Remediation

After a complete inspection, whether simply a visual inspection or a complete indoor environmental assessment, where mould is discovered, removal should be done immediately.

Due to the hazardous nature of mould, removal should ONLY be done by a Certified Mould Remediation contractor. Even small areas of remediation should be performed using containment in order to prevent the spreading of aerosolized spores to uncontaminated areas during the remediation process.

MSI: specializes in complete remediation of mould contamination in residential, commercial, industrial and institutional buildings. We perform all work in accordance with strict industry accepted Guidelines and Remediation Protocols.

Summary of the Six Steps of Remediation

Step 1. A barrier is established to confine the mould and keep it from spreading during the removal. All surfaces that are not contaminated and are not being removed are protected using polyethylene sheeting. Negative pressure is maintained in the containment area for the duration of the remediation using commercial HEPA grade air scrubbers. During the remediation process the number of mould spores that become aerosolized may be 1000 times higher. If the area is not contained properly by a certified contractor, the mould spores may be spread throughout the building causing extensive contamination.

Step 2. All affected/contaminated building materials such as drywall, carpeting etc. are removed and disposed of properly. It is very important to minimize aerosolization of mould spores and to ensure that the contamination is not spread to other parts of the building.

Step 3. Contaminated framing material, floor sheathing, concrete etc. is cleaned using wire brushing, sanding, scraping and state of the art dry ice blasting.

Step 4. All areas are damp wiped using an all natural fungicide and receive three complete passes using a commercial grade HEPA vacuum to remove any settled spores.

Step 5. Clearance testing is performed at the end of the remediation and before containment is removed in order to ensure that the mould has been successfully remediated.

Step 6. Reconstruction work is performed to restore the structural and surface finishing materials to their original state by a General Contractor.

Details of Remediation - What using MSI: includes

General

All work will be carried out by our highly trained and experienced Mould Remediation Technicians under the direct supervision of our Team Leaders and/or Supervisors.

All work will be carried out in a good workmanlike manner using new materials (unless existing materials are reused where directed/specified for the particular project).

All work will be carried out in accordance with our company safety policy.

$5 million Builder’s All Risk, Public Liability and Employer’s Liability and a minimum of $1 million Mould Remediator insurances will be in place for the duration of the Project.

All work will be carried out in accordance with the applicable Building Codes, the drawings, remediation protocol, scope of work, specifications, industry guidelines and authorities having jurisdiction, as applicable.

Personnel

Only Personnel trained in the handling of hazardous materials will perform mould remediation. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) will include:

Full-face respirators with HEPA filtration cartridges for chemicals and organic vapors.

Disposable protective clothing covering head and shoes.

Latex, vinyl, neoprene or nitrile gloves.

Work gloves.

All our Mould Remediation Technicians are fully trained in mould remediation and our Team Leaders and Supervisors are also Certified Hazardous Material Technicians.

Typical Containment Protocol and Procedure to be used

Full containment will be erected to contain the ‘Contained Work Area – Hot-Zone’ before mould removal and remediation activities commence.

Complete isolation of work area from other occupied spaces using plastic sheeting sealed with duct tape or similar materials (including ventilation ducts/grills, fixtures and any other openings)

Negative air machines with HEPA filters to generate negative pressurization.

All contained areas will include properly sealed plastic sheeting on the ceilings, walls and floors, other than the work area where materials are to be removed. Depending on the nature of the project, the work area where mould is to be removed may not require plastic sheeting on the floors. The walls and ceilings with no visible mould growth will have plastic sheeting across the ceiling and from the ceiling down to the floor.

In order to properly seal and create the negative pressure containment the HVAC system may need to be shut down and sealed prior to any remedial activities. As a precaution, and whenever practical, the HVAC system will be shut down regardless of whether this is a necessity. All diffusers, vents and intakes must be completely sealed within the containment areas.

Containment will be erected using fireproof plastic sheeting of the following densities: Ceiling 4 mil, Walls 6 mil and Floors 10 mil (where possible).

Containment will be maintained via negative pressure to a minimum of -0.02 inches of water column. This will be checked and logged daily before and after any activities inside the contained area as well as periodically during the workday. Containment pressurization will be operated without interruption 24 hours/day until completion.

Containment area will allow a minimum of 4 ACR (air changes) per hour.

All filters used on site will be functioning properly and disposed of as sanitary waste at the end of the work or when necessary to ensure proper functioning. All venting will be done to the outside of the building where possible, using HEPA filters.

All areas will be clearly marked as ‘Regulated Containment Area' and the containment area will be secure at all times.

All surfaces in the contained area including containment barriers will be HEPA vacuumed and cleaned with a damp cloth with a detergent solution and/or Benefect and will be visibly clean prior to the removal of the containment barriers. Three (3) passes of HEPA vacuuming for final cleaning will be performed. All equipment and tools in the containment areas will be cleaned and decontaminated prior to the removal of containment barriers.

Cleaning inside the containment area will be conducted from clean working areas towards dirty areas. Cleaning of walls will be from top to bottom and towards the air filtration device.

Contained area will be free and clear of any debris, dust and mould growth and all surfaces including the containment barriers will have been cleaned as specified at the end of the remediation works.

Access to the containment area will be restricted to qualified personnel, and the Client under supervision, with appropriate Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) only. Unrestricted access and/or occupancy should not occur until the containment area has been cleared. Unauthorized entry into the containment area will void all warranty and liability aspects of the work.

Depending on the nature of the project the containment areas may be video monitored and alarmed in order to ensure security and prevent unauthorized entry.

Vacating people from spaces adjacent to the work area during mould remediation may or may not be necessary depending on the exact nature of the project.

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