Communication
with building occupants is essential for successful mold remediation.
Some occupants will naturally be concerned about mold growth in their
building and the potential health impacts. Occupants' perceptions
of the health risk may rise if they perceive that information is being
withheld from them. The status of the building investigation and remediation
should be openly communicated including information on any known or
suspected health risks. Small
remediation efforts will usually not require a formal communication
process, but do be sure to take individual concerns seriously and
use common sense when deciding whether formal communications are
required. Individuals managing medium or large remediation efforts
should make sure they understand and address the concerns of building
occupants and communicate clearly what has to be done as well as
possible health concerns. |
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Special communication strategies
may be desirable if you are treating a mold problem in a
school. Teachers, parents, and other locally affected groups
should be notified of significant issues as soon as they
are identified. Consider holding a special meeting to provide
parents with an opportunity to learn about the problem and
ask questions of school authorities, particularly if it
is necessary/advisable to ensure that the school is vacated
during remediation. |
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Communication approaches include regular
memos and/or meetings with occupants (with time allotted for questions
and answers), depending on the scope of the remediation and the level
of occupant interest. Tell the occupants about the size of the project,
planned activities, and remediation timetable. Send or post regular updates
on the remediation progress, and send or post a final memo when the project
is completed or hold a final meeting.
Communication approaches include regular
memos and/or meetings with occupants (with time allotted for questions
and answers), depending on the scope of the remediation and the level
of occupant interest. Tell the occupants about the size of the project,
planned activities, and remediation timetable. Send or post regular updates
on the remediation progress, and send or post a final memo when the project
is completed or hold a final meeting. Try and resolve issues and occupant
concerns as they come up. When building-wide communications are frequent
and open, those managing the remediation can direct more time toward resolving
the problem and less time to responding to occupant concerns.
| Communicate,
When You Remediate |
- Establish that the health
and safety of building occupants are top priorities.
- 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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If
possible, remediation activities should be scheduled during off-hours
when building occupants are less likely to be affected. Communication
is important if occupants are relocated during remediation. The decision
to relocate occupants should consider the size of the area affected,
the extent and types of health effects exhibited by the occupants,
and the potential health risks associated with debris and activities
during the remediation project. When considering the issue of relocation,
be sure to inquire about, accommodate, and plan for individuals with
asthma, allergies, compromised immune systems, and other health-related
concerns. Smooth the relocation process and give occupants an opportunity
to participate in resolution of the problem by clearly explaining
the disruption of the workplace and work schedules. Notify individuals
of relocation efforts in advance, if possible. |
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