Moulds and fungi

Information on how to prevent and remove mould and fungi in schools.

Level of compliance Main audience Other

Required

  • Boards
  • Principals and Tumuaki
  • Proprietors
  • Third Party Contractors
  • General Staff/Administrators
  • Teachers and Kaiako
  • Public
  • Health & Safety Officer(s)
  • Worksafe Regulator(s)

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, around windows and in kitchens or bathrooms.

How can I prevent mould in my school?

Mould and fungi can grow more easily during winter months with the elevated moisture levels in the air, so it is recommended to clean more frequently during this period.

Mould and fungi can be prevented from accumulating on interior surfaces by:

  • ensuring there is no excess moisture in the building by maintaining its roof and making sure it has no holes; keeping the gutters clear, and ensuring there are no plumbing leaks
  • opening windows whenever possible or by using internal ventilation or dehumidifiers to reduce moisture build up
  • regularly checking interior surfaces for mould and removing any that grows as soon as possible, ideally while it is still wet
  • regularly cleaning joinery, window and door frames as condensation and accumulated dust and dirt can create a breeding ground for fungi and moulds.

How can I remove mould?

Spores are released more easily when mouldy materials dry out, so it’s important to clean up any mouldy areas while they are still wet.

You can remove mould with a commercial mould cleaner or hypochlorite bleach. Combine one and a half cups of household bleach to four litres of water, wipe on any mouldy areas and leave for 10 minutes before rinsing and drying.

Any affected materials that are removed should be wrapped in plastic before being disposed. In extreme cases, porous materials such as carpets and curtains may be difficult to thoroughly clean and may need to be thrown out.

When removing mould make sure you wear appropriate personal protective equipment (rubber gloves, face mask and safety goggles) and that the room is well ventilated, but not so ventilated that air movement will blow any spores into other areas of the building.

What should I do if I find extensive mould in my school?

You should contact your Property Advisor if you find extensive mould in any of your school buildings, including photographs of the area to show the size of the mould coverage.

Property staff contact details

Find more information on mound in damp buildings, including black mould, on the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment’s Building Performance site(external link).

Is mould harmful to my health?

While most moulds occur naturally in the environment and are generally harmless, exposure to some types can have health implications for certain people.

Guidance from health authorities advises that those with pre-existing asthma or weakened immune systems are at the greatest risk of being affected by mould. Most people who experience adverse effects associated with mouldy buildings fully recover following removal and clean-up of the mould contamination.

Anyone with concerns regarding their health should visit their local GP. 

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