Mold Hazards and Prevention

Course Description:

Molds are forms of microscopic fungi that are found on plant and animal matter. Mildew is the discoloration of materials caused by fungi. They can be found both indoors and outdoors all year round. We’re exposed to them daily in the air we breathe, both inside and outside. Outdoors, mold can be found in the shady damp areas or places where leaves or other vegetation are decomposing. Indoors, mold growth can be found where humidity levels are high.

This session provides information about the hazards of mold in the workplace. This training is intended for building managers, custodians, and maintenance staff who may encounter mold in the workplace and who may be required to prevent or remediate it. Any employees required to remediate mold will also need to receive additional training in hazard communication (hazcom) and respiratory protection, if applicable. This course can also be used for general mold awareness training for all employees, including any employees not required to prevent or remove mold, as mold can be present in any workplace. Exposure to mold can have negative health effects, so it’s not a hazard that should be taken lightly.

Why “Mold Hazards and Prevention” Matters:

At the completion of this course, the participant will be able to:

• Identify the hazards of mold exposure
• Recognize the conditions in which mold may be found
• Recall methods for preventing and reducing mold exposure
• Recall how mold in the workplace can be safely cleaned up

Key Points:

• We are all exposed to mold every day outdoors and indoors.
• Most people are not affected with symptoms from mold, but some might experience health
  problems, such as allergies.
• The best way to reduce mold growth indoors is to control moisture.
• Clean up small amounts of mold, but let the professionals handle large-scale contamination.