New Tool Created to Help Identify Dampness & Mold in Buildings
Late in 2018, NIOSH developed a new way to help identify mold in damp work areas.
The new Dampness and Mold Assessment tool offers employers a way to both find damp areas that promote mold, and eradicate areas already affected by the toxic fungus.
Related: 10 Ways to Improve EHS on Your Worksite in 2019
There are currently two versions of the tool: a version for general buildings (Click to View) and schools (Click to View). Each includes this four-step assessment cycle
- Assess – Use the Dampness and Mold Assessment Tool in all rooms and areas of your building(s).
- Identify – Determine the source of dampness or mold identified in Step 1 by further investigating where the moisture is coming from.
- Repair & Remediate – Facilities staff or trained professionals should repair all identified sources of dampness and mold and remediate damaged areas following proper guidelines.
- Repeat – Schedule regular building assessments to prevent new or worsening problems and repeat Step 1.
Mold Causes and Who It Affects Most
Leaky roofs and windows, flooding, and high humidity are all factors that can promote the growth of mold, bacteria, fungi, and insects.
According to NIOSH, these conditions can lead to respiratory symptoms and infections, asthma, hay fever, bronchitis, eczema, and hypersensitivity pneumonitis.
Workers at the greatest risk of these negative health effects are individuals with existing respiratory conditions such as allergies and asthma. That’s why it’s important for employers to regularly test employees for exposure to mold as well as use the checklist to assess their workplace.
Related: 3 Signs That Your Workplace Could Be Making You Sick
According to David Weissman, director of the Respiratory Health Division at NIOSH, these tools “provide an inexpensive mechanism to investigate, record and compare conditions over time.”
These steps can help identify problem areas before they become a major problem, and will prioritize repair and maintenance.
Mold and Medical Surveillance Testing
Mold can be a silent threat, so it’s important to encourage employees to report any health issues they suspect may be caused exposure to dampness. Employers can be proactive with testing by going mobile with Worksite Medical.
We help you prioritize the health of your employees with mobile medical surveillance by providing regular, on-site health testing to make sure your employees are healthy and that you are OSHA compliant. Our services include respirator fit testing, DOT physical exams, silica physicals, and more. Give us a call at 1-844-OCCUMED to schedule an appointment today.
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