Safety Programs & Policies

Mold Investigation Procedures

Purpose:

To ensure a timely and effective response to reports of potential mold or moisture issues in campus facilities, promoting a safe and healthy environment for all building occupants.

Procedure:

  1. Work Order Submission:
    Building occupants or staff who observe possible mold growth or moisture concerns should submit a work order request through the Facilities Management work order system.
  2. Initial Investigation by Facilities Management Office:
    Upon receiving the request, Facilities Management will conduct an initial assessment. This includes:
      • Visual inspection of the reported area.
      • Use of moisture detection tools to identify possible sources of water intrusion or elevated moisture levels in the air.
  3. Environmental Health & Safety (EHS) Office Follow-Up:
    In some cases, sampling is not necessary (i.e., no elevated moisture levels or visual growth found). If the initial inspection suggests a more complex or widespread issue, EHS will perform a more detailed investigation to evaluate environmental conditions and determine next steps.
  4. Engagement of an Outside Vendor:
    If EHS identifies a potential for significant mold contamination or a need for remediation, a qualified external vendor may be engaged to conduct additional, professional testing and/or remediation services.

All assessments and remediation follow guidelines established by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation.

Responsibilities:

  • Southwestern University is responsible for assessing and addressing mold concerns within University-owned facilities in accordance with established procedures and applicable regulations.
  • Facilities Maintenance is responsible for timely response and documentation of initial inspections.
  • EHS is responsible for conducting follow-up investigations and coordinating with external experts, if necessary.
  • Building occupants are responsible for promptly reporting suspected mold or moisture issues.

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