Mould Assessment & Testing Services
Mould affects indoor air quality and can cause health issues if it’s left to grow. It also damages building materials over time, especially in areas with ongoing moisture.
HSE Australia provides comprehensive mould testing services for workplaces and properties. We help organisations and property owners understand the extent of the issue, confirm whether a health risk is present, and identify the steps needed to fix it.
Contact us to arrange a comprehensive mould assessment of your workplace.
HSE Australia mould testing services include:
to detect airborne spores and to determine exposure levels
on areas where mould stains are visible, or colonies are suspected
through a NATA-accredited lab for accurate identification
to find potential sources of dampness
- A detailed report with remediation recommendations
A mould assessment can also include thermal imaging if there is a risk of hidden moisture behind walls, flooring or insulation.
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Read the Article:
Managing Mould in the Workplace:
Mould can grow out of sight, making it hard to realise you have a problem. Sometimes it’s only when employees report ill health and investigations occur and mould is discovered. In this short article, we’ll discuss the dangers of mould and why employers should take it seriously. We’ll also provide tips on how to prevent mould from becoming a problem in the workplace.
Understanding how mould behaves
Mould isn’t always easy to see. It can grow behind walls, under flooring or in ceiling spaces long before stains appear. Visible marks or surface colonies are one indicator, but often, the first signs show in ongoing health issues like headaches, sinus irritation and allergies, as well as in stale indoor air. Not every mould type presents the same level of risk. The species, the concentration of spores and the sensitivity of the people exposed to it all play a role. Mould can also remain dormant once moisture has been removed. But dormant spores can still affect air quality if they’re disturbed.
A thorough mould inspection should form part of your holistic risk assessment process to confirm a workplace or property doesn’t present a health hazard. At HSE Australia, our experienced Occupational Hygiene Specialists provide identification and guidance to address any suspected mould contamination.
How does mould testing work?
Mould testing starts with a professional site inspection. Our hygiene technicians look for conditions that might be supporting mould growth. We use recognised sampling methods to measure spores in the air and to detect contamination on surfaces.
Mould Testing & Mould Audits
HSE Australia offers a wide range of Occupational Hygiene and Risk Management Services such as Mould Assessments, Mould Sampling & Lab Analysis. Get in touch for an individual quote.
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Mould Inspection & Analysis
A mould assessment or inspection is a comprehensive audit of potential sources of mould and the levels of contamination (spores) present in the air or on surfaces.
Mould can often only be seen if there are stains or if colonies have formed. While stains or the formation of visible colonies are indicators of mould contamination, health issues such as constant headaches, worsened allergies or asthma, respiratory infections, coughs, and sneezing are indicators that mould might be present in the air.
Please note: The presence of mould doesn’t always represent a potential health hazard; type, concentration, and individual sensitivities are prevalent to an individual’s reaction. Mould can grow for a prolonged time because of a favourable situation, then die off and stay dormant (e.g., after a leaking air conditioner was fixed). However, dormant mould can still pose health risks.
When mould isn’t visible, a thorough air sample analysis is the most effective option to determine the presence of airborne spores and the level of exposure.
Within the field of Occupational Hygiene, mould represents a biological health hazard just like other microbes, e.g., viruses or bacteria. However, not all fungi or microbes are health risks. Therefore, suspected mould contamination requires the professional analysis.
When is a mould assessment by an Occupational Hygienist required?
A professional mould assessment may be required when:
- prolonged condensation is identified
- an area has flooded, or a water leak has been identified
- discolouration and colonisation are visible
- musty and damp smells are reported (MVOC’s)
- undiagnosed long term respiratory illness in an individual
A mould assessment conducted by HSE Australia includes the following steps:
- Review of the initial report (why mould is expected)
- Visual on-site assessment
- Air sample gathering
- Surface (swab) sample gathering
- Lab review of samples
- Lab analysis
- Detailed report and recommendations
If necessary and in addition to an air or swab test, our hygiene technician can conduct a thermal imaging review of the area to determine cool spots that might indicate sources of moisture where condensation, water pooling or a burst pipe has occurred.
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Frequently asked Questions
Health Safety Environment Australia
How do I know if I need mould testing?
Mould testing is needed when there is a noticeable change to the quality of air inside a space, or when visible mould appears.
A professional mould assessment is recommended when:
There have been leaks or prolonged condensation Flooding has occurred Musty and damp smells are reported (MVOC’s) Discolouration and mould colonisation is visible Workers or residents have reported headaches, allergies or breathing issues, or undiagnosed long-term respiratory illnesses
What happens after mould testing?
Once sampling and lab analysis are complete, our Occupational Hygienist provides a clear mould assessment report that addresses both the cause of the problem and the visible symptoms.
Our mould assessment report looks at: The type of mould, and level of exposure Possible causes, sources of moisture, and other contributing factors Practical steps to address moisture issues, and to prevent future mould growth Recommendations to resolve the issue
Can mould return after cleaning?
Yes. If the source for the moisture isn’t located and fixed, mould is likely to return. Cleaning removes visible mould growth, but spores can continue to settle and multiply if damp conditions or a moisture source remains. Long-term prevention relies on controlling moisture and keeping the area well ventilated. Our Occupational Hygienists will provide a detailed report outlining professional recommendations to prevent the return of mould in your space.
What are the symptoms of mould exposure?
Symptoms of mould exposure can include:
Irritation of the skin or eyes Runny or blocked nose Headaches Allergic reactions Asthma attack in people with asthma Chronic inflammatory response syndrome (CIRS)
Mould exposure can pose serious health risks. If you suspect mould, it’s vital to organise professional mould testing without delay.
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