Mould in the Office: Causes, Risks and What to Do

If you find mould in the office, the first step is to find and fix the moisture that's causing it, such as a leak, condensation or poor airflow, because mould will keep coming back if the area stays damp. Small patches on hard surfaces, like a window frame or a bathroom ceiling, can usually be cleaned with the right protective gear, while larger areas, hidden mould or mould that keeps returning should be checked by a specialist.

WorkSafe ACT treats mould as a work health and safety issue, so it's worth acting quickly rather than waiting. Our team cleans small areas of surface mould as part of our commercial cleaning, and our lead technician, Mark, and some of our team members hold the IICRC Water Damage Restoration Technician (WRT) certification.

Mould needs moisture to grow, and offices have more damp spots than most people expect. Common causes include roof or plumbing leaks, condensation on cold windows, washrooms and kitchens without good exhaust fans, blocked gutters, and carpet that stayed wet after a spill or a flood.

Canberra's cold winters make condensation a common problem, especially in older buildings and in rooms that are closed up overnight with the heating off. Storerooms, cupboards and areas behind furniture are also at risk, because the air doesn't move much and nobody looks there very often.

The Environmental Health Standing Committee (enHealth), in guidance published by the Australian Centre for Disease Control, explains that breathing in mould spores can trigger symptoms such as a blocked nose, sneezing and coughing, and that mould can also irritate the eyes and skin. People with asthma, allergies or a weakened immune system are more likely to be affected.

The same guidance says there's no exposure limit for mould, and that if you can see or smell mould, you should clean it up and find the source of the dampness. If a staff member feels unwell and thinks mould is the cause, they should talk to their doctor.

Mould at work can be a work health and safety issue. WorkSafe ACT's guidance on moulds and indoor air contaminants says mould found at a workplace should be removed straight away, and that a specialist cleaning service or mould removalist should be considered so the source is fully removed. It also suggests regular cleaning of mould-prone areas, fixing leaks, keeping gutters clear and making sure there's enough airflow, including in cupboards and rooms that aren't used often.

WorkSafe Queensland's guide to managing mould adds that you should be careful when investigating mould, because disturbing it can spread spores to other areas.

WorkSafe WA's guidance on mould at work says that small areas, of less than one square metre, can usually be cleaned without a specialist. It recommends closing doors and sealing air vents where possible, and wearing a P2 mask, gloves and safety glasses while you work.

Here's a simple approach for a small patch on a hard surface, such as a tiled wall or a window frame:

Cleaning isn't enough when the problem is large or keeps returning. Call a specialist, such as an occupational hygienist or a mould remediation company, if the mould covers more than one square metre, if it's on soft materials like plasterboard, ceiling tiles or fabric, if you can smell mould but can't see it, or if it comes back after cleaning.

WorkSafe Queensland notes that if porous materials can't be dried within 48 hours, they may need to be replaced to stop mould and bacteria from growing. The enHealth guidance also says routine testing for mould usually isn't needed, because mould is everywhere and there are no health guideline values to compare the results with, so the focus should be on finding the damp and fixing it.

Carpet that gets wet from a leak, a burst pipe or a big spill is one of the most common places for office mould to start, because the padding underneath can stay damp long after the surface feels dry. Drying it quickly is the best way to stop mould from taking hold.

Our carpet drying service is there to help dry wet carpet quickly, and our carpet steam cleaning can clean office carpet once it's dry. If the water came from a bigger leak or a flood, get the cause fixed first and ask a specialist to check the building.

Most office mould can be prevented with a few simple habits:

• Fix leaks in the roof, windows and plumbing as soon as you notice them.
• Run exhaust fans in washrooms and kitchens, and check that they're working properly.
• Keep gutters and drains clear, so that rain water can't build up against the building.
• Let air move through cupboards and storerooms, and don't push furniture hard against cold outside walls.
• Wipe up condensation on windows during winter, and dry spills on carpet straight away.
• Keep up regular cleaning in washrooms, kitchens and other areas that are prone to mould.

Aussie Duo is a family-owned Canberra business that has been cleaning since 2013. We clean small areas of surface mould as part of our commercial cleaning, and if a problem is too big for cleaning, we'll recommend getting a specialist to find and fix the cause. To talk about your office, book a free site visit or call 02 5501 3316, and we'll reply during business hours, Monday to Saturday, from 7am to 7pm.