WSP AUSTRALIA 1

POST REMEDIATION VERIFICATION MOULD CLEARANCE CERTIFICATE

General details

CLIENT DETAILS

Name of client: Department of Education

Client contact details:

Mario D’Urso

Level 5, 269-273 Bigge Street,

Liverpool, NSW 2170

DESCRIPTION OF WORKS

Site address where remedial work is being carried out:

Passfield Park School

53 Guernsey Avenue,

Minto NSW 2566

Date(s) remedial work carried out: July 2019

Contractor: Facilities First

Scope of work (as advised by client/contractor):

Following remediation works carried out within Block B, rooms BR0012, BR0017 and BR0018, WSP was engaged to carry out a clearance assessment for airborne mould post remediation works carried out in July 2019. In addition to the microbial monitoring, visual inspections and building moisture content readings were also taken to determine the susceptibility of construction material to mould colonisation.

Details of the specific remedial work area(s):

Mould remediation works included the following:

- Physical cleaning with a mould inhibiting agent of all impacted surfaces including walls, floors and windows and window sills; and

- Air treatment with the aid of HEPA filtered air scrubbers and dehumidifiers were carried out post-remediation works.

Areas inspected/assessed as part of this clearance assessment included:

- Airborne concentrations; and

- Visual assessment of the built structure;

Methodology and Criteria

Methodology

Airborne sampling for total mould (i.e. viable and non-viable fungi) was carried out using a pre-loaded cassette i.e. a Zefon Air-O-Cell cassette. The Air-O-Cell cassette operates upon the principle of inertial impaction whereby particulate laden air is drawn through the cassettes tapered inlet slit and directed towards a small slide containing the collection media. Sampling was performed using a hand-held microbial air sampling device to collect 75 litre air samples over a five-minute period. A secondary standard flow meter was used to calibrate the air sampling device to 15L/min.

Surfaces fungal spore concentrations were sampled with the aid of Zefon Bio-Tape ™ sampling media. Bio-Tape samplers consist of a flexible plastic microscope slide with a pre-defined adhesive area. Each slide is labelled with a unique identifier or serial number for traceability.

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During sampling, the protective liner is peeled back to expose the adhesive section of the slide, the clear adhesive slide is then placed onto the surface being tested and removed with a slow, steady force. The slide is then packed in the slide mailer to prevent cross contamination. Samples were taken directly to the laboratory for analysis by optical microscopy (or scanning electron microscopy when required) for total fungi and identifiable species.

Reference Criteria

Air quality guidelines Reference source

<1,000 counts or spores/m3 Worldwide Exposure Standards for Mold & Bacteria 2010

<1,500 CFU/m3 AIHA Synergist November 2001

Conclusion of inspection

Date of clearance inspections: 19th July 2019

Cert. # 5563_PRV_Passfield Park School_19062019.docx

Limitation of Clearance:

This verification certificate applies only to the subject area detailed within the above description. Other areas not assessed as part of this assessment are not covered by this clearance.

This clearance is based on ‘snap shot’ monitoring undertaken on one single day to provide an indication of airborne microbial concentrations. This clearance does not apply to past or future conditions within the area.

Visual inspection satisfactory: Yes No

Clearance monitoring conducted: Yes No NA

Results of clearance monitoring satisfactory: Yes No NA

Comments: At the completion of the remediation works carried out in July 2019, an occupational hygienist inspected rooms BR0012, BR0017 and BR0018, and results obtained were below the referenced Worldwide Exposure Standards for Mold & Bacteria (2010). Surface microbial concentrations for samples collected of the internal windows were less than the laboratory detection limit as well as being below the adopted AIHA (2001) guideline levels. Moisture content readings to the built structure were also deemed ‘low risk’ or dry.

Further, concentrations detected as part of the WSP indoor air quality assessment were lower than those detected in previous assessments undertaken in June 2019.

Therefore, remedial works were deemed satisfactory.

Clearance declaration

On the basis of the visual inspections, analytical results and remediation work methods employed within Block B, rooms BR0012, BR0017 and BR0018, the areas inspected as part of this clearance assessment do not pose a significant risk to human health from exposure to mould. As such, the areas tested as part of this clearance assessment can be returned to normal occupancy and use.

Assessors signature

Prepared by: Haysam Elhassan Date: 22/07/2019 Signature:

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Appendices

Appendix A - Photographs Yes No NA

Appendix B – Analytical Reports Yes No NA

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STATEMENT OF LIMITATIONS

This report has been prepared for the benefit of the client and no other party. WSP assumes no responsibility and will not be liable to any other person or organisation for or in relation to any matter dealt with or conclusions expressed in the report, or for any loss or damage suffered by any other person or organisation arising from matters dealt with or conclusions expressed in the report (including without limitation matters arising from any negligent act or omission of WSP or for any loss or damage suffered by any other party relying upon the matters dealt with or conclusions expressed in the report). Other parties should not rely upon the report or the accuracy or completeness of any conclusions and should make their own enquiries and obtain independent advice in relation to such matters.

