Mold Abatement

MOLD LEAD ASBESTOS

Mold AbatementEquipmentSupportFAQ

Containment and Safety with Mold Abatement

Containment and safety issues are a critical consideration when working on any mold remediation or abatement projects. Improperly contained, the dust and bio-contaminants released can, be very harmful for both on-site workers and occupants in neighboring areas.

Exactly how you approach your containment and capture solutions will depend on the individual site’s risk assessment report. If you need help identifying solutions to the issues raised in the report, feel free to contact our customer service department and we can review your options together. In most cases, however, there are four common considerations that will be relevant:

Meeting Containment and Air Change Requirements
Monitoring of Containment Pressure
Sterilization of Filtered Air
Removal of Odors, Mold Spores, VOC’s and other Airborne Bio-Contaminates

Containment and Air Change Requirements

OmniAire 1000V

Negative pressure containment is an industry standard method of capturing fine dust particles and mold spores that are inevitably released during mold abatement and restoration projects. Ensuring your contained area has the required air changes (ACH) and that the air is adequately scrubbed is where you will find the competitive advantage of our OmniAire line of HEPA Air Filtration Machines.

With standard airflows ranging from 50 to 18000 CFM, OmniAire Air Filtration Machines can provide the necessary ACH for any size project. To calculate which of our machines will best suit your needs, try our Air Flow Calculator in both SAE and Metric.

Maintaining adequate pressure containment, air changes, and HEPA efficiency is important to your overall project management needs.

It creates a safe environment – negative containment with adequate clean air changes
It can reduce potential liability – prevents spreading of contaminants from abatement area
It can protects your workers – improved job performance

The OmniAire Advantage

OmniAire 600 Nitro

Variable CFM Control – OmniAire machines are available with airflows ranging from 50 to 18000 cfm and many of our models offer a variable speed control to allow for an infinite array of airflow settings.
Economical HEPA Filters – Our HEPA filters are designed to provide an exceptional service life before replacements are needed. With our standard 12” deep 99.97%, 0.3 micron HEPA filter, and an optional 99.99%, 0.3 micron (individually tested and certified) HEPA filter, we can meet your HEPA air filtration needs.
Operating Safety Standards – OmniAire Air Filtration Machines meets the UL, CSA and OSHA safety standards required on governmental projects, in healthcare facilities and on abatement and remediation job sites where employee safety is of concern. In addition, a number of our models meet CE/IEC regulations and requirements for export.
Built for Durability and Reliability – All of our OmniAire machines are built to perform in tough construction environments. They are designed to be easy to maintain and to meet the DOP efficiency testing needs of your project.

For assistance in choosing the correct OmniAire HEPA Negative Air Machine for your mold abatement project use our handy Airflow Calculator.

Monitoring Containment Area Pressure

OmniGuard 5

When using negative pressure containment, it is important to monitor the pressure inside the containment in reference to the outside area. However, because the typical negative pressure required at most abatement sites is usually only 0.020”WC, it can be difficult to find equipment sensitive enough to measure and monitor your containment area.

Omnitec Design has a monitor to meet this need. The self-contained Omniguard 5 Pressure Recorder is designed to provide an accurate monitoring and alarming functions while still being easy to setup with a simple push-button calibration.

Sterilization of Filtered or Released Air

When dealing with biological contaminants from mold or other restoration and abatement projects, there can be a need to sterilize the air passing through your Air Filtration Machines from viruses or bacteria. In these situations, Omnitec Design has an Add-on Module that fits the OmniAire1200PAC and the OmniAire 1600PAC.

Combining UV lights with HEPA filtration not only increases the safety of workers and occupants of the building, it also reduces the time required to complete the job by reducing the amount of the airborne mold spores and bacteria.

Removal of Odors, Spores, VOC’s and Airborne Bio-Contaminates

Controlling mold spores, odor, VOC’s and other bio-contaminates is a challenge for remediation projects that can require specialized equipment. For this purpose, Omnitec Design has developed the PEROx Air Purifier.

The PEROx Air Purifier is designed to control and eliminate biological contaminants, mold spores, odors, and VOCs as well being able to support sanitized air and surface levels during the restoration process.

The PEROx Air Purifier generates hydro-peroxide ions, which are a proactive method of indoor air sanitation without the use of additional chemicals, and it can safely be used in occupied spaces throughout restoration and in the final cleanup of restored areas. Omnitec Design makes both a stand-alone model and an add-on module to our other machines.

PEROx Air Purifier will destroy following:

PEROx Air Purifier

Mold & Mildew
Chemical Fumes
Paint Odors
Cleaning Chemical Odors
Pet odors
Sewer Odors
Decaying Organic Matter
Volatile Organic Compounds
Tobacco Odors
and many other hazardous bio-contaminants.

