Mold clean up San Francisco

EPA Checklist for Mold Remediation

Investigate and evaluate moisture and mold problems Please note that this checklist was designed to highlight key parts of a school or commercial building remediation and does not list all potential steps or problems.Checklist for Mold Remediation (PDF) (1 page, 20 K, about PDF)

  • Assess size of moldy area (square feet)
  • Consider the possibility of hidden mold
  • Clean up small mold problems and fix moisture problems before they become large problems
  • Select remediation manager for medium or large size mold problem
  • Investigate areas associated with occupant complaints
  • Identify source(s) or cause of water or moisture problem(s)
  • Note type of water-damaged materials (wallboard, carpet, etc.)
  • Check inside air ducts and air handling unit
  • Throughout process, consult qualified professional if necessary or desired
Communicate with building occupants at all stages of process, as appropriate
  • Designate contact person for questions and comments about medium or large scale remediation as needed
Plan Remediation
  • Adapt or modify remediation guidelines to fit your situation; use professional judgment
  • Plan to dry wet, non-moldy materials within 48 hours to prevent mold growth (see Table 1 and text)
  • Select cleanup methods for moldy items (see Table 2 and text)
  • Select Personal Protection Equipment - protect remediators (see Table 2and text)
  • Select containment equipment - protect building, occupants (see Table 2and text)
  • Select remediation personnel who have the experience and training needed to implement the remediation plan and use Personal Protective Equipment and containment as appropriate
Remediate moisture and mold problems
  • Fix moisture problem, implement repair plan and/or maintenance plan
  • Dry wet, non-moldy materials within 48 hours to prevent mold growth
  • Clean and dry mold materials (see Table 2 and text)
  • Discard moldy porous items that can't be cleaned (see Table 2 and text)
Questions to Consider Before Remediating
  • Are there existing moisture problems in the building?
  • Have building materials been wet more than 48 hours?  (See Table 2and text)
  • Are there hidden sources of water or is the humidity too high (high enough to cause condensation)?
  • Are building occupants reporting musty or moldy odors?
  • Are building occupants reporting health problems?
  • Are building materials or furnishings visibly damaged?
  • Has maintenance been delayed or the maintenance plan been altered?
  • Has the building been recently remodeled or has building use changed?
  • Is consultation with medical or health professionals indicated?