by HSEI Training
As winter draws to a close, you need to be conscious of the dangers posed by mould at your workplace, and implement steps to detect and eliminate the risk.
Mould is a natural part of our environment but can pose a significant health risk to workers if it grows uncontrolled, so it should be immediately removed.
A World Health Organization 2009 report on mould stated that the prevalence of indoor dampness might affect atleast 20% of indoor environments in both Canada and the US, particularly in settings such as river valleys and coastal areas.
The exposure to mould can occur through either breathing, ingestion or contact with skin. The hazard varies depending on the type of mould, including whether it will cause allergic reactions, infections (such as skin infections), or toxic reactions leading to serious illnesses and other health conditions.
The most important steps you can take to prevent mould is to limit the amount of water or moisture entering the place of work. Reducing dampness will limit the chance that mould will grow.
As with other airborne pathogens, ventilation is a key protection by limiting the areas of excessive humidity.
Other steps recommended by the regulators include:
providing adequate drainage around buildings
undertaking repairs promptly to prevent water damage
ensuring heating, ventilation and air-conditioning systems are working effectively
managing water vapour and condensation, especially in high water vapour areas such as bathrooms and showers, i.e. provide ventilation and the ability to hang up towels or damp clothing
checking plumbing for leaks
keeping furnishings dry
ensuring good ventilation throughout the workplace, and
having air-handling systems maintained to the manufacturer’s requirements
Interested in Knowing More?
For in-depth advice about environmental management, please contact one of our expert team today. https://www.hseigroup.com/contact.
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