Moisture Control is the Key to Mold Control

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 (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 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 (see Table 2 and text)
• Discard moldy porous items that can't be cleaned (see Table 2 and text)

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* For details, see main text of this publication. 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.

* The printed version of this document has an additional copy of this checklist in a pocket in the back.