Opening Buildings At Colorado State University More Complicated Than Swinging Doors Open
Monday, August 25, 1997
FORT COLLINS--The decision to open buildings on campus is
based on inspections and on the moisture content of affected
buildings, said Bill Wheeler from Colorado State University's
Environmental Health Services. After a building is cleaned up by
recovery services, inspection teams from Colorado State go in and
check the building, and do follow-up confirmation samples on mold
and bacteria levels. Inspection teams include the following:
* Custodians, who make visual inspections to make sure carpets
and furniture have been adequately cleaned or removed. Custodians
also make inspections to see if there is any visible evidence of
bacteria and mold growth.
* Engineers, who make sure buildings are structurally sound.
* Maintenance crews, who make sure water, sewer, power and
other utilities are functioning properly.
The moisture content of buildings is a crucial factor in
determining whether a building is safe to open, Wheeler said. If
the moisture content is below 50 percent, then buildings are
considered safe, as long as mold and bacteria mitigation has been
successful. Follow-up tests are run to confirm that bacteria and
mold levels are controlled.
Inspection crews are trained to look not only at obvious
problems, but hidden areas where bacteria might fester. For
example, bottom molding in rooms is removed, if necessary, to
expose damp carpeting. The carpet then is either dried or
removed. Inspection crews take samples from ceilings, floors,
work surfaces and other areas to ensure that mold and bacteria
are within acceptable levels. Air samples are taken, too, for the
same reason, and to test for moisture content.
Although a building may re-open, some areas of that building
may still be off-limits, Wheeler said. However, any building that
opens is considered structurally safe, and mold and bacteria are
within acceptable limits.
Water tests are more or less continuous throughout the
process of working on affected buildings, Wheeler said.
For more information, call Bill Wheeler at 491-4833.
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