CPR Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield CPR facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. Under the IICRC S500, which combination correctly describes a sewage backup that has saturated hardwood floors throughout the affected area? → Category 3, Class 4
2. Which OSHA standard governs respiratory protection programs for restoration workers? → 29 CFR 1910.134
3. What condition must be achieved in a restoration facility before returning cleaned textiles and documents to a previously mold-affected structure? → The structure must reach 50% relative humidity or below with no active mold
4. What is the purpose of a 'softening agent' or fabric conditioner used in commercial textile restoration? → To restore suppleness and reduce static charge after cleaning
5. What is the primary spectral range (in micrometers) of thermal IR cameras used in building inspections? → 8–14 µm
6. A restorer uses a HEPA vacuum prior to applying a biocide on a mold-contaminated surface. What is the primary reason for this sequence? → To remove bulk organic material that could interfere with biocide efficacy
7. Why is it essential to follow safety procedures during contents cleaning? → To ensure the safety of workers and prevent health risks
8. How can moisture detection technology assist in structural damage restoration? → By identifying hidden moisture that could cause future damage
9. Under OSHA's respiratory protection standard, what training topic must be covered for all respirator users? → Why the respirator is necessary and its limitations
10. A property owner insists their silk Persian rug was unaffected by fire and only needs 'a quick rinse.' What is the restorer's obligation? → Inspect, document, and advise on proper cleaning protocol, declining unsafe practices
11. Floodwater that has entered a structure from a river or storm surge, potentially containing soil contaminants and biological matter, is classified as: → Category 3
12. What is the primary goal of a Job Hazard Analysis (JHA) completed before a restoration project? → Identify and control hazards associated with specific job tasks before work begins
13. Which professional certification body specifically governs thermography certification levels (