Find and control the moisture source.

1. Control the moisture source. This is essential for stopping mold growth. Common sources of moisture contributing to mold growth include but are not limited to:
   • Flooding
   • Leaking plumbing fixtures, pipes, or appliances
   • Roof leaks
   • Water intrusion from outdoor irrigation
   • Unvented combustion appliances
   • High humidity
   • Condensation
   • Water collection dishes, such as refrigerator drip pans
2. Wear personal protective equipment and restrict access to the affected area if you know or suspect the water source is contaminated with sewage or chemical or biological pollutants.
   • Important: If flooding occurs in a lab or involves gray water (overflow from machines, pumps, aquariums, toilet bowls, etc.), call (858) 534-HELP (-4357). The Campus Police will dispatch an Environment, Health & Safety (EH&S) professional.
   • EH&S must give clearance before facilities personnel can work in the area.

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Clean and dry water damage promptly.

1. Clean and dry water damaged materials within 48 hours to prevent mold growth.
   • Maintain humidity below 60%.
   • Keep HVAC drip pans clean and flowing.
   • Do not use fans before determining that the water source is clean or sanitary.
2. Be alert for mold growth if materials have been wet for more than 48 hours. Mold growth may have occurred — but not always.
3. If you encounter or suspect mold growth during cleaning and drying activities, follow steps 3 through 9, below.

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Take precautions while investigating.

1. Ensure personnel responding to work orders that may involve mold formation are trained to work safely.
   • Contact EH&S Occupational Health & Hygiene Services, (858) 822-1743 or (858) 534-1075, to schedule basic mold prevention and abatement training for UCSD facilities personnel.
2. Take these safety precautions while investigating and evaluating mold and moisture problems:
   • Consider using an N-95 filtering face piece, gloves, and eye protection.
   • Do not touch mold or moldy items with bare hands.
   • Do not get mold spores in your eyes.
   • Do not breathe in mold or mold spores.

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Inform building occupants.

1. When indoor mold investigation or abatement work affects building occupants, address their concerns by doing the following:
   • Emphasize the health and safety of building occupants is a top priority.
   • 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.

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Determine the size of the job.

1. Measure the affected area. The level of remediation procedures to follow depends on the size of the area involved. There are 4 levels of mold remediation.
2. Follow the appropriate procedure level for the size of the job:
   • Level 1: 10 sq. ft. or less
   • Level 2: 10 to 30 sq. ft.
   • Level 3: 30 to 100 sq. ft.
   • Level 4: Greater than 100 sq. ft.
3. Contact EH&S Occupational Health & Hygiene Services, (858) 822-1743 or (858) 534-1075, if you need help classifying a mold remediation job.

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Level 1

1. Use Level 1 procedures for areas 10 sq. ft. or less. Trained UCSD facilities staff must perform Level 1 work. Containment is not necessary.
2. Restrict entry to the work area to trained staff.
3. Use personal protective equipment.
4. Remove or clean contaminated materials:
   • Place items in a sealed waste bag.
   • Dispose of items as regular garbage.
5. Leave the area clean and visibly free of contamination and debris.

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Level 2

1. Use Level 2 procedures for areas 10 to 30 sq. ft. Trained UCSD facilities staff must perform Level 2 work.
2. Restrict entry to the work area to trained staff.
3. Use personal protective equipment.
4. Cover the work area with plastic sheeting.
5. Remove or clean contaminated materials:
   • Use a HEPA vacuum cleaner.
   • Place items in a sealed waste bag.
   • Dispose of items as regular garbage.
6. Leave the area clean and visibly free of contamination and debris.

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Level 3

1. Use Level 3 procedures for areas 30 to 100 sq. ft. Specialists trained in handling hazardous material must perform Level 3 work.
2. Consult with EH&S for Level 3 jobs.
   • Contact EH&S Occupational Health & Hygiene Services, (858) 822-1743 or (858) 534-1075.
3. Contract Level 3 work out to a professional mold remediation service.
   • See Vendors for Asbestos, Lead, and Mold Services.
   • Ask for written scope of work, including removal method and use of biocides.
4. UCSD project managers, require the contractor to do the following:
   • Restrict entry to the work area to trained personnel.
   • Vacate building occupants from adjacent areas.
   • Use personal protective equipment.
   • Cover the work area with plastic sheeting.
   • Seal ventilation ducts and grills.
   • Remove or clean contaminated materials:
   • Use a HEPA vacuum cleaner.
   • Place items in a sealed waste bag.
   • Dispose of items as regular garbage.
   • Leave the area clean and visibly free of contamination and debris.

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Level 4

1. Use Level 4 procedures for areas over 100 sq. ft. Specialists trained in handling hazardous material must perform Level 4 work.
2. Consult with EH&S for Level 4 jobs.
   • Contact EH&S Occupational Health & Hygiene Services, (858) 822-1743 or (858) 534-1075.
3. Contract Level 4 work out to a professional mold remediation service.
   • See Vendors for Asbestos, Lead, and Mold Services.
   • Ask for written scope of work, including removal method and use of biocides.
4. UCSD project managers, require the contractor to do the following:
   • Restrict entry to the work area to trained personnel.
   • Vacate building occupants from adjacent areas.
   • Use personal protective equipment.
   • Seal ventilation ducts and grills.
   • Encapsulate the work area in plastic sheeting, ventilated with negative pressurization and a HEPA filter.
   • Use an airlocked, negative-pressure decontamination room.
   • Remove or clean contaminated materials:
     • Place items in a sealed waste bag.
     • Decontaminate the outside of the waste bags.
     • Dispose of items as regular garbage.
5. Consult with EH&S Occupational Health & Hygiene Services, (858) 822-1743 or (858) 534-1075, before authorizing occupancy.

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