Types of Inspection
There are 3 main types of Indoor Air Quality Inspection, and they can often be confused with one another, allow us to explain each type and what they are used for.
Pre-Inspection
A detailed inspection prior to any remediation work taking place, this step ensures that everything is considered for the scope of works. A Pre-Inspection report is a detailed and in-depth assessment of a buildings risk & contamination level, the underlying reason for contamination and a scientific recommendation of what to do about it.
Pre-Inspections are especially useful in instances where occupants of a building are experiencing health symptoms, but no cause has been determined yet. They are highly relevant in instances where insurance companies are involved, or the matter is likely to become a legal issue.
Post-Remediation-Verification (PRV)
This takes place AFTER a remediation team has conducted their process and is a vital investigation that ensures the technique used was thorough and effective. If a building fails PRV testing it means that the restorer or remediator will have to come back and complete more work. If no samples are taken and a successfull PRV verdict is given based on only a visual / smell inspection it may become a matter of criminal negligence. This is why Mycotec collects appropriate samples from the field that are analysed in our state-of-the-art laboratories by qualified scientists. There are many instances where a building looks visually clean but is still highly contaminated with microscopic spores.
It is very important that the person who did the remediation does not also do the PRV testing, this is to ensure that the results have scientific value and there is no bias involved. That is why Mycotec remains independent from all remediation companies, so that we can check their work without being compromised.
Clearance Testing (CLT)
The strictest level of examination after restoration is complete, once a 'Clearance Certificate' is issued it is safe to re-enter the building. This type of sampling usually takes place after rebuilding and ensures that in-between the successful PRV and when people are set to occupy the space no additional contamination has occured i.e., it was not rebuilt with mouldy building materials.
Once Mycotec issues a clearance certificate we take on a legal liability that the building is no longer going to cause harm to human life and that it is in a state of ‘Normal Environmental Fungal Ecology’
To read more about the types of measurements taken on an Indoor Air Quality inspection click here
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