Mold Standards of Practice

Transcription

Mold Standards of Practice
National Association of Environmentally Responsible Mold Contractors
Copyright© 2013 Gary Rosen, Ph.D. & Certified Mold Free Corp.
Questions: Tel: 954 614 6860 Email: [email protected]
www.Free-Mold-Training.org
About Course Author
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This entirely FREE online course was developed as a
public service by Gary Rosen, Ph.D. President of
Certified Mold Free Corp along with the National
Association of Environmentally Responsible Mold
Contractors (www.Free-Mold-Training.org).
Dr. Rosen (Ph.D. Biochemistry UCLA) holds Florida
licenses in Mold Assessment, Mold Remediation and
Building Construction and has performed over 1000
mold assessments and over 1000 mold remediations.
Dr Rosen has been formally IICRC S520 trained and
IICRC AMRT certified as well as IAQA trained and
certified in mold assessment and remediation.
He is the author of 5 books on mold assessment and
mold remediation all available on Amazon.com.
Copyright© 2013 Certified Mold Free Corp. National Association of Environmentally Responsible Mold Contractors
Page 2
Free Training
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While the training is free, this is no indication of
the quality of the training courses.
Most students upon completion of our Free Mold
Training courses find that the courses offer the
finest and most comprehensive training for
mold and mold assessment in the industry.
More extensive supplemental professional
training can be found (not free but at a low
cost) in the author’s mold books available on
Amazon.com (link below.)
http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=searchalias%3Dstripbooks&field-keywords=mold%20gary%20rosen
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For Florida Mold Contractors
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The Department of Business and Professional
Regulations approved the subject matter
covered in this course.
Course provider Certified Mold Free Corp is
Florida approved Mold Continuing Education
Provider #2757.
Mold Standards of Practice (SOP) is Florida Mold
Continuing Education Course #154
(Correspondence) is approved for Two hours of
Mold Continuing Education Credit.
Page 4
Outside of Florida
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Courses are widely applicable to mold contracting
outside of Florida.
Courses are FREE however there is a fee of $25
each if you would like to receive Certificates of
Completion for the training courses.
Completion of all 14 hours of training makes you
eligible for the credentials: Certified Green Indoor
Air Quality Specialist and/or Certified Green Mold
Remediation Contractor.
Certification cost is $50/year.
Page 5
About Course
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This course has been designed to provide
accurate and authoritative information in regard
to the subject matter covered.
This material and course is provided with the
understanding that the provider is not engaged
in rendering legal, accounting, or other
professional services.
If legal advice or other expert assistance is
required, the services of a competent
professional person should be sought.
Page 6
Course & Exam Pricing
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Report Writing is part of our 14-HR
MOLD Continuing Education Training for Florida
Mold Services.
Training is no charge. Download the material.
Complete the course.
EXAM is no charge. A link to the EXAM can be
found on the last page of this course. Any
questions call 954-614-6860 or email:
[email protected]
Page 7
The Exam
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There are 20 questions on the EXAM. A passing
score is 70%.
There is no limit to the number of times the
EXAM can be taken.
Florida students:
– When you pass the Exam you will receive CE credit
with Mold Services.
– We provide the Dept your information electronically.
Allow 24-48 hours for processing.
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Students outside of Florida:
– When you pass the Exam you are eligible for a
Certificate of Course completion for $25.00
Page 8
Optional Certification
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Mold contractors that pass our 14 hour Mold CE
training are eligible for NAERMC (National
Association of Environmentally Responsible
Mold Contractors) certifications.
Cost is $50/ year.
Our certification logos look great on your web
site or business cards!
GO GREEN!
Page 9
Certified Green Mold
Remediation Contractor logo.
Certified Green Indoor Air
Quality Specialist logo.
Page 10
Please support National Association of
Environmentally Responsible Mold
Contractors and Free Mold Training
and we will be back in 2 years with
another set of free Mold CE courses.
Page 11
Course Introduction
Page 12
Standards Developed for Different
Audiences
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The two most widely cited mold standards are
EPA/OSHA and IICRC S520.
– EPA/OSHA was developed for consumers and
facility managers based on input from a broad set
of leading scientists; government agencies; and
industrial hygienists.
– S520 (2008) was developed by IICRC members for
IICRC Certified Mold Remediators based on the
needs of the IICRC member organization.
Note: S520 has many problems, as we shall see,
and has now been withdrawn by IICRC as an
official IICRC standard, yet it is still widely cited!
Page 13
EPA/OSHA Vs. IICRC
Mold Standards
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Which standard a mold contractor bases his
assessment, protocol or work guidelines on
will significantly affect:
– How the mold is assessed.
– How the mold work is done.
– How many contractors are involved.
– Biocides used or not used.
– Who is, in the end, responsible for the
overall quality.
– How much it costs.
Page 14
Limitations of Standards
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Actual practice of Mold Remediation in Florida
has developed, to a significant degree,
somewhat independent of such standards as
EPA/OSHA and S520, based on the needs of:
– Florida consumers
– Realities of the marketplace including what
Florida home owner insurance will pay for
– Concerns about liability/ requirements of
Environmental Insurance
– Florida Mold Law
– Background and training of Florida Mold
Assessors and Remediators
Page 15
Common Objectives
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This course is for professional Florida Mold
Assessors and Mold Remediators.
Mold remediation and assessment recommendations developed for facility managers & home
owners (EPA/OSHA), or IICRC members (S520)
will never be completely applicable to Florida
Mold Contracting.
Nevertheless, finding mold, removing mold and
making sure the work is properly done will have
many essential similarities no matter who is
doing the work.
Page 16
Focus on EPA/OSHA
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This course and our entire 14 Hour Mold
Continuing Education program is heavily focused
on presenting the benefits of EPA/OSHA mold
remediation procedures for professional mold
contractors.
For the mold professional the EPA/OSHA mold
remediation procedures (with minor tweaks) can
be quite effective in terms of cost, elimination of
mold, worker safety, keeping mold from
returning … and overall customer satisfaction.
Page 17
IICRC S520
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S520 has been and continues to be a popular
procedure for professional mold contractors but
has serious flaws and has been withdrawn as a
standard by IICRC.
We compare and contrast EPA/OSHA to S520 in
Mold Standards of Practice.
It should become clear by the time this course is
finished why we support EPA/OSHA for mold
professionals and why S520 has been recalled.
Page 18
Course Outline
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Introduction
EPA/OSHA vs. IICRC S520 Mold & Moisture
Assessment/ Inspection approaches compared
EPA/OSHA vs. IICRC S520 Mold remediation
procedures compared
Green (Chemical-Free) Remediation Practices
Review Questions
Page 19
EPA/OSHA
Investigating, Evaluating,
Moisture and Mold Problems
Page 20
EPA/OSHA Standards
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EPA/OSHA Mold Remediation Standard was
written for home owners and facility
managers:
– Developed by the Federal Government as a
guide to identify and remediate mold problems
in homes, schools and commercial buildings.
www.epa.gov/mold
– Philosophically similar to New York City mold
remediation guidelines established in the early
90’s.
www.nwhealth.org/pubs/NYC%20DOH%20Guidelines.pdf
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EPA/OSHA Standards
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EPA guidance on mold
remediation can be found on
their web site:
www.EPA.gov/mold.
