Structural PE who encounters mold
Structural PE who encounters mold
(OP)
If you inspect a residence as a licensed structural engineer and encounter widespread mold and/or a hoarding situation and the house has not been condemned by the local AHJ, what is your duty to notify? I'm not talking about a little spot of mold on the wall....i'm talking about the walls throughout crawling with nasty stuff. Just wondering if anyone else has encountered this and has a standard procedure.
I feel like this could be similar to the engineers at the 9/11 site who got sued throughout the wazoo for people being exposed to asbestos.
I feel like this could be similar to the engineers at the 9/11 site who got sued throughout the wazoo for people being exposed to asbestos.





RE: Structural PE who encounters mold
If it appears dangerous to me I will send a copy of the report directly to the AHJ.
RE: Structural PE who encounters mold
Please remember: we're not all guys!
RE: Structural PE who encounters mold
RE: Structural PE who encounters mold
As for the mold issue, you should report it as a health concern, but be careful of your wording. I would use something like.....
"Mr./Ms. Building Official.
I am currently providing structural consulting services for the Jones Residence located at 123 Main Street, Anytown. In providing my structural consulting, I noticed what appears to be an inordinate amount of mold growth in the residence, presumably in the wall cavity, but clearly showing evidence of migration to the interior of the residence.
My firm does not provide mold consulting and we are not mold experts; however, in the normal course of our business we have a working knowledge of mold and some of its concomitant issues. As such, I feel it is my professional duty as a licensed engineer practicing under the laws of this state, to bring this to your attention. It is my opinion that a full mold assessment be done by a licensed mold specialist in an effort to protect the health of the occupants. Further action might be indicated from your office, including but not limited to temporary condemnation, depending on the findings of the mold specialist. I ask that you, in the discharge of your professional duties, put the owner on notice that such an assessment must be done."
RE: Structural PE who encounters mold
RE: Structural PE who encounters mold
RE: Structural PE who encounters mold
RE: Structural PE who encounters mold
FWIW, if the mold is bad, I won't go in or under the house.
RE: Structural PE who encounters mold
As to the duty of care and duty to warn, I think good advice has been given.
RE: Structural PE who encounters mold
RE: Structural PE who encounters mold
Probably because it's not a PUBLIC health issue. California law requires disclosure of such things to the buyer, and "strongly recommends" remediation of the root causes, i.e., water seepage, etc. http://www.cdph.ca.gov/programs/iaq/pages/indoormo...
Renters get more protection, based on habitability laws.
TTFN

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