Understanding the Importance of Mould Risk Assessment

Mould can pose significant risks to both health and property if not addressed promptly and professionally. In New South Wales and Victoria, those responsible for a business or undertaking (PCBU) are required under WHS legislation to manage risks related to hazardous exposures, including those arising from mould contamination in workplaces, public buildings, and residential settings. Left unchecked, mould growth can compromise indoor air quality, trigger respiratory symptoms, and cause building damage. Recognising conducive environments for mould is crucial, as is identifying issues before they escalate.

Mould Assessment at warehouse

What’s Included in a Professional Mould Assessment

A thorough mould inspection not only identifies visible growth but evaluates underlying or hidden contamination sources. According to the NSW Health guidelines:​

  • Structured visual survey of rooms, air handling systems and susceptible surfaces

  • Air quality sampling for mould spores when health symptoms, odour, or high humidity are present

  • Surface sample collection (swabs/tape-lifts) to confirm contamination

  • Moisture mapping and detection for leaks or condensation in building fabric

  • Destructive (invasive) assessment, if hidden mould is suspected

  • Photographic documentation and laboratory analysis by an accredited facility

  • Tailored recommendations for remediation and further monitoring

Tailored Mould Inspection and Testing Solutions

Our risk-based approach provides various services, as advised by Better Health Channel Victoria and WorkSafe Queensland:​

 

    • In-depth visual and moisture investigations

    • Air and surface sample analysis for spore count and species identification

    • Destructive testing where necessary to expose hidden contamination

    • Workplace risk assessments driven by PCBU duties under the Work Health and Safety Act

    • Insurance claim advice and documentation

    • Post-remediation verification for clearance certification

How Audiometrics & Medical Personnel Can Help

With accredited technicians trained to national and state standards, medical oversight, and detailed, regulator-ready reports, we provide:

  • Comprehensive initial inspection to diagnose surface and hidden contamination

  • Air and surface sampling tailored to the site circumstances and occupant health effects

  • Destructive testing for hard-to-access or high-risk areas

  • Detailed post-remediation verification with clearance certification

  • Support for insurance claims with tailored assessment documentation

Our approach integrates scientific methodology, regulatory awareness, and a practical understanding of building use—ensuring compliance with NSW and Victorian guidelines and best practice.

Comparing Types of Mould Assessment

 
Assessment ServicePurposeWhen RequiredExample Scenario
Visual InspectionIdentify obvious growth/riskInitial investigation, visible damp/mouldNew stains in office ceiling
Air Sampling for MouldAssess indoor air quality, airborne sporesHealth complaints, musty odoursStaff reporting persistent cough
Surface Mould SamplingDetect contamination on materialsTo confirm visible contamination or after cleaningWall cleaned but odour remains
Destructive/ Invasive TestingFind hidden mould/moisture in structuresRecurring issues, failed basic remediationLeaking windows repeatedly causing mould
Post Remediation ClearanceVerify remediation success, complianceAfter clean-up, for insurance or tenancyRequired by landlord post-flood
Workplace Risk Assessment (PCBU focus)Ensure legal compliance, staff safetyAny workplace with potential exposure or WHS requirementsFactory using water-based processes
Insurance Claim AssessmentEvidence for claims, dispute resolutionFollowing water damage, loss events or as requested by insurerHospital submits report for flood damage

Industries We Serve

We provide professional mould assessment and testing in:

  • Commercial and Government buildings (schools, offices)

  • Residential homes and apartments

  • Construction and infrastructure sites

  • Food manufacturing and healthcare facilities

  • Retail premises

  • Warehousing, logistics, and industrial workshops

What Our Custom Assessment Report Includes

Our detailed report typically covers:

  • Executive summary and scope of assessment

  • Building/area inspection findings with labelled site maps

  • Moisture measurements, air and surface sample results, spore/species identification

  • Photographic evidence of affected areas

  • Detailed risk analysis and underlying causes

  • Recommendations for remediation and further testing (if required)

  • Post-remediation verification and clearance certificates when applicable

  • Documentation for workplace compliance, insurance, & regulatory authorities

Please Send Your Enquiry Via Completing Below Form

Case Study

Mould Assessment & Testing in an Industrial Warehouse

SectionDetails
Industry / Site TypeIndustrial Warehouse – Logistics Facility, Victoria
Issue IdentifiedMusty odours and visible mould patches near loading bays. Previous surface cleaning failed. Moisture ingress from roof condensation created a conducive environment for hidden mould growth behind wall insulation.
Impact on Operations– Decreased indoor air quality and employee health concerns (respiratory irritation).
– Potential workplace health & safety non-compliance under PCBU duties.
– Risk of product contamination and insurance claim complications.
Audiometrics’ InvolvementComprehensive mould assessment and testing conducted by Audiometrics, including:
– Visual inspection across affected and adjacent areas.
Air and surface sampling to measure mould spore concentration.
Destructive testing within wall cavities to locate hidden moisture sources.
– Detailed laboratory report with findings and remediation recommendations.
Post-remediation verification (mould clearance testing) to confirm remediation success.
Methodology / Techniques Used– Air sampling (spore trap method).
– Surface swab and tape lift sampling.
– Moisture mapping and infrared thermography.
– Data-driven mould identification and quantification per Australian standards.
Outcome– Airborne mould spore levels reduced to safe background levels.
– Full mould clearance certification achieved.
– Warehouse operations resumed safely and compliantly.
– Client engaged Audiometrics for periodic air quality and mould inspection services.
Keywords Integratedmould assessment, mould inspection, air and surface sampling, destructive testing, post remediation verification, mould clearance certification, workplace mould testing

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What is a professional mould assessment and does my site need one?
Professional assessment involves scientific investigation and sampling to identify sources, extent, and risks from mould – for example, a school reporting asthma incidents without visible mould benefited from air testing which found hidden duct contamination.

Q: When should a PCBU or property owner commission a mould inspection?
Arranging inspection is essential when health effects are reported but visible signs are unclear, after water damage, or after incomplete remediation works. Example: a workplace crew experienced musty odours and headaches, air sampling confirmed the need for remediation.

Q: What does a post-remediation clearance certificate mean?
It is formal confirmation by a competent party that remediation has returned the site to safe, acceptable standards—often needed for insurance or regulatory compliance post-remediation.

Q: What are typical signs of hidden mould?
Unexplained odours, localised damp or humidity, staining, and recurring health complaints such as sinus or skin irritation, even when no mould is visible.

Q: How do insurance claims benefit from detailed mould reports?
Insurers require specific, evidence-based documentation of both pre-existing conditions and work completed to approve claims – our reports include lab results, photographic evidence, and recommended next steps.

Book Your Consultation or Request a Report:

Speak with our accredited mould specialists today for tailored inspection, air quality testing, and compliance reporting in NSW and Victoria.

Our team offers evidence-based advice and detailed reports to help you safeguard your workplace or property—reach out for an expert consultation or booking.

Service We Provide