One of the worst nightmares a business can face is finding mould. This is because mould is a health hazard to both employees and clients, and it is notoriously difficult to get rid of. Myths of being able to kill mould by painting over it or by scrubbing it with bleach are pervasive, but unfortunately these methods just don’t work. Instead, it’s best if avoid mould growth to begin with.
Sinks.
Mould needs moisture to survive. Humidity levels need to be above 60% for 24-48 hours for mould to begin growing. Unfortunately, if you have a leaky sink in the washroom or the staff kitchen, it’s pretty easy for water to pool and mould to begin to flourish. We recommend taking some time each week to inspect the area under your business’s sinks to make sure there isn’t any water damage or drips. If everything is dry, you shouldn’t have problems with mould.
The Filing System.
Paper and cardboard may not look appetising to people, but mould is more than happy to begin growing in damp paper. Luckily for Calgarians, our climate is quite dry, so unless you’re regularly dumping water on your paperwork, you shouldn’t have to worry about mould getting into your filing cabinet. That said, keep an eye on the humidity in your office. Make sure it’s staying within the recommended 30-50%. Any higher, and you could start having problems. Keep in mind that humidifiers and air conditioners can both cause condensation that could lead to mould issues.
The Flooring.
It may surprise you to learn that June and July often see the most rainfall in Calgary. This means clients and employees may be bringing a lot of water into your office, and any open windows during a storm are going to keep the humidity level high. Try having a mat by the door, so people coming in can keep their drips confined to the entrance. Umbrellas and other rain gear should stay near the door too. Ask your employees to bring indoor shoes. If anyone spills something on the floor, be sure to have them clean it up promptly. And when your employees mop, make sure they don’t soak the floor with too much water.
At Amity Environmental, we firmly believe in helping Calgarians to simply avoid mould problems in the first place. For the most part, this means controlling humidity and moisture levels. If you’re worried that your business may have mould problems, the experts at Amity can provide you with a careful inspection of your business and give you advice on how to avoid problems in the future. Call us today at 403-667-8264
