MOULD ERADICATIONDon’t delay, solve mould problems with Orbis today

What is Mould?Diagnosis, cause and

effect

4 Steps for HealthOrbis’ treatment

procedure to finish mould

Risks of IgnoranceLegal responsibilities and your reputation

WHAT IS MOULD?Mould is a type of fungi and is present everywhere, both indoors and outdoors. Mould is often green, grey, brown or black and produces a musty smell.

Did you know?Mould has such a complex root system that it is similar to an iceberg, only one third of the problem is visible on the surface

Did you know?There are 5.2 million asthma sufferers in the UKOne in four people with asthma are reported to suffer as a direct result of mould

Over the cold, wet conditions of autumn and winter mould reaches it’s highest levels, this can be a serious issue for residents as homes with mould can lead to or worsen the following conditions:

» Respiratory problems » Respiratory infections » Weakened immune system » Skin conditions » Allergies » Asthma

WHY DOES MOULD GROW?Light, humidity and moisture provide ideal conditions for mould to germinate and grow. Cooking, clothes drying, showers, baths and even just breathing all cause condensation, which is the single biggest reason for mould growth

THE EFFECTSMould is destructive and most importantly hazardous to health, and this couldn’t be more true than for asthma suffers.

The spores released by mould are both an aggravation and a cause of asthma, these spores are some hazardous that the following acts and systems were brought in:

» Mould is classed as a category one risk to health, as assessed under the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (2004). This is the same class as asbestos.

» The Environmental Protection Act (1990) defines mould as a statutory nuisance that must be treated.

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Did you know?A family of four can produce up to 23 pints of moisture each day, which help support the growth of mould

4 STAGE PROCESSOrbis use a 4 stage process plus a unique vaporising technique to kill mould spores in the air, on fixtures and fittings.

Experienced surveyors diagnose the type of mould and reasons for its outbreak using sophisticated instruments to accurately measure humidity. Our professional approach reassures occupants and photos are taken before and after treatment.

1 CONSULTATION 2Fully trained technicians wash the surface with a bacterial detergent to eradicate surface mould and prevent the spores from spreading in the air.

ERADICATION

3 4ROOT REMOVAL PREVENTIONTechnicians then treat one metre beyond the affected area in all directions to eradicate the root.

A fungicidal paint finish is then applied to create a seal preventing spores from entering the atmosphere, meaning spores cannot land and germinate.

LEGAL AND SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITYLandlords, Councils and Housing Associations are legally bound to clear any outbreak within 28 days under section 11 of the Landlord and Tenant Act (1998).

Traditional methods of treating mould simply cover up the issue. As no diagnosis is involved, no proper treatment can be given and the root remains, so mould keeps coming back. Ignored this can lead to:

» Legal Action » Court Action » Compensation » Increased Risk to Tenants Health » Negative Impact on Reputation » Value of the property reduced

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WHY USE ORBIS?Orbis are the only national consulatative mould eradication service provider in the UK, we ensure that:

» Residents will be reassured and advised » Each outbreak is treated for its specific needs » Managed staff are sensitive to the needs of working in a private home » Staff are DBS checked to ensure their suitability to work in a private home

BEFORE AFTER

TESTIMONY“At the moment it takes up an awful lot of our time deducing what the causes of mould are and speak with occupants, advising them. Anyone who can come in and provide a full solution to this can only be an asset to us.” Robert | Bristol City Council

5 STEP GUIDE ON MOULD PREVENTIONSometimes inadequacies in the building can cause mould, but more commonly it is caused by tenants’ lifestyles. To help property managers prevent and deal with mould in social housing properties, we have created this 5 step guide.

1Step Educate tenants

Send material to your tenant advising them of ways to control moisture and and produce less condensation. Tenants should:

» Wipe surfaces and window frames when moisture settles » Close kitchen and bathroom doors to stop steam getting into colder rooms » When cooking or washing, open a window or use an extractor fan » Get fresh air into the property by opening windows for at least 20 minutes a day

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» Dry clothes outdoors or in well-ventilated rooms » Cover sources of water such as cooking pans and fish tanks » Keep the heating on low in cold or wet weather

1Step Educate tenants (continued)

2Step Limit heat loss

Condensation is less likely to form in warm properties, so keep heat loss to a minimum by doing the following:

» Insulate loft and cavity walls » Install double glazing or even secondary double glazing » Ensure tumble dryers are vented to the outside of the property » Clear ventilators including chimneys » Do not place furtniture against cold external walls » Do not draught-proof windows in the bathroom or kitchen

3Step Remove woodchip paper

Despite being common in social housing, woodchip is a breeding ground for mould. It is made from bits of wood, organic adhesive and think sheets of paper, all food for mould. The material is also absorbent which provides a perfect reservoir of moisture.

4Step Take immediate reactive steps

If mould has already begun to grow in the property, take reactive steps immediately because mould will not go away on its own.

» Advise tenants to wipe new mould growth with a sponge soaked in water. They should not use washing up liquid.

» Landlords should wipe new mould growth with a sponge soaked in fungicidal wash that carries a Health and Safety Executive (HSE) approval number. This will kill the mould.

» After using the fungicidal wash, apply a high quality fungicidal paint to the affected area. Do not paint over the fungicidal paint with ordinary paint or wallpaper as the fungicidal paint will not work.

» Do not bruch or vacuum clean mould as this will likely spread it » Do not draught-proof rooms that have mould growth

5Step Let Orbis take care of mould for you!

Since there are different types of mould, it is important to diagnose which treatment is necessary for each outbreak. Orbis offers a consulation service to ensure that the mould’s root system and active spores are removed, and the room is left safe for inhabitants. Orbis Mould Eradication Service also carries a 12 month warranty on materials and labour. The Orbis Infection Control Vaporisation Service can also be used to remove airborne spores.

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Orbis deliver services nationally throughout the UK, if you need support with any of the issues discussed, feel free to get in touch through: www.orbisprotect.com or call 08000 830 850.

Orbis Protect Limited Beaufort House, Cricket Green Road, Uxbridge, Middlesex UB8 1QG

Tel: 08000 830 850 www.orbisprotect.com