On September 3, 2015 a site inspection and air quality test for the presence of Asbestos was conducted in Lochearn School. The testing showed that the Asbestos removal in the Lochearn School gymnasium was successful. Click here to read the full report.  

On August 13, 2015, viable mould air samples were taken at the Lochearn School in Rocky Mountain House as part of the regular monitoring of mould within the school.  As per previous testing, seven mould air samples were taken inside the building and one outside as a control. The eight  mould air samples were taken to R.H. Services, a private lab in Edmonton, for analysis.

It should be noted that a new roof was being constructed at the time of the inspection.   As well on Monday, August 10, a small roof leak occurred leading to water infiltration into Classroom 198 (Sample 4). Furthermore, the ceiling over the corridor by the Main Office (By K-3 shoe shelf)(Sample 7) had water damage which resulted in the area being cordoned off inside a containment.   Sample 7 was taken inside the containment. The testing showed that the air quality in Lochearn School is acceptable and safe. The full report is listed below:

Floor Plan:

Results:

For interpretation of viable mould air test results, Alberta Infrastructure refers to the 1995 publication (revised 2004) by Health Canada entitled “Fungal Contamination in Public Buildings: A guide to recognition and management”. In this publication it states when to sample and how to interpret viable mould air test results.

In 2009, the Alberta Government- Employment and Immigration Department also produced a “Best Practices Mould at the Work Site” guide that also states when to sample and how to interpret viable mould air test results, and references the same 1995 Health Canada information.

Health Canada (as of 2012) now states they generally do not recommend air testing since people have different sensitivities to mould and therefore it is not possible to establish safe limits for mould.

Alberta Infrastructure recognizes this, but still believes that air testing is necessary in certain circumstances. For mould investigations we will continue to air test when we believe it will add value to the findings of the investigation. Results will still be compared to the 1995 Health Canada publication.

The 1995 Health Canada publication states that a maximum total count of up to 150 CFU/M3 is acceptable inside a building, and that each type of mould within the total count should be no more than 50 CFU/M3 (other than outside moulds like Cladosporium or Alternaria which can be as high as 500 CFU/M3).

Viable Mould Air Test Results

Observations/Findings:

·         All viable mould air test samples are acceptable, including in Room 198 (Sample 4) and corridor by Main Office (Sample 7).

·         In Room 198 there were no visible signs of mould growth or odours or discolorations or wood/drywall damage indicative of excessive mould growth.

Recommendations:

·         Continue to monitor for any visible signs of water infiltration or mould growth.  

·         If required please contact us after the areas have been repaired for follow up viable mould air testing.  

·         Routine viable mould air testing until the roof has been replaced and no longer leaks.