Mold Remediation Services

As in medicine, early detection of mold leads to an early (and usually less expensive) cure. Time and water combined can grow to be an expensive and time-consuming enemy. Failure to respond promptly will, very likely, result in mold growth requiring significantly more demolition than if the condition is handled in a timely manner. What is the definition of "timely"? As soon as mold is discovered!

Along with timing, selection of the proper remediation technique for the building's water intrusion and moisture problem (removal, drying in place using fans and/or dehumidification equipment, cleaning, treatment with biocide, etc.) is essential for maintaining a safe building. Improperly implemented remediation procedures can result in hidden mold growth which could adversely impact occupants as time passes while increasing overall remediation time and costs.

Water and flood remediation procedures vary and are dependent upon the complicated mix of many factors such as the type of building materials, building design, furnishings, extent of exposure, and the source of the water. Emilcott is skilled at solving the wide range of environmental, health and safety (EHS) issues associated with commercial, multi-unit housing, and institutional facilities. We have expertise in the management of the complex interaction between employees, contractors, and the public within a facility; the buildings themselves; and the physical surroundings where they are located.

EMILCOTT's EHS experts quickly identify sources of mold and other Indoor Environment Quality problems. We also provide a project roadmap and oversight for safe and effective remediation. Our phased approach, when providing expert consulting services to resolve mold-related issues, is as follows:

Step 1 – Initial Assessment
Objectives: Locate the source of the moisture without deconstruction or disruption to the building and occupants. Determine the urgency of the mold problem and its impact upon workers or residents.

• Inspect for visible mold, standing water, condensation, water intrusion, wet building materials and develop preliminary assessment of contributory factors such as building systems and materials. As needed, use a moisture meter to determine relative humidity or an infrared camera to "see" heat and moisture.
• Interview building occupants for additional information and identify health complaints or concerns if applicable.
• Develop an Initial Report of findings and recommendations for further in-depth investigation -- if needed.
  
  

Step 2 – In-depth Investigation
Objective: Clearly identify the source and extent of the problem.

• Complete a more comprehensive building inspection reviewing building systems (HVAC), basements and attics, roofs, areas of water drainage, hidden structural spaces (wall interiors, utility chases, crawl spaces, plenums) and foundations. This inspection will determine the scope of the mold source and growth, and provide insight as to how air and contaminants move through the building.
• Selectively collect air and surface samples to identify potential mold, bacteria, and other microbiological contaminants that may adversely impact the environmental quality of the occupied space.
• Use laboratory sample results, equipment readings, and site observations to identify type, extent, and source of contaminants.
• Develop a comprehensive report of findings and recommendations for further identifying the environmental conditions of the occupied space and options to control or abate mold-damaged building materials.

Step 3 – Mold Remediation Work Plan
Objective: Identify specific work procedures to safely and effectively clean or remove mold-damaged building materials.

• Develop specific work procedures to clean or remove mold-damaged (impacted) building materials to ensure that remediation workers, building occupants, and non-impacted building spaces are protected and not contaminated or negatively affected by the remediation project. These procedures include the following:
  • Apply appropriate work specifications and industry best practices for mold clean-up and remediation which may include cleaning, applying fungicide or other disinfection agents, removing impacted building materials, modifying building system design, and temporarily relocating building occupants.
  • Institute control measures to prevent continued water intrusion or condensation
  • Isolate the work area using barriers and negative air machines to prevent contamination of non-impacted building areas.
  • Document worker training in proper mold remediation work procedures.
  • Establish criteria for inspecting the completed remediation to verify that the work was completed successfully.
• Assist in identifying or selecting remediation contractors

Step 4 – Post Remediation Verification (PRV)
Objective: Determine if the Mold Remediation Work Plan successfully returned the contaminated area to an acceptable non-water damaged condition.

• Advise or manage remediation contractor during remediation process.
• Conduct verification prior to the removal of isolation barriers.
• Complete visual inspections to confirm water- and mold-damaged materials have been removed and the area has been appropriately cleaned.
• Conduct a moisture survey to document that remaining installed building materials are satisfactorily dry.
• Confirm that corrective actions are in place to prevent additional water damage.
• Collect air and surface samples to confirm impacted building areas are safe for (re) occupancy and the overall Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ) is acceptable for building occupants.
• Develop a Final Report that includes investigation notes, all equipment and laboratory results, conclusions, site remediation verification inspections, and any final recommendations.

EMILCOTT has been providing industrial hygiene, environmental, health and safety, services to industry, commercial property owners, utilities, environmental engineering and construction firms, and government agencies for over 20 years.