Mold growth in your commercial building is an important issue to consider. Once it starts to develop on any surface, it will release spores into the air and spread through your building via the HVAC system. This can affect the health of anyone on the premises, along with causing damage to organic surfaces.
How can you address mold in your daily operations? To start, you should choose a professional mold remediation contractor in advance. Knowing who to contact will help you address this issue promptly and decisively.
Additionally, you should develop a plan of prevention and action that your employees can implement. Use the following guide to create an effective response plan.
Know How Legal Regulations Affect Mold Remediation in Augusta, GA
Georgia hasn’t enacted statewide regulations for mold prevention or remediation. To address these issues, it’s important to look to the guidelines set forth by federal agencies and the local Augusta government.
EPA Guidelines for Dealing With Mold
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) offers a list of common sense recommendations for safely dealing with mold. These guidelines recommend limiting moisture and humidity as much as possible. When mold does occur, the agency suggests using water and a strong detergent to promptly clean the affected surfaces.
The EPA also offers a few helpful safety practices, including wearing gloves and eye protection, along with other personal protective equipment. Moreover, authorities caution against mixing ammonia with bleach, as this combination can produce toxic fumes.
Mold and OSHA Regulations
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) offers recommendations similar to those published by the EPA. In addition, they advise against letting untrained employees deal with mold directly. A qualified mold remediation company should always be contracted to handle the job.
In the meantime, OSHA recommends increasing ventilation, drying residual moisture in the area, and issuing N-95 respirators to anyone who accesses exposed areas.
Augusta Guidelines and Building Codes
Augusta building codes regulate mold by addressing the condition of commercial and residential properties. By failing to follow building codes that require mold remediation and the removal of affected materials, the building owner could be legally liable for damages.
As such, mold prevention and removal is both an important investment in one’s business and a key means of protection.
How to Prevent and Deal With Mold in Your Commercial Building
When addressing mold prevention in multi-family buildings, property owners must cover a larger area. Since commercial buildings are also larger than the average residential house and contain industrial equipment (plumbing, HVAC, electrical, etc.), these same steps require more attention and diligence.
Schedule Routine Inspections
Make sure you and your employees watch for moisture leaks and areas with high humidity. Address these issues promptly to avoid water damage and mold growth.
Additionally, schedule professional mold inspections every six months. An experienced remediation company will have the necessary equipment and expertise to uncover and eliminate mold in hidden parts of your building.
Address Moisture Issues Right Away
When you discover a plumbing problem, roof leak, or another source of moisture exposure, deal with it right away.
Moisture is an essential component in the development and spread of mold, so resolving water exposure will help you stop fungal growth on your property. Speedy repairs serve to prevent water damage while also removing a potential source of mold growth.
Limit Your Use of Organic Building Materials
Whether you’re building a new commercial building or updating an existing property, choose your materials carefully. While you can lower your upfront costs by using wood and drywall, these organic materials offer mold the nourishment it needs to thrive. Instead, consider using concrete, steel, and other nonporous materials.
Create a Plan for Dealing With Mold Growth
Even if you hire a professional mold remediation company, your employees should know what to do when they find mold. This might include closing off the area with heavy plastic sheeting or notifying a manager to call your mold remediation contractor.
Every new employee should receive training that teaches them how to respond to the presence of mold. Make sure they’re clear on what protective equipment to wear in affected areas as well.
Check Federal, State, and Local Regulations Regularly
Federal, state, and local governments update safety laws and building codes periodically. Keeping up with these changes will help you remain legally compliant. What’s more, staying updated will inform you of new technology, practices, and policies for tackling mold more effectively.
Rely on Experienced Mold Remediation Services
It’s important to trust mold treatment to a company that offers proven commercial and residential mold remediation. Professionals will respond promptly to your need for remediation, helping you minimize structural damage and health risks in your commercial facility.
Whether you’ve recently discovered mold growth or need a mold inspection, knowing who to call should be a central part of your response plan.
