The prevention and control of a biodeterioration problem require a knowledge of the product composition, process and manufacturing details, supply chain information, and the application in order to be able to recommend the most equitable solution to all parties concerned. As the materials involved have a value, there may be the need to establish or apportion responsibility for a problem, and thus a forensic approach may be necessary in some cases.

The expertise in this area has, over the past 15 years, been taken up by the manufacturers and formulators of preservative products as part of their customer service package. They have developed the methodologies, built up databanks of experience, and have been proactive in the revision of national and international standards for the evaluation of preservative efficacyandmaterialsdurability forwhichmicrobial resistance is required. In a small number of areas, such as wood, stone, and food, government agencies still exist, and there are a small number of consultancies who can provide an independent view.

There are four elements to the investigation of a biodeterioration problem:

• Determining the cause

• Assessing likely control systems

• Instituting the most appropriate control system

• Monitoring the success (or otherwise)

THE PLANT AUDIT

Many biodeterioration problems have their origins in industrial processes, and it is impossible to appreciate the full range of factors involved unless a visit is made to the site of manufacture and a full survey of the situation is carried out. In this way information can be collected regarding the raw-materials storage and handling, the configuration of the process equipment, stages in the manufacturing process, and ultimate storage or distribution systems.