feet (ft2) -

Lightly mist contaminated materials that are being discarded BEFORE

disturbing the material. Use a handheld sprayer filled with water or

a water/ mild detergent mixture. Misting will minimize generating

airborne mold or dust during handling. Place materials into 6-

millimeter thick polyethylene (6-mil poly) bags, seal, and damp wipe

the outside of the bag before disposal.

(2) Medium/ Large remediation jobs (over 100 ft2) - Use double 6-mil

poly bags or sheeting for discarding contaminated items and

construction debris. While inside the containment area, place item

(s) being discarded into a bag or onto a sheet. Secure bags with a

twist tie or equivalent. Secure sheeting by folding the sheet around

the item and taping. Transport bags/sheeting for disposal to the

decontamination area. Damp wipe outside of bags or sheeting. Place

wiped bag or sheet into second bag/ sheet and secure. Damp wipe the

outside of the second layer of polyethylene. HEPA vacuum outside of

bag/ sheeting.

4. Antimicrobial Products (Biocides & Sanitizers)

a. In general, antimicrobial or biocide solutions are not

recommended for most cleanups. While the correct selection and use

of these products may be needed in some situations - i.e., if

immunocompromised personnel are involved or to eliminate pathogens

from gray/black water contamination- the preferred procedure is to

remove the mold. Though the biocides will kill the mold, the

remaining dead biomass can be allergenic and toxigenic.

b. Since most antimicrobials are irritants, improper application can

actually cause additional problems when the area is reoccupied. If

biocides are required, prepare and apply according to manufacturer

directions, ensure adequate contact time, and ventilate the area.

Sample antimicrobial agents are listed in Appendix 13.3-A.

c. Antimicrobial pesticides are used to (1) disinfect, sanitize,

reduce, or mitigate growth or development of microbiological

organisms; and (2) protect inanimate objects, industrial

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processes or systems, surfaces, water, or other chemical substances

(e.g., paints, metalworking fluids) from contamination, fouling, or

deterioration caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi, protozoa, algae,

or slime.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulates

antimicrobial agents used on inanimate objects and surfaces as

pesticides. More than 5000 antimicrobial products are currently

registered with EPA. Ensure that only registered products are used

and that those applying pesticides are trained and certified as

appropriate for the product used. Go to

http://www.epa.gov/ebtpages/pestpesticantimicrobialpesticides.html

for more information.

Note that the EPA does not " approve " biocides for mold remediation

applications. Beware of remediation companies making such claims.

Under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act

(FIFRA), the EPA has regulatory authority over pesticides and

antimicrobial products, but supporting legislation to review

specific product applications and issue " approvals " was never

adopted or funded.

d. Biocides in ventilation systems. The EPA cautions against using

disinfectants and sanitizers in ventilation systems. In a March 2002

letter to the heating, ventilation, air conditioning and

refrigeration systems (HVAC & R) associations, the EPA states that

these products have not been evaluated for exposure risks to

building occupants or applicators. Consequently, disinfectants and

sanitizers should not be used in HVAC & R systems UNLESS the product

contains directions specific to this application. Details and a copy

of the letter are at http://www.epa.gov/oppad001/hvac.htm.

Biocides can be safely and effectively used in HVAC condensate pans

and/or coils to prevent microbial growth. Such procedures should be

part of the building's HVAC preventive maintenance plan.

e. " Gassing " the building, i.e., using gaseous chlorine dioxide or

ozone, is not recommended. There is insufficient data on the

efficacy of such wholesale sanitizing. Further, the chemicals

themselves are toxic and may cause harm if used inappropriately.

PROTECTION DURING REMEDIATION

1. Protecting Remediation Personnel. Anyone performing actions that

are likely to disturb or dislodge mold should wear personal

protective equipment (PPE) to prevent inhalation of and direct

contact with mold. Ensure that personnel are instructed on proper

donning and doffing techniques and are enrolled in the appropriate

medical surveillance programs.

Gloves – Use gloves to protect against contact with mold biomass

(allergens), toxins, and/or cleaning solutions that may irritate the

skin. Rubber household gloves are adequate for contact with mold-

contaminated materials. If using biocides or strong cleaners, select

the glove material appropriate for the chemical (usually nitrile,

neoprene, PVC or rubber will be sufficient).

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Eye protection – Wear a minimum of tight-fitting goggles to prevent

irritation from particulates.

Respirators – Respiratory protection prevents inhaling the airborne

mold, spores, and particulates that will be in the remediation area.

All personnel wearing a respirator must be trained, fit tested, and

enrolled in the Respiratory Protection Program. Wear only

respirators approved by the National Institute for Occupational

Safety and Health (NIOSH).

& #56256; & #56510; Use an N95 respirator for small area remediations (<10 ft2).

