In the event of water infiltration in any NIH facilities, NIH requires occupants and remediators to take prescribed steps to prevent and/or remediate mold growth in order to protect the health of building occupants and first responders. This policy outlines ways to prevent mold growth, the conditions under which remediation must be implemented, and the responsibilities of the affected parties. The goal is to eliminate moisture in less than 48 hours to prevent mold growth or destroy it if the duration of moisture infiltration is unknown or greater than 48 hours.

The procedures are based on the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) “Mold Remediation in Schools and Commercial Buildings,” Document EPA 402-K-01-001 March 2001. This policy applies to the ICs and to all ORS and ORF staff participating in moisture remediation.

On this page:

Background
General Prevention Strategy
Procedures – First 48 Hours
Procedures – After 48 Hours or Unknown Duration
Relevant Documents
Specific Instructions

Background

Mold is found almost everywhere and can grow on food, wood, carpet, paper, insulation, and most other organic materials if moisture and oxygen are present. When mold spores land on wet or damp areas indoors, they may begin to grow. In locations and on materials where excessive moisture accumulates, mold will generally grow if the moisture remains undiscovered and/or uncorrected. Controlling the moisture in the building can minimize mold growth. Heat, especially moist heat that results from steam leaks, may accelerate mold growth. As the mold grows, it digests whatever it is growing on and gradually destroys it. Even if mold cannot be seen, its presence may be noticed as a moldy or earthy smell.

Building occupants should report any health concerns due to the environmental conditions in a facility to the Occupational Medical Service (OMS) in Building 10, Room 6C306, for evaluation by a health practitioner.

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General Prevention Strategy

The most effective way to control mold is to solve moisture problems before mold growth starts. General mold prevention measures should include the following, but results will depend on specific site conditions. Questions should always be addressed to an expert.

• Fixing leaks as soon as possible.
• Being alert for condensation and wet spots; making sure sources of moisture are fixed as soon as possible.
• Increasing surface temperature or reducing the humidity to prevent condensation that results when surface temperature is below dew point temperature. Surface temperature can be increased with insulation or by increasing air circulation. Humidity can be reduced by repairing leaks, increasing ventilation (if outside air is cold and dry), or by dehumidifying (if outdoor air is warm and humid).
• Keeping HVAC drip pans clean, flowing properly, and unobstructed.
• Venting moisture-generating equipment to the outside, where possible.
• Maintaining low indoor humidity, ideally 30-50%, but at least less then 60% RH.
• Performing regular building/HVAC inspections and maintenance as scheduled.
• Cleaning and drying wet or damp spots within 48 hours.
• Providing adequate drainage and sloping the ground away from building foundations so they do not stay wet.

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Procedures – First 48 Hours

Prevention of mold growth is achieved by removal of moisture within the first 48 hours. If water is removed and materials are dried within that time period, then mold abatement is usually not necessary.

• The first step in moisture removal is to identify and remove the source of water infiltration. Occupants in both owned and leased facilities are responsible for notifying the Central Call Desk at 301-435-8000 or online at http://58000.nih.gov to correct and remove the source of water infiltration and to remove water. In addition, the occupant must also notify the Facility Manager of that building within 4 hours of the damage for guidance and assistance. Occupants in leased facilities may also need to notify appropriate personnel specified in their lease.
• Once the source of water infiltration is corrected, clean up needs to start immediately. See Instructions for Remediating Moisture in the First 48 hours to Prevent Mold Growth for detailed instructions (Link blue text to webpage with this document, attached)

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Procedures – After 48 Hours or Unknown Duration

After 48 hours following moisture infiltration, mold growth is likely to have begun and mold abatement may be necessary.

• The first step is to identify and remove the source of water infiltration. Building occupants are responsible for the following:
  • Notifying the Central Call Desk at 301-435-8000 or online at http://58000.nih.gov to correct and remove the source of water infiltration and to remove water.
  • Notifying the Facility Manager of that building within 4 hours of the damage for guidance and assistance.
  • Contacting the Division of Occupational Health and Safety (DOHS) in ORS to evaluate and make recommendations. The building occupant is responsible for implementing the DOHS recommendations. Depending on the recommendations, other services may be required in accordance with applicable procurement procedures. DOHS will define its role as part of the evaluation.
  • Occupants in leased facilities may also need to notify appropriate personnel specified in their lease.
• Once the source of water infiltration is corrected, abatement must begin immediately. Guidance on Water Infiltration after 48 Hours is provided for information purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for DOHS expertise. (Link blue text to webpage with this document, attached)
• If water infiltration necessitates the replacement of any portion of a gypsum shaft or partition assembly, or any interior wall, ceiling or floor finishes, the facility manager will coordinate the repairs/replacement through the Division of the Fire Marshal, ORS. Use of specific materials and construction methods may be necessary to maintain required fire protection ratings of partition and shaft assemblies. U.L. classified wall, ceiling, and floor finish materials may be required in accordance with the International Building Code (IBC), the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 101 “Life Safety Code,” or the NIH Design Policy and Guidelines.

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Relevant Documents

• “Mold Remediation in Schools and Commercial Buildings”, Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Air and Radiation, Indoor Environments Division, EPA 402-K-01-001, March 2001.
• Molds in Indoor Workplaces”, Hazard Evaluation Systems and Information Service, California Department of Health Services, March 2001.
• “Managing Water Infiltration into Buildings”, Department of Environmental Health and Safety, University of Minnesota.
• “Guidelines on Assessment and Remediation of Fungi in Indoor Environments”, New York City Department of Health, June 2000.

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Specific Instructions

Instructions for Remediating Moisture in the First 48 hours to Prevent Mold Growth
Guidance on Water Infiltration after 48 Hours