Introduction
Understanding and managing mould risks in the workplace is crucial for ensuring your health and well-being. Additionally, it plays a vital role in safeguarding your potential future compensation payments in case of workplace accidents or injuries. This guide empowers you with knowledge on how to identify, assess, and control mould risks in your work environment.
Mould: A Comprehensive Overview
What Is Mould?
Mould is a type of fungus found both indoors and outdoors. It plays a significant role in the ecosystem by breaking down dead organic material. When mould spores land on a suitable surface with the right conditions, it can grow.
Where Can Mould Grow?
Mould can thrive in wet or poorly ventilated areas, including walls, ceilings, bathrooms, tiles, carpets, insulation material, wood, and even on archive materials such as paper, parchment, leather, and linen. It is also known to grow on the glues and chemicals found on items like videos, film, and CDs.
Understanding the Risks
Health Implications:
While mould is a natural element, uncontrolled growth can pose health hazards. Exposure to mould can lead to various health problems, particularly affecting individuals who have:
- Allergies to mould
- Asthma or lung diseases
- Chronic diseases such as diabetes
- Low immunity
Health problems associated with mould exposure include respiratory infections, irritation to the nose, eyes, and throat, skin rashes, and hypersensitivity pneumonitis.
How Mould Exposure Occurs
Understanding Exposure:
Mould spores and toxins can enter the body through inhalation, ingestion, or skin contact, leading to various health problems.
The Three Types of Health Problems Caused by Mould:
- Allergic Effects: Mould can trigger mild to severe allergies, leading to symptoms like sneezing, congestion, coughing, itchiness, and watery eyes. In rare cases, it can even cause hypersensitivity pneumonitis.
- Pathogenic Effects: Mould can result in fungal infections (mycoses), which are particularly risky for individuals with weakened immune systems.
- Toxigenic Effects: Some moulds produce poisonous chemicals called mycotoxins, which can lead to a range of health issues, including skin rashes, eye infections, and even cancer.
Managing Mould Risks
Collaboration for Safety:
Workers and management must work together to mitigate mould risks in the workplace. A safe work environment not only ensures your health but also positions you for potential compensation claims.
Responsibilities for Workers
Worker's Responsibility:
As a worker, you have an obligation under the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 to take reasonable care for your health and safety and that of others. Follow these guidelines:
- Comply with health and safety instructions from your employer.
- Use equipment correctly.
- Adhere to safe work policies and procedures.
- Attend training sessions.
- Seek clarification when needed.
- Report hazards, work-related injuries, or illnesses to your employer.
If you are at risk of mould-related illnesses, avoid mould-affected areas and inform your employer or the person conducting a business or undertaking (PCBU) so they can take action.
Consult your general practitioner if you have concerns about mould exposure.
Responsibilities for Businesses
Employer's Duty:
For employers or PCBUs, managing mould risks is a legal obligation outlined in the Work Health and Safety Act 2011.
Employers or PCBUs must provide and maintain a working environment free from hazards, including mould.
The Four Steps to Manage Mould Risk
Step 1: Identify the Risk
Identify areas where mould might grow in your workplace. Inspect for factors like windows, airflow, and leaks. Engage your workers in identifying potential mould issues and review relevant information such as regulations and codes of practice. Additionally, consider historical data such as workplace records, inspection reports, sick leave records, worker complaints, and compensation claims.
Step 2: Assess the Risk
Perform a risk assessment to determine whether there is a risk to you or others and whether effective control measures are already in place. Identify actions to control the risk and assess the urgency of those actions. Use a risk assessment template to guide and document your assessments.
Step 3: Control the Risk
After risk assessment, implement control measures, taking preventative actions for areas at risk of mould development. When treating existing mould (remediation), follow these steps:
- Fix the cause by addressing water or moisture problems.
- Clean the mould-contaminated area while ensuring worker safety.
- Dry out wet areas promptly.
- Use appropriate cleaning methods and protective equipment.
- Dispose of porous materials that can't be adequately cleaned.
For medium-to-large mould issues, consult professionals for a quicker and safer resolution.
Step 4: Review Risk Controls
Regularly review the effectiveness of control measures. Perform reviews when control measures are ineffective, when changes might create new risks, when new hazards or risks emerge, or when requested by a health and safety representative.
Protection for Those Working with Mould
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):
When working with mould, wear PPE to protect against exposure and prevent its spread to other areas.
For low-risk situations, use:
- Properly fitted particulate respirators (P2 or higher)
- Disposable gloves
For higher-risk situations, also include:
- Protective clothing such as disposable overalls
- Safety eyewear, like non-vented goggles
- Long rubber gloves
- Shoe or boot covers
Take care to avoid heat stress, especially when working in hot and humid conditions.
Personal Hygiene:
Maintain good personal hygiene. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and running water:
- Before eating, drinking, or smoking
- After contact with mould
- After removing PPE
Provide workers with proper hand-washing facilities that include clean running water, soap, and paper towels.
Information and Training:
Provide workers with information about the health risks associated with mould, safe work procedures, and the correct selection and use of PPE. Ensure effective communication with building owners, managers, occupants, and tenants regarding mould issues and treatment work.
Conclusion
By understanding and managing mould risks in your workplace, you not only protect your health but also prepare yourself for potential compensation claims. Safety, vigilance, and adherence to safety measures are your best allies in ensuring a secure and prosperous work life.