And in their publication: Mold
Remediation in Schools and
Commercial Buildings.
Students should download this
booklet and read it!
OSHA guidance is essentially
the same as EPA.
Copyright© 2013 Certified Mold Free Corp. www.Free-Mold-Training.org
Page 22
EPA/OSHA
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Assessment Considerations:
– Focus is on Investigating & Evaluating both
Moisture and Mold Problems.
– EPA/OSHA does not separate Mold and
Moisture when it comes to identifying or fixing
the problem.
– Find the moisture problem and you will find
the mold.
– Fix the moisture problem, remove the mold,
and mold does not return.
Page 23
EPA Check List: Mold &
Moisture Investigation
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Assess size of moldy area (square feet).
Consider the possibility of hidden mold.
Clean up small mold problems and fix moisture problems
before they become large problems.
Select remediation manager for medium or large size
mold problem.
Investigate areas associated with occupant complaints.
Identify source(s) or cause of water or moisture
problem(s).
Note type of water-damaged materials (wallboard,
carpet, etc.) .
Check inside air ducts and air handling unit.
Throughout process, consult qualified professional if
necessary or desired.
From p 27 EPA: Mold Remediation in Schools and Commercial Buildings.
Page 24
Mold & Moisture Linked
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Remediation of mold is tied to moisture and
length of exposure to water. Find the moisture …
and you find the mold.
If items are wet for a short period of time, before
mold has a chance to grow, simply dry them out.
If not, they must be remediated for mold.
In EPA guidelines water damage mitigation
and mold remediation are linked together.
Contrast this approach with IICRC guidelines for
which mold remediation (S520) and water
damage mitigation (S500) are performed under
different standards and by different contractors.
Page 25
Always Check HVAC & Ducting
for Mold & Moisture Problems
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EPA guidance states to
always “check inside air
ducts and air handling
unit” for mold and
moisture problems.
EPA recommends
referring to the EPA
Manual “Should You Have
the Air Ducts in Your
Home Cleaned”?
EPA photo of moldy AC lining
Page 26
EPA/OSHA: Mold Assessment
Considerations
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If the problem is determined to be not AC or
ducting related … assess the size of the mold
problem (large, medium or small).
Apply EPA containment and remediation methods
based on size of problem assessed.
EPA explains that the extent of hidden mold may
not be obvious until remediation starts. (Mold
Remediation in Schools and Commercial Buildings
Chart p 5).
Hidden mold discovered during remediation
may cause remediators to re-evaluate the
size of the problem and the type of containment
and remediation methods used (Chart p 5)
Page 27
EPA/OSHA: Moisture is the Source of
Mold Problems
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With EPA/OSHA, there is a very strong focus
on assessing/identifying the moisture
problem that caused the mold.
Characterizing the type and duration of
moisture problem will determine or help
determine the location and often the extent
of the mold problem.
Characterizing the moisture problem will
help determine whether the mold is
hidden or (often cleanable) surface mold
which of course impacts the cost of the
remediation and rebuild.
Page 28
EPA/OSHA No Turf Wars
With EPA/OSHA guidelines, there is no separate mold
standard and water mitigation standard as there is with
IICRC (S500 & S520).
With EPA/OSHA there are no conflicts or turf wars between
mold remediators and water mitigation contractors.
With EPA/OSHA, one contractor (or facility manager)
should be able to perform most aspects of mold
remediation jobs including identifying the location and
extent of the problem, remediating or discarding wet and
moldy building materials, remediating or discarding wet
and moldy content.
Page 29
HVAC Mold Assessment Concerns
One area of focus in the EPA/OSHA guidelines is mold and
moisture problems in the AC and/or ducting.
However, a mold assessor or mold remediation may not be
able to properly evaluate such contamination without the
aid of a licensed AC contractor.
Florida Contracting Law complicates such work as a Mold
Contractor may not quote or subcontract the activities of
other State Licensed Contractors.
Only Mold Remediation contractors that are also Certified
General, or Certified Building contractors may quote or hire
Licensed AC Contractors.
Page 30
BLACK WATER CAUTION
If the cause of the water damage is black water,
always bring in a trained water mitigation contractor
with expertise in black water mitigation.
Page 31
EPA/OSHA on Mold Sampling
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EPA/OSHA recommends the use of mold
assessment professionals for complex jobs only.
In our opinion, post remediation air sampling should be
performed on ALL mold jobs.
There is no other way to assure that the indoor air at the
work site has been left clean and mold free.
Page 32
IICRC S520 Initial
Inspection Procedures
Page 33
EPA/OSHA Vs. IICRC
Mold Standards
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In 2008, the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning
and Restoration Certification (IICRC)
published the S520* mold remediation
standard based on the needs of their
members. (www.IICRC.org)
S520 takes a markedly different approach
from EPA/OSHA and actually states that it
rejects the fundamentals of the EPA/OSHA
mold recommendations.
*S520 (2008) has been withdrawn and will be
replaced with an updated version that is under
development.
Page 34
IICRC S520 (2008)
Mold Assessment
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According to IICRC, S520 rejects the EPA and NYC
approaches to assessing mold based on
establishing the size of the problem and then
employing remediation procedures appropriate to
the size of the problem.
– Instead IICRC bases the assessment on
determining conditions (Elevated Mold,
Active Mold or Normal Fungal Ecology).
– Once the condition is determined (by
an Indoor Environmental Professional
IEP) a custom protocol is developed
to perform remediation to return the
problem area to Normal Fungal
Ecology.
Page 35
IICRC S520 (2008)
Rejects EPA Approach
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Page 6 of IICRC S520
“S520 represents a philosophical shift away
from using “size” of visible mold growth to
determine the remediation response.
Instead, it established mold contamination
definitions and guidance, which, when properly
applied, can assist remediators and others in
determining remediation response or confirm
remediation success.”
Page 36
Indoor Fungal Ecology
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In S520 an Independent Indoor Environmental
Professional (IEP) must be brought in to classify
the indoor environment as being Condition 1, 2,3.
– Condition 1: Normal fungal ecology
– Condition 2: Settled spores
– Conditions 3: Active Mold
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There is no such thing as a simple job under S520.
Page 37
No Emphasis on Moisture
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In S520 there is little emphasis on “find the
moisture problem you find the mold” contrast this
with EPA/OSHA where the focus is find the mold
when you find the water.
Moisture/ water damage is covered by water
mitigation contractors and not mold
contractors.
The focus of S520 assessment is initial and post
remediation testing.
Page 38
IEP Must Establish Initial Condition
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Once the Condition (1, 2 or 3) is established by
the IEP, the Mold Remediator and team
member Indoor Environmental Professional
develops a remediation procedure to restore
the premises to Normal Fungal Ecology.
With S520, one must bring in the IEP team
member to test before remediation to establish
the “Initial Condition” of the property before a
suitable remediation protocol can be developed.
(Under EPA one contractor can do the
assessment as well as remediation.)
Page 39
IEP Establishes Remediation Success
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And with S520 … one
must again bring in the IEP
team member to test after
remediation to determine if
the goal of restoring the
property to Condition 1
(Normal Fungal Ecology)
has been achieved.
This is may appear to be
excellent for Mold Assessor employment but
will result in mold remediation bids not being
competitive for many smaller or mid size jobs
and therefore no work for anyone!
Page 40
S520 Conditions
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S520 Conditions
– Is there active growth as determined by
air/dust sampling ?
– Or are there “elevated” settled spores?
