Mold can be found anywhere and everywhere. It can affect people with physical ailments, look visibly nasty, and can be quite a nuisance and a potential hazard to clean and eradicate. One key in preventing mold from growing out of control is to be vigilant about the cleaning process and ‘nip-it-in-the-bud’ as soon as possible.
Of course, there are some instances when mold growth has already blown out of control before it is found. Depending on the type of mold and how much there is to clean, depends on the type of safety equipment a person will need to begin the removal and cleaning process. Below are some ideas of safety equipment for you to consider if you are facing a clean-up of moldy surfaces.
–Respirator: Respirators are available in half-face masks or full-face masks. For “light” mold jobs, or jobs that are smaller than 100 square feet, choose a N, R, or P95 respirator. These are typically half-face respirators. For larger jobs or where mold growth is particularly heavy, then choose full-face masks that are labeled with N, R, or P100 filters. If the mold you are working with has a strong odor, then you may want to pick a respirator that has charcoal in the liner.
–Goggles: Eye protection is very important when using strong chemicals to clean moldy surfaces. Choose goggles that are non-vented ones for maximum coverage.
–Gloves: Protect skin on your hands and arms with long rubber gloves. This provides protection from any chemical or mold contact.
–Protective Clothing: Disposable coveralls or old clothes are the best choice for wearing when cleaning moldy surfaces. You can protect your skin from chemicals and mold spores that may splash in the air during cleaning. Toss or wash thoroughly once cleaning is complete.
In conclusion, removal and cleaning of moldy surfaces is a nasty job, but it is a necessary one. Whether you decide to tackle a job yourself or hire a professional, each person should follow safety precautions in order to protect themselves. OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) has many recommendations for safely removing mold from different surfaces and various recommendations depending on the amount of mold that is present.
For further information, contact your mold professionals at Space City Window Cleaning for mold remediation service. We have tons of mold knowledge and are always here to help!