This document has been prepared for owners, landlords, residents and building managers of residential dwellings and public, government and commercial buildings. Public, government and commercial buildings include, but are not limited to, schools, office buildings, day care centres and nursing homes. The guidelines are not intended for infection control in healthcare facilities which is covered by the Australian Guideline for the Prevention and Control of Infection in Healthcare. They are also not intended for Microorganism control in the Food industry which is covered by the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code. However, these guidelines can still be used in both the Healthcare and Food premises to assist in the recognition, evaluation, remediation and prevention of mould contamination or dampness.

This document covers both mould and dampness. Dampness is the most important condition conducive to mould growth in indoor environments but is also a risk factor for disease in the absence of any visible evidence of mould. Dampness can be defined as any visible, measurable or perceived, unwanted and excess moisture in an indoor environment.

These guidelines are designed for the identification and remediation of mould problems if they occur and the prevention of further contamination (if required). Ideally the prevention of dampness and potential mould problems should be considered at the building design and construction stages: the National Construction Codes have requirements for moisture control in both commercial (Vol 1, Part F1) and residential (Vol 2, Part 2.2) buildings. Building design and construction are beyond the scope of this document.