Imagine this scenario: you own a small business, and one of your employees alerts you that they've been dealing with a mold-related illness and are currently receiving medical treatment. Immediately, questions start swirling in your mind, "What steps should I take next? How do I ensure the safety and health of my other staff?"
Here are some guiding steps to help you navigate this situation.
Prepare a Specific Plan: Ideally, you should have in place a "Site Specific Mold Management Plan" following the guidelines set by the relevant health authorities and workplace safety organizations. If you're in California, CalOSHA and the California Department of Health provide comprehensive guidelines. If you need help in creating this plan, consider seeking professional help.
Seek Professional Help: Contact a certified environmental decontamination company with Hazwoper certifications. The risk of mold exposure can be hazardous, and it's essential to have an experienced and certified professional to handle it. Avoid taking this task upon yourself or assigning it to unqualified personnel.
Choose Wisely: When hiring a professional decontamination company, do your due diligence. We suggest asking at least five crucial questions to ensure you're dealing with a reputable firm. Here, we have outlined some tips to help you avoid pitfalls and make an informed choice.
Understand the Risk: Contrary to popular belief, direct contact with mold-contaminated surfaces isn't the only way of contracting mold-related illnesses. Airborne spores are a significant contributor to the spread of mold, especially in indoor environments. Regular cleaning, though essential, won't entirely eliminate the risk of airborne mold.
Specialized Equipment is Key: Eradicating airborne mold requires specialized equipment, usually deployed by professional mold remediation companies. This equipment helps decontaminate the air in your workspace, reducing the risk of mold-related illnesses.
By following these steps, you'll be well on your way to ensuring a safe, mold-free environment for your staff. Remember, a proactive approach to mold management not only protects your employees but also contributes to the overall health and productivity of your workplace.
The best plan is to contact a certified Enviromental decontamination company with Hazwoper certifications. Remember, you are putting you or others in harms way when they enter a mold contaminated area. This is not the time to “learn” from YouTube” or hire your plumber or carpet cleaner to spread it around. There are several things you should ask when hiring a firm. We have outlined 5 questions to ask when hiring a service to disinfect your business or home in Santa Clarita Valley. You can read these tip on how to avoid pitfalls and find a reputable company here.
