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The UK Centre for Mould Safety has been created to protect public health. The Mould-Safe Code comprises of five basic rules for safe mould removal based on scientific evidence. This is followed by 10 pillars of safe practice.
If you are unsure about any elements, please get in touch to arrange access to training.
By signing up to the code you will appear on our 'Find an Expert' list. To become 'Mould-Safe Recognised' please get in touch to arrange access to your portfolio.
1. Protect yourself and others
Always assume mould can be harmful. Wear proper personal protection equipment (PPE) and respiratory protection equipment and prevent exposure to occupants - especially the vulnerable. Risk assess for biological agents and human pathogens.
2. Stop the Spread
Human Pathogen Hazard Group 2 Biological Agents MUST be controlled - see the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) guide and the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health COSHH guide. Contain the work.
3. Remove, don't just kill
Physically remove water damaged / contaminated materials. Simply washing down, spraying or painting over mould growth is never enough.
4. Clean thoroughly
HEPA-vacuum (H14 advised) and damp-wipe all non-porous surfaces with mild detergent until visibly and microscopically clean. Consider clearance checks and that cleaning may need to occur before and after drying or remedial works to reduce risks to as low as reasonably practicable.
5. Fix the Moisture
Lasting success depends on curing the water source - leaks, condensation, bridging, or a lack of ventilation. Without this, mould will always return.
10 Pillars of Safe Practice for Mould (Surface Fungi) Contamination
Mould debris exists in all indoor environments and forms part of normal household dust. While background levels are inevitable and manageable through cleaning and control of indoor moisture, competent practice in mould investigation and remediation recognises the following foundational principles:
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It is a health hazard
Exposure to common types of indoor mould is a health hazard. Risk depends on individual vulnerability, the dose, duration and frequency of exposure, and the species or genera present. Even 'common' moulds can cause harm under the right circumstances.
2. All parts are hazardous
All parts of mould growth are hazardous, not only spores. Fragments, hyphae, mycotoxins, β-glucans, and microbial volatile organic compounds (MVOCs) can all affect health, whether growth is active, dormant, or desiccated.
3. Biocides cannot ‘kill a mould problem’
Biocides may reduce viability or temporarily reduce surface growth, but they do not remove contamination. They do not eliminate spores, fragments or settled debris, and therefore cannot resolve a mould problem on their own.
4. Improper remediation can make contamination worse
Improper remediation can make contamination worse. Disturbance without controls will aerosolise spores and fragments, increasing exposure and spreading contamination into other areas of the building.
5. Effective remediation is based on physical removal
Source removal, HEPA-filtered extraction and cleaning are the primary interventions. Chemical treatments, including biocides, may be used only as secondary measures, never as a substitute for removal.
6. Many indoor mould species are classified as Biological Agents under COSHH
All species of appear in the HSE’s Approved List of Biological Agents as Human Pathogen Hazard Group 2. Some mouldsassociated with prest droppings are listed as Hazard Group 3 Pathogens. Both groups require appropriate containment and exposure control during the during works, regardless of the fact that no UK licence is required to undertake remediation.
7. Excess moisture is the root cause of mould
Unless underlying sources of moisture are identified and resolved, mould will recur. Remediation without moisture control is ineffective.
8. Mould does not require liquid water (1.0 aw) to grow
Many species grow at water activities of 0.6 aw or higher. Early colonisers can germinate within 12–24 hours of favourable conditions.
9. Mould contamination is microscopic.
By the time mould is visible, a large biomass already exists. Significant reservoirs may remain hidden, and whole-room contamination can develop even when visible growth is limited.
10. Mould grows on all surfaces, including concealed ones.
Where penetrating, traumatic or rising damp is present, contamination may extend into voids, cavities, insulation layers, floor structures and other hidden locations. Concealed reservoirs can continue to contaminate the indoor environment long after surface cleaning unless identified and removed.