THIS SAMPLE REPORT IS A SANITISED VERSION OF AN … · Sample 2 120 2,820 >3,000 2,360 2,120 Mean 140 >3,000>3,000 2,270 1,860 % Ambient Count >2142 >2142 1621 1329

THIS SAMPLE REPORT IS A SANITISED VERSION OF AN ORIGINAL TECHNICAL REPORT AND SHOULD BE CONSIDERED

CONFIDENTIAL AND NOT FOR PUBLICATION AS THE STYLE AND STRUCTURE REMAIN COPYRIGHT TO

INTEGRATED BUILDING CONSULTANCY

MOULD ASSESSMENT

PREPARED FOR: Mr …… and Mrs …… ……… Owners

PROPERTY: “……..” ……….. Avenue ………….. ….

PURPOSE OF THIS REPORT: To identify areas of mould growth and

airborne mould counts within the residence and advise on findings

DATE: ……………….. PREPARED BY: …………….. Principal Scientist OUR REFERENCE: SAMPLE REPORT 59

Integrated EnviroSciences ACN 125 749 644 ABN 38 125 749 644

All Correspondence to: PO Box 7769, Baulkham Hills BC, NSW 2153 Tel (02) 8814 5999, Fax (02) 8814 5899 Email [email protected] www.ibc.net.au

Norwest Head Office: Suite 5B, 5-7 Meridian Place

Norwest Business Park, Baulkham Hills, NSW 2153

Page 2 MR AND MRS …… ………….. AVENUE, ……………….. SAMPLE REP NO. 59

This document and its contents are intended for the Addressee only and contains opinions held by the Author based on material available at

the time and expressed for the purposes of consideration by the Addressee and not for general publication without written consent.

TABLE OF CONTENTS 1 INSTRUCTIONS ..................................................................................................... 3 2 COMMENTARY ...................................................................................................... 3 3 INSPECTION .......................................................................................................... 3 4 SUMMARY.............................................................................................................. 4 5 RESULTS ............................................................................................................... 5 6 MOISTURE READINGS ......................................................................................... 8 7 HUMIDITY READINGS......................................................................................... 11 8 CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS..................................................... 16 CONDITIONS RELATING TO THIS REPORT ............................................................. 17




SURFACE AND AIRBORNE MOULD ANALYSIS 1 INSTRUCTIONS

A mould assessment at the subject residence was conducted in accordance with instructions from Mr ……. and Mrs …… ………, the Owners, on ……….. The purpose of the inspection was to identify and report upon areas of mould growth and airborne mould counts within the residence and to determine causal or contributing building related reasons which may be contributing to this mould growth.

2 COMMENTARY

Senior Building Consultant, ………… from Integrated Building Consultancy contributed to the appraisal and will report separately on the physical building related findings of this inspection. .

3 INSPECTION

The site inspection was carried out by myself and ………… on …………. and consisted of a visual inspection of the residence in the company of Mr and Mrs ……., to identify areas that had been noted as being of concern. This was followed by testing of the rooms within the home using a combination of the Protimeter MMS moisture meter and an Olympus C-750 digital camera to identify and record sources of moisture that could foster the propagation of mould growth and to record apparent mould. At the completion of the visual examination, a number of tape lift samples were taken to expedite the detection of active mould growth prior to culture availability, air samples were taken in a number of areas and surface samples taken with press plates in areas where mould was visible or suspected. These plates were then cultured over a seven day period and analysed under our strictly controlled laboratory conditions.




4 SUMMARY

Our full results of the analysis performed are attached. In summary the results show that the airborne mould count within the various rooms of the home that were tested were well above World Health Organisation (WHO) recommendations. The WHO recommendations are that the indoor air samples should be less than half of the airborne mould count detected in comparative ambient samples taken outside. In this case, ambient samples taken outdoors in the front garden averaged 140 cfu/M3 while readings taken in the three downstairs bedrooms and lounge room averaged more than 3000 cfu/M3, more than 40 times higher than the WHO recommendation. The surface mould samples taken with press plates also revealed the presence of numerous genera of mould within the home. The types of mould detected were consistent with a picture of high humidities amplified over time. Moulds which are known to be potentially toxigenic were included in the genera identified from this site.




5 RESULTS

“……..” ……….. Avenue, ………..

SITE

Owners: Mr … and Mrs … ……..

Subject Comments

5.1 Mould Awareness Inspection

Reference to the building classification system in the ACMR Guidelines for this site indicated that this task assessed as Building Class 2 – localised areas of apparent mould of less than 1 M2

All personal protection measures and remediation methods employed should follow the guidelines appropriate to this classification.

5.2 Moisture & Humidity

Moisture and humidity readings were recorded from readings taken with a calibrated Protimeter MMS moisture meter. These readings were tabulated and are attached. No locations were found to have excessive moisture readings as shown. However high humidity readings, above the 70% which is the minimum usually required for mould growth to occur, were recorded within the home. The highest readings were found in the sub-floor region. These moisture sources are contributing to the ecology required for the mould present to proliferate.

