How Can I Keep My Employees Safe During Mold Removal? Expert Tips from SERVPRO®

11/13/2024 (Permalink)

As an employer or business owner, it's your responsibility to protect your team during the mold remediation process.

Mold removal in the workplace in Arlington, TX, can present challenges, especially when it comes to ensuring the safety of your employees. Mold can develop in areas with moisture and poor ventilation, and if left untreated, it can affect your business's structure and day-to-day operations. As an employer or business owner, it's your responsibility to protect your team during the mold remediation process.

In this blog, we’ll share expert insights on how to keep your employees safe during mold removal, as well as preventative measures to minimize future mold risks.

Mold in Workplaces: A Growing Concern

Mold in commercial buildings is more common than many people realize. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), roughly 30% of commercial buildings experience indoor mold problems. This statistic highlights the importance of promptly addressing mold issues in the workplace to ensure a safe environment. 

Steps to Keep Employees Safe During Mold Removal

When mold is discovered in your business, you need to take immediate action to protect your employees and ensure that the mold is properly removed by professionals. Below are steps to follow to create a safe working environment during mold remediation.

1. Hire Professional Mold Remediation Experts

The most effective way to ensure employee safety during mold removal is to hire certified mold remediation professionals like SERVPRO®. Mold removal can be a complex and hazardous task, especially in larger areas or cases where mold has spread. Professionals have the training, tools, and protective equipment needed to remove mold safely and efficiently, minimizing exposure risks to your employees.

2. Contain the Mold-Affected Area

To prevent the spread of mold spores to other areas of your business, the mold-affected area should be contained. Mold remediation professionals will typically use plastic sheeting and seal off the space, ensuring that mold spores do not travel through the air. Ensure your employees are kept out of this contained area during the remediation process.

3. Relocate Employees if Necessary

If the mold infestation is significant or affects critical areas of your business, it may be necessary to temporarily relocate employees to a different part of the building or even to another location. Keeping employees away from the mold removal area minimizes their exposure to mold spores and allows the remediation team to work efficiently.

• Evaluate the extent of mold: If the mold is widespread, consider closing off certain areas or reducing operations in the affected parts of the building until remediation is complete.
• Provide alternate workspaces: If possible, create temporary workspaces in unaffected areas of the building to keep operations running smoothly.

4. Ensure Proper Ventilation

Good ventilation is essential in reducing the spread of mold spores. Make sure that the mold removal area is well-ventilated. Mold remediation teams often use negative air machines to help direct mold spores out of the building safely. You can also check your HVAC system to ensure it is functioning correctly and isn’t contributing to the spread of mold spores.

5. Communicate with Your Employees

Transparency is key to ensuring your employees feel safe and informed during the mold removal process. Regularly update your team on the steps being taken to remove the mold and protect their safety. Let them know when they can expect the mold removal process to be completed and how the business may be impacted during that time.

• Post signage: Mark and block off areas where mold remediation is taking place to prevent unauthorized access.
• Hold informational meetings: If needed, organize briefings to explain the situation and the steps being taken to ensure safety. This can help alleviate concerns among employees.

6. Provide Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

If certain employees need to enter or work near areas affected by mold, ensure they are equipped with the proper personal protective equipment (PPE). This can include gloves, N95 masks, and protective clothing to minimize their exposure to mold spores. Professional remediation teams will often use more advanced PPE, including respirators, to protect themselves while working directly in the mold-affected areas.

7. Post-Remediation Air Testing

After mold removal is complete, consider conducting post-remediation air testing to ensure that mold levels have returned to normal. This final step provides peace of mind and confirms that the workspace is safe for employees to return to. SERVPRO professionals can assist with thorough testing to ensure your business is mold-free before resuming normal operations.

Preventing Future Mold Issues in the Workplace

Once the mold has been removed, it’s essential to take preventative measures to reduce the risk of future mold growth. Here are some tips for maintaining a mold-free workplace:

• Fix leaks promptly: Water leaks from plumbing, roofs, or HVAC systems should be repaired as soon as they’re discovered to prevent moisture buildup.
• Control humidity levels: Use dehumidifiers to maintain indoor humidity below 60%, especially in high-moisture areas like kitchens, bathrooms, and basements.
• Improve ventilation: Ensure proper airflow in areas prone to moisture, such as restrooms, breakrooms, and basements. This helps reduce the likelihood of mold returning.
• Regularly inspect for signs of mold: Conduct routine inspections of areas that may be vulnerable to mold, such as behind sinks, under carpets, or near HVAC systems. Early detection is key to preventing larger mold problems.

Why Choose SERVPRO for Mold Remediation?

