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orange coast
INSPECTION
provides a full range of professional investigative services to complement
the services of your other team members in any remediation-type project.
Just like any other investigative/reconstruction project, you can expect
to encounter five distinct phases. Microbial remediation projects are
conducted in several phases to ensure the success of the total project.
Failure of any phase of the project will often lead to total project
failure. For example, the failure to properly clear personal effects
can often lead to elevated mold levels within a properly remediated
home. Attention should be given to each phase of the project. These
phases are discussed below.
PHASE I - INITIAL
INVESTIGATION & TESTING
The visual survey is performed to document the initial
findings of the property as well as to develop an initial hypothesis
as to what potential contamination
is affecting the property. A testing plan is developed and initial testing
is conducted to determine the type, level and extent of microbial activity
within the facility or residence. Investigative testing may include
spore trap analysis, viable air sampling, swab & bulk sampling,
particle surveys and moisture readings of building substrates. These
tests provide a basis on which to gauge the success and/or failure of
the remediation project. Initial testing can also provide information
necessary and helpful in the development of project specifications.
PHASE
II - PROJECT DESIGN
Project design is typically provided to the remediation
contractor through the indoor air quality professional. The project
design should indicate the findings of the original testing, containment
areas, respiratory protection, the extent of contamination removal,
equipment needs, proper cleaning methods to be used, safety precautions,
etc.
Click
here to Access Common IAQ Terminology
PHASE III - REMEDIATION
Remediation involves the complete removal of all contamination
within the affected area. The remediation contractor must ensure that
the project specifications are completely followed or the project is
destined to fail. The use of the proper equipment is essential. For
example, the use of shop vacuums versus HEPA vacuums (labeled for hazard
waste removal) will always result in project failure. This phase of
the project will often involve the removal and cleaning of personal
effects.
PHASE
IV - POST REMEDIATION ACCEPTANCE TESTING
Post remediation acceptance sampling is conducted to ensure
the homeowner, building manager, remediation contractor, insurance company
and other interested parties that the remediation was successful. This
phase of testing involves similar testing used in Phase I with a higher
degree of substrate testing conducted. Post remediation tests should
also be conducted of personal effects if it is suspected or known that
contamination of these items has occurred.
PHASE V - BUILD BACK
Rebuilding should only begin after post remediation acceptance
sampling indicates that the remediation was successful. Beginning the
rebuild or sealing substrates with an anti-microbial protective coating
prior to final acceptance sampling will often lead to higher project
cost and further delays.
Continue on to Discover Phase One
- Surveys....
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