Mould & Mildew Hazards

>> TOOLBOX TALK – Mould and Mildew Hazards
What is mould and mildew?

OHS guidelines
They are types of fungi that thrive in moist environments.
Mildew is mould in its early stage and is typically white or Aside from the health and financial impacts the growth of
grey and has a downy or powdery texture. Mould can be mould can have on a construction project, it is also
orange, green, black, brown, pink, or purple in colour with important to consider the Occupational Health and
a fuzzy or slimy texture. Safety (OHS) implications of mould growth. As per OHS
guidelines, consider the following safety practices and
procedures when dealing with potential, or existing, mould
growth, to avoid its adverse health effects:
• If mould is found, work in that area is to be

stopped and the worker is to report the mould to
the supervisor immediately;
• Mould must not be disturbed because it may
Where can you find it? become airborne and contaminate other areas;
• Wet construction material must not be installed
Mould spores are always present outdoors and often find a
unless part of an approved process;
way indoors. Mould growths or colonies can begin to grow
• Mouldy construction materials must not be
on a damp surface, including wood products, ceiling tiles, installed;
cardboard, wallpaper, carpets, drywall, fabric, plants,
• Workers must report wet or mouldy construction
foods, insulation, decaying leaves, and other organic materials immediately so proper corrective
materials, within 24 to 48 hours of exposure to water.
measures like drying, cleaning or replacement can
Be aware of trapped moisture in walls, floors & be implemented;
other surfaces in unventilated and unheated areas. • Where water is introduced as part of a
construction process, every reasonable effort
should be made to dry out wet materials within
Mould on construction sites 24hrs (48hrs max.).
The growth of mould on construction sites are common as Best practices:

they are prone to moisture and uncontrolled humidity— • Protect stored materials from moisture;
the perfect environment for mould to grow. When • Minimize moisture accumulation within the
airborne, the billions of spores per square metre produced building;
by mould growth may pose a potential health risk when • Maintain the integrity of the building envelope
inhaled by those with compromised immune systems, components through monitoring and inspections;
pregnant women, and individuals who have existing • Monitor installations to ensure they remain clean
respiratory conditions. Some symptoms of mould and dry (including HVAC systems);
inhalation include: • Create a written project environment and safety
• Respiratory problems: wheezing, asthma attacks, plan which identifies mould prevention practices
etc.; and procedures;
• Nasal and sinus congestion or dry, hacking cough; • Provide incident report forms for documenting
• Skin irritations—rashes or hives; water intrusion incidents;
• Nervous system—headaches, memory loss; • Conduct safety meetings where topics of water
• Aches and pains. intrusion such as rain, snow and spills can be
communicated and documented.
For more information, visit the Canadian Centre for
Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS) website.
Content adapted for NLCSA with permission from Saskatchewan Construction Safety Association.
Complete and attach Toolbox Meeting Form and process as per company policy.
TOOLBOX MEETING FORM
Date: _________Project: _____________________________________________________________
Supervisor: ____________________________________ No. in Crew: ______ No. Attending: _____
Review Last Meeting:

________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
Names of Attendees
(Signature Required)
Topics Discussed (policies, practices, procedures, hazard
assessment):
Suggestions Offered:
Action(s) to be Taken:
Injuries/Accidents Reviewed:
Supervisor’s Remarks:_____________________________________________
Signature:________________________________________________________

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>> TOOLBOX TALK – Mould and Mildew Hazards

What is mould and mildew?

• If mould is found, work in that area is to be

The growth of mould on construction sites are common as Best practices:

Supervisor: ______________________________ No. in Crew: No. Attending: _

Review Last Meeting:

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