SERVPRO is a trusted name in mold remediation, providing businesses with professional, reliable services to restore their properties safely. Our certified technicians are equipped with the latest technology and tools to ensure mold removal is done thoroughly and efficiently, minimizing disruptions to your business operations.

Conclusion

Ensuring employee safety during mold removal is a priority for any business owner. By hiring professional mold remediation experts like SERVPRO, containing the affected area, and keeping employees informed and protected, you can effectively manage the mold removal process while maintaining a safe workplace.

If your business is facing a mold problem, don’t wait—contact SERVPRO today for expert mold removal and remediation services!

Understanding the Timeline: How Long Before Mold Develops in a Leaking Roof?

7/10/2024 (Permalink)

We explore the timeline for mold development in a leaking roof and provide insights into the factors that influence its growth.

A leaking roof can lead to a host of problems for homeowners, including water damage, structural issues, and mold growth. While the visible signs of a leaking roof may be apparent, many homeowners wonder how long it takes for mold to develop in the wake of a roof leak. In this blog post, we'll explore the timeline for mold development in a leaking roof and provide insights into the factors that influence its growth.

Factors Influencing Mold Growth in a Leaking Roof

Moisture Levels:

The primary factor influencing mold growth in a leaking roof is moisture. When water penetrates through a roof leak, it creates damp conditions conducive to mold growth. The severity and duration of the moisture intrusion play a significant role in determining how quickly mold will develop.

Temperature:

Temperature also plays a role in mold growth, with warmer temperatures generally accelerating the growth process. In warmer climates or during the summer months, mold may develop more rapidly in a leaking roof compared to cooler temperatures or winter conditions.

Humidity Levels:

High humidity levels can exacerbate mold growth in a leaking roof, providing additional moisture for mold spores to thrive. Areas with elevated humidity levels, such as attics or poorly ventilated spaces, are particularly susceptible to mold growth following a roof leak.

Timeline for Mold Development in a Leaking Roof

While the timeline for mold development in a leaking roof can vary depending on various factors, including those mentioned above, here's a general overview of how quickly mold may develop:

Initial Water Intrusion:

Following a roof leak, water begins to infiltrate the affected area, saturating building materials such as insulation, drywall, and wood framing. Initially, there may be no visible signs of mold growth, but the conditions are ripe for its development.

Within 24-48 Hours:

Within 24 to 48 hours of a roof leak, mold spores may begin to germinate and colonize the damp surfaces. While mold growth may not be visible to the naked eye during this timeframe, the process has likely already begun, especially in areas with high moisture levels.

Within 48-72 Hours:

Between 48 to 72 hours of sustained moisture exposure, visible mold growth may become apparent on surfaces such as ceilings, walls, and attic spaces. Mold may appear as black, green, or brown spots and may produce a musty odor indicative of its presence.

Preventing Mold Growth from a Leaking Roof

Prompt Roof Repairs:

Address roof leaks promptly to prevent prolonged moisture exposure and mold growth. Hire a qualified roofing contractor to inspect and repair any damaged or deteriorated roofing materials.

Proper Ventilation:

Ensure adequate ventilation in attics and other enclosed spaces to promote airflow and reduce humidity levels. Use exhaust fans, roof vents, and soffit vents to facilitate ventilation and prevent moisture buildup.

Regular Inspections:

Schedule regular inspections of your roof and attic to detect and address potential leaks before they escalate into larger issues. Look for signs of water stains, discoloration, or mold growth, and address any issues promptly.

Mold development in a leaking roof can occur relatively quickly, especially under favorable conditions such as high humidity and warm temperatures. By understanding the factors influencing mold growth and taking proactive measures to address roof leaks and prevent moisture buildup, homeowners can mitigate the risk of mold damage and maintain a healthy indoor environment. If you suspect mold growth from a leaking roof, contact a professional restoration company like SERVPRO® for expert assessment and remediation services.

9 Ways To Manage Mold

1/15/2021 (Permalink)

1. Identify problem areas in your home and correct them. Preventing mold from growing or spreading might be as simple as ripping up carpet in a damp basement, installing mold-resistant products, or repairing damaged gutters.

2. Dry wet areas immediately. Mold can't grow without moisture, so tackle wet areas right away. 

3. Prevent moisture with proper ventilation. Make sure an activity as simple as cooking dinner, taking a shower, or doing a load of laundry doesn't invite mold by providing proper ventilation in your bathroom, kitchen, laundry room, and any other high-moisture area. 

4. Equip your home with mold-resistant products. Building a new home or renovating an old one? Use mold-resistant products like mold-resistant drywall or mold-resistant Sheetrock, and mold inhibitors for paints. 

5. Monitor humidity indoors. The EPA recommends keeping indoor humidity between 30 and 60 percent. You can measure humidity with a moisture meter purchased from your local hardware store. 

