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SAFETY AND HEALTH ALERTS AND GUIDANCE
KNOW YOUR HAZARDS: MOULD IN THE WORKPLACE
Moulds are a natural part of the ecosystem, breaking down and recycling organic matter. They multiply by producing spores. These are carried in the air and, if the spores land in a place which provides moisture and a food source, they may grow. ...
Mould grows in dark areas, including the back of wall linings, the top side of ceiling tiles, the underside of carpets, and on roof materials in ceiling spaces. It can develop on a wide range of surfaces such as wood, paint, walls, fabric, paper and soil. Severe mould growth can cause structural damage to buildings.
MOULD AT WORK CAN BE A WORK HEALTH AND SAFETY ISSUE Where mould at a workplace presents a hazard to employees, the employer has a duty of care to control this hazard. If an employee reports health effects which may be related to mould, the employer has an obligation to investigate the employee’s concerns and advise them of actions to be taken to address the matter. To prevent mould developing, ensure buildings and fixtures are properly maintained so unwanted water cannot enter (e.g. maintain roofing, gutters and water pipes). Air conditioning and ventilation systems should be regularly checked and maintained. When a tenant of a workplace reports a hazard to the person with control of the workplace, the person has an obligation to identify the hazard, assess the risk of harm to health and consider suitable controls.
| 8 | ThinkSafe vol. 2 no. 1 January 2020
IMPACT ON HEALTH You can be exposed to mould by inhaling, ingesting or touching mould spores or particles. The severity of symptoms depends on: •• •• •• ••
pecies of mould s amount of mould the person is exposed to length of time the person has been exposed individual susceptibility.
Some people may develop an allergic reaction to mould and symptoms could include: •• •• •• •• •• •• ••
difficulty breathing watery, itchy, red eyes chronic cough headaches or migraines rashes (dermatitis) fatigue blocked nose, sinus problems or frequent sneezing.
CAUSES OF MOULD PROBLEMS Moisture is the most important factor influencing mould growth indoors. Common sources of moisture indoors include roof and gutter leaks, flooding, leaking and burst pipes, water vapour (from showers, dryers, unfueled gas heaters or industrial processes) and humidity.