5.3 Tape Lift Microscopy

1. Bedroom 3 – LHS of front door - Wall Paper above window

Sample showed no active mould growth. Fruiting bodies, mycelial fragments were not seen but numerous mould spores were present.

2. Bulk Fragment of Material from under floor space – removed from stone foundation by

Sample consists primarily of active mould growth.

Fruiting bodies, mycelial fragments were seen along with numerous mould spores were present.




5.4 Airborne

Mould Airborne Viable Fungal Count

Location

Am

bien

t - F

ront

Gar

den

Bed

room

3 -

LHS

Bed

room

2 -

RH

S

Bed

room

4 -

LHS

Loun

ge R

oom

Viable Count - cfu/M3 Sample 1 160 >3,000 >3,000 2,180 1,600 Sample 2 120 2,820 >3,000 2,360 2,120 Mean 140 >3,000>3,000 2,270 1,860 % Ambient Count >2142 >2142 1621 1329 Rating >200% >200% >200% >200% Rating - <1% <50% 50-100% 100-200% >200% based on WHOrecommendation thatmould counts in Indoor Airfor normally occupiedareas should be less thanhalf the ambient count

Bel

ow le

vel o

f det

ectio

n

No

actio

n re

quire

d

Ret

est &

obs

erve

tren

ds

Con

side

r sou

rce

s &

rem

edia

te

Rem

edia

l act

ion

nece

ssar

y




5.5 Surface Mould

Mould Culture Location

Bed

room

3 –

Che

st o

f D

raw

ers

Sid

e P

anel

Bed

room

4 –

LH

S F

loor

of

War

drob

e

Bed

room

2 –

RH

S

Dec

orat

ive

Pla

ster

Cei

ling

Loun

ge ro

om –

E

ncyc

lopa

edia

Sin

e

Fam

ily R

oom

– F

abric

-

Bab

y ro

cker

Isolate Penicillium sp. 5-15 30-50 30-50 30-50 Aspergillus sp. 30-50 15-30 15-30 Cladosporium sp. 15-30 5-15 Acremonium sp. 5-15 5-15 5-15 Zygomycetes 50-100 5-15 15-30 <5 Predominance -cfu/plate <5 5-15 15-30 30-50 50-100 >100 Rating

Bel

ow le

vel o

f det

ectio

n

Ear

ly C

olon

isat

ion

Est

ablis

hing

col

onis

atio

n

Est

ablis

hed

colo

nisa

tion

Mod

erat

e do

min

ance

Hig

hly

dom

inan

t

Dom

inan

t sp

ecie

s

Page 8

MR AND MRS ……..…………. AVENUE, ………………. SAMPLE REP NO. 59

This document and its contents are intended for the Addressee only and contains opinions held by the Author based on material available at the time and expressed for the purposes of consideration by the Addressee and not for general publication without written consent.

6 MOISTURE READINGS

ITEM NO LOCATION MATERIAL

APPROX. HEIGHT ABOVE FLOOR

% WOOD MOISTURE

EQUIVALENTPHOTOGRAPH

6.1

Bedroom 3 – Chest of Drawers (sample taken with pins into rear edge of timber to preserve appearance)

Timber Side Panel

15 cm

11.0

Page 9 MR AND MRS …………… AVENUE, …………. SAMPLE REP NO. 59

This document and its contents are intended for the Addressee only and contains opinions held by the Author based on material available at the time and expressed for the purposes of consideration by the

Addressee and not for general publication without written consent.



% WOOD MOISTURE


6.2

Lounge room – spine of Encyclopedia

Leatherette

550mm

15.6






% WOOD MOISTURE


6.3

Baby Rocker

Denim like fabric

On table 900mm

Undetected




7 HUMIDITY READINGS All taken without the air conditioning running and without changing ventilation by opening windows.

ITEM NO

LOCATION

TEMPERATURE

Deg. C

RELATIVE HUMIDITY

%

PHOTOGRAPH

7.1

Front Garden (in partial shade)

23.0

67.7




ITEM NO

LOCATION

TEMPERATURE

Deg. C

RELATIVE HUMIDITY

%

PHOTOGRAPH

7.2

Bedroom 3 – LHS of Front Door

23.5

73.7




ITEM NO

LOCATION

TEMPERATURE

Deg. C

RELATIVE HUMIDITY

%

PHOTOGRAPH

7.3

Bedroom 2 – RHS Front Door (Under floor access trap open)

23.2

75.4

7.4

Under floor – 800mm beyond access

22.7

81.2

7.5

Bedroom 4 – Opposite Bathroom

22.9

79.4




ITEM NO

LOCATION

TEMPERATURE

Deg. C

RELATIVE HUMIDITY

%

PHOTOGRAPH

7.6 Bathroom ( Downstairs)

22.9 79.4

7.7

Lounge room

23.6

78.2

7.8

Family Room

23.2

77.3




ITEM NO

LOCATION

TEMPERATURE

Deg. C

RELATIVE HUMIDITY

%

PHOTOGRAPH

7.9

Rear verandah (in shade – see mould on ceiling)

24.3

71.0

Page 16 MR AND MRS …… ………… AVENUE, ………….. SAMPLE REP NO. 59

This document and its contents are intended for the Addressee only and contains opinions held by the Author based on material available at the time and expressed for the purposes of consideration by the Addressee and not for general publication without written consent.

