Unveiling the Mold Mystery: A Fishbone Diagram in Action Scenario

Unveiling the Mold Mystery: A Fishbone Diagram in Action

Scenario: A restoration company keeps getting called back to a commercial building for recurring mold growth. Despite repeated remediation efforts, the mold keeps reappearing in different areas. Frustrated, the team leader decides to use a Cause and Effect Diagram (also known as a Fishbone Diagram or Ishikawa Diagram) to get to the root of the problem.

The Fishbone Investigation

1. Define the Problem: The team clearly defines the problem: "Recurring mold growth in Building X." This becomes the "head" of the fish.

2. Identify Major Categories: The team brainstorms potential categories of causes, which become the "bones" of the fish. In this case, they identify:

• Environment: Temperature, humidity, weather patterns

• Building Structure: Ventilation system, insulation, building materials

• Water Sources: Leaks, condensation, groundwater intrusion

• Maintenance: Cleaning practices, HVAC maintenance, leak repairs

3. Explore Contributing Factors: For each major category, the team digs deeper to identify specific contributing factors. These become the smaller "bones" branching off the main ones.

• Environment:

• Poor air circulation due to closed windows

• High humidity levels due to location near a body of water

• Building Structure:

• Leaky windows and roof

• Inadequate insulation allowing condensation

• Porous building materials absorbing moisture

• Water Sources:

• Previous water damage not properly remediated

• Leaky pipes in walls or ceilings

• Condensation on cold surfaces

• Maintenance:

• Infrequent cleaning of HVAC system

• Delayed repairs of leaks and water damage

• Inadequate ventilation in bathrooms and kitchens

4. Analyze and Identify Root Causes: The team analyzes the diagram to identify patterns and relationships. They realize that several factors contribute to the recurring mold problem:

• Poor ventilation: The building has an old HVAC system with inadequate ventilation, exacerbated by closed windows.

• Moisture intrusion: Leaky windows and a poorly maintained roof allow water to enter the building.

• Porous materials: The building uses porous materials that readily absorb moisture, providing an ideal environment for mold growth.

Taking Action

Armed with this understanding, the team develops a comprehensive solution:

• Improve Ventilation: Recommend upgrading the HVAC system and implementing a regular maintenance schedule.

• Address Moisture Intrusion: Repair leaky windows and the roof to prevent water from entering the building.

• Treat Affected Areas: Thoroughly remediate existing mold and apply antimicrobial coatings to prevent future growth.

• Educate Building Occupants: Provide guidance on proper ventilation, humidity control, and prompt reporting of leaks.

Outcome:

By using the Fishbone Diagram, the team successfully identifies the root causes of the recurring mold problem and develops a targeted solution. The mold issue is finally resolved, saving the company time, money, and reputation.

Key Takeaway:

The Fishbone Diagram is a valuable tool for visually analyzing complex problems and identifying root causes. By systematically exploring potential contributing factors, restoration technicians can develop comprehensive solutions that address the underlying issues and prevent problems from recurring.