– Or is the indoor environment a “normal
fungal ecology”?
– Evaluating “Conditions” and then developing
remediation protocols to return the
contaminated area to “normal fungal
ecology” is not as simple as it sounds.
Page 41
Elevated Settled Spores
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“Elevated Settled Spores is an indoor
environment that is contaminated with
settled spores that are a result of a mold
growth contamination.” (IICRC definition.)
A practical problem with this definition is that
any property that is not truly clean will have
elevated settled spores and this may have
nothing to do with active mold growth.
Page 42
Normal Conditions
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Normal indoor environment may have:
– (Some) settled spores,
– Fungal fragments, &
– Even traces of some actual mold growth
All reflective of a “normal” ecology for a similar
indoor environment. (IICRC definition.)
Per IICRC, the goal in a microbial remediation project is
to return a problem area to normal conditions.
But if there is dirty carpet and/or lots of clutter and/or open
windows or dirty A/C and/or ducting, returning a problem
location to “normal” will NOT be as simple as it sounds.
Page 43
Normal Conditions
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According to IICRC, if you were to air
sample a normal condition, you would
expect to find … compared to outdoors…
similar types of molds, with lower
concentrations indoors.
This overly simplistic IICRC definition
often makes little sense when applied in
the real world.
Many factors impact the ratio of inside to
outside mold and the type of mold inside
compared to outside.
Page 44
Comparing Inside to Out
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Affecting Inside to Outside spore types and
ratios:
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How clean the house is. How often cleaned.
Carpets: Clean or not clean. New or old.
Quality of AC air filter used.
Windows open or not. Near ocean or inland.
AC & ducting old/new. Recently cleaned?
Season or even daily variation — outdoor
mold levels and mold types can vary by a
factor of 10 or more from day to day.
Page 45
EMLab Chart of FLA Outdoor
Spore Count Range
Page 46
EMLab Chart for FLA Outdoor
Spore Count Range
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Outdoor spore counts in Florida can vary by a
factor of 25 or more.
On the previous page we see the common
indoor and outdoor mold Cladosporium has
outdoor levels that vary from a low of 27 to
over 7000.
Concluding using S520 that indoor mold in
settled dust is Elevated or Not Elevated by
comparing to outdoor mold levels is not as
simple as it sounds.
Returning a problem area to normal conditions based on
comparing indoor mold to outdoor mold is NOT as
simple as it sounds.
Page 47
IICRC : Many Standards
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•
•
•
•
•
•
IICRC
IICRC
IICRC
IICRC
IICRC
IICRC
IICRC
S100
S210
S300
S500
S520
S600
S800
Carpet Cleaning
Dimension Stone Restoration
Upholstery Cleaning
Water Damage Restoration
Mold Remediation
Carpet Installation
Carpet Inspect
There are many IICRC standards but there is no IICRC
standard for Mold Assessment!
IICRC has no training/ certification program as to how one
can determine what exactly is Normal Fungal Ecology!
Page 48
IICRC : No Mold Assessment Std.
• IICRC has standards for mold remediation, carpet
cleaning, carpet inspection, etc.
• But IICRC has no standard or training/ certification
program for Mold Assessors (IEP training) to
determine before remediation what should be
remediated and to determine after remediation if
the job was successful.
As far as we know, there is no lab where you
can send surface and air samples and get
back results that indicate Condition 1, 2, 3.
Page 49
Why no training/standard for IEP’s?
Because (in our opinion) it is not practical to write a
protocol to properly perform or evalutate mold
remediation work on the basis of evaluating
Fungal Ecology of the air or settled dust.
Is it any wonder that S520 has been withdrawn by
IICRC as an IICRC standard?
Page 50
Important Caveats About S520
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Unless there is visible mold … on a wall or ceiling
which often is not the case as the home owner
typically cleans surface mold to make the home more
livable while getting quotes for mold remediation work.
Unless there is visible mold … the Indoor Fungal
Ecology may not be affected by even large amounts of
mold inside of walls or ceilings (unless there are
openings in wall for the spores to pass through.)
What this means is that in actual real world situations,
the extent and size of most mold problems is typically
much more closely tied to the size and duration of
water damage than Indoor Fungal Ecology of
household dust.
Page 51
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If the AC coils need cleaning there is very often
Elevated Settled Spores throughout the entire
building but no need for mold remediation work.
Simply have the coils cleaned and install a new air
filter.
In such a case, this imbalance in the Indoor
Fungal Ecology would be a red herring.
In actual real world situations, the extent and
size of “real” mold problems is typically much
more closely tied to the size and duration of
household dust.
Page 52
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If the home owner has put a high quality air filter
in the air handler (such as Merv 11 or better) and
the AC and ducting are clean…
There may be absolutely no indication of mold
problems in the home as determined by
measuring the Fungal Ecology of the indoor dust.
Yet the home may have significant even massive
hidden mold problems.
In actual real world situations, the extent and
size of “real” mold problems is typically much
more closely tied to the size and duration of
household dust.
Page 53
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A home may have significant even massive hidden
mold problems.
But in the dry season, mold may go inactive due
to lack of moisture. Inactive mold does not
produce mold spores.
There may be absolutely no indication of such
mold problems in a home during the dry season as
determined by measuring the Fungal Ecology of
the indoor dust.
One must assess such problems either by
checking for mold behind discolored areas and/or
understanding a building’s history and/or looking
for defects such as old, cracked window caulking.
Page 54
More often than not, the Fungal Ecology
of Spores in Settled Dust will not tell
us anything about the size, location
and source of actual mold problems.
Again, is it any wonder that S520 has
been withdrawn by IICRC as an IICRC
standard?
Nevertheless, Florida Mold Contractors
reference IICRC S520 more than any
other standard for recommended mold
remediation procedures.
Page 55
EPA/OSHA
Mold Remediation
Procedures
Page 56
EPA Check List: Mold &
Moisture Remediation
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Fix the moisture problem, implement repair
plan and/or maintenance plan
Dry wet, non-moldy materials within 48 hours
to prevent mold growth .
Clean and dry moldy materials (see Table 2 and
text).
Discard moldy porous items that can’t be
cleaned
From p 27 EPA: Mold Remediation in Schools and Commercial
Buildings.
Page 57
EPA/OSHA
Remediation Basics
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First address moisture
problems.
Then implement remediation
plan.
– Smaller problems are treated
simply (using a Limited
Containment).
– Larger problems are treated
with more complex
procedures including
containments with walk-in
decontamination chamber.
Page 58
EPA/OSHA Limited Containment
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One layer of fire-retardant
polyethylene sheeting.
Maintain area under
negative pressure.
Block supply and return air
vents within containment
area.
EPA guidelines also define
Full Containment with air
A Limited Containment
lock and decontamination
chamber.
Full containments are rarely used in mold remediation
as most jobs can be “broken down” to numerous
smaller jobs, using multiple limited containments.
Page 59
EPA/OSHA Containment Tips
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Always maintain the
containment area under
negative pressure.
Exhaust fan to outdoors
and ensure that adequate
makeup air is provided
(containment is not too
tight.)
If the containment is working,
the polyethylene sheeting should billow inwards on all
surfaces. If it flutters or billows outward, containment has
been lost, and you should find and correct the problem
before continuing remediation activities. Additional post
remediation cleaning may be required if containment
effectiveness is breached.
Page 60
EPA/OSHA Containment Tips
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EPA recommends 6 mil plastic sheeting for the
