Working with Mold

Purpose Protecting workers from exposure and injuries associated with working with mold by identifying hazards and providing appropriate controls.
Definition Molds are common forms of fungi and can be found widely in the natural environment both indoors and outdoors. They tend to grow where there is a food source (wood, paper, carpet, etc.), oxygen and moisture (such as high humidity, dampness, or water damage.) Mold reproduces by producing spores which can become airborne and cause mold to spread.
Hazards

This list of potential hazards is not comprehensive. Workers are required to complete a Hazard Assessment prior to starting this task to ensure all hazards are identified and controlled.

 Biological:

  • Inhalation into the lungs causing respiratory infections
  • Allergic Reactions
  • Disturbing mold can make it airborne, causing an aggravation of asthma
Controls Engineering: 

  • High Efficiency Particulate (HEPA) vacuum

Administrative:

Personal Protective Equipment:

  • Basic PPE: Safety Footwear
  • Task Specific PPE: Half Mask Respirator with P100 or N95 Mask, Disposable Gloves, Goggles/Eye Protection, Impermeable Coveralls/Disposable Protective Clothing (Tyvek)
  • Work Site Supervisory Responsibility
 Do

  • Ensure Workers have reviewed the SWP – Working with Mold.
  • Complete a Hazard Assessment prior to starting work.
  • Ensure Workers have the appropriate PPE and protective measures to complete the task. Minimum PPE that is acceptable is Gloves, N95 Mask and Eye Protection.
  • Identify the severity of the work and determine if the task needs to be assigned to a professional remediation company.
    NOTE: Any mold growth over 10 square feet will need to be remediated by a qualified company. 

Do not

  • Allow Workers to remove the mold without the appropriate protective measures in place.
  • Allow work to commence until a Hazard Assessment has been completed.
  • Allow Workers who are not trained or competent to enter or work within the mold-affected area.
  • Allow Workers to remove the mold growth if its over 10 square feet.
Worker Responsibility Do

  • Complete a Hazard Assessment prior to starting work.
  • Communicate with your Supervisor if you are not competent to complete the task or if the task needs to be reassigned to a professional remediation company.
    NOTE: Any mold growth over 10 square feet will need to be remediated by a qualified company.
  • Identify where the moisture source or leak is coming from to prevent future mold growth.
  • Ensure PPE listed in the Controls section is worn properly.
  • Ensure you have been fit tested for the Half Mask Respirator and is being utilized appropriately.
  • Apply an approved mold remediation spray to the area prior to disturbing the mold.
  • Seal all affected surfaces with an approved sealant/primer to prevent any future recurrence.
  • If the mold is superficial and has been removed by wiping the surface with water or detergent solution, after the wall has fully dried, use a high efficiency particulate air (HEPA) vacuum to remove any remaining spores.
  • Complete a water map with a hydrometer to confirm all areas that were disinfected are dry to allow for encapsulation. Use a hydrometer reading from an unaffected area to confirm.
  • Remove mold infested material and dispose of it in a sealed garbage bag. The sealed garbage bag can be disposed of in a regular garbage bin.
  • Dispose of the PPE worn with the infested materials.
  • Wash hands and any exposed area thoroughly with soap and water after handling moldy materials and/or removing your PPE.

Do not

  • Complete work if you do not have the appropriate controls in place.
  • Attempt to cover the mold with paint or other materials without proper remediation.
  • Dispose of mold-contaminated water into storm drains or sinks that are not approved for waste disposal.
  • Complete the work if the mold growth is over 10 square feet.
Type of Material PPE Required Clean Up Method
Drywall / Gypsum Gloves, N95 respirator, goggles / eye protection. 1. Damp-wipe surfaces with water or with water and detergent solution.
2. Use a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) vacuum once the material has been thoroughly dried. Dispose of HEPA-vacuum contents in well-sealed plastic bags.
Wood Gloves, N95 respirator, goggles / eye protection. 1. Wet-Vacuum the material.
2. Damp-wipe surfaces with water or with water and detergent solution (except wood – use wood floor cleaner. Scrub as needed.)
3. Use a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) vacuum once the material has been thoroughly dried. Dispose of HEPA-vacuum contents in well-sealed plastic bags.
Concrete Gloves, N95 respirator, goggles / eye protection. 1. Wet-Vacuum the material.
2. Use a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) vacuum once the material has been thoroughly dried. Dispose of HEPA-vacuum contents in well-sealed plastic bags.
 Version Date of Creation or Last Revision Reviewed and Accepted By
V.0 09/23/23 Phil Fileccia, Bill Laursen, Christian Ravary, Karoly Ban Matei, Sebastian Pop
V.1 10/07/25 Christian Ravary, Karissa Neilson, Moe Deishidi, Natasha Deitz

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