A Mold Prevention Program
July 2002
Mold has become such a nightmare for owners,
contractors, suppliers, everyone, that if you haven't developed a prevention
program, you probably will. Jeff Slivka provides a brief outline of what a mold
prevention program may look like.
by Jeff
Slivka
New Day
Underwriting Managers LLC
If you haven't already done so, you probably will or need to develop a "mold
prevention program" for one reason or another in the near future. Why? Because
mold has become such a nightmare for owners, contractors, suppliers, everyone—you
name it. If you haven't done so already, you'll need to develop a prevention
program to (1) educate your organization on the impact mold "liability" can
have on the company, and (2) should you choose to insure the risk, the likelihood
that any underwriters will offer terms for mold coverage without it are slim
to none.
So, how do you get started (and I stress this is only a start), if you want
to construct such a program? Below is a brief outline of what a mold program
may look like. This is not a comprehensive outline, but it should get you thinking
in the proper direction. In the event you want to develop a comprehensive program,
it would be prudent to seek the assistance of a certified industrial hygienist
(CIH) or an air quality specialist to address the specific needs of your organization.
Section 1—Mold Awareness
This section provides general information to on site
personnel and future tenant/occupants (if necessary).
- Overall state of industry with mold
- Description of mold—types of mold/fungus, how it proliferates,
what it looks like, why it exists, where to look for it, etc.
- Mold growth—triangle: moisture, temperature, and food source.
How it grows and how to remove the contributors to mold growth.
- Toxicological impact on human health—real or perceived
- Risks associated with mold/fungal growth to both third parties
as well as own workers
- Addressing mold awareness with tenants
Section 2—Mold Prevention
This section addresses the ways to prevent water
from entering the building and should be shared with on-site personnel
and tenants.
- Overall description of how water can infiltrate a structure
- Addressing mold issues with tenants in lease agreements
- Use of mold resistant materials/products—caulks, paints, sealants,
carpets, etc.
- Notification process for tenants
- Documentation process
- Reducing moisture/water infiltration:
- Type of construction, specifically with building envelope
and type of roof
- Quality of construction
- Sequencing or construction
- Quality of contractors on new construction and maintenance
- Are contractors aware of mold
- Procedures for drying out wet/damp areas
- Infrared imaging to identify possible areas of water intrusion
in building envelope
Section 3—Mold Control Program
This section addresses the remediation once mold
is found in the structure/building. Depending on the extent of the impacted
area, experts in the field of air quality and mold remediation must
be engaged.
- What to do if you find mold—documentation, photos, notification,
isolation of impacted areas
- Remediation—selecting CIHs, developing reports, referring environmental
consultants (should establish relationship with one), safety (PPE
and plans)
- Selection of remediation contractor—references, contracts, insurance
requirements, statement of qualifications
- Areas of concern during remediation:
- Impact of cleanup
- Extent of cleanup
- Cleanup standards
- Damage to other materials in structure
|
Conclusion
In closing, the key element to such a program is prevention and not of mold,
but of water intrusion. As we all know, mold is only the by-product of the real
culprit, water intrusion. In order to truly rid buildings of future mold problems
and resulting liability, you must prevent the water from entering the structure.
Unfortunately, that is usually easier said than done.
Opinions expressed in Expert Commentary articles are those of the author and are
not necessarily held by the author's employer or IRMI. Expert Commentary articles
and other IRMI Online content do not purport to provide legal, accounting, or other
professional advice or opinion. If such advice is needed, consult with your attorney,
accountant, or other qualified adviser.