LITMAS supplies laboratory analysis and training to increase reliability and reduce risks in remediation projects.
Insurance claims or incidents arise on a regular basis and urgent assessments of causation, air quality and building health all unite to support insurance decisions regarding reinstatement of property.
Following from small scale to catastrophic water-related events, buildings can become impregnated with, or infested by a range of unwanted microorganisms, chemicals and pests that can cause occupants to become sick. Interestingly it is not just “toxic black mould” that makes people sick in damp buildinsgs with bacteria being shown to be potentially more responsible for some health conditions.
Through microscopy, culturing and molecular (DNA and RNA) analysis, we allow stakeholders to identify the cause of contamination, and to deliver more cost-effective and successful remediation projects. We can separate damp windows from damp timber, and even human sewage from other sources.
We also provide complementary IICRC anc RIA approved credit-acculumating training by one of Australia’s leading experts as part of our service to our most dedicated clients.
Some key events leading to engaging LITMAS are:
- When suspecting or finding an outbreak of mould following a water leak, overflow or ingress
- After a flood, storm or sewage backflow which raise the risk of infection
- When an air conditioning system appears contaminated with mould or a biofilm
- When water damage related contaminants such as from rodents, dust mites or cockroaches have been identified
- After a fire has been doused and the building is wet and at risk of microbial growth
- To identify and list, or measure different moulds or bacteria in a building
- To define the extent of insurance claimable damage
- To increase the understanding around appropriate types and levels of testing during site assessment
Factors considered when we report on what we see include:
- The likelihood that mould or bacteria on a material or in air have arisen due to dampness or are from the ambient environment
- The likely time spent and interaction of the occupants with the tested location or surface
- Potential for vulnerable individuals to use the tested location
Training is provided to restorers and insurers to resolve disparities and increase industry good practice and knowledge.
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