Protecting Yourself From Mold During Hurricane Cleanup

PPE Recommendations to Consider for Small Areas Where Mold Might Be Present

When cleaning up moldy areas less than 100 square feet, NIOSH approved N95 filtering facepiece respirators or half masks with replaceable 100 level particulate filters (N100, R100 or P100) may be used in conjunction with disposable coveralls, gloves and goggles.

PPE Recommendations to Consider for Larger Areas Where Mold May Be Growing

For areas greater than 100 square feet, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency requires that professionals be called to conduct the remediation. (For more information on EPA guidelines, visit http://www.epa.gov/). Full facepiece respirators with 100 level particulate filters may be used. The full facepiece may also be used as part of a powered air purifying respirator (PAPR) system. In addition, appropriate gloves, disposable coveralls, full body clothing, headgear, and foot coverings are recommended.

It is very important to read and follow the donning instructions carefully for any respiration protection you select and to conduct a user seal check every time the respirator is put on. A good fit can only be obtained if the face is clean-shaven in the area where the respirator seals against the face.

The use of NIOSH-certified respirators in workplace environments must be accompanied by a full respiratory protection program as specified in OSHA 29 CFR 1910.134. Important components of a respiratory protection program include written standard operating procedures, medical evaluation, user training, respirator cleaning and maintenance, and properly fitting the respirator to the user.