When it comes to mold remediation, the proper equipment must be used to ensure the safety of all workers involved with the process and individuals living in the home.
Below are some equipment frequently used during the mold remediation process.
This list is not all inclusive.
1.Personal Protective Equipment
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) approved respirators should be worn throughout this entire process to prevent any inhalation of contaminated dust particles and mold spores.
Also, personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves, eye protection, and Tyvek suits should be worn when performing mold remediation.
Furthermore, it is important that those involved with mold removal have proper training before beginning their task, so they know exactly what precautions need to be taken during the cleanup process.
2. Negative Air Machine
What is Negative Air Machine?
Negative air machines are used in mold remediation to keep the negative pressure inside the clean space. This machine is equipped with a HEPA filter that captures mold spores and cleans the air in the process.
This prevents dust and particles from being pulled back into the house or office, which can re-contaminate the area again after you have spent so much time cleaning it up.
Negative air machines also help dry out damp spaces by pulling moisture outside of your home, which can lead to mold growth.
3. High-Efficiency Particulate Air Vacuum (HEPA)
The High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) vacuums are not the same as ordinary vacuum cleaners.
They are different from regular vacuums because they contain filters that can trap extremely small particles such as mold spores and other airborne particles.
HEPA vacuums remove up to 99.97 percent of all airborne particles with a diameter of 0.3 microns or greater.
Using HEPA vacuums prevents molds and other contaminated dust particles from dispersing into the air.
Another feature of HEPA vacuums is that they are sealed systems that ensure that all air passing through the vacuum goes through HEPA filtration.
4. Using Biocides For Mold Removal
Biocides are chemicals that are intended to destroy, prevent, or control any harmful organisms by chemical or biological means.
A perfect example of a biocide is the chlorine bleach that is frequently used to treat mold.
Remember that the purpose of mold remediation is three-fold:
(1) Remove mold-contaminated items
(2) Prevent exposure to humans
(3) Prevent damage to building materials, furnishings, and your personal belongings.
Biocides are generally not recommended or needed when performing mold remediation activities.
However, many companies use less harmful Plant Based Biocides like Benefect Decom 30. Some biocides can be more harmful to building occupants due to the release of toxic vapors.
Clorox Company(1) in Oakland CA stated chlorine bleach is effective on non-porous surfaces such as glass and metals.
The company did not elaborate on whether the bleach was effective on porous items such as wood, drywall, and other such items.
There are some instances where biocides can be effective during mold remediation activities.
5. Encapsulation Compounds
Mold encapsulation refers to the application of compounds or chemicals that will seal the substrate after remediation has taken place.
Encapsulation is like applying paint designed to seal moldy surfaces from which the mold cannot be removed entirely.
When a material is encapsulated using this method, there are usually constraints, such that the material cannot be removed.
For example, encapsulating a load-bearing wall in a structure.
It is not practical or feasible to remove the moldy load-bearing wall. Therefore, the mold is removed as much as possible, then the area is dried out, and encapsulation is applied to deter regrowth.
Some remediation companies use mold encapsulation chemicals as an added layer of protection to deter mold regrowth.
Encapsulation can be effective in some instances; however, the only reliable and lasting way to deter mold growth is by removing its source of moisture.
6. Dehumidifiers
A dehumidifier is a machine which reduces and maintains the level of humidity in the air.
They are used in mold remediation to dry out building materials and to assist in preventing additional mold growth.
7. Moisture Meters
Moisture meters are used to test components materials to determine if the material is wet and needs to be dried.
This tool is useful in detecting areas of your home that have moisture problems indicating that the area may need attention.
In Mold remediation, moisture meters are used to ensure that materials are dry before replacing materials.
8. Containment Barriers to Contain Mold Spores
Plastic containment such as Zip Walls are temporary barriers that are used to seal or isolate large areas and prevent contamination when performing work that generates dust and other airborne particles.
During mold removal, zip walls are useful devices that help to isolate moldy areas from the rest of the home.
Conclusion
Getting the ideal mold removal equipment is something that shouldn’t taken lightly. Handling mold is is very serious task.
Therefore you want to make sure you protect your self when removing mold.