Introduction to Preventing Indoor Workplace Mold-Related Problems - a PDH Online Course for Engineers, Surveyors and Architects

Introduction to Preventing Indoor Workplace Mold-Related Problems

Course Outline

This one hour online course discusses basic information about mold, mold sources, and building-related illnesses. It briefly discusses building design considerations for healthy indoor air and building evaluation and sampling for the presence of mold. The course also presents information regarding preventive maintenance activities to mitigate the risk of mold presence in buildings and makes recommendations for what to do when mold presence is suspected. Detailed information regarding indoor air quality diagnostics and the design and execution of exposure sampling strategies are beyond the scope of this course.

This course is entirely based on the OSHA 3301-04N 2006 booklet entitled “Preventing Mold-Related Problems in the Indoor Workplace: A Guide for Building Owners, Managers, and Occupants”, published by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration—U.S. Department of Labor.

This course includes a multiple-choice quiz at the end, which is designed to enhance the understanding of the course materials.

Learning Objective

At the conclusion of this course, students will:

Be familiar with the description of molds, where they are typically found, and what conditions lead to their presence;
Understand why building owners/managers should be concerned about the presence of mold;
Know the difference between Building-related Illnesses (BRIs) and Sick Building Syndrome (SBS);
Understand how mold can become a contributing factor to ill health effects;
Be aware of preventive maintenance measures related to mold-related issues;
Be familiar with steps to take if indoor mold is suspected;
Understand the purpose and importance of mold remediation; and
Recognize how OSHA can assist with indoor mold-related problems.

Intended Audience

This course is useful for building owners, facility managers, plant engineers, maintenance professionals, renovation contractors, and building occupants. The course is relevant to all buildings where indoor air quality is of concern.

Benefit for Attendee

In this course, students will review the OSHA booklet entitled “Preventing Mold-Related Problems in the Indoor Workplace: A Guide for Building Owners, Managers, and Occupants”, published by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration—U.S. Department of Labor. This publication introduces basic information about mold, mold sources, and building-related illnesses. It also includes brief reference information regarding building design considerations for achieving healthy indoor air quality and building evaluation and mold sampling.

Course Introduction

In recent years, media coverage has brought about an increasing public awareness and concern regarding indoor air quality in homes, businesses, schools, and other public buildings. Much of the attention has revolved around concerns over exposure to mold in the indoor workplace. Frequent news coverage of a topic that until the late 20th century was rarely mentioned can lead to assumptions that indoor mold is a fairly new threat. However, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, exposure to molds has actually occurred throughout history and the types of molds most often found inside buildings are neither rare nor unusual. The CDC adds that no indoor space can be considered free from mold spores, not even surgical operating rooms. While mold presence inside building spaces may be quite common with few ill effects to building occupants; certain types of molds have been associated with adverse health effects making it advisable for building owners and facility managers to consider steps for remediation and prevention of indoor molds.

Course Content

Introduction to Preventing Indoor Workplace Mold-Related Problems (OSHA 3301-04N 2006)

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Course Summary

Millions of people spend eight or more hours per day inside of offices, school classrooms, laboratories, factories, retail sales establishments, restaurants, and a plethora of other indoor work environments. According to information provided by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, none of these spaces can be considered free from mold spores. While most building occupants never notice the presence of mold and will suffer no ill effects from its presence in their workplaces, there exist substantial reasons for building owners and facility managers to recognize the threats associated with indoor mold and work toward its remediation and removal. This course provides students with a basic introduction to molds, their causes, potential ill effects to both building occupants and the buildings themselves, remediation options, and sources of further information and assistance.

Quiz

Once you finish studying the above course content, you need to take a quiz to obtain the PDH credits.

DISCLAIMER: The materials contained in the online course are not intended as a representation or warranty on the part of PDH Center or any other person/organization named herein. The materials are for general information only. They are not a substitute for competent professional advice. Application of this information to a specific project should be reviewed by a registered architect and/or professional engineer/surveyor. Anyone making use of the information set forth herein does so at their own risk and assumes any and all resulting liability arising therefrom.