NEW - CCA 82 - Mould Guidelines for the Canadian Construction Industry

CCA is proud to release its newest guide - CCA 82 - Mould Guidelines for the Canadian Construction Industry.  This document has been produced by an Expert Task Force of some 20 representatives representing a wide range of disciplines.  The Task Force was Chaired by Lionel Neveu, Director of Safety and Environment for PCL Constructors (click here for a list of Task Force members).

The Guide offers practical advice on mould-related issues (legal, insurance, and health considerations).  It also offers helpful information on how to minimize its presence, identify and measure it, and step-by-step instructions on remediation.

Recognizing the importance of this document, the CCA Board of Directors has decided to offer CCA 82 free for download. Hardcopies are also available for purchase from your local construction associations.

Mould has become an issue of serious concern for contractors in Canada. Although not conclusively proven, there is some evidence to suggest that certain types of mould growth are linked to a range of health ailments, including allergic reactions, toxic and irritative effects, and in the most extreme case, possibly death. As a result, there has been a growing tendency for homeowners and building owners to pursue legal action against contractors and other parties when mould is discovered. In the United States, lawsuits have resulted in several cases where contractors have been found liable, and have been required to pay large sums in damages to building and home owners. Although there has not been as great a frequency of such cases in Canada, the number of lawsuits involving mould is growing.

There are currently no national standards that dictate the rights or responsibilities of a contractor with respect to mould. There are several voluntary guidelines that have been drafted by certain jurisdictions, but these are not recognized from a national standpoint. Therefore, in order to address this lack of a national guideline, CCA has created a Mould Task Force to create national guidelines regarding mould. Chaired by Mr. Lionel Neveu, Director of Environment and Safety for PCL, the primary mandate of this Task Force is to provide greater clarity to the national construction industry with regard to its responsibilities vis a vis the prevention and remediation of mould. The goal is to have these guidelines finalized by the end of 2003.

It is also the mandate of this Task Force to increase the awareness of contractors of the risks that mould can pose to their business operations. This website has been designed to provide more information to contractors about mould. This website also contains information on the Task Force and the work it is conducting on a national mould guideline.

© 2003 Canadian Construction Association