CMA Equipment & Tools Flashcards
6 cards from real CMA practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 6 CMA Equipment & Tools flashcards as text
What does a relative humidity and temperature datalogger provide that a single-point hygrometer reading cannot?
Answer: A continuous record of conditions over time, revealing humidity fluctuations and peak levels
Dataloggers record temperature and RH at set intervals over hours or days, capturing daily fluctuations and peak conditions that a one-time snapshot measurement would miss.
What is the primary safety concern associated with using an ozone generator during mold treatment, and how does this affect an assessor's protocol?
Answer: High ozone concentrations are harmful to humans; assessors should not enter ozone-treated spaces until fully ventilated
Ozone is a lung irritant at the concentrations used for mold treatment; spaces must be completely ventilated back to safe levels (≤0.1 ppm) before re-entry, which assessors must verify before conducting post-treatment inspections.
What type of respiratory protection is the minimum recommended for a mold assessor entering a space with extensive (>100 sq ft) visible mold growth?
Answer: Half-face respirator with N95 or P100 particulate filter cartridges
IICRC S520 and EPA guidance recommend at minimum a half-face air-purifying respirator with P100 particulate filters for assessors entering areas with extensive mold growth.
What is the correct procedure for decontaminating reusable sampling equipment (e.g., forceps, spatulas) between samples?
Answer: Clean with 70% isopropyl alcohol or 10% bleach solution and allow to dry between samples
Reusable sampling tools must be decontaminated with 70% isopropyl alcohol or a 10% bleach solution between samples to prevent cross-contamination of results.
What is a 'field blank' sample, and why is it used in mold air sampling quality control?
Answer: A blank cassette shipped to the lab without air being drawn through it, to detect laboratory contamination or handling contamination
A field blank is an unopened cassette that travels to the site and back to the lab without air being drawn through it; if the lab finds spores on it, the results indicate handling or transport contamination.
What is the recommended approach when a moisture meter reading on drywall is in the 'wet' range but no visible mold or staining is apparent?
Answer: Investigate further with invasive exploration (probe holes, borescope) to determine if concealed mold or moisture damage is present
Elevated moisture readings without visible surface mold indicate potential concealed mold growth or active moisture intrusion that warrants further invasive investigation before conclusions are drawn.