CMA CMA Equipment & Tools 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Why must moisture meters be calibrated to the specific material being tested?
- Different materials require different battery voltages
- Moisture's electrical properties vary by material type, so species/material-specific calibration curves ensure accuracy (Correct answer)
- Calibration prevents corrosion of the metal pins
- Building codes require material-specific calibration for legal compliance
Correct answer: Moisture's electrical properties vary by material type, so species/material-specific calibration curves ensure accuracy
Electrical resistance varies by material species and density; a reading taken with a softwood calibration setting will be inaccurate when testing hardwood or drywall, leading to incorrect moisture content values.
Question 2: What type of containment equipment is used to create negative pressure during mold remediation, and how does it protect the assessor during inspection?
- HEPA air scrubbers create negative pressure; assessors use them to confirm containment integrity before sampling
- Dehumidifiers create negative pressure; assessors use them to reduce spore counts before sampling
- Negative air machines with HEPA filtration; assessors verify the containment is functional before entering (Correct answer)
- Ozone generators create negative pressure; assessors verify ozone levels before entering
Correct answer: Negative air machines with HEPA filtration; assessors verify the containment is functional before entering
Negative air machines (exhaust fans with HEPA filters) exhaust air from the containment zone, creating negative pressure that prevents spore migration; assessors verify these are running before entering active remediation zones.
Question 3: What is the primary purpose of a HEPA vacuum during mold remediation, and how is this relevant to post-remediation assessment?
- HEPA vacuums kill mold with heat; assessors test exhaust air temperature for verification
- HEPA vacuums capture particles ≥0.3 microns including mold spores; assessors verify their use as part of clearance (Correct answer)
- HEPA vacuums measure moisture content of debris; assessors record these readings
- HEPA vacuums are only used for asbestos — not relevant to mold assessment
Correct answer: HEPA vacuums capture particles ≥0.3 microns including mold spores; assessors verify their use as part of clearance
HEPA vacuums capture 99.97% of particles ≥0.3 microns including mold spores, preventing spore redistribution during cleanup; assessors confirm they were used as part of the remediation protocol verification.
Question 4: When should an assessor replace the sampling head cassette on a portable air sampling pump?
- After every 10 samples regardless of use
- Each time a new air sample is collected, to prevent cross-contamination between sample locations (Correct answer)
- Only when visible contamination is present on the cassette
- Sampling heads are reusable and never need replacement
Correct answer: Each time a new air sample is collected, to prevent cross-contamination between sample locations
Each air sample requires a new, unused cassette (spore trap or filter) to prevent cross-contamination between samples and ensure accurate results from each location.
Question 5: What is the function of a Tyvek suit (Category III Type 5/6 coverall) when worn by a mold assessor?
- To protect against chemical vapors during biocide application
- To protect the assessor's clothing and skin from mold spore contact and to prevent cross-contamination of samples (Correct answer)
- To comply with OSHA confined space entry requirements
- To provide thermal protection when working in cold spaces
Correct answer: To protect the assessor's clothing and skin from mold spore contact and to prevent cross-contamination of samples
Disposable Tyvek coveralls prevent mold spores from contaminating the assessor's skin and clothing, and prevent the assessor from inadvertently transferring spores from one area to another during inspection.
Question 6: Why is a digital camera with a built-in GPS or manual location tagging important in professional mold assessment documentation?
- GPS data is required by AIHA laboratory submission standards
- Location-tagged photos can be mapped to floor plans, eliminating ambiguity about where each photo was taken (Correct answer)
- GPS data enables satellite monitoring of mold spread between properties
- Digital cameras without GPS are prohibited under state mold licensing laws
Correct answer: Location-tagged photos can be mapped to floor plans, eliminating ambiguity about where each photo was taken
Location-tagged or properly labeled photos eliminate any ambiguity about where in the building each photo was taken, supporting accurate report documentation and legal defensibility.
CMA CMA Equipment & Tools 2
Why must moisture meters be calibrated to the specific material being tested?