& #56256; & #56510; If the job involves more than 10 ft2 but less than about 100

ft2

of contaminated

material, use a minimum N95 air-purifying respirator. A half or full-

face air-

purifying respirator with HEPA filters may be used based on site-

specific

conditions.

& #56256; & #56510; If remediating an extensive contaminated area (>100 ft2) or an

area with high

concentrations of mold, use a minimum full-face powered air

purifying respirator

(PAPR) with HEPA filters.

Coveralls, Head, and Foot Coverings – Disposable coveralls keep

molds and spores from contaminating personal clothing. Coverings

also prevent direct skin contact with the mold biomass. As a

minimum, wear protective clothing for remediations of more than 10

ft2. For large remediations, ensure all openings (i.e., zipper,

wrists, leg) are taped.

2. Protecting Occupants

a. Scheduling Remediation. Consider scheduling remediation work

during minimum occupancy hours to incur the least disruption.

b. Relocation. In most cases, it is not necessary to vacate the

building during remediation as long as the work area is properly

controlled. However, occupants in the actual work site should be

relocated until remediation is complete. During large remediations,

offices adjacent to the enclosure should be vacated to remove

occupants from the noise, construction traffic, and disruption

associated with the work.

(1) If contamination results from gray or black water, especially in

sewage situations, occupants should be removed from the building

until cleanup and disinfection are complete.

(2) Work with the local occupational medicine department to

determine if occupants with health problems should be relocated

until cleaning/ remediation is complete and the building is cleared

for reoccupancy. Health care providers may recommend temporary

relocation based on individual medical evaluations. For example,

people with hypersensitivity pneumonitis, severe allergies, asthma,

immune suppression, or chronic inflammatory lung diseases are at

higher risk and may require relocation or other accommodations

during remediation. Section 13.4 discusses medical evaluations

specific to mold contamination events.

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c. Containments (enclosures) are used to prevent the release of

mold, mold spores, and remediation debris into the surrounding

building areas and into the environment. Although the remediation

procedures are loosely associated with the size of the contamination

area, you have to consider actual mold concentrations. Small

contaminated areas do not usually need to be enclosed before

removal. If an area is heavily contaminated – i.e., " covered " with

mold - there is a high potential for mold/spore release and

subsequent spread of contamination to other areas. In this

situation, an enclosure would be appropriate.

(1) Table 13.3-1 provides minimum containment procedures. Any

remediations with high concentrations of mold and/or extensive

contamination areas should institute the strictest containment

procedures. Also consider more extensive containments if demolition

actions (i.e., cutting, hammering) are required to remove

contaminated material.

(2) If containments are properly constructed, the polyethylene

sheeting will billow inwards when placed under negative pressure. If

the sheeting billows outward or flutters, the containment is not

properly sealed. Stop work until the containment is restored to full

negative pressure.

Table 13.3-1. Mold remediation containment guide.

CONTAMINATED AREA, ft2

PROCEDURE or ACTION

< 10

10-100

>100

HVAC1

Remove occupants from work area2.

& #56256; & #56377;

& #56256; & #56377;

& #56256; & #56377;

& #56256; & #56377;

Remove occupants from adjacent areas2.

& #56256; & #56377;

& #56256; & #56377;

No containment needed.

& #56256; & #56377;

Seal off work area with 6-mil polyethylene sheeting (i.e., critical

barrier)3. Seal seams.

& #56256; & #56377;

& #56256; & #56377;

double poly

& #56256; & #56377;

Seal off all supply and return air ducts and doors into/out of the

contained area.

& #56256; & #56377;

& #56256; & #56377;

Secure ventilation system.

& #56256; & #56377;

& #56256; & #56377;

Place work area under negative pressure using exhaust fan(s)

equipped with HEPA filters. Exhaust air outside.

& #56256; & #56377;

& #56256; & #56377;

& #56256; & #56377;4

Use airlocks into/out of the work area.

& #56256; & #56377;

& #56256; & #56377;4

Establish decontamination room outside of the enclosure.

& #56256; & #56377;

& #56256; & #56377;4

Use dust suppression methods (misting) on any material or object to

be removed, cut, or discarded.

& #56256; & #56377;

& #56256; & #56377;

& #56256; & #56377;

& #56256; & #56377;

Dispose of contaminated material and cleaning rags per Disposal

guidelines.

& #56256; & #56377;

& #56256; & #56377;

& #56256; & #56377;

& #56256; & #56377;

Mop or wipe down area after cleaning/removal is complete.

& #56256; & #56377;

& #56256; & #56377;

& #56256; & #56377;

& #56256; & #56377;

After damp wiping, clean the same area with a HEPA-filtered vacuum

& #56256; & #56377;

& #56256; & #56377;

& #56256; & #56377;

Visually inspect work area for cleanliness (no dust).

