School responsibilities#
School boards are responsible for managing mould in their schools. Mould is a living organism that grows where high humidity is combined with damp or wet conditions. It can grow on walls, ceilings, curtains, carpets and around windows.
Our guide for mould mitigation explains how to manage it.
Examples and actions#
The following information is contained in the document above 'Identifying mould and how to manage it'.
Level: Low#
Description
Small visible patches of mould.
Space use
Room can continue to be used.
Actions required
- Clean and ventilate.
- Identify root cause (for example, water ingress) and remediate.
- Review maintenance and cleaning plan and make sure regular and targeted cleaning is done.
- Monitor every month.
Example
Level: Moderate#
Description
Large visible patches of mould (greater than a square metre in size) with odour and visible dampness.
Space use
Room should not be used until the required actions are completed.
Actions required
- Contact your property advisor.
- Temporarily isolate until cleaned and ventilated.
- Identify root cause (for example, water ingress from blocked gutters).
- Review maintenance and cleaning plan and make sure regular and targeted cleaning is done.
- Monitor every month.
Example
Level: High#
Description
Extensive visible mould with clear signs of water ingress and possible damage to building materials.
Space use
Room must not be used until assessment and remediation is complete.
Actions required
- Contact your property advisor immediately and isolate the classroom.
- Property advisor to determine remedial action plan.
Example
You should contact your property advisor if you find extensive mould in any of your school buildings. Include photographs of the area to show the size of the mould coverage.
Mōhiohio anō