Mold Abatement

Air Filtration Systems

OmniAire 600 Nitro (600N) Portable HEPA Air Scrubber

Airflow: 200-600 cfm
Weight: 36 lbs

OmniAire 600V HEPA Air Machine

Airflow: 150-550 cfm
Weight: 58 lbs

OmniAire 1000 Series

Airflow: 300 CFM to 1000 CFM based on speed settings and filter selection
Weight: 96 lbs/43.5 kg

1200V, OmniAire 1200V, HEPA Negative Air Machine

OmniAire 1200V HEPA Air Machine

Airflow: 150-1100 cfm
Weight: 111 lbs

OA1300V, OmniAire 1300V, HEPA Negative air machine, portable air scrubber, confined space air filtration

OmniAire 1300V HEPA Air Machine

Airflow: 300-1250 cfm
Weight: 93 lbs

OmniAire 2000C HEPA Air Machine

Airflow: 900/1900 cfm
Weight: 135 lbs

OmniAire 2000V HEPA Air Machine

Airflow: 1900 cfm*
Weight: 117 lbs

OmniAire 2200C HEPA Air Machine

Airflow: 1000/2000 cfm
Weight: 147 lbs

OmniAire 2200UL HEPA Air Machine

Airflow: 1000/2000 cfm *
Weight: 138 lbs

See all our Air Filtration Systems …

Differential Pressure Monitors

OmniGuard 5 Differential Pressure Monitor

Airflow: Operating pressure range from +/- 0.250 inches Water Column ( +/- 6.35 mm WC, +/- 62.5 Pascals)
Weight: 6 lbs.

See all our Differential Pressure Monitors …

Odor, VOC and Bio-Contaminant Purifiers

PEROx PG Air Purifier

Airflow: Recommended: 100 - 2000 cfm (must be supplied from external fan)
Weight: 18 Lbs.

PEROx PG-3 Air Purifier

Airflow: Recommended: 100 - 2000 cfm (must be supplied from external fan)
Weight: 18 Lbs.

PEROx 1000 PG Air Purifier

Airflow: 300-650 CFM
Weight: 40 Lbs.

See all our Odor, VOC and Bio-Contaminant Purifiers …

Support for Mold Abatement Projects

Achieving the best results with our equipment in specific industries often includes understanding the features of our machines and/or the accessories that will best assist you in your job. Here we provide a few observations and elaborations that may help you in your research.

What do contractors need to know about MOLD and Mold Contamination?

Some Basics about MOLD and Mold Contamination

There are thousands of species of mold and they are constantly around us, even in the air we breathe. While most of us live our daily lives with no problem, there are others that either have or develop an allergic reaction to a toxic substance produced by mold called mycotoxins. Even this occurrence is not well understood. Mold can grow on any organic building material if there is enough moisture. It grows on wood, drywall, paint, carpet and even plastic. Mold can start to grow in just 24 to 48 hours after the moisture is added to the organic material. Mold can destroy whatever it grows on and spreads rapidly as the spores are carried from place to place by air currents and ventilation systems. Some States, i.e. California (Toxic Mold Protection Act of 2001), have attempted to define exposure limits to some of the common molds. However, through lack of funding and the complexity of the issue no one has been able to present a standardized solution. There is a consensus though on these three facts:

The source of the moisture infiltration must be corrected.
The area must be cleaned. In some areas by a licensed abatement professional.
Mold and mold spores must be removed from the area. Again, by a licensed abatement professional.

How to become a Certified Mold Remeditator

Reputable mold remediators should posses one of two certifications:

Certified Microbial Supervisor (CMRS) from American Institute Air Quality Association (AMIAQ)

Certified Microbial Remediator (CMR) from Indoor Air Quality Association ( IAQA)

They also should follow OSHA and other specified safety protocols to protect the health and safety of the mold premediators and building occupants. It is also recommended to carry multimillion dollar liability insurance to protect the client if the liability gets out of hand. Training of your employees to recognize mold, where to look for it and how to remove it are absolutely essential. Improper removal can cause spread of the mold spores through a structure very rapidly. Creating negative pressure containment around the work area with an OmniAire HEPA negative air machine is the most effective way to keep microscopic contaminants from spreading and contaminating clean and occupied parts of the structure.

Air Scrubbers & Negative Air Machines for Mold, Asbestos & Lead Abatement

OmniAire HEPA Air Filtration Systems are used as air scrubbers and negative air machines on all types of abatement projects. They have a reputation for quality construction, reliable service and are often used on projects where DOP efficiency or equivalent tests are required before the equipment is used.
OmniAire HEPA negative air machines are sold throughout the USA and Canada and are exported worldwide. To assure our product electrical safety, machines are tested by TUV Laboratories to comply with UL and CSA/IEC safety requirements.