In accordance with the scope of services, WSP has relied upon the data and has conducted field monitoring and/or testing in the preparation of the report. The nature and extent of monitoring and/or testing conducted is described in the report. On all sites, varying degrees of non-uniformity of conditions are encountered. Hence no monitoring, common testing or sampling technique can eliminate the possibility that monitoring or testing results/samples are not totally representative of actual situations. The conclusions are based upon the data and the field monitoring and/or testing and are therefore merely indicative of the conditions of the site at the time of preparing the report.

It should also be recognised that site conditions, including the extent and concentration of contaminants, can change with time.

Within the limitations imposed by the scope of services, the monitoring, testing, sampling and preparation of this report have been undertaken and performed in a professional manner, in accordance with generally accepted practices and using a degree of skill and care ordinarily exercised by reputable Occupational Hygiene consultants under similar circumstances. No other warranty, expressed or implied, is made.

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Appendix A – Photographs

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Photo 1: Room BR0012 – Internal partition wall Photo 2: Room BR0012 – evidence of swelling of lower

wall/kickboard along SW wall.

Photo 3: Room BR0012 – Rear of room with suspected mould growth to external window pane. Internal surface sample of window pane yielded results that were below the laboratory detection limit

Photo 4: Room BR0017 – No evidence of surface mould growth.

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Photo 5: Room BR0017 – Items moved to allow for cleaning efforts

Photo 6: Room BR0018 – No evidence of surface mould

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Appendix B – Analytical Reports

Admin Perth: 8/1 Distinction Road, Wangara WA 6065

T:+61 8 9303 2281 Lab Sydney:

9 Water Street, Wentworthville NSW 2145 T:+61 2 8839 7979

www.mycolab.com.au ABN 86 163 891 129

Job Report: 11208 – PS114654-PPS Page 1 of 5

22 July 2019

WSP Australia Pty Ltd Level 27, 680 George Street Sydney NSW

JOB REPORT: 11208 – PS114654-PPS

Sampling By: Haysam Elhassan on dated 19th July 2019

Purpose: Report on Mycological Analysis of Air & Surface Samples

1. RESULTS SUMMARY

Air-O-Cell Airborne Fungal (Total) Concentrations Results The air sampling results in Table showed an inside average of 93 spores/m3 airborne fungal concentrations and had a rating of “Low”. This was lower than the outside airborne fungal concentrations. The inside locations tested had “Low to Normal” levels of airborne fungal concentrations. BioTape Surface Fungal (Total Concentrations Results The surface sampling results in Table 2 showed both the locations tested had “Below Detectable Limits” of fungal concentration.

Report Details Follow

This document has commercial confidence status. Copying of this report or any part is not permitted except for the purposes of evaluation. Unless agreed otherwise, Mycolab retains intellectual property rights of this document.

For and on behalf of Mycolab Pty Ltd

Babar Ali Laboratory Technician

Sample Analysis: Babar Ali (MSc), Laboratory Technician Report Review: Mariam Begum (MSc), Senior Mycologist

M Y C O L A B P T Y L T D I A Q , M O U L D & A S B E S T O S I N V E S T I G A T I O N S

Job Report: 11208 – PS114654-PPS Page 2 of 5

Table of Contents:

1. Results Summary ............................................................................................................................................................ 1

2. Standard Methods, Glossary & Limitations................................................................................................................... 2

3. Results: Air-O-Cell airborne Fungal Spore (total) Concentrations .............................................................................. 3

4. Results: Bio-Tape Surface Fungal Spore (total) Concentrations ................................................................................. 5

2. STANDARD METHODS, GLOSSARY & LIMITATIONS

Airborne – Viable Andersen N6 400 hole sampler or SKC Quicktake30 400 hole sampler @ 28.3 (Bacteria, Mould) litres/min for 2 minutes with 90mm Agar plates (2%MEA, 6%BA); Surface Mould – Viable 55mm RODAC surface press plate filled with 2%MEA or 6%BA; (Bacteria, Mould) Airborne – Non-Viable Bio-Pump or Bio-Pump Plus @15 litres/min for 5 minutes with Zefon Air-O-Cell cassette or a

Slit Type Volumetric Sampler (STVS) at 10litres/min Surface – Non-Viable BioTape or samples taken with adhesive tape, stained with lactophenol and observed under

microscope; Material Samples Materials are sampled using a non-viable method or viable method as listed above; Moisture Measurements Measured using a Protimeter MMS Plus and measurements reflected in %WME; Incubation Conditions Minimum of 96 hrs at 20 ± 2 °C.