8 CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

The levels of airborne mould spores within the house were well above WHO levels and they constitute a health risk to any occupants subjected to regular exposure. Mould spores propagate in conditions of moist, still air and can be carried with airborne dust particles. The accompanying Building Report addresses the potential contributing and causal issues identified during the inspection which are related to the mould proliferation. The practical solutions that are contained therein are aimed at abating the problem and are commended to you.

Integrated EnviroSciences is pleased to be able to furnish this report and the results of the analysis of samples taken during the assessment together with our other findings and we are available to discuss these matters further if requested.

For and on behalf of Integrated EnviroSciences ACN 125 749 644

………………….. Principal Scientist

Our Ref: ……….. Date: ……….

CONDITIONS RELATING TO THIS REPORT 1. The Report is made in accordance with the requirements of Australian Standard

4349.1-1995 and is a special purpose property report that reflects the requirements of the instructions provided to Integrated EnviroSciences. This is not a pre-purchase report nor does it express any view as to the value of the Property or parts thereof being inspected.

2. This Report and all its content is prepared for the exclusive use of the Addressee and

may not be used for any other purpose than its stated intention with the exception of its distribution to any party in litigation to which this Report may have reference. No responsibility will be accepted for its content in respect of Third Parties.

3. This Report will remain the property of Integrated EnviroSciences and may not be

used by the Addressee for any purpose whatsoever until full payment is made. Non compliance with this condition forms a substantial breach in the terms of the agreement between the Addressee and Integrated EnviroSciences.

4. This Report may not necessarily be suitable for presentation in litigation and other

Court or Tribunal actions as a report with a different structure, ie, a Scott Schedule, may be required by direction of the adjudicative body.

5. Unless otherwise stated-

(a) no soil etc has been excavated (b) no plants or trees have been removed (c) no fixtures, fittings, cladding or lining materials have been removed (d) no items of furniture or chattels have been moved (e) no enquiries of Councils or Authorities or persons have been made for the

purpose of inspecting the Building and providing this Report. 6. This Report does not include-

(a) faults in inaccessible parts of the Building (b) faults not apparent on visual inspection (c) faults apparent only in different weather or environmental conditions (d) faults resulting from different use of the Building’s intended use (e) minor faults (e.g. hairline plaster cracks, jamming doors, window and catches

etc)

Integrated EnviroSciences ACN 125 749 644 ABN 38 125 749 644

All Correspondence to: PO Box 7769, Baulkham Hills BC, NSW 2153 Tel (02) 8814 5999, Fax (02) 8814 5899 Email [email protected] www.ibc.net.au

Norwest Head Office: Suite 5B, 5-7 Meridian Place

Norwest Business Park, Baulkham Hills, NSW 2153

Page 18 MR AND MRS …………… AVENUE, ………… . SAMPLE REP NO. 59

CONDITIONS RELATING TO THIS REPORT Continued 7. Asbestos Disclaimer: “No inspection for asbestos was carried out at the

property and no report on the presence or absence of asbestos is provided. If during the course of the Inspection asbestos or materials containing asbestos happened to be noticed then this may be noted in the general remarks section of the report. Buildings built prior to 1982 may have all and/or ceiling sheeting and other products including roof sheeting that contains Asbestos. Even buildings built after this date up until the early 90’s may contain some Asbestos. Sheeting should be fully sealed. If concerned or if the building was built prior to 1990 you should seek advice from a qualified asbestos removal expert as to the amount and importance of the asbestos present and the cost of sealing or removal. If asbestos is noted as present within the property then you should seek advice from a qualified asbestos removal expert as to the amount and importance of the asbestos present and the cost of sealing or of removal. Drilling, cutting or removing sheeting or products containing Asbestos is a high risk to peoples’ health. You should seek advice from a qualified asbestos removal expert.”

8. Expert Witness Estimating Disclaimer: Any estimates provided in this report are

merely opinions of possible costs that could be encountered, based on the knowledge and experience of the consultant. The estimates are NOT a guarantee or quotation for work to be carried out. The actual cost is ultimately dependent upon the materials used, standard of work carried out and what a contractor is prepared to do the work for. It is recommended in ALL instances that multiple independent quotes are sourced prior to any work being carried out. The consultant accepts no liability for any estimates provided throughout this report.

Documents

THIS SAMPLE REPORT IS A SANITISED VERSION OF AN … · Sample 2 120 2,820 >3,000 2,360 2,120 Mean 140 >3,000>3,000 2,270 1,860 % Ambient Count >2142 >2142 1621 1329