Features

Variable Speed Control – infinite air flow adjustments for greater versatility
Great Portability – large, non marking casters, compact size, light weight
True HEPA Filters – 99.97% and 99.99% @ 0.3 micron efficiency, wood or metal frame
Economical to Operate – uses standard size HEPA filters, 12” deep
Quality Metal Cabinets – smooth surface for easy cleaning, easy maintenance
Safe to Operate – tested to comply with UL and CSA electrical standards and OSHA

Optional Abatement and Remediation Accessories

UV Germicidal Light Modules – control of bio-contamination and odors.
PEROx Air Purifier Add-On Module – Destroys mold, VOCs, decay odors and bio-contaminants
Odorguard 600 Carbon Filters – controls VOC’s and odors; sizes from 2” to 12” deep
Intake Manifolds – provides for connection of flex hose to the suction side of the machine

Equipment Size

As mold abatement projects vary in size, accessibility and types of contaminants, the size of the equipment has to be considered. OmniAire HEPA negative air machines come in many sizes and configurations. To accommodate the variations of the required air flow, our variable speed controller is standard on most of our equipment.

Air Filtration Machine vs. Neg Air vs. Air Scrubber

In general, these names are just a marketing terminology. When Air Filtration Machine is used to create negative pressure in containment, it is often called Neg Air machine. When used for recirculation and purification of air in open area, it could be called Air Scrubber or Air Filtration Machine. OmniAire machines are built to provide a high quality service in any environment and application. Your specific requirements regarding airflow, type of project, accessibility are the important factors in choosing right equipment for you. See our Comparison of OmniAire HEPA Air filtration machines.

Why UL/CSA testing?

For the safety of the users and the acceptance of the equipment on governmental, hospital and many other projects, equipment has to meet the requirements of the applicable electrical codes. To verify the UL & CSA/IEC safety compliance and listing, each machine has an identification label with name of NRTL which performed the test and the manufacturer file number.

Why is a negative pressure containment used?

Use of negative pressure containment with HEPA air filtration prevents spread of asbestos fibers, mold and other contaminates to the outside of contained work area, All exhausted air is purified by HEPA negative air machine to create negative pressure and required air changes (ACH) inside the contained work area. In order to create a negative pressure environment more air must be exhausted from the space then leaking in. . See our Air Flow Calculator to assist you with your airflow requirements.

How much airflow I need?

Our Air Flow Calculator will provide a quick answer on required cfm and type of machines. Just enter the size of your work area and the number of air changes per hour (ACH). Six or more ACH are recommended for construction and renovation projects.

How often we need to be changing primary/secondary and HEPA filters?

The frequency of changing filters depends on:

Amount and size of airborne dust particulates
Airflow requirements
High static pressure drop across the filters (see User Manual)
Risk of cross contamination from one project to another

Dustlock primary/secondary filter should be replaced when its orange, downstream side shows signs of discoloring by dust. Our dual density poly media captures particulates in full depth of the filter media rather than on the surface, as pleated filters do. The m edia is treated with tactifier to prevent release of captured dust and antimicrobial additive to prevent growth of virus and bacteria. Frequent replacement will help to maintain high airflow and protect the more expensive HEPA filter.

The HEPA filters should be replaced when the airflow decreases below your requirements or when pressure (“WC) across the filter increases to recommended replacement pressure – See User Manual. Some of our OmniAire air filtration machines are equipped with a simple Filter Change light to indicate that filters should be checked or replaced.

HEPA filters become even more efficient when loaded with particulate matter, but the airflow resistance increases and the airflow could be reduced to zero. Average HEPA filter life is 800 t0 1000 operation hours.

What is HEPA filter?

High-efficiency particulate air or HEPA is a type of air filter. Filters meeting the HEPA standard have many applications, including use in medical facilities, abatement of asbestos, mold and lead, restoration after water damage and many other. The filter must satisfy certain standards of efficiency such as those set by the United States Department of Energy (DOE). To qualify as HEPA by US government standards, an air filter must remove 99.97% of all particles greater than 0.3 micrometer from the air that passes thru the filter. Click HEPA filters for more…

How do I control odors and VOCs without chemicals?

The odor and VOCs can be removed from air with OdorGuard600 and Vapor Trap carbon web filter added to OmniAire machine. For odors associated with water damage, sewer flood, fires and mold, use our PEROx air purifier to destroy safely the source of odor without using chemicals. PEROx unit contains Ionized-Hydro–peroxide generator which is very effective in destroying all types of VOCs, chemical fumes, decay odors, mold spores, virus and bacteria. This purification process is safe for workers and inhabitants.