Mold Response Plan
Mold response is part of an overall mold awareness and mitigation program. Mold awareness starts with providing resources and information in advance and educating and training both responders and occupants. Resources in advance include promoting awareness and prevention methods. The first line of defense is dehumidification, moisture control and good housekeeping practices. However, in certain environments, even with these measures in place mold can occur. If mold does occur, the College of Charleston has the following response protocol.
Submit a work order request and select the "Custodial/Recycling" tile. This is the critical first step to initiate the evaluation process quickly.
The first responder for a student housing facility is a CofC staff member.
- Visually assess the magnitude of the issue. Is surface mold present?
- Consider the possibility of hidden mold.
- If minor, conduct basic cleaning such as HEPA vacuuming and surface wiping with approved products.
- If related to basic housecleaning, provide handout on basic housecleaning techniques to clean mold.
- If it can be easily addressed, work is complete.
- If not easily addressed, consult with an industrial hygienist (IH) (Director of EHS to coordinate).
- Based on the IH assessment, determine if occupants must be relocated.
- If major or requiring further assessment, refer the issue to EHS and FM Operations Directors. They will determine the next steps such as additional cleaning, investigation of moisture source, assess HVAC operation, inspect vents, etc.
- Determine if in-house staff or outsourced resources are needed.
The decision to relocate occupants should consider:
- The size and type of the area affected by mold growth
- The type and extent of health effects reported by the occupants
- The potential health risks that could be associated with debris
- The amount of disruption likely to be caused by remediation activities
If occupants are relocated the IH may conduct air sampling after the mitigation work is complete to determine if the problem is resolved.
- If the air sample is favorable, then occupants may move back in.
- If the air sample is not favorable, then occupants must remove all possessions so required additional mitigation work can commence.
- Once additional mitigation work is complete, conduct an additional air sample to ensure the space is ready for occupants to return. If the air sample is favorable, then occupants can move back in.
Communication throughout the process is vital.
- Facilities Management to keep Campus Housing updated on status.
- Campus Housing to communicate with the occupants.
- For safety reasons, if anyone other than Facilities Management requires access into the work area, they must coordinate through Facilities Management.