5 Steps to Minimize Mold Risk During Prolonged Shutdown

3/7/2022 (Permalink)

5 Steps to Minimize Mold Risk During and After a Prolonged Shutdown

1. Maintain indoor humidity as low as possible, not exceeding 50%, as measured with a humidity meter. Building managers may consider continuous monitoring of indoor humidity using a digital hygrometer, ideally more than once daily, to minimize the need to access the building.
2. After a prolonged shutdown and before occupants return, buildings should be assessed for mold and excess moisture.
3. After an assessment has confirmed that mold and moisture are not detected, OR after remediation has been completed, a building HVAC system that has not been active during a prolonged shutdown should be operated for at least 48 to 72 hours (known as a “flush out” period) before occupants return.
4. After a building is reopened and occupied, routine (e.g., weekly) checks of the HVAC system are recommended to ensure operating efficiency.
5. If no routine HVAC operation and maintenance program are in place for the building, one should be developed and implemented.

Source: CDC