Hello, and welcome to Decon News – this is our new e-newsletter and a regular communication to provide you with relevant guidance on decontamination and property related environmental issues, to ensure your business remains HSE compliant and to maintain and protect health.
I hope you find the communication of interest and value to your organisation. WHITE KNIGHT Service Group is a UKAS ISO:9001 / ISO:14001 certified firm, providing market-leading specialist decontamination services for almost 40 years. We are trusted partners to contractors, insurers, loss adjusters, government, commercial and domestic clients.
In this first edition, we take a look at the risks and consequences of not taking mould seriously…
Understanding Through Experience & Education...
Through decades of experience in the disaster restoration industry in the UK and USA, the WHITE KNIGHT team has developed extensive knowledge of how to deal with environmentally challenging issues in properties following fire or water damage, sewage contamination or fungal issues such as dry rot and mould. As experts in the field, we see the extensive damage that such issues cause to property, and recognise the serious impact that they can have on physical health and well-being.
We use environmental science and data from our in-house laboratory to educate health and safety professionals, property and facilities managers, the wider commercial sector and domestic homeowners on the importance of taking issues such as mould seriously. We are experiencing a great response from this service and find it is offering clients valuable understanding and peace of mind.
Tragedy Sparks Progress...
Most readers will no doubt be aware of the tragic case of Awaab Ishak, the two-year-old toddler that passed away as a result of a respiratory condition caused by exposure to mould in his family home. When the details of this case hit the national media last year, it unsurprisingly shocked the nation and ultimately helped to shine a much needed spotlight on the unacceptable and dangerous living conditions that can be found in all too many properties around the UK.
The shortcomings of the understanding and processes in place within the organisations responsible for Awaab’s home are poignantly highlighted by Coroner Joanne Kearsley’s question:
"How in the UK in 2020 does a two-year-old child die as a result of exposure to mould?"
Awaab’s Law and Developing Legislation...
It is highly likely that Awaab’s passing was the culmination of several failings within ‘the system’ and was the most tragic of consequences that arose out of a lack of understanding and awareness around the dangers of mould, rather than a deliberate or malicious act of negligence.
Regardless of the complexities involved, this case is an acute reminder that mould presence can have an extremely severe impact on the health and safety of infants, young children, older people and those with allergies or respiratory conditions such as asthma.
Following the findings of Awaab’s case, earlier in the year, the government tabled amendments to the Social Housing (Regulation) Bill to introduce ‘Awaab’s Law’, legislation that will require landlords to fix reported health hazards within specified timeframes.
In addition, the government has also committed to a rapid review of existing guidance on the health impacts of damp and mould, followed by new guidance tailored to the housing sector, to be published by summer 2023.
Final Thoughts...
These recent moves by the UK government are welcomed by the team here at WHITE KNIGHT, and we hope will only serve as valuable guidance in helping people and businesses to take issues around mould contamination more seriously.
We believe that positive steps such as these can only be a good thing and will hopefully ensure that we don’t see a repeat of tragic cases such as Awaab’s ever again.
If you need free advice or guidance on mould or other property contamination issues, please do not hesitate to contact our knowledgeable and friendly team on 01536 682 300 or e-mail [email protected]
In our next edition we’ll discuss what to do when you find mould or if you suspect a mould related issue…
