CMI Personal Protective Equipment for Mold Work

Question 1

According to the EPA and IICRC S520, what minimum respiratory protection is required when performing mold remediation in a Limited Remediation area (10–100 sq ft of mold)?

Accepted Answer

N95 half-face respirator at minimum

Answer

No respiratory protection is required for areas under 100 sq ft

Answer

Full-face air-purifying respirator with HEPA cartridges

Answer

Supplied-air respirator (SCBA) only

Question 2

An N95 respirator provides protection against mold spores by filtering out at least what percentage of airborne particles 0.3 microns and larger?

Accepted Answer

95%

Answer

50%

Answer

75%

Answer

99.97%

Question 3

Which level of protective suit is recommended during mold remediation work in a heavily contaminated area (>100 sq ft per IICRC S520 large remediation)?

Accepted Answer

Disposable coveralls (Tyvek or equivalent) with hood and booties

Answer

Standard work clothing with gloves only

Answer

Level A fully encapsulating chemical protective suit

Answer

Level B suit with supplied-air respirator

Question 4

Eye protection is required during mold sampling and remediation primarily to prevent:

Accepted Answer

Contact of mold spores or airborne particles with mucous membranes of the eyes

Answer

UV radiation damage from inspection lighting

Answer

Chemical splash from disinfectants used as personal hygiene only

Answer

Physical debris from power tools used during demolition

Question 5

When removing disposable PPE after leaving a mold remediation containment area, what is the correct order to minimize self-contamination?

Accepted Answer

Remove outer gloves last; remove coveralls and booties while still wearing respirator and goggles, then remove face protection outside the contaminated area

Answer

Remove gloves first, then respirator, then coveralls, then goggles

Answer

Remove respirator first to allow clear vision during suit removal

Answer

No specific order is required for disposable PPE

Question 6

Nitrile gloves are preferred over latex gloves for mold work primarily because:

Accepted Answer

Nitrile avoids latex allergy risks and provides superior chemical resistance to many disinfectants

Answer

Nitrile provides greater dexterity for sampling equipment

Answer

Latex is more expensive and harder to source

Answer

Nitrile is required by OSHA regulation 29 CFR 1910.138