| Communication with building
occupants is essential for successful mold remediation. Some occupants
will naturally be concerned about mold growth in their building and the
potential health impacts. Occupants' perceptions of the health risk may
rise if they perceive that information is being withheld from them. The
status of the building investigation and remediation should be openly
communicated including information on any known or suspected health
risks.
Small remediation efforts will usually not require a formal
communication process, but do be sure to take individual concerns
seriously and use common sense when deciding whether formal
communications are required. Individuals managing medium or large
remediation efforts should make sure they understand and address the
concerns of building occupants and communicate clearly what has to be
done as well as possible health concerns.
Communication approaches include regular memos and/or meetings with
occupants (with time allotted for questions and answers), depending on
the scope of the remediation and the level of occupant interest. Tell
the occupants about the size of the project, planned activities, and
remediation timetable. Send or post regular updates on the remediation
progress, and send or post a final memo when the project is completed or
hold a final meeting.
Communication approaches include regular memos and/or meetings with
occupants (with time allotted for questions and answers), depending on
the scope of the remediation and the level of occupant interest. Tell
the occupants about the size of the project, planned activities, and
remediation timetable. Send or post regular updates on the remediation
progress, and send or post a final memo when the project is completed or
hold a final meeting. Try and resolve issues and occupant concerns as
they come up. When building-wide communications are frequent and open,
those managing the remediation can direct more time toward resolving the
problem and less time to responding to occupant concerns.
If possible, remediation activities should be scheduled during
off-hours when building occupants are less likely to be affected.
Communication is important if occupants are relocated during
remediation. The decision to relocate occupants should consider the size
of the area affected, the extent and types of health effects exhibited
by the occupants, and the potential health risks associated with debris
and activities during the remediation project. When considering the
issue of relocation, be sure to inquire about, accommodate, and plan for
individuals with asthma, allergies, compromised immune systems, and
other health-related concerns. Smooth the relocation process and give
occupants an opportunity to participate in resolution of the problem by
clearly explaining the disruption of the workplace and work schedules.
Notify individuals of relocation efforts in advance, if possible.
|
|
Mold in Schools |
| Special communication strategies may be
desirable if you are treating a mold problem in a school. Teachers,
parents, and other locally affected groups should be notified of
significant issues as soon as they are identified. Consider holding
a special meeting to provide parents with an opportunity to learn
about the problem and ask questions of school authorities,
particularly if it is necessary/advisable to ensure that the school
is vacated during remediation. For more information on investigating
and remediating molds in schools, refer to the U.S. EPA's
IAQ Tools for Schools
kit and
the asthma companion piece for the IAQ Tools for Schools kit,
entitled Managing
Asthma in the School
Environment. |
|
Communicate, When You
Remediate |
| Establish that the health and safety of
building occupants are top priorities. Demonstrate that the
occupants' concerns are understood and taken seriously.
Present clearly the current status of the investigation or
remediation efforts.
Identify a person whom building occupants can contact directly to
discuss questions and comments about the remediation activities |
|