Glossary Abbreviation Description

ACC After cooling coil AHU Air Handling Unit BCC Before Cooling Coil BDL Below Detectable Limits CFU Colony forming unit – any part of a fungus that can start growing when it is on nutrient agar media. CFU/cm2 Colony forming units per square centimetre CFU/m3 Colony forming units per cubic metre Colony A consistent mycelium (mould) or a mass of cells (yeasts) that are of one origin. Fungi Any microorganisms belonging to the Kingdom Fungi including mould and Yeast sp. Fungi are commonly referred

to as mould (mold in the USA), though mould only refers to mycelial growing fungi. Genera Part of the taxonomic description of a group of fungi and the most common form of identification. Well known

examples include Penicillium, Aspergillus, Cladosporium. HEPA High Efficiency Particulate Filtration that has a 99% efficiency of particles larger than 0.3 microns (0.3 µg). Hyphae A part of filamentous growing fungi that is able to elongate and find new moisture and nutrients and to transport

them over distance. Often described as a root like structure in appearance, but not in function. Mould (mold) Common description of visible fungal colonies with mycelial growth form. Mycotoxin A secondary metabolite produced by fungi as a normal part of respiration. They are found in gaseous form and

inside fungal spores (and conidia). Mycotoxins are a complex mixture of substances which can be either benign or can have serious health effects depending on concentration.

PPE Personal protective equipment Sp. Several species belonging to that genus. Spec. A single fungal species was differentiated but not identified. Species The specific taxonomic description of a fungus Spore A general term referring to all fungal reproductive structures including the spores from sexual reproduction and

conidia from asexual reproduction and resting sclerotia. Sterile mycelia TNTC

A fungal colony containing fungi growing in a vegetative state. Too Numerous To Count – confluent growth.

WME Wood Moisture Equivalent. A measurement of the amount of moisture in a building material as an equivalent of the amount of moisture known to be contained in wood.

Yeast Fungi that produce distinct cells and that reproduce by budding or dividing cells

Limitations The measurements made in this study are best practice and have a high degree of scientific rigour. However it is important to note that there are always limitations that need to be taken into consideration when interpreting the results of biological samples.

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Job Report: 11208 – PS114654-PPS Page 3 of 5

3. RESULTS: AIR-O-CELL AIRBORNE FUNGAL SPORE (TOTAL) CONCENTRATIONS

The testing for total spore concentrations was performed using the Air-O-Cell cassette, which is specifically designed for the rapid collection and quantitative analysis of a wide range of airborne aerosols. It collects both viable and non-viable particulate such as mould spores, pollen, insect parts, skin cell fragments, fibres (asbestos, fibreglass, cellulose, etc.) and inorganic particles.

Results The air sampling results in Table showed an inside average of 93 spores/m3 airborne fungal concentrations and had a rating of “Low”. This was lower than the outside airborne fungal concentrations. The inside locations tested had “Low to Normal” levels of airborne fungal concentrations.

Table: Total Airborne Fungal Spore Concentrations (spores/m3)

Location Air

Flo

w R

ate

(L/m

in.)

Sam

plin

g Ti

me

(min

.)

Co

nce

ntr

atio

ns

(sp

ore

s/m

3)

Tota

l No

Sp

ore

s C

ou

nte

d

Fun

gal H

yph

ae

Un

iden

tifi

ed F

un

gal S

po

res

Gen

Dir

t &

Deb

ris

(L,M

,H,V

H

Asc

om

ycet

es

Asp

erg

illu

s /

Pen

icill

ium

sp

.

Cla

do

spo

riu

m s

p.

Rat

ings

(B

DL,

L, N

, E, H

, EH

)

