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Mould Assessment Service
Why PCBUs Cannot Ignore Mould Risks
- A Person Conducting a Business or Undertaking (PCBU) has a duty to eliminate or minimise health and safety risks to their employees under Australian WHS laws.
- Identifying conducive environments for mould growth is critical in both residential and commercial premises to protect occupant health and building integrity.
- In situations where mould growth is readily identifiable (e.g., condensation in a bathroom from a shower), mould removal by a qualified remediation company may be sufficient to address the issue.
- Professional mould assessments are required when mould growth and underlying causes are not readily identifiable and occupants are experiencing health effects.
- Scientific knowledge and specialised testing methods are needed to investigate specific mould growth patterns and develop effective mould control strategies.
- Post-remediation verification ensures that mould removal has been successful and environments are safe for reoccupation.
Our Comprehensive Mould Assessment Services
Occupational Hygiene & OHS Solutions (OHOS) Pty Ltd provides expert mould assessments across Melbourne and Australia, supporting clients with:
1. Preliminary Mould Inspection:
- Visual identification of mould growth and water damage indicators.
- Assessment of building conditions conducive to mould development.
2. Detailed Mould Assessment and Testing
- Air sampling using specialised bio-samplers to measure airborne mould spore concentrations.
- Surface sampling through swab analysis to identify mould contamination on materials and surfaces.
- Moisture monitoring to identify underlying water sources and humidity issues.
3. Hidden Mould Investigation:
- Destructive testing to determine the presence of concealed mould and moisture behind walls, under flooring, and in ceiling cavities.
- Use of advanced detection equipment including moisture meters and borescopes for non-invasive inspection.
4. Mould Control and Remediation Recommendations:
- Development of targeted mould control strategies based on assessment findings.
- Guidance on remediation scope and methods for effective mould removal.
- Recommendations for preventing future mould growth through moisture control and ventilation improvements.
5. Post-Remediation Verification:
- Clearance testing following mould remediation to confirm successful treatment.
- Verification that mould spore levels have returned to acceptable environmental levels.
6. Insurance and Legal Documentation:
- Detailed mould assessment reports suitable for insurance claims and legal proceedings.
- Comprehensive documentation for regulatory compliance and due diligence purposes.
Common Areas Where Mould Growth Occurs
- Bathrooms and wet areas – high humidity and poor ventilation
- Basements and subfloors – moisture ingress and limited air circulation
- HVAC systems and ductwork – condensation and poor maintenance
- Wall cavities behind leaking pipes – hidden water damage
- Roof spaces and ceiling areas – roof leaks and inadequate insulation
- Storage areas and archives – poor ventilation and organic materials
- Industrial facilities – steam, condensation, and process-related moisture
- Flood-damaged areas – any space affected by water intrusion events
Health Protection Benefits of Professional Mould Identification & Removal
1. Health Protection Benefits:
- Reduced respiratory symptoms including coughing, wheezing, and breathing difficulties
- Decreased allergic reactions such as sneezing, eye irritation, and skin rashes
- Prevention of serious health complications including asthma exacerbation and respiratory infections
- Improved indoor air quality for safer working and living environments
- Protection of vulnerable individuals with compromised immune systems or existing respiratory conditions
2. Property and Business Benefits:
- Prevention of structural damage to building materials and furnishings
- Reduced repair and remediation costs through early detection and intervention
- Maintained property values and building integrity
- Regulatory compliance with health and safety obligations
- Reduced liability for workplace health impacts and insurance claims
The OHOS Mould Insight Advantage: What You’ll Discover in Your Custom Assessment Report
When you choose Occupational Hygiene & OHS Solutions (OHOS) Pty Ltd for your mould assessment, you receive comprehensive analysis and actionable recommendations:
Detailed Visual Inspection Results:
- Results for every assessed area, identifying visible mould growth and moisture indicators.
Air and Surface Sampling Data:
- Laboratory-analysed results showing mould spore concentrations and species identification.
Moisture Source Analysis:
- Clear identification of underlying water sources and conditions promoting mould growth.
Risk Assessment and Health Impact Evaluation:
- Assessment of potential health risks and exposure pathways for building occupants.
Targeted Remediation Recommendations:
- Specific, practical guidance on mould removal methods and mould control strategies.
Prevention Strategy Development:
- Long-term recommendations for moisture control, ventilation improvements, and maintenance practices.
Regulatory Compliance Documentation:
- All reports prepared to meet Australian guidelines and suitable for regulatory submission.
Post-Remediation Verification Protocols:
- Clear guidance on follow-up testing requirements and success criteria.
Our reports transform complex mould assessment data into practical risk management and remediation solutions—giving you the insight needed to protect health and property.
Australian Mould Standards and Regulatory Framework:
| Standard/Guideline | Description | Application | Key Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| Australian Mould Guidelines (2nd Edition) | Industry best practice for assessment and remediation | Residential and commercial buildings | Risk assessment, remediation protocols, clearance criteria |
| ANSI/IICRC S520 Standard | Professional mould remediation procedures | Mould remediation industry | Containment, structural remediation, post-verification |
| National Construction Code (NCC 2022) | Mould prevention in building design | New construction and major renovations | Condensation management, mould index <3, vapour control |
| AS/NZS 1269 Series | Occupational noise and environmental management | Workplace mould assessments | Risk assessment methodologies |
| WA Health Guidelines | Managing mould and dampness health risks | Public health management | Assessment protocols, remediation principles |
| Victorian Building Authority (VBA) & WorkSafe Victoria | Victorian-specific mould guidance and workplace safety requirements | Victorian buildings and workplaces | Building regulations, moisture damage assessment, worker protection |
| Safe Work Australia PCBU Duties | Employer obligations for biological hazards | All workplaces | Risk elimination/minimisation, worker protection |
Professional Expertise: Why Choose Occupational Hygiene & OHS Solutions (OHOS) Pty Ltd?
Over 20 years of experience in environmental and occupational health assessments
Certified occupational hygienists with expertise in mould assessments and biological hazard management
State-of-the-art sampling equipment and NATA-accredited laboratory analysis
Comprehensive reporting for insurance, legal, and regulatory requirements
National service coverage including Melbourne, regional, and remote locations
Independent, evidence-based recommendations with complete confidentiality
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- When is a professional mould assessment required?
When mould growth causes are unclear, occupants experience health effects, or scientific investigation is needed for insurance or legal purposes. - What does a mould assessment involve?
Visual inspection, air and surface sampling, moisture detection, and laboratory analysis to identify mould types and concentrations. - How long does mould assessment take?
Typically 2-4 hours onsite depending on building size, with laboratory results available within 5-7 business days. - Is post-remediation testing necessary?
Yes, clearance testing confirms successful mould removal and verifies that environments are safe for reoccupation. - What are the health risks of mould exposure?
Respiratory problems, allergic reactions, and potential serious health complications, particularly for sensitive individuals. - Do you provide mould assessments for both residential and commercial properties?
Yes, we conduct comprehensive mould assessments for all property types across Melbourne and Australia.
Contact OHOS for Mould Assessment
For expert mould assessment, mould control advice, or professional mould removal verification services, contact Occupational Hygiene & OHS Solutions (OHOS) Pty Ltd today. Our team provides the scientific expertise and practical solutions needed to protect health and property from mould-related risks.