Are There Australian Mould Standards?

Often I am asked whether we have an Australian Standards. Unfortunately there are no standards in Australia however there are guidelines with acceptable industry practices we can follow which include

• Australian Mould Guidelines - purchased from Mycologia Australia
• Standard & Reference Guide for Professional Mold Remediation by IICRC S520

Australian Mould Guidelines

These are guidelines only with the intention of it eventually becoming an Australian standard. It was Authored by Peter Kemp and Dr Heike Neumeister-Kemp with the second edition released in 2010.

In my opinion, it is probably the easiest guidline to follow with easy to identify levels of mould contamination. Each level of mould contamination may  requires different personal equipment and mould removal method as explained in the guideline.

Mycologia Australia also provide training in mould suitable for hygienists  remediators, property managers government etc. 

Standard Reference Guide for Professional Mold Remediation by IICRC

A very detailed view for remediating mould. Training courses following this guideline in Australia include Jena Dyco and CPK Training 

Is your house infected with mould after the Floods?

One of the most common questions I get is: "Can I prevent my house from growing mould?" The answer is of course YES.

One of the root causes of mould growth is moisture. Remove the moisture and this can help suppress the mould problem. The only way to find out if the property is dry is with the aid of a moisture meter. Wooden frames should be no more than 16% WME (Wood moisture equivalent). In most cases the closer to 8% WME the better. The concrete should read at least 75% RH. (Relative Humidity). This is done by drilling holes in the concrete floor and inserting plugs that will entrap the moisture inside, and after 24 hrs you are able to gain a reading.

A good way to remove surface mould is with a vinegar/water solution with a microfiber cloth. This will help prevent the spread of the spores to other areas. Porous items that have been affected by mould will have be disposed in most cases.

How to Control Mould In your Bathroom

Mould Tip for the week:

It can be very difficult sometimes to prevent mould growing in damp spaces (bathrooms, laundry and the like).

A simple way that can be used to help control this is by installing a ventillation fan or by opening the window in the bathroom.

Another tip is to clean the bathroom on a regular basis.

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Is it worth getting a mould sample?

I have many calls from people asking me for a mould sample. My standard response is why specifically would you like a mould sample?

Mould Samples can range between $33 per sample up to $220 per individual sample. If you plan on getting more than one sample, it is easy to see how high the costs can get.

THEREFORE, it is important you understand what mould testing can achieve. In most cases samples are recommended if you would like to:

• Know the species of the mould growing in your home or building
• Know if the source of the mould contamination is indoor or outdoors
• Know the level of contamination
• Know whether it is actually mould
  

Some of the reasons why you may want to know this include:

• Because you may want to research the health affects of a certain type of mould
• Understand the behaviour of the mould so you know how to remediate it properly
• Need it for an insurance or liability report

Please give us a call if you are thinking of getting a mould sample first. Usually we will talk with you on the phone and ask you some questions and find out whether it is worth you getting a mould inspection. Then we can book you in for a standard mould inspection. When we are at your property, we can determine whether it is worth it for you to have a mould sample taken.

Mould Sample Information

• Mould samples are sent to a laboratory in Sydney
• Depending on the type of sample, quantity and the time of year - It can take 1-2 weeks to receive the results.
• We can conduct an ATP test which can give instant results (call to find out more).