Outside Air Reference

15 5 133 5 1 2 M 1 - 1 N

BR0012-Front 15 5 107 4 1 2 H - - 1 N

BR0012-Rear 15 5 187 7 1 1 H 3 - 2 N

BR0017 15 5 27 1 - - M - 1 - L

BR0018 15 5 53 2 - - H 1 - 1 L

Inside Air Average 93 4 - L

**Total (viable + non-viable) Fungi rating guide for indoor air

Totala Air Fungal Spora

Concentrations Range Indoor Concentrations in

Mechanically Ventilated Buildingsf

Indoor Concentrations in Naturally Ventilated Buildings

g

Below Detectable Limits (BDL) <1 spores/m3 <1 spores/m3

Low (L) <100 spores/m3 ≤ ½ OA

Normalb (N) < ½ OA or < 500 spores/m3 ≤OA

Elevatedc (E) 500 to 1000 spores/m3 ≤ 1000 spores/m3

Highd (H) 1000 to 2500 spores/m3 ≤ 2500 spores/m3

Extremely Highe (EH) 2500 to > 5000 spores/m3 > 5000 spores/m3

a The total air spora guideline only pertains to a sampling method of either a Slit Type Volumetric Samper (STVS) at 10 litres/min or an Air-O-Cell type sampler at 15 litres/min sample rate collected onto sticky (adhesive) film. Sample counting with microscope at 400 times magnification (40x objective plus 10x eyepiece). Concentrations of all living and dead fungal particles. Reported in spores and/or conidia per cubic metre (total spores/m3). b Refers to a concentration of airborne fungal particles that is similar to the normal background air spora or the outdoor air spora concentration. c Higher than the normal or background exposure to the total concentration of airborne fungal particles. May present a health risk to sensitised individuals. Health symptoms should be noted. d Potential health risk to sensitized individuals. Health symptoms should be monitored and assessed by medical doctor where required. Fungi should be speciated to determine actual health risk using viable air sampling methods. Depending on the counting method used, the practical upper counting limit may actually be 4000 CFU/m3. e Probable health risk to all persons. Speciation of fungi using viable air sampling methods should be performed to check for indicator fungal species that are known to cause health effects or are known to produce mycotoxins of concern. f Mechanically Ventilated refers to an OA (Outdoor Air) intake to BCA and AS1668 plus filtration media to AS1324 (generally 10% OA intake and filter media to F2)

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Job Report: 11208 – PS114654-PPS Page 4 of 5

g Naturally Ventilated must have open-able doors and/or windows **Australian Mould Guidelines AMG-2010-1

Figure: Total Airborne Fungal Spore Concentrations (spores/m3

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Job Report: 11208 – PS114654-PPS Page 5 of 5

4. RESULTS: BIO-TAPE SURFACE FUNGAL SPORE (TOTAL) CONCENTRATIONS

Surface sampling may be used to confirm the nature of suspected microbial growth on environmental surfaces, measure the relative degree of biological contamination, and identify types of microorganisms and other biological agents present (Macher, J., Ammann, H.A., Milton, D.K. et al. Bioaerosols: Assessment and Control. ACGIH 1999).

Results The surface sampling results in Table 2 showed both the locations tested had “Below Detectable Limits” of fungal concentration.

Table 2: Total Surface Fungal Spore Concentrations (spores/cm2)

Location Co

nce

ntr

atio

n s

(sp

ore

s/cm

2 )

Ge

n D

irt

& D

eb

ris

(L, M

, H, V

H)

Rat

ings

(B

DL,

L, N

, E, C

, EC

)

BR0012-S1-Window Pane 0 Low BDL

BR0017-S1-Window Pane 0 Low BDL

Blank BDL

**Total (Viable + Non-viable) Fungal Hygiene Guide for Indoor Surfaces

Hygiene Rating Totala Surface Fungal Spora Concentrations

Below Detectable Limits (BDL) < 1 spores/cm2

Lowb (L) < 50 spores/cm2

Normal (N) 50 to 500 spores/cm2

Elevatedc (E) 500 to 1000 spores/cm2 + prevailing species

Contaminatedd (C) > 1000 spores/cm2 + dominant species + Propagules

Extreme Contaminatione (EC) > 5000 spores/cm2 + dominant species + Propagules + confluent spores a The Total surface fungal spora guideline only pertains to a sampling and incubation method of “Tape-Life-Off” (eg. Zefon BioTape) with microscopic counting at 400x magnification (typically 40x objective + 10x eye piece). Either one horizontal or vertical transverse across the spore collection area needs to be counted. High and ext. high samples can use smaller areas to count and the results multiplied up. Results are reported in spores per square centimetre (total spores/cm2). b Typical low concentration can be detected directly after a surface has been cleaned. These surfaces left for a duration would attain <500 spores/cm2 as per normal. c Samples have more than might normally be expected and could indicate the presence of fungal contamination. Surfaces will require cleaning to remove surface mould. Porous surfaces may need inspection to determine if fungal growth has penetrated the surface. d Samples have a concentration and species range of fungi that suggests surfaces are contaminated with either fungal growth or are laden with living fungal particles (eg. From cross contamination). e Confluent deposition of fungal particles with a dominant species present indicating severe fungal growth and possible decay of materials. Remediation or removal of all affected surfaces will be required. **Australian Mould Guidelines AMG-2010-1