Staff return to the office after flooding and find visible mould growth. What is the MOST appropriate immediate protective measure for personnel entering the affected area?

Correct answer: C. Use appropriate personal protective equipment

• A. Running the HVAC system distributes contaminated air through the ductwork and can seed uncontaminated areas.
• B. A fan AEROSOLISES mould spores and disperses them throughout the building — actively harmful.
• C. Correct. Appropriate PPE — an N95 or better respirator, gloves, eye protection and protective clothing — is the immediate measure protecting personnel who must enter. Beyond that, the definitive answer is professional REMEDIATION: identify and stop the moisture source, remove porous contaminated materials, and contain the work area. The office should not reopen for patient care until remediation is complete.
• D. Resuming normal activity exposes staff and patients to mould spores and mycotoxins.

Note: PPE is the correct immediate answer among these options, but remember the hierarchy of controls: elimination and engineering controls (fixing the water source, removing contaminated material, containment) rank ABOVE PPE. PPE alone is never a complete answer to a mould problem.