Risk Assess
A risk assessment will provide a framework to identify hazards, assess associated risks and determine appropriate control measures. When mould is present within a collection and/or its storage space, a Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) risk assessment should be undertaken in line with Health & Safety Executive (HSE) guidance. A clear outline of the key risks and recommended mitigations should be made available to all those working with mould-affected collection material.
Survey
Systematic examination of the collection should be undertaken to determine to what extent it is affected by mould. This information can be used to inform a plan of action and underpin reporting to stakeholders when seeking investment or support for change. Whilst undertaking a survey, assess:
- Is mould growth active or inactive?
- Is it limited to a few items, or does it extend throughout the collection?
- What percentage of the collection is affected?
- Does it affect one or multiple storage locations?
- Is it limited to the collection, or does it extend to the building fabric?
- Is this something that can be tackled with current facilities and/or staffing levels, or will you need additional resource? (Note: sector guidance on mould prevention and recovery suggests that for outbreaks exceeding 4m², professional assistance with remediation should be sought)
It is good practice to keep a record your findings. Make a note of storage locations, inventory or reference numbers, format and materials, and extent of damage. It is also useful to take reference images which can be used to maintain an accurate record of condition prior to treatment, and to inform future checks.