LAND & PROPERTY Mould and Building Moisture Assessment Istanbul, Turkey
Project Summary
Mould and Building Moisture Assessment Hotel, Istanbul, Turkey
Key Project Elements Assessment and Evaluation of Microbial Contamination Airborne Fungal Contamination Testing Qualitative Walkthrough Survey Management Interviews
CRA assists Insurance Loss Adjusters in the assessment of moisture damage following flood events, to determine if property meets the strict environmental guidelines of large corporate bodies, such as international hoteliers. Assessment is undertaken prior to reopening to the public to identify the existence of microbial contamination (following cleaning and refurbishment) which could present risk to customers. During the CRA assessment, a property walkover inspection observed no visible microbial growth in the cleaned areas. The extent of the assessment included air sampling to determine total mould spores (viable and non-viable mould) utilising Air-O-CellTM cassette spore trap, in addition to swab sampling. This technique utilises a high flow pump to sample large volumes of air within a few minutes. Potentially harmful spores were collected and sent for analysis at a certified American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA) laboratory. The assessment also involved interviews with staff to determine the events of the flood; inspection of the site to determine whether the problem could escalate; and collection of physical parameters such as temperature and relative humidity for general human occupancy comfort and to ensure that conditions were not favourable for mould growth. The initial air testing assessment for airborne fungal contamination indicated acceptable spore and particulate levels in the cleaned areas which had been submerged by flood waters, but unacceptable levels in an area unaffected by flood waters, but which shared the same air flow via the building’s heating and ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) system. CRA worked closely with the client to determine the implications of the crosscontamination, and actions required to ensure safe reopening of the hotel. It was recommended that cleaning of the HVAC system and additional inspection should be completed to eliminate the risk of bacterial growth that could present a hazard in the future. Throughout the project, CRA provided support to the client with regards to regulatory liaison and environmental liability. Clear presentation of the assessment meant a rapid decision could be made and the hotel reopened in a timely fashion, with confirmation that no airborne microbial health risk remained.
Ref: PS0077