If you’re responsible for school maintenance in Sydney, you likely already know that mould could become a major issue. You’ve probably also noticed that school mould stories keep popping up in the news across NSW, with one Sydney private school coming under fire a few years ago for causing serious health issues in a student, and another school at Broken Hill set to be demolished and completely rebuilt due to pervasive mould discovered earlier this year.
From student health to structural damage, a mould problem is serious business. Unfortunately, mould can be extremely invasive, destructive and expensive to fix, and with Sydney’s warm damp climate, fighting mould can feel like an uphill battle.
If you are looking for a plan to prevent mould altogether, or you suspect you may already have an issue, here are our top tips for preventing and treating mould before it becomes a major headache.
Mould Prevention Strategies for Schools
- Use mould-resistant paints and primers
Using mould-resistant building materials is by far your most effective defence. For any upcoming repair or building work be sure to invest in products containing mildewcide. We highly recommend avoiding cheaper tradeline paints that won’t stand up over time.
- Improve Ventilation
Ensure that classrooms, bathrooms, and kitchens are well-ventilated. Installing exhaust fans, opening windows, and using dehumidifiers can help reduce humidity levels.
- Maintain HVAC Systems
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems should be regularly serviced to ensure they function properly. Clean filters and ducts to prevent the spread of mould spores.
- Regular Inspections
Conduct routine inspections of high-risk areas for signs of mould or moisture buildup. Early detection is key to preventing a small issue from becoming a major problem. For more info on setting up an effective school maintenance programme that includes inspections and proactive repairs, read our quick guide.
- Educate Staff and Students
Raise awareness among staff and students about the importance of reporting leaks, spills, or signs of mould. The sooner issues are reported, the quicker they can be addressed.
Enlist the experts
If all of this sounds like a lot, we understand. Having experts like First Response on the case can provide reassurance that things are taken care of. Enlisting the help of a professional maintenance team can also ensure the load of regular maintenance, inspections and prevention measures doesn’t fall on the shoulders of you or your busy team. If you would like to discuss your mould woes directly, we would love to hear from you. Or you can request a quote for school maintenance here.
Responding to Mould Outbreaks
Despite best efforts, mould can still occasionally become a problem. When it does, it’s important to act quickly:
- Isolate the Area: If mould is detected, restrict access to the affected area to prevent the spread of spores.
- Professional Remediation: Hire a professional mould remediation service to assess and remove the mould safely. Attempting to clean it up without proper equipment can exacerbate the problem.
- Communicate with Parents: Keep parents informed about any mould issues and the steps being taken to address them. Transparency is key to maintaining trust.
- Post-Remediation Testing: After remediation, conduct air quality tests to ensure that all mould has been effectively removed and that the environment is safe for students and staff to return.
Preventing mould in any building takes a proactive mindset, some specialist knowledge, and above all: consistency. In Sydney schools, this challenge can be 10 fold, but following this guide can help you maintain a safe, dry, healthy learning environment without worry.
If you want help preventing or treating mould at your school, get in touch with our friendly team.