containment. (The enclosure around the moldy area
should consist of a single layer of 6-mil, fire-retardant
polyethylene sheeting.)
This is a throw back from Asbestos where containments
were built to stay up for weeks or months and had to be
heavy film that as fire retardant.
The best material for containment walls is 0.3 mil plastic
which is very light weight and inexpensive and can also be
used for covering furniture.
Build small containments around the work areas and take
them down when finished with the drywall removal.
Page 61
EPA/OSHA Clean Up Methods
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Method 1: Wet vacuum (in the case of porous
materials, some mold spores/fragments will
remain in the material but will not grow if the
material is completely dried). Steam cleaning may
be an alternative for carpets and some
upholstered furniture.
Method 2: Damp-wipe surfaces with plain water
or with water and detergent solution (except
wood—use wood floor cleaner); scrub as needed.
Avoid dust producing methods.
No sanding or sweeping.
Page 62
EPA/OSHA Clean Up Methods
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Method 3: High-efficiency particulate air (HEPA)
vacuum after the material has been thoroughly
dried. Dispose of the contents of the HEPA
vacuum in well-sealed plastic bags.
Method 4: Discard – remove water-damaged
materials and seal in plastic bags while inside of
containment, if present. Dispose of as normal
waste. HEPA vacuum area after it is dried.
Avoid dust producing methods.
No sanding or sweeping.
Page 63
EPA Discard Recommendations
Don’t Make Sense for Mold Work
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EPA recommends double bagging and 6 mil bags.
“Building materials and furnishings that are
contaminated with mold growth and are not
salvageable should be double-bagged using 6-mil
polyethylene sheeting.”
This is a throw back from asbestos remediation. Not
necessary for mold work.
Note that the thickness of the bag is often times not
as important as the toughness of the bag. A 4 mil
plastic bag can often be a more secure bag than a 6
mil bag.
We use and are happy with 4 mil bags from
PlasticPlace.com. No charge for shipping.
www.plasticplace.net/index.php?file=productdetail&iprod_id=273
Page 64
EPA/OSHA: Controlling Moisture is
the Key to Mold Control
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With EPA/OSHA, when the moisture problem
is controlled, mold will not return.
Control the moisture and then biocides
with residual killing power NOT needed
to keep mold from returning.
Since dead mold is still allergenic and
contains toxins and irritants, killing mold is
not enough. Mold must be removed.
IICRC S520, as we shall see, approaches
many or most of these issues quite
differently.
Page 65
Always Erect Containments Even for
the Smallest Jobs
• The EPA/OSHA mold remediation guidelines
are based on setting up levels of containment
based on the size of the problem.
• While the EPA does not require a
containment for the smallest problems ….
even the smallest problems need to be
contained when the work is done by a
mold professional.
Page 66
Always Erect Containments Even for
the Smallest Jobs
• Why do mold professionals not follow
EPA/OSHA guidelines that allow remediation
work to be done without environmental
controls when there is limited mold? Less
than 10 sq ft?
• Note that according to Florida Mold Law if
there is less than 10 sq ft of mold the size of
the problem is below the threshold where
you need a mold professional.
• But still Florida mold contractors will use
containments for jobs less than 10 sq ft.
Page 67
Always Erect Containments Even
for the Smallest Jobs
• Why do mold professionals always use
containments even when there is less than
10 sq ft of mold?
1. The EPA/ OSHA procedures were written for
school maintenance personnel that do not
have access to today’s spring loaded poles
that make setting up containments a snap.
2. School maintenance personnel also have
limited concerns about liability.
Page 68
• Why do mold professionals always use
containments even when there is less than
10 sq ft of mold?
3. One never knows if there are immune
compromised or mold sensitive people involved
that can be affected by even very small levels of
cross contamination as the result of mold work.
4. There can be up to 100 million mold spores per
square inch of heavy mold growth on drywall.
Therefore, the size in square feet of mold is
not always a good indicator as to the
potential for cross contamination. How
heavy is the growth will often be the key
factor.
Page 69
5. The EPA recommended remediation
procedure is to investigate the extent of
hidden mold and then if necessary, go back
and revise your safety and containment
strategy as appropriate (See Key Steps,
page 5 MRSCB).
Since most mold jobs require fixed bid
quotes, a mold professional does not want
to make it a practice of revising their safety
and containment strategy (and price) on the
spot based on new evidence of hidden mold
found during the remediation.
Page 70
You Never Know the Extent of
Hidden Mold Inside the Wall
• For a mold professional… best to assume
significant hidden mold that will require one or
more limited containments; negative air;
suitable safety gear and trained crew; along
with post remediation air scrubbing and post
remediation testing even for the smallest jobs.
Page 71
Containment Use
The EPA recommends containments be set up only when
visible mold is over 10 sq ft.
However simple/limited containments using plastic
sheeting and spring loaded poles can be set up in under
10 minutes…. so why not always use them and protect
the most sensitive individuals?
Always use containments even when visible
mold is under the EPA threshold of 10 sq ft.
Page 72
Containments Reduce Cleaning
When you use simple/limited (often times multiple small)
containments around mold problems rather than larger
more complex containments you can often dramatically
reduce the size of the area that you later need to clean
and test.
Setting up containments actually reduces the overall job
cost because the cost of setting up the containment is
more than offset by the reduction in the cost of cleaning
and testing outside of the work areas.
Page 73
Containments: Safer Work
Environment
Setting up containments makes workers more efficient
because the air inside a containment (under neg air
pressure) is continually changed and workers work
better when in a clean dust-free environment.
Setting up containments actually reduces overall job cost
because the cost of setting up the containment is more
than offset by the improved efficiency of workers
working in a relatively dust-free environment.
Page 74
Summary of EPA/OSHA Mold
Remediation Procedures
• While the EPA/OSHA guidelines are written for
facility managers and not mold professionals,
“mold is mold” as we say, and how a facility
manager finds and removes mold will be quite
similar to how a mold professional would do
same.
• For the mold professional with minor tweaks
(as discussed) the EPA/OSHA mold
remediation procedures can be quite effective
in terms of cost, elimination of mold, worker
safety, keeping mold from returning … and
overall customer satisfaction.
Page 75
EPA
Content Remediation
Page 76
Contaminated Building Contents
 EPA has rules for water damaged
and/or visibly moldy items …
 EPA has rules for porous and semi-porous
material items …
 EPA has rules for items that are hard
non-porous …
Note that when EPA says HEPA Vac you can replace
with Shop Vac equipped with Drywall Filter bag you
do not need a true HEPA filtered vacuum for mold
work.
Page 77
Cleaning Contents
 In the case of a black water problem,
contents that have not either:
• Actually come in contact with
contaminated water; OR
• Are exposed to/covered with spores or
bacteria due to improper use of air
movers
 Such contents do not need remediation
Page 78
Move and Clean Contents
 Start off by isolating contaminated
contents from unaffected contents.
 Dispose of water-damaged items that
are not cleanable.
Page 79
Move and Clean Contents
 Move easy to carry items to clean, dry,
and secure area.
• HEPA vacuum and damp wipe with
disinfectant as appropriate
 If moving off-site, be sure to use clean,
dry storage containers.
 If storage is during humid season, we
recommend air conditioned storage.
 Non-moveable items
• HEPA vacuum and damp wipe with
disinfectant as appropriate
• Wrap with polyethylene
Page 80
Porous Contents
 Porous contents with Elevated Settled
Spores are typically restorable.
 HEPA vacuuming will remove settled spores
 Air washing using an electric leaf blower
also works
 Laundry or dry cleaning or steam cleaning
works.
The EPA provides detailed tables & guidelines
for saving/discarding many types of porous contents,
but the simple advice listed above pretty much sums it up.
Page 81
Porous Contents

