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MOLD: WORKER AND EMPLOYER GUIDE TO HAZARDS AND RECOMMENDED CONTROLS Engineering Controls • Re-wet materials with a mist of water to reduce spores, dust and debris being released into the air. • Use wet vacuums to remove water, and blowers to dry floors. • Double-bag materials contaminated with mold in plastic bags or plastic sheeting and secure with duct tape to reduce the spread of spores. • Provide natural (open windows) or exhaust ventilation (fans blowing to the outside) during all cleaning steps. • Ensure electrical safety when working in wet conditions. Work practices • Do not eat, drink, or smoke in work areas. • Avoid breathing dusts. • After an area has been cleaned and is completely dry, vacuum the area with a HEPA vacuum. HEPA vacuums are also recommended for cleaning up dust that may have settled on surfaces outside the work area. • Work areas and exits should be cleaned with a damp cloth or mop and a detergent solution, and dried. Set up a decontamination area. • Leave the work area clean, dry, and free of visible debris. • After working, wash thoroughly, including hair, scalp and nails. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) • Respirators: o For areas smaller than 100 ft 2 , use a NIOSH-approved respirator; at a minimum, either a half-face or full-face respirators equipped with N95, R95 or P95 filters. o For areas greater than 100 ft 2 , areas where mold growth is heavy (blanket versus patchy coverage), or areas where substantial dust is generated during cleaning or debris removal (e.g., abrasives are used to clean surfaces); use a NIOSH-approved, respirator; at a minimum, a half-face air purifying respirator equipped with N100, R100 or P100 filters. A full-face air purifying respirator with similar filters may offer greater protection. o Charcoal-impregnated filters may be used for nuisance odors. • Non-vented goggles. • Long gloves (e.g., overlapping the sleeves) made of an impermeable material that will protect workers from chemicals used for surface cleaning and skin contact with mold. • Long hard-toe rubber boots. • Protective clothing (e.g., disposable coveralls) to prevent contamination and skin contact with mold and chemicals. For additional protection, especially in areas greater than 100 ft 2 , ensure that protective clothing covers entire body including head and feet. PROTECTING WORKERS FROM MOLD HAZARDS DURING DEMOLITION While workers involved in demolition are unlikely to be involved directly in mold remediation, most demolition work after a major flood can still pose health hazards from exposure to mold growing on buildings and furnishings. Demolition work can also lead to exposure to lead, asbestos, silica, and other hazardous chemicals. Workers operating heavy equipment may be protected by air-filtering cab enclosures. Workers on the ground may require appropriate respiratory protection, such as an approved NIOSH N95 or more protective respirator to minimize exposure to airborne contaminants. 5

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