6. Direct water away from your home. If the ground around your home isn't sufficiently sloped away from the foundation, water may collect there and seep into your crawlspace or basement.

7. Clean or repair roof gutters. Have your roof gutters cleaned regularly and inspected for damage. Repair them as necessary, and keep an eye out for water stains after storms that may indicate a leak.

8. Improve airflow in your home. Without good airflow in your home, that excess moisture may appear on your walls, windows, and floors. To increase circulation, open doors between rooms, move furniture away from walls, and open doors to closets that may be colder than the rooms they’re in. Let fresh air in to reduce moisture and keep mold at bay.

9. Keep mold off household plants. They're beautiful and help keep your indoor air clean — and mold loves them. The moist soil in indoor plants is a perfect breeding ground for mold, which may then spread to other areas of your house.

For  more information visit our SERVPRO of East Arlington page --- http://www.SERVPROeastarlington.com

10 Things You Should Know About Mold

1/15/2021 (Permalink)

1. Mold exposures include health effects.
2. There is no practical way to eliminate all mold and mold spores in the indoor environment; the way to control indoor mold growth is to control moisture.
3. If mold is a problem in your home or school, you must clean up the mold and eliminate sources of moisture.
4. Fix the source of the water problem or leak to prevent mold growth.
5. Reduce indoor humidity (to 30-60%) to decrease mold growth by:
6. Clean and dry any damp or wet building materials and furnishings within 24-48 hours to prevent mold growth.
7. Clean mold off hard surfaces with water and detergent, and dry completely. Absorbent materials such as ceiling tiles, that are moldy, may need to be replaced.
8. Prevent condensation: Reduce the potential for condensation on cold surfaces (i.e., windows, piping, exterior walls, roof, or floors) by adding insulation.
9. In areas where there is a perpetual moisture problem, do not install carpeting (i.e., by drinking fountains, by classroom sinks, or on concrete floors with leaks or frequent condensation).
10. Molds can be found almost anywhere; they can grow on virtually any substance, providing moisture is present. There are molds that can grow on wood, paper, carpet, and foods.

For more information, visit our SERVPRO of East Arlington page--- http://www.SERVPROeastarlington.com

Mold Remediation Procedure in your Texas Home

1/15/2021 (Permalink)

When a homeowner encounters a problem with mold growth in their Texas home, it is an unwelcome situation that requires mold remediation immediately. If a homeowner is concerned that he has a problem with mold, then a SERVPRO expert can effectively administer mold indoor air quality testing, which will determine the severity of the problem. When a technician completes a mold inspection, a homeowner will be ready to start mold remediation services, if required. A homeowner will benefit from choosing a reputable and highly rated company in Arlington that will be able to administer mold remediation services in an efficient and timely manner. When a homeowner is preparing for a mold remediation service in his or her home, here is what can be expected during the process. 

Initial Assessment

When a mold remediation procedure is started, an initial assessment will be administered by a SERVPRO specialist. This technician has received specialized training to detect and recognize mold spores and growth in an indoor area. Once the air quality test has been finished, a homeowner will be given a set of written instructions for proper mold removal protocol. The mold removal protocol encompasses specific guidelines for a mold remediation company like SERVPRO to execute.

Mold Removal

When a technician has completed the initial assessment and provided a homeowner with the written protocol, the home will be ready for the mold removal process. To ensure mold spores do not spread, our mold remediation technicians will establish barriers throughout the home. The technicians will then remove any porous surfaces that have tested positive for mold, which could include drywall, carpet, carpet padding, and insulation. When the removal steps have been completed by the technicians, they will then clean and sanitize all surfaces followed by an application of an antifungal paint or product.

Air Scrubbing and Clearance Testing

Air scrubbing and clearance testing are the final steps in the mold remediation process. When all of the contaminated materials have been removed from the home, the technicians will reduce mold spores in the air by using air scrubbers. By using air scrubbers, the SERVPRO technicians will effectively restore healthy air levels within the home. After the process has been completed, the technicians will perform a final clearance test to the home. A SERVPRO technician then will sign a document that certifies the mold remediation has been administered and was successful, which is the final step in the procedure.  The homeowner can safely return to his home and enjoy the fresh, clean air.

Texas Residents: Follow These Tips If You Suspect Mold

1/15/2021 (Permalink)

If you see visible mold, do not disturb it. You can inadvertently spread the mold infestation throughout your home. When mold is disturbed, the mold can release microscopic mold spores which become airborne and can circulate inside your home.

What to Do:

• Stay out of affected areas.
• Turn off the HVAC system and fans.
• Contact SERVPRO of East Arlington for mold remediation services.