Porous contents with Actual Mold Growth are
usually unrestorable, based on material
composition.
 Examples:
•
Stuffed animals
•
Fabric couches
•
Mattresses & pillows
& Covers
•
Oriental rugs
•
Chairs
Page 82
Porous Contents

Porous contents with Actual Mold
Growth are usually unrestorable, but that
does not mean never restorable.
•
•
•
•
Certainly HEPA Vac will not restore.
(Why not? Because only removes surface
mold.)
Dry cleaning, spot cleaning or steam cleaning
may work.
Keep in mind that inexpensive carpet usually
costs more to restore than to replace.
Page 83
EPA Porous Contents
Table 1: Water Damage - Cleanup and Mold Prevention from EPA Publication:
"Mold Remediation in Schools and Commercial Buildings"
Guidelines for Response to Clean Water Damage within 24-48 Hours to Prevent Mold Growth*
Actions
Water-Damaged
Material†

Books and papers


Carpet and backing –
dry within
24-48 hours§




Upholstered furniture


Window drapes

For non-valuable items, discard books and papers.
Photocopy valuable/important items, discard originals.
Freeze (in frost-free freezer or meat locker) or freeze-dry.
Remove water with water extraction vacuum.
Reduce ambient humidity levels with dehumidifier.
Accelerate drying process with fans.
Remove water with water extraction vacuum.
Accelerate drying process with dehumidifiers, fans, and/or heaters.
May be difficult to completely dry within 48 hours. If the piece is valuable, you may wish to consult a
restoration/water damage professional who specializes in furniture.
Follow laundering or cleaning instructions recommended by the manufacturer.
Page 84
Porous Contents
 Gray or Black Water :
Recommend to Discard
•
What about 5 square feet of
$50/yard carpet? Try to
clean?
• Clean water:
• Since clean water will turn to
gray water after a few days,
discard carpet and other
porous items if not properly
dried immediately after water
event
Page 85
Porous Contents
Pressed Wood (Wood composites) & Fabric furniture
If Elevated Spores: Clean (HEPA Vac, Steam Clean, Dry
Clean)
If Active Growth: Recommend to Discard
Page 86
Porous Contents




Can you or should you always throw away
furniture with a little mold on it?
What if the person is not sensitive to mold?
What if it there is some mold on fabric
furniture on a patio?
What if the furniture is in a water front
vacation cottage that has the windows
open when occupied?
Page 87
Porous Contents
If Elevated Spores: Clean (Laundry, Dry Clean).
If Active Mold Growth: Typically cannot be restored
due to staining or physical damage
Page 88
Porous Contents
Books: Depends on value. Microwave can kill mold.
Elevated Spores can be cleaned by air washing/HEPA vacuuming/Freeze Dry.
Commercial services available. http://www.theconservationcenter.com/
Page 89
Semi-Porous Contents
 Semi-porous items (such as soft wood) that
are primarily organic can absorb moisture
and are susceptible to microbial growth.
 Semi-Porous with Elevated Settled Spores
are usually restorable.
 Semi-Porous with Active Mold Growth is
usually unrestorable unless mold growth is
in a readily removable bio-film on the
surface of the item; or …
 If there is a practical means for mold
removal.
Page 90
EPA Non-Porous Materials
Table 1: Water Damage - Cleanup and Mold Prevention from EPA Publication
"Mold Remediation in Schools and Commercial Buildings"
Guidelines for Response to Clean Water Damage within 24-48 Hours to Prevent Mold Growth*
Water-Damaged Material†
Hard surface,
porous flooring§
(Linoleum, ceramic tile,
vinyl)
Non-porous,
hard surfaces
(Plastics, metals)
Wood surfaces
Actions

Vacuum or damp wipe with water and mild detergent and allow to dry; scrub if necessary.
Check to make sure underflooring is dry; dry underflooring if necessary.

Vacuum or damp wipe with water and mild detergent and allow to dry; scrub if necessary.

Remove moisture immediately and use dehumidifiers, gentle heat, and fans for drying.
(Use caution when applying heat to hardwood floors.)
Treated or finished wood surfaces may be cleaned with mild detergent and clean water and allowed to dry.
Wet paneling should be pried away from wall for drying.



Page 91
Non-Porous Materials


Non-Porous (Hard Wood) with Elevated
Settled Spores are restorable.
Non-Porous (Hard) with Active Mold
Growth are usually restorable, and can
be cleaned using appropriate methods,
or HEPA Vac’d if dry, based on material
composition.
Page 92
Non-Porous Contents


Hard woods can
be cleaned with
soap and water.
The moldy fabric
should be
discarded.
Page 93
IICRC S520
Mold Remediation
Procedures
Page 94
IICRC S520




IICRC S520 is a 237 page book
of detailed specifications and
recommendations.
It includes the Standard (pages
1-59).
And Reference which is the rest
of the book.
Note that S520 (2008) has
been withdrawn as a mold
remediation standard by IICRC.
Nevertheless it is still widely
referenced by mold contractors.
Page 95
IICRC S520 (2008)




As we have mentioned, the S520
standard has been withdrawn.
A new version is in the works at
IICRC.
In the following section we review
a few of what we consider
problems with S520 (2008).
We point out where S520 is at
odds with EPA/OSHA and/or is
internally inconsistent or perhaps
problematic to implement.
Page 96
IICRC Dust Producing Techniques


IICRC S520 (2008)
recommends dust producing
techniques such as sanding
structural wood and dry ice
blasting.
Such techniques not only
produce mold fragments which
are invisible to mold spore
sampling but can release
dangerous chemicals used
in the production of pressure
sensitive wood.
Page 97
IICRC Dust Producing Techniques


EPA offers better advice in
this regard … no dust
producing techniques.
EPA/OSHA recommend premoistening materials to keep
down the release of
hazardous dusts and to use
no dust producing techniques.
We disagree with S520 dust producing
recommendations for mold remediation.
Page 98
IICRC Containments




IICRC S520 recommends that
containments be monitored to
make sure they have a negative pressure of at least ≥ 5 Pa.
(This is the same specification
for a mold containment as for
Asbestos work.)
The IICRC containment
pressure must be monitored
by an IEP just as in Asbestos work
This is overkill for most mold work.
Page 99
IICRC Biocide Use




IICRC S520 has an over
emphasis on using biocides
in mold work.
No doubt they are important
in S500 when dealing with
black water clean up.
But biocides that keep on
killing should not be used for
mold work.
Remove the mold. Make sure
the moisture source is fixed.
Biocides not needed.
Page 100
IICRC AC Ducting Remediation


