When mold is treated or damaged material is removed, spores and dust are released. If the work area is not cordoned off, they will spread throughout the building. Cordoning off the area keeps the contaminants contained within the work zone and protects both the rest of the property and the people inside it during the project.
What happens if the work area isn't marked off?
Spores and dust are carried by air currents within the building. They can spread through the ventilation system, through open doors, or via staff clothing and tools. Surfaces and areas not included in the scope of the project may then need to be cleaned, which increases the workload and the risk of having to redo the work. A clearly defined work area makes it clear where the remediation begins and ends.
How is the work area defined?
The area is cordoned off from the rest of the building using protective sheeting and tape. Doors, openings, and ventilation ducts in the zone are sealed to prevent air and dust from escaping through them. Entry and exit points are arranged so that personnel and materials do not carry dust out of the work area. The containment area is adjusted according to the extent of the damage, ranging from a single wall to an entire room or floor.
Air Purification During Work
Containment is often combined with air purification in the remediation zone. Air purifiers with HEPA filters capture spores and particles in the air while the work is in progress, which reduces the amount of dust that needs to be cleaned up during the final cleanup. The filters must be checked and replaced according to the manufacturer’s instructions for the air purification to work as intended.
Staff inside the work area need to be protected
The containment area protects the surrounding environment, but inside the work area, the concentration of spores and dust is at its highest. Anyone working in the zone therefore needs protective equipment suited to the task, such as a respirator, eye protection, gloves, and a protective coverall. The protective coveralls are removed before personnel leave the work area, so that dust does not carry out with them. The equipment is part of the same principle as the containment zone: contaminants must remain where the work is being performed.
The delimiter is removed last
The barrier must remain in place until the growth has been treated and the surfaces in the work area have been thoroughly cleaned. If it is removed too early, dust remaining on the floor and other surfaces may spread to surrounding areas. Therefore, the protective covering is not removed until the work is completely finished.
Equipment for Containment and Mold Remediation
At Alron, you’ll find remediation supplies, equipment, and mold remediation products for professional remediation projects. The products are primarily based on hydrogen peroxide and are available in various concentrations and formulations for different surfaces and application methods. Does your company need help choosing the right equipment or products for a project? Contact us at Alron, and we’ll be happy to assist you.
