We discussed in two previous posts the recommended guidelines in removing mold in households and businesses with water damage in Dallas. The United States Environmental Protection Agency published those recommendations so that remediation managers can be guided accordingly. But it is essential that they also use their skills and experience in assessing which remediation efforts should be used.

We discussed the specific remediation methods that can be used for items which have contaminated surfaces of up to 100 square feet. For those with contaminated surfaces from 10 square feet to 100 square feet, these protective gears should be used:

• disposable overalls,
• Gloves,
• Goggles or eye protection gear, and
• N-95 respirator or half-face respirator with HEPA filter,

During the clean-up, polyethylene sheeting should be installed from ceiling to floor to contain the area.  A covering flap and slit entry will be used, as well, for entry and exit of clean-up personnel. Air vents and supply returns should be blocked and covered. There should be negative pressure within the contained area so air would not blast out of it. Maintaining negative pressure can be done using a fan with HEPA filter. HEPA means high-efficiency particulate air.

For those with contaminated surfaces with more than 100 square feet of contamination, these protective gears should be used:

• disposable full body clothing,
• foot coverings,
• full-face respirator with HEPA filter,
• gloves, and
• head gear,

With this level of contamination, polyethylene sheeting which have two layers of fire-retardant and one airlock chamber should be used during the water damage restoration and remediation efforts. Air vents and supply returns should be blocked and covered. Maintaining negative pressure can be done using a fan with HEPA filter.