Unlike the EPA, IICRC does
not make it clear that
biocides should not be used
to remediate AC and nonmetallic ducting surfaces.
There are NO biocides that
keep on killing approved by
the EPA for such use.
We disagree with the use of biocides on
fiberglass lined AC lining, ducting and
plenums.
Page 101
S-520: Many Conflicts
with EPA/OSHA
S520 (2008) appears (at least to us) to have many
conflicts with established government standards
including both EPA/OSHA and New York City.
In the next section we look at actual excerpts from the
S520 manual. The reader can judge for themselves
as to problems or not with S520.
Again note that S520 (2008) has been withdrawn by
IICRC as a standard. So no doubt others beside this
course author have found issues with S520.
Nevertheless S520 even though withdrawn is the most
widely referenced standard in Mold Remediation
proposals so we study it.
Page 102
Example Excerpts
from IICRC S520
Mold Remediation
Procedures
Page 103
IICRC Conditions
Comment



Says: “when conditions 1,2,3 cannot be determined
by the remediator.”
But this is silly advice as remediators may never
make such determinations as evaluating Conditions
requires testing.
Catch 22, you cannot tell if Condition 1, 2, or 3 exists
without first engaging an IEP to do sampling.
Page 104
IICRC Reject Size Indicators
Comment


Per S520, contrary to EPA/OSHA and NYC guidelines,
the size of the mold problem should not determine the
type of remediation response.
Per IICRC S520 the action plan for mold remediation is
based on responding to Conditions 1, 2, 3.
Page 105
IICRC Contradiction
Comment

Yet, here S520 uses the term “moderate” levels of fungal
growth that is not defined anywhere in S520 to determine
the type of containment to be set up. Complete
contradiction to the previous page.
Page 106
IICRC Containment Set Up
Comment


Hidden mold inside of a wall does not affect the
Condition of the room as home owners clean / vacuum.
The size, type and duration of water damage are better
indicators as to the extent and location of containment.
Page 107
HEPA VAC Overkill for Mold

Comment
A Shop-Vac with a drywall filter bag
works well and costs a fraction of
what a true HEPA-VAC costs to buy
and maintain.
Page 108
IICRC Demolition
Comment


IICRC S520 recommends dust producing cleaning
methods “wire brushing” and “sanding”. Mold microfragments produced by sanding and brushing are too
small to be detected by air and surface sampling.
Not appropriate for “Green” procedures.
Page 109
IICRC AC Cleaning
Comment


Silly advice to replace coils and blower if dirty. Coils and
blowers can be removed from the AC unit and always
cleaned no matter how dirty.
Once cleaned they are hosed off so that no chemical
residue remains.
Page 110
IICRC Condition 2
Comment


Bad advice. Condition 2 means settled spores on it.
These are always restorable as explained by EPA/OSHA
guidelines.
Page 111
IICRC Condition 2
Comment

Abrasive blast cleaning to remove settled spores?
Absurd. No wonder S520 has been withdrawn by IICRC
as a standard. So many mistakes.
Page 112
IICRC Condition 2
Comment


Condition 2 (settled spores) on clothing is always
restorable as per EPA/OSHA guidelines.
More bad advice.
Page 113
IICRC Abrasive Remediation
Comment


Dust producing remediation techniques such as using orbital
sanders to sand wood can produce toxic dusts from
chemicals in wood and will always spread mold microparticles invisible to mold sampling.
HEPA Vac’s connected to orbital sanders do not capture all
dusts and rapidly clog expensive HEPA filters resulting in the
HEPA Vac’s being disconnected due to cost issues.
Page 114
IICRC Chemical Use
Comment


Chemicals that leave a residue that keep on killing are
not “useful and complementary tools” in mold work.
They are not necessary. Control the moisture and you
keep mold from returning. Chemicals not required.
Page 115
IICRC Chemical Use
Comment


Again, always avoid using biocides and anti-microbials
in post remediation application.
Controlling moisture is the key to keeping mold from
returning. Not chemicals.
Page 116
IICRC Conditions 3 S520 Page 162
Comment on Semi-Porous


The focus is on abrasive methods for cleaning concrete and
concrete block. Whoever heard of sanding or blasting concrete
block to clean mold from the surface? Mold is not growing on the
concrete which is not a food source for mold but on dirt or dust
adhering to the concrete surface.
So many mistakes and errors in S520.
Page 117
IICRC Containment Maintenance
Comment


On the contrary, except for the very rare complex mold jobs
that require full containments, a limited containment can be set
up and taken down in one day.
Bringing in an IEP to test for fungal ecology; wait for lab
results; and then get the okay for the containment to be
removed makes no sense in the real world of typical mold jobs.
Sure, can make sense for larger jobs.
Page 118
IICRC Containment Neg Pressure
Comment


Here S520 states than an even higher negative pressure for
a mold containment than asbestos may be “necessary in
some cases”.
This makes no sense. A mold containment is completely
different from an asbestos containment. Continued …
Page 119
Comment Continued




A mold containment is completely different from an asbestos
containment. Asbestos dusts are not exhausted outside but
must be filtered inside the containment.
Zero asbestos is allowed to be released from the
containment. Strict containment pressures and monitoring
are critical for asbestos work.
Mold dusts are exhausted outside and are controlled by the
speed of the air flow into and out of the containment and
not the air pressure.
And mold spores are part of the environment. You don’t care
if a mold spore or two escapes from a mold containment to
be later cleaned up during post remediation cleaning.
Page 120
Comment Continued





Applying rules to mold work that make sense only for
asbestos remediation is not being prudent.
It is ripping off the customer who must pay for such
unnecessary and useless procedures.
Or it is causing the mold remediator to lose jobs because
they are being non-competitive.
Again, S520 has been withdrawn by IICRC but is still the
basis of many or most mold remediation protocols in Florida.
This makes no sense at all.
Page 121
IICRC HEPA Vacs
Comment


S520 does not allow remediators to use Shop-Vacs equipped with
drywall dust bags filters. Only very expensive Hepa Vacs may be
used in mold work.
So long as the work area and surroundings are tested clear
(normal fungal ecology) in post remediation verification why
restrict the use of Shop-Vacs? Makes no sense. Continued …
Page 122
IICRC HEPA Vacs
Comment Continued



Not allowing the use of Shop Vac’s with drywall filters for
mold remediation and only permitting HEPA Vacs which cost
10x to buy and 50x to use versus Shop Vacs with drywall
filters is again a hold over from asbestos.
Overkill is not being prudent. Mold remediation is not the
same as asbestos remediation.
Why burden the consumer with unnecessary costs that have
no benefits in terms of overall job quality? Makes no sense.
Page 123
IICRC Misting
Comment


Contrary to NYC and EPA guidelines that recommend misting
(and recommend avoiding dust producing techniques), S520
states misting is controversial.
S520 should note all cases when they contradict existing
EPA/OSHA standards .
Page 124
IICRC Responsibility
Comment



In S520, the remediator is not responsible for making sure there
is no water intrusion before performing remediation work.
This is clearly a mistake. For example, often mold work is the
result of old or inadequate window caulking. No “building
envelope expert” is going to be called in. The mold remediator
should have the knowledge to address such issues.
That’s why FL Mold Law requires mold contractors to have
knowledge of water & moisture intrusion.
Page 125
S-520: Many Conflicts
with EPA/OSHA
We see that S520 is commonly referenced in many if not most
mold assessor recommended mold protocols as well as in
mold remediator’s quotes for mold work.
Yet S520 (2008) has been withdrawn as a standard.
As shown in this section, S520 (2008) has many mistakes and
inconsistencies and clearly should be replaced.
So why recommend that S520 be the basis of mold work?
Makes no sense to do so as far as we can see!
Page 126
Green (Chemical-Free)
Remediation Practices
Page 127
Chemical-Free Mold Remediation

Professional mold training
is often sponsored by
chemical companies and
there is little to no focus
on green/ chemical-free
approaches to mold
removal.
Aspergillus Niger
Page 128
Mold Remediation


Additionally, most problem
buildings have mold in the
AC and ducting.
Identifying and correcting
mold problems in the AC
and ducting are either not
covered in professional
mold training courses or
the focus of training is to
spray chemicals that keep
on killing into duct work.
Checking AC closet wall cavity
under air handler for mold
problems after a drain line
overflow.
Page 129
You Need to Know!




Regardless of whether you
have professional mold
training or this is your first
course you need to
understand the important
messages in this course
including:
How to limit construction
dusts;
How to clean without
chemical residues; and
The importance of a clean
AC, plenums and ducting.
Inspecting for mold under air
handler.
Page 130
Toxic Dust Creation


There is always the potential
for harmful dusts as a result
of mold work because there is
often extensive mold inside of
walls and behind wall paper
when only a small amount of
mold is growing on the
surface.
The physical effort of opening
the walls or removing the wall
paper can shake loose
millions of mold spores and
(toxin and/or allergen
containing) mold fragments.
Millions of mold spores being
release when removing wall paper
on moldy wall.
Page 131
Toxic Dust Creation


When opening walls avoid dust
and fragment producing
techniques such as:
– Using hammers to break
open walls
– Sanding wood
– Dry ice or baking soda
blasting
Using dust producing techniques automatically makes a
small job into a large job that
requires complex containments
and moon suits and extensive
post remediation testing.
Dust containment with plastic
barriers.
Page 132
Circular Saws vs. Hammers




Rockwell VersaCut
circular saw or similar.
Adjustable cutting depth
with easy-to-read gauge
on blade housing.
A small circular saw that
connects to your Shop
Vac is a must for anyone
serious about safely
removing drywall.
The cutting depth can be set so that you never
cut any wires or plumbing or insulation.
Adjusts easily for 1/2” or 5/8” drywall.
Page 133
Circular Saws Reduce Mold Dusts

By using a circular saw and cutting out
small pieces of drywall one piece at a time
close to the negative air intake:
– Hammers do not need to be used to break
the drywall and you reduce the spread of
construction dusts.
– For very small jobs you may not need an
actual containment if you take out only
small pieces of problem drywall one at a
time in front of the neg air intake ducting
outside.
Page 134
Toxic Dust Creation



We strongly recommend that
remediation practices that
release contaminated dusts
and mold micro-particles be
avoided. (EPA/OSHA and Not
S520)
Such dust producing activities
will cause workers to be
exposed to high levels of
contaminants.
Such dust producing activities
also will leave the remediation
work site contaminated with
toxins and allergens that will
then be difficult to clean.
Double bagging is often an over
kill for mold related contamination
Page 135
Containments
Remediation work must always be
performed with the health and safety of
workers & occupants in mind.
In order to protect workers and occupants
during drywall demolition or cabinet
removal which always generates large
amounts of (contaminated)
construction dusts, one must build
“containments”… which means putting
up plastic barriers under neg air to
isolate the work area.
Simple Containment: Plastic
sheeting attached to spring
loaded polls to isolate the
work area.
And one should remove drywall using
techniques that minimize dust
production.
Page 136
Other Contaminants
Mold growth as a result of water damage is one
potential hazard involved in mold remediation.
Other contaminants/ hazards that may result
from water damage which workers and
occupants need to be protected from include:
Antimicrobials & biocides used in the water
damage cleanup, along with contaminated
construction dusts, bacteria, viruses, insects
and dust mites.
These non-spore contaminants in toxic dusts are
invisible to post remediation spore sampling.
When you protect against the spread of these
hazards you also protect against cross
contamination from mold… and vice versa.
Wall destroyed by mold
because window caulking
was not refreshed every
year.
Page 137
Before Remediation Starts





Make sure that the moisture or water problem is
fixed.
Make sure that the actual indoor air quality
(occupant complaints or odor) problem is not due
to dirty AC and/or ducting before focusing on
hidden mold in walls or ceilings.
Make sure that good remediation practices will be
used to avoid the creation of toxic and/or allergenic
construction dusts.
That procedures will not cross contaminate the AC
and ducting.
(Follow EPA/OSHA recommendations and not
S520).
Page 138
Before Remediation Starts


Do not use harmful chemicals that leave residues
that keep on killing. If the moisture/ water source
is eliminated, mold will not come back and the post
remediation application of chemicals is not
required.
Make sure that procedures are in place to clean the
site of ALL contaminants including non-mold
contaminants.
When remediation is done right … the post
remediation verification is fairly straight forward.
Page 139
Avoid Harmful Chemicals




Again … make sure before remediation
starts that harmful chemicals will not be used.
Mold contractors always state they use only
EPA approved chemicals. But these chemicals
are generally not approved for use in home
kitchens or food prep areas. Only use EPA
approved cleaners for household use that you
can find in a grocery store.
Commercial biocides leave a residue which is
NOT DETECTED by post-remediation testing.
Once a biocide has been used it is very difficult
to 100% remove.
Page 140
Avoid Harmful Chemicals

Use only cleaners EPA
approved for household use
– At the concentrations
recommended on the label.
– For use recommended on the
label (Kitchens and Food
Surfaces?)
– For surfaces recommended on
the label (Hard surfaces?
Fabrics?)
– Applied by methods
recommended on the label
(Spray? Fog?)
EPA approved for
household used.
Page 141
Post-Remediation Cleaning

When remediation is done right
… the post remediation cleaning
is straight forward.
– Clean the floors of dust. No
sweeping … use mops or Swiffer or
Shop Vac with High Efficiency Filter
Bag. See pix on right.
– Clean dust from overhead fan
blades.
– Clean dust from fabric furniture by
vacuuming with Shop Vac equipped
with High Efficiency (Drywall) Filter
Bag and floor brush accessory. See
pix on right.
Page 142
Post-Remediation Cleaning

When remediation is done right … the post
remediation cleaning is straight forward.
– Clean dust from hard surface furniture by wiping
clean with rags sprayed with dust magnet or damp
wiping.
– Check floors and content for dust with white glove/
black glove.
– Air scrub 48 hours while running AC with new air
filter. (Put correct size Merv 11 rated air filter in AC
and turn FAN=ON.)
– Follow by post remediation air sampling.
Page 143
Air Scrubbing Work Area


If the settled dust has been
removed because you have
carefully cleaned, then air
scrubbing can be very quick
and efficient.
If there is settled dust you
will never be able to quickly
clean the rooms with air
scrubbers because the
contaminated dust in the air
is constantly being
replenished from settled
dust.
Supply register before cleaning.
After cleaning and sealing.
Page 144
EPA Common Sense Approach
• Much of the professional mold industry has rejected
the common sense approach to mold removal
recommended by the US EPA and OSHA in favor of
IICRC S520.
• S520 based procedures are
overly complex and costly
procedures and more often
than not, result in lower quality
work than the simpler EPA/
OSHA procedures.
• Nor has the professional mold
Mold behind kitchen cabinets
associations placed adequate
from leak in exterior wall.
focus on chemical-free, green
techniques.
Page 145
IICRC Many Standards