& #56256; & #56377;

& #56256; & #56377;

& #56256; & #56377;

& #56256; & #56377;

Conduct clearance sampling before removing containment.

& #56256; & #56377;

& #56256; & #56377;

1 HVAC = heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning system.

2 Consult occupational medicine physician. Some occupants may be

removed based on medical conditions such as recent surgery, chronic

lung disease, immunosuppression, etc.

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3 Cover area with poly sheeting from ceiling to floor. Tape (or

otherwise attach) poly to the framing or room perimeter. Tape all

seams shut. Provide slit entry with covering flap. Maintain high

negative pressure using HEPA filtered fan. Block supply and return

vents in the contaminated area.

4 If contaminated area is >30 ft2.

THE MOLD REMEDIATION WHEEL

1. The Mold Remediation Wheel, Figure 13.3-1, consolidates the

guidance discussed in this section and provides remediation

procedures, protection recommendations, and engineering controls in

a single page. The guidance is based on total contaminated area -

simply as a way of delineating job complexity. There is no known

correlation between total contaminated area and occupant health

effects.

The Mold Remediation Wheel can be viewed, saved, or printed from

http://www-nehc.med.navy.mil/downloads/ih/ihfom/MR_wheel.pdf

2. The remediation wheel is adapted from The Education Safety

Association of Ontario (ESAO), Mould Growth Prevention and

Remediation (http://www.esao.on.ca/scriptcontent/index.cfm), which

is based on the EPA guidance in Mold Remediation in Schools and

Commercial Buildings. Figure 13.3-1 has been further modified to

incorporate additional guidance and best practices from the New York

City Guidelines on Assessment and Remediation of Fungi in Indoor

Environments; Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration

Certification Standard IICRC S500; the Manitoba Department of Labour

& Immigration guidelines; Canada Health guide; and the ACGIH book

Bioaerosols: Assessment and Control. Full citations are in the

References (section 13.8).

3. The wheel is intended to be a quick reference tool for planning

mold remediation actions based on the type of material that has been

water damaged and/or contaminated. As with any tool where

information is grouped into broad categories, refer to the chapter

text and references for complete discussion.

4. How to Use the Mold Remediation Wheel (Figure 13.3-1)

Starting in the center, choose the type of material that has been

damaged. Stay within the quadrant for the selected material and move

outward toward the circle periphery. New conditions, choices, or

information are added with each new ring.

Center – START

1st ring (white) = SELECT TYPE OF MATERIAL

2nd ring (yellow) = ACTION 24-48 HOURS - If response is within 48

hours of clean water damage and there is no visible mold growth,

match the numbers in this ring with the response actions in the

yellow box below the wheel.

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3rd ring (white) = ACTION >48 HOURS – If response is more than 48

hours after clean water damage or if there is visible mold growth,

move to the 4th ring.

4th ring (white) = CONTAMINATION AREA - Determine the extent of

contamination. The general categories are:

Less than 10 square feet [<10 ft2] (e.g., a ceiling tiles; small

area of wallboard)

Between 10 ft2 and 100 ft2 [10 –100 ft2] (e.g., 1-3 wallboard panels)

More than 100 ft2 [>100 ft2] (e.g., the whole wall)

5th ring (blue) = CLEANUP / REMEDIATION METHODS - Match the letters

in this ring with the remediation/ cleanup methods shown in the blue

box below the wheel.

6th ring (pink) = PPE – Match the letters with the personal

protective equipment (PPE) codes in the pink box below the wheel.

7th ring (green) = CONTAINMENT - In the outer ring, determine if

containment is needed and if so, what level. Match the letter in

this ring with the containment code in the green box below the wheel.

QUALIFIED PERSONNEL

There are no specific regulations that govern mold remediation or

define qualifications for personnel who clean and remediate

contaminated areas. In general:

Small and medium isolated areas (e.g., less than 3 sheets of

wallboard) – Remediation can be done by maintenance personnel who

have been specifically trained on mold contamination cleaning

procedures, potential hazards, and proper protective equipment.

Large areas (over 100 ft2; e.g., an entire wall in an office) and

HVAC systems – Only personnel specially trained in mold

contamination cleanup and disposal procedures should do large scale

remediation. Further, an occupational safety and health professional

should oversee the remediation, including reviewing protocols and

contract requirements.

MOLD/ INDOOR AIR QUALITY CERTIFICATIONS

There are certifications that cover the range from indoor air

quality generalist to very specific titles. Below are the sponsoring

organizations and certifications they offer. We have listed only

organizations whose certification requirements include as a minimum:

education and/or experience to qualify; written examination; and

ongoing training and recertification programs.