6.1 — Why PPE Matters in Mould Remediation

Mould remediation is an inherently hazardous activity. Disturbing mould growth releases large numbers of spores into the immediate environment — concentrations that can be many times higher than background levels in an unaffected building. Without appropriate protection, operatives are exposed to a significant occupational health risk, including respiratory sensitisation, allergic conditions, and in some cases infection.

PPE is not optional. Under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and the Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 1992, employers have a legal duty to provide appropriate PPE and ensure it is used. Self-employed operatives have equivalent duties to themselves. PPE is the last line of defence in the hierarchy of controls — but in mould remediation, it is an essential one.

6.2 — Respiratory Protection

Respiratory protection is the most critical element of PPE in mould remediation. Mould spores are microscopic and can penetrate deep into the respiratory tract. Standard dust masks and surgical masks do not provide adequate protection against mould spores.

Respirator Types and Ratings

Correct Use of Disposable Respirators

• Perform a fit check every time you put on a respirator — cup the mask, inhale sharply, and check for air leakage around the edges
• Facial hair prevents an adequate seal — operatives with beards cannot achieve a reliable fit with disposable respirators and should use powered air-purifying respirators (PAPR) instead
• Disposable respirators are single-use — do not reuse a respirator that has been worn in a contaminated environment
• Remove the respirator by the straps only — do not touch the front of the mask
• Dispose of used respirators as contaminated waste

6.3 — Full PPE Requirements for Remediation

Respiratory protection alone is not sufficient. A full PPE ensemble is required for remediation work to protect all routes of exposure.

PPE Ensemble by Contamination Level

Gloves

Nitrile gloves are the standard for mould remediation — they provide good chemical resistance to biocidal treatments and are impermeable to mould spores. Latex gloves should be avoided due to the risk of latex allergy. For severe contamination, double-gloving is recommended. Remove gloves by peeling from the wrist, turning inside out as you remove them, to avoid contaminating your hands.

Eye Protection

Safety spectacles provide basic splash protection but do not seal against the face. Goggles provide a better seal and are preferred where significant spore release is expected. A full-face respirator provides both respiratory and eye protection simultaneously.

Disposable Coveralls

Disposable Tyvek coveralls prevent mould spores from contaminating clothing and being transported out of the work area. Ensure the coverall hood is worn over the respirator straps, not under them. Tape the wrists to gloves and ankles to boot covers to prevent gaps. Remove coveralls by rolling them inside out from the shoulders downwards to contain contamination.

6.4 — Containment

Containment is the process of isolating the work area to prevent mould spores from spreading to unaffected parts of the building during remediation. It is an engineering control that works alongside PPE to protect both operatives and building occupants.

When Containment is Required

• Moderate contamination (1–3m²) — basic containment using plastic sheeting over doorways and ventilation openings
• Severe contamination (>3m²) — full containment with negative pressure and HEPA air filtration
• Any situation where occupants cannot be removed from adjacent areas during treatment

Basic Containment Setup

• Close all doors and windows in the work area
• Cover doorways with heavy-duty polythene sheeting, taped at all edges — use a slit entry to allow access without removing the sheet
• Cover ventilation grilles and air handling units to prevent spore spread through ductwork
• Switch off any mechanical ventilation or air conditioning that serves the work area and adjacent spaces
• Place a sticky mat at the exit point to capture spores from boot covers

Full Containment with Negative Pressure

For severe contamination, a negative pressure enclosure should be established using a HEPA-filtered air scrubber or negative air machine. This creates a pressure differential that causes air to flow into the work area rather than out of it, preventing spore migration to adjacent spaces. The exhaust from the air scrubber should be directed outside the building where possible.

6.5 — Protecting Building Occupants

Protecting the occupants of the building during remediation is a professional and legal obligation. The following measures should be taken as standard.

• Remove occupants from the work area during all remediation activities — no exceptions
• Remove vulnerable occupants from the building during remediation where possible — particularly children, elderly people, those with asthma, and immunocompromised individuals
• Advise occupants not to re-enter the work area until treatment is complete, the area has been ventilated, and any containment has been removed
• Secure the work area to prevent accidental entry during treatment — particularly important where children are present
• Communicate clearly with the client about what is happening, how long it will take, and when it is safe to re-enter

6.6 — Safe Working Practices During Remediation

Before Starting Work

• Confirm all occupants have vacated the work area
• Don full PPE before entering the work area — not after
• Set up containment before disturbing any mould growth
• Ensure you have all required materials and equipment before starting — minimise trips in and out of the containment area
• Check that your COSHH assessment covers all products you will be using

During Remediation

• Work methodically from the least contaminated areas to the most contaminated
• Minimise dry brushing or scrubbing that generates airborne dust — use damp methods where possible to suppress spore release
• Place contaminated materials directly into sealed waste bags — do not carry loose contaminated materials through the building
• Do not eat, drink, or touch your face while working in the contaminated area
• If your respirator becomes damaged or the seal is compromised, leave the work area immediately and replace it before re-entering

After Completing Work

• Remove boot covers before leaving the work area
• Remove coveralls by rolling inside out — place directly into a sealed waste bag
• Remove gloves and dispose of as contaminated waste
• Remove respirator by the straps only — dispose of as contaminated waste
• Wash hands and face thoroughly before eating, drinking, or touching your face
• Ventilate the work area thoroughly before removing containment

6.7 — Waste Disposal

Contaminated waste from mould remediation — including removed materials, used PPE, cleaning cloths, and packaging from biocidal products — must be disposed of correctly.

• Double-bag all contaminated waste in heavy-duty polythene bags and seal securely
• Label bags as contaminated waste
• Do not compact bags — this can release spores through the bag material
• Dispose of via a licensed waste contractor or at a licensed waste facility — do not place in general household waste
• Liquid waste from cleaning (contaminated rinse water) should be disposed of via the foul sewer — not surface drains or watercourses
• Empty biocidal product containers should be disposed of in accordance with the product SDS (Safety Data Sheet)

Key Terms — Module 6

Module 6 Summary

• PPE is a legal requirement in mould remediation and the last line of defence against occupational exposure to mould spores.
• Minimum respiratory protection is FFP2 for minor contamination and FFP3 for moderate to severe contamination — standard dust masks are not adequate.
• A full PPE ensemble includes respiratory protection, nitrile gloves, eye protection, disposable coveralls, and boot covers — scaled to the contamination level.
• Containment prevents spore spread to unaffected areas — basic containment for moderate contamination, negative pressure enclosure for severe contamination.
• All occupants must be removed from the work area during remediation; vulnerable occupants should be removed from the building where possible.
• Follow safe working practices before, during, and after remediation — including correct donning and doffing of PPE and proper waste disposal.
• Contaminated waste must be double-bagged, labelled, and disposed of via a licensed waste contractor.

Version 1.0 — August 2026