MOULD AND MILDEW HAZARD IDENTIFICATION AND OHS GUIDELINES TOOLBOX TALKS

 MOULD AND MILDEW HAZARD IDENTIFICATION AND OHS GUIDELINES TOOLBOX TALKS

The mould and mildew are frequently found in the building and facility MEP services. it is a hazardous object, and you can download this toolbox talks for your health and safety training. to download more health and safety documents, keep visiting QHSE DOCS and you will find a huge number of editable free document files. 

Mould and Mildew Hazards

A. What are mould and mildew?

The mould and mildew are TWO types of fungi that are found and grow in moist environments. Mildew is mould in its initial stage and is generally and normally white or grey and has a soft, woolly, or powdery surface. Mould can be orange, green, black, brown, pink, or purple with a fuzzy or slimy texture.

B. Where can you find it?

It is easy to see mould in any place or facility. Mould spores are always present and could be detected and observed external to the facility/ building and often find a way indoors. 

C. Where Mould Colonies Could Find?

The Mould growths or colonies’ ideal place or areas could be observed on a damp surface, including, and not limited to the following areas: 

a) Wood products

b) Ceiling tiles

c) Cardboard

d) Wallpaper 

e) Carpets

f) Drywall

g) Fabric

h) Plants

i) Foods

j) Insulation

k) Decaying leaves 

l) Organic materials, within 24 to 48 hours of exposure to water

Always LOOK CAREFULLY and be attentive and aware of trapped moisture in walls, floors & other surfaces in unventilated and unheated areas.

1. Mould on construction sites

The growth of mould on construction sites is common as they are prone to moisture and uncontrolled humidity— the perfect environment for mould to grow.  When airborne, the billions of spores per square meter produced by mould growth may pose a potential health risk when inhaled by those with compromised immune systems, pregnant women, and individuals who have existing respiratory conditions.  

Some symptoms of mould inhalation include:

1. Respiratory problems: wheezing, asthma attacks, etc.
2. Nasal and sinus congestion or dry, hacking cough.
3. Skin irritations—rashes or hives.
4. Nervous system—headaches, memory loss.
5. Aches and pains.

2. OHS guidelines

Aside from the health and financial influences the increase and production of mold can have on a creative venture, it's also important to keep in mind the Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) implications of mould increase. According to OHS suggestions, consider the subsequent safety practices and procedures when dealing with capacity, or existing, mould increase, to avoid its destructive fitness outcomes: If mould is observed and detected, MEP or other activities in that particular area is to be halted and the worker is to report the mould to the site supervisor urgently.

1. Mould must not be disturbed because it may become airborne and contaminate other areas.
2. Wet construction material must not be installed unless part of an approved process.
3. Mouldy construction materials must not be installed.
4. Workers must report wet or mouldy construction materials immediately so proper corrective measures like drying, cleaning or replacement can be implemented.
5. When water is introduced as part of a construction process, every reasonable effort should be made to dry out wet materials within 24hrs (48hrs max.).

3. Best practices:

1. Protect stored materials from moisture.
2. Minimize moisture accumulation within the building.
3. Maintain the integrity of the building envelope components through monitoring and inspections.
4. Monitor installations to ensure they remain clean and dry (including HVAC systems)
5. Create a written project environment and safety plan which identifies mould prevention practices and procedures.
6. Provide incident report forms for documenting water intrusion incidents.
7. Conduct safety meetings where topics of water intrusion such as rain, snow and spills can be communicated and documented.

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