At IICRC there are standards and certifications for
carpet and wood cleaning; for water mitigation; and
for mold remediation among others.
Each group has their own turf and even though you
cannot properly separate mold from water damage
IICRC has attempted to do so.
The result is a mold remediation standard that is
far inferior to the EPA/OSHA and NYC guidelines
that S520 was meant to replace.
Page 146
No IEP Standard



IICRC membership includes a significant contingent
of Indoor Environmental Professionals (IEP) for
which there is no IICRC training or certification
program.
There is no IEP training and certification program:
– Because S520 has defined Mold Assessment in
such a way as to be impossible to properly
perform and;
– Because with no IEP Certification and Training
program the developers of S520 which were
mostly IEPs limit competition.
Sad but true!
Page 147
Not For Florida Mold Professionals
The IICRC has developed S520 Mold
Remediation Standard that rejects
EPA/OSHA recommendations because it was
what made sense for their members NOT
because it makes sense for the consumer or
for Florida Mold Professionals.
S520 has been withdrawn by IICRC as a
standard so even if you do not agree with
this course’s criticism of S520 it should not
be referenced for mold work as it is not an
Active Standard.
Page 148
Review Questions
1. Mold remediation professionals are not generally well trained in which two areas.
a. Chemical free techniques
b. Dealing with mold in AC’s
c. Removing moldy drywall.
2. When opening walls or ceilings avoid the following dust producing techniques. (Pick
all).
a. Using hammers.
b. Sanding
c. Dry ice blasting.
d. Baking soda blasting
e. All of the above.
3. Setting up containments…
a. Is hard to do and rarely worth the effort.
b. Is easy to do with spring loaded polls and reduces overall cost by reducing the
spread of mold and hence reducing the time and cost of cleaning.
Page 149
Review Questions
4.
EPA containments are based on what criteria?
a. The results of air sampling.
b. The results of lift tape sampling.
c. The actual physical size of mold in square feet of surface area.
d. Dust (surface) sampling
5.
What can be said about cleaning?
a. Best to clean and then spray what cannot be fully cleaned with biocide.
b. Cleaning all settled dusts removes not only mold spores but other
contaminants.
6.
Rules for disinfectant/ cleaner use. (Choose all.)
a. EPA approved for household use.
b. At the concentrations listed on the label.
c. For areas specified on the label (kitchen and food surfaces?)
d. For surfaces recommended (hard surfaces, fabrics.)
e. Applied by methods approved on label (fog, spray?)
Page 150
Review Questions
7.
Avoid dust producing techniques. Use the following approach.
a. Hammers
b. Sanding
c. Carefully cutting drywall with circular saws or drywall knives.
8. IICRC Normal Fungal Ecology looks at type of mold and ratio to outside. What could
affect the Fungal Ecology. Pick one or more.
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)
How clean the house is of dust on Content.
Carpets: Clean or not clean. New or old.
Quality of AC air filter used.
Windows open or not.
Near ocean or inland
9. EPA/OSHA mold assessment is to determine
a)
b)
c)
Source of moisture.
Location and size of mold problem for the purpose of selecting the type of
containment to use.
Fungal ecology. Normal, elevated spores, mold growth.
Page 151
Review Questions
10. IICRC recommends abrasive remediation for removing mold from wood and
concrete. How does this compare to EPA/OSHA?
a)
b)
EPA/OSHA does not recommend dust producing techniques.
EPA/OSHA recommends rotary sanders if hooked to HEPA VACs.
11. IICRC states “chemical products can be useful and complementary tools”.
a)
b)
Yes this is what they say, but better to eliminate moisture so mold does
not return. Better to not rely on chemicals.
Using chemicals to keep mold from returning is only for professionals.
12. IICRC Condition 2 concerning Textiles
a)
b)
c)
May or not be restorable according to IICRC S-520
According to EPA/OSHA is always restorable.
a&b
Page 152
Review Questions
13. According to EPA Mold Remediation in Schools and Commercial Buildings (MRSCB)
a)
b)
c)
d)
Once the location of the problem is determined one must determine the
extent of the problem.
Assess size of mold problem and note type of mold-damaged materials.
Plan remediation, adapt guidelines to fit situation.
Determine the fungal ecology and then build the containment to isolate
area with elevated mold spore levels.
14. Unless there is visible mold … on a wall or ceiling which often is not the
case as the home owner typically cleans surface mold to make the home
more livable while getting quotes for mold remediation work...
The extent and size of most mold problems are much more closely tied
to the size and duration of water damage than Indoor Fungal Ecology.
T or F
Page 153
Review Questions
15. Unless there is visible mold … the Indoor Fungal Ecology may not be
affected by even large amounts of mold inside of walls or ceilings
(unless there are openings in the drywall for the spores to pass
through.)
The extent and size of most mold problems are much more closely tied
to the size and duration of water damage than Indoor Fungal Ecology.
T or F
Page 154
Answers
Check your answers against the correct ones below.
1.
a, b
9.
a, b
2.
e
10. a
3.
b
11. a
4.
c
12. c
5.
b
13. a - c
6.
a – e (all)
14. a
7.
c
15. C
8.
a – e (all)
16. T
17. T
Page 155
Additional Reading



For a comprehensive
treatment of chemical free
mold remediation see:
Environmentally Friendly
Mold Remediation available
on Amazon.com
ISBN-10: 0979495660 at
Amazon.com.
Written by course author
Gary Rosen, Ph.D.
Page 156
Additional Reading



For those that would like
to read more on how mold
can affect childhood (and
adult) health, learning &
behavior see When
Traditional Medicine Fails:
Your Guide to Mold Toxins.
ISBN-10: 0977397165 at
Amazon.com
Written by course author
Gary Rosen
Page 157



Contractors that pass our 14 hour Mold CE
training are eligible for NAERMC (National
Association of Environmentally Responsible
Mold Contractors) certifications.
Cost is $50/year.
Our certification logos look great on your web
site or business cards!
Sign up for the NAERMC certifications to
keep these free CE training courses
coming!
Page 158
Certified Green Mold
Remediation Contractor logo.
Certified Green Indoor Air
Quality Specialist logo.
Page 159
The Exam



There are 20 questions on the EXAM. A passing
score is 70%.
There is no limit to the number of times the
EXAM can be taken.
Florida students:
– When you pass the Exam you will receive CE credit
with Mold Services.
– We provide the Dept your information electronically.
Allow 24-48 hours for processing.

Students outside of Florida:
– When you pass the Exam you are eligible for a
Certificate of Course completion for $25.00
Page 160
The Exam Registration
Important Note: The Exam is given online.
To take the Exam you will need to Register
with the online Exam software site.
Follow directions exactly in order to receive
credit for the course.
Page 161
Exam Registration (Florida)
License # here. NOT name.
Email here. NOT name.
Your Name Here!
Pick a password.

The link to the Standards of Practice Exam is:
http://quizegg.com/q/79981
Page 162
Exam Registration (Outside of Florida)
First Name here.
Email here. NOT name.
Last Name here.
Pick a password.

The link to the Standards of Practice Exam is:
http://quizegg.com/q/79981
Page 163

Mold Standards of Practice

Transcription

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