Did You Find Mold? STOP
When a preliminary determination indicates that mold contamination exists or is likely to exist, an assessment should be performed prior to starting remediation. An independent IEP who has no business affiliation with the remediator should be used for this purpose. Core24 Services will only recommend companies who recognize our industry standards.
If the IEP conducting any activity such as assessment or post-remediation verification is not independent from the remediator, they should disclose in writing to the client that they are deviating from the Standard.
ANSI/IICRC S520 – Mold Remediation – Third Edition: 2015
Section 15: Post-Remediation Verification
A Few Things To Know When Dealing With The Presents of Mold and Mold Removal
1. INITIAL CONTACT – should be made when mold contamination is found, a moisture inspection should be conducted as soon as possible. Normally done by a 3rd party IEP (Indoor Environmental Professional) or IH (Industrial Hygienist)
2. INSPECTION PROCESS – can require a multi-disciplined approach involving specialized experts from different fields. It also may include but not necessarily limited to gathering information for moisture problems and potential mold contamination.
3. WORK PLANS & PROTOCOLS – performed by the contractor and IEP provide the basis for developing plans for containment, hazardous or regulated materials, safety, and health provisions, contaminated material removal and handling; and etc.
4. POST REMEDIATION EVALUATION – should be conducted by remediators to evaluate whether or not remediation has been completed. This evaluation involves implementing internal quality control procedures.
5. POST REMEDIATION VERIFICATION – should be performed by an independent IEP. If the IEP conducting any activity such as assessment or post-remediation verification is not independent from the remediator, they should disclose in writing to the a client that they are deviating from the Standard.
Understanding Safety and Health During Mold Removal
When determined that an indoor environment is contaminated with mold, remediation employees shall be protected from exposure. Having engineering controls, administrative controls, and safe work practices in place are the primary means for preventing exposure.
During mold remediation, appropriate respiratory protection or other personal protective equipment (PPE) shall be used in conjunction with engineering controls to protect workers when engineering controls are insufficient, as indicated in 29 CFR 1910.134(a)(1). Reasonable efforts should be made to inform occupants of and protect them from similar exposure as a result of investigation and mold remediation activities.
Document Conditions and Work Process On A Mold Remediation Job
In circumstances where an entire building or system is fully affected as a result of Condition 3 mold contamination or when the scope of work can be determined without sampling or independent IEP inspection and assessment, engagement of an IEP for assessment may not be necessary. Furthermore, some mitigation services may be initiated before or during assessment of conditions or performance of remediation processes.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, if health issues are discovered or apparent that seem to be related to the actual or suspected mold contamination, an IEP or other appropriate professional should be engaged by the property owner and the extent and Condition (1, 2 or 3) to which areas of the structure, systems and contents are potentially mold-contaminated should be assessed, documented, and reported to the client. To avoid all conflict of interest during mold remediation, the home or business owner should always have a 3rd party non-biased IEP involved in the process. Having this documented by a 3rd party IEP is the best way to protect all parties involved.
Controlling Contamination When Conducting Mold Remediation
The spread of mold contamination should be controlled as close as practical to its source. Methods of controlling the spread of contamination can be by use of containment and air filtration.
Mold Contamination Removal
Physically removing the mold contamination is the primary means of remediation. Mold contamination should be physically removed from the structure, systems, and contents to return them to Condition 1. Attempts to kill, encapsulate or inhibit mold instead of proper source removal generally are not adequate.
Remediated structures, systems, and contents can be considered clean (post-remediation evaluation) when contamination, unrestorable contaminated materials, and debris have been removed, and surfaces are visibly free of dust. The term “visibly” can include direct and indirect observation (e.g., using a white or black towel to wipe a surface to observe for cleanliness). Also, remediated areas should be free of malodors associated with microorganisms. At that point, it is probable that the structure, systems, and contents have been returned to Condition 1. After a post-remediation evaluation, the remediated structures, systems, and contents are ready for post-remediation verification. When verification that the structure, systems, and contents have been returned to Condition 1 and when it is requested or required, a post-remediation verification should be performed by an independent IEP.