What Not to Do:

• Don’t touch or disturb the mold.
• Don’t blow air across any surfaces with visible or suspected mold growth.
• Don’t attempt to dry the area yourself.
• Don’t spray bleach or other disinfectants on the mold.

About Our Mold Remediation Services

SERVPRO of East Arlington specializes in mold cleanup and restoration, in fact, it’s a cornerstone of our business.  Our crews are highly trained restoration professionals that use specialized equipment and techniques to properly remediate your mold problem quickly and safely.

If You See Signs of Mold, Call Us Today!

What Makes Mold Grow in Your House?

1/15/2021 (Permalink)

Molds are a type of fungus that naturally grow in many places, but inside your house, they can cause health effects and negatively impact air quality. Therefore, preventing mold in your house is important for the health and safety of your family and visitors who spend time in your home. The good news is that preventing mold is quite simple, and the key is controlling moisture and humidity in your house. So just why is your house so attractive to mold, and what can you do to stop it?

You Probably Have a Moisture Problem

Mold needs moisture to grow. Before it becomes the unpleasant, fuzzy patches of black mold, mold exists as invisible spores in the air. Those spores are essentially inactive until they come in contact with moisture, at which point they begin the next developmental stage and begin the dreaded black mold invasion. Common sources of moisture include:

Standing water
High humidity 
Broken water mains
Broken pipes
Leaking roofs and windows
Air conditioners

Any one of these problems can be enough to prompt an outbreak of black mold inside your home. Getting rid of the moisture can help to cease the spread of mold, but it’s not enough to get rid of the mold fully.

How Do You Handle Mold Cleanup?

The safest option is to contact a mold remediation specialist here at SERVPRO of East Arlington. Our mold remediation specialists possess the tools and knowledge needed to not only carefully remove mold from your surroundings, but also help you prevent it from reappearing. Working with our mold specialists can help you understand the type of mold that has taken root in your home and can often lead to identifying water damage or other issues that had previously gone unnoticed before the mold problem began. 

While waiting for help to arrive, you can get a head start on disposing of contaminated materials and drying out saturated items. Do everything you can to contain the mold infection and prevent it from spreading further until it can be destroyed. For more information on mold remediation check out our website at http://www.SERVPROeastarlington.com

Common Mold Misconceptions

1/15/2021 (Permalink)

When it comes to mold, there’s a lot of information out there, however, that doesn’t mean that it’s all correct. From methods of cleaning mold to which types of mold may cause health effects, misconceptions are everywhere. If you find yourself browsing through the internet looking for information after encountering mold growth in your home, keep an eye out for these common mold misconceptions:

• Mold is Only Found in Water-Damaged Homes

While it’s true that mold normally forms in areas that have issues with water damage or flooding, that’s not the whole picture. Molds and mildews are always present—both indoors and outdoors. When mold spores land on a surface that contains any amount of moisture, it can begin to grow. So regardless of whether or not you’ve had recent water damage to your home, all homes have the potential to wind up with a mold problem, especially in high humidity areas like crawlspaces and basements.

• It’s Not Dangerous Mold if it isn’t Black

While black mold does have a dark appearance, it’s not the only type of mold that can cause health effects for people. You can’t solely rely on the color of mold to determine its level of toxicity, and some dangerous molds come in colors such as brown, green, yellow, or white. When it comes down to it, a significant group of any mold type can release enough spores into the air to affect those with allergies, asthma, and other conditions, so it’s important to address any type of mold growth promptly.

• Black Mold is “toxic” to Humans and Animals

Calling black mold “toxic” implies that it is somehow poisonous to those who come into contact with it. In reality, there is no “toxic mold”—although molds can be toxigenic. If a toxigenic mold is growing and releasing spore into the air, it can create unhealthy air quality conditions that affect members of the household. Black mold is one of the most well-known toxigenic molds associated with health effects.

• Mold Can be Treated with DIY Methods

There’s a lot of DIY advice out there from unreliable sources that tell homeowners that treating mold with bleach is enough to fix the problem. Although bleach can indeed be an effective surface cleaner, mold often colonizes porous materials that cannot be treated with this DIY method like behind walls, under floors, inside insulation, etc. For remediation that eliminates the issue for good, a professional team of mold technicians should be contacted to evaluate the scope of the problem. 

While there’s no question that mold can be a headache for homeowners, it’s not a problem that has to result in an empty wallet and a damaged home! At SERVPRO of East Arlington, we provide fast, highly-effective mold remediation. Best of all, our services are guaranteed! 

Don’t rely on random, incorrect information from the internet to treat your mold issues—just give our experts a call for a free estimate!

For more information about understanding mold and the mold remediation process check out our website at http://www.SERVPROeastarlington.com