All mould, even dead mould, can adversely affect human health.
Moulds are a type of fungus and are part of the natural environment. Moulds reproduce by means of tiny spores; the spores are invisible to the naked eye and are easily spread through outdoor and indoor air. Moulds can grow on any damp or humid surface including building surfaces and food. There are many types of mould, and none of them will grow without
water or moisture.
There are many types of moulds, some produce mycotoxins that may be harmful. Stachybotrys is one type of black mould that may cause health effects in susceptible individuals.
Project Management is also available if required. Healthy Building Systems will manage and facilitate the scope of works to ensure the mould investigation/remediation is carried out in a professional, effective and timely manner.
A number of steps are required to perform the mould remedial works. Below is a guideline of what to expect when you engage our services to remediate your built environment:
1. Mould Investigation and Assessment of the site/area of concern
In the visual inspection our technicians look for common indicators of mould presence which may or may not include musty or earthy odours, visible fungal growth, water damage, plumbing leaks, etc.
2. Identify the cause or source of the mould growth
Mould needs a source of moisture or humidity, a source of food or nutrients, and the right temperature to grow. Often, mould growth is the result of high moisture levels, dampness, water vapour (humidity), etc. Our technicians find areas which have poor humidity control, excess condensation or water intrusion.
3. Perform moisture testings to gather information to assist with the Investigation / Assessment
Because the signs and symptoms are often hidden, most people are not aware that moisture intrusion is occurring and causing damage to the structure of their built environment. Moisture testings are taken in the built environment to identify wet or problematic areas, on the surface and behind walls. If a moisture problem can be identified in the early stages, preventative measures can be taken to stop the damage before it compromises the structural integrity of the build environment.
4. Conduct Mould Sampling
Air and surface samples are taken in the built environement to identify the type of mould and establish the level of mould contamination (level 1- 4. Level 1 being the loweset level of mould contamination)
5. Provide an independent Mycologist Report
We provide an independent Mycologist report stating the level of contamination (classification levels 1-4, level 1 being the lowest level of mould contamination).The Mycologist report is a means of protecting you, the client, by providing Information about your specific situation that outlines the mould and moisture intrusion problem/s. It determines the risk to your health and property. The scope of works is the most important section of the mould inspection report, detailing for you exactly what measures have to be taken to remediate the built environment. The report will allow you to make a more confident decision about the next steps in the mould remediation process.
6. Recommend a scope of works to carry out the mould remediation based on the level of contamination outlined in the Independent Mycologist Report
The scope of works explains in detail the procedures, processes and recommendations that we suggest be applied to your individual mould problem. It also allows you to understand the steps taken in remediating your built environment. A list of areas that require repair or maintenance prior to carrying out the remedial works will also be incorporated. In addition to this, a quotation for the cost of performing the mould remediation to your built environment will be included.
7. Verbal discussion with the client outlining the extent of the Scope of Works
Healthy Building Systems will answer all of your questions about the mould contamination that was found, show you the area/s that are the most likely source of the development, area/s that have high mould spore counts, the method and procedures required to remediate the built environment, cost of the remedial works, estimated time frame to undertake the Scope of Works and any other recommendations deemed necessary.
8. Perform Mould Remediation in your built environment
We treat the mould, the mould spores, the toxins, the dead organic material and the stains as a result of the mould growth using our specially formulated antimicrobial solution. We treat and dispose of all mould contaminated materials in a safe manner to avoid cross contamination. Where possible, we will salvage and restore instead of tear down and discard. When performing the remedial works you may see our technicians using a variety of instruments/equipment to perform the mould remediation. Some of these include: digital microscopes, dehumidification units, air movers, ozone machines, air purifiers, moisture meters, relative humidity monitors/ thermometers, bio-tape sample supplies air sampling equipment, containment barriers and HEPA vacuum cleaners. Depending on the level of mould contamination you may view our technicians wearing PPE (personal protective equipment) gear - full and half face masks-respirators, gloves, protective clothing and goggles due to OSH standards.
Depending on the extent of the mould problem and the level of contamination an independent mould clearance test is carried out following the scope of works to confirm the mould remediation works was carried out effectively and successfully.
Please note our quotes do not include repairs required to building materials caused by mould growth and, any escalation to carry out additional remediation due to the discovery of hidden mould during the remedial works will be charged at prorate rates with the approval from the delegated person authorising the original Scope of Works.
All mould remediation works will be undertaken by a qualified mould remediation technician.
If you want to ensure the health and well being of your building occupants or the ones you love contact us today to discuss your mould concerns/problems in your built environment.
We are trained and certified to do the following:
Certificate I in Mould Investigation: Mould Ecology in Buildings (Murdoch University)
Certificate II in Mould Investigation: Basic Mould Sampling Techniques (Murdoch University)
