The world has changed around us because of the COVID-19 Pandemic. The way we do business has changed too, bringing with it a whole host of new problems. Abandoned office buildings due to the lockdown laws have brought about new and unforeseen challenges. According to a risk assessment expert, the lack of maintenance and the inability to routinely check the premises for leaks or other potential threats due to lockdown closures has led to bigger and more costly issues such as mould growth.
Ventilation Issues
When offices reopen after lengthy closures, the air within the building usually has poor air quality. Humidity within the closed premises increases the risk of mould development. Build up of moisture and dust within the building harbours the perfect conditions for mould growth. Moreover, if left too long, the remediation process can become increasingly complex requiring specialist equipment and trained personnel. If mould and mould spores are not removed following correct methodology, they may reoccur when conditions are ideal. The WHS in office and shop environments may be affected and may harm employees and customers too. Therefore, it is vital that action is taken sooner rather than later.
Offices and buildings that have been locked for many days may have ventilation issues. This can cause trapped moisture to remain and may in turn form mildew and mould. Air conditioning units are the most common breeding grounds for mould as they harbour moist and humid conditions. Due to their web-like ducted systems, they can cause mould to spread rapidly and become airborne when spores are released. Mould spores become a potential health hazard if present in large concentrations. Persons suffering from allergies and asthma are at high risk of becoming ill, however, even healthy individuals exposed to high concentrations may become prone to suffering from respiratory ailments too.
Mould Growth due to Water Damage
Apart from humidity, water leakages, burst pipes or existing damp areas may cause water damage and rapid mould growth. Within two days, even clean water damage (water from a non-contaminated source) has the potential to develop into contaminated water. Contaminated or black water damage may cause black mould to form and release toxic mould spores into the environment. As a result, becoming a major health hazard. Water damage and mould growth may also cause extensive damage to building materials. Requiring specialist equipment and trained technicians to restore the building to its pre-loss condition.
Juvenaire has over 25 years experience in the restoration industry and over 15 years experience with mould remediation. Our team has successfully completed countless mould remediation projects with the latest restoration technologies. Juvenaire will treat mould in any building or office space with the best techniques to ensure the health and safety of all occupants. Juvenaire has the capacity to remove airborne mould spores and bring the environment to a normal mould ecology. By doing so we reduce the chance of mould recurrence. We conduct clearance testing by sending surface samples to an independent laboratory. After remediation works are successfully completed, a clearance certificate is provided.
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If you need to schedule an inspection or if you have any questions and concerns, contact us to speak to a Juvenaire Project Manager on 1300 550 960 or email us at claims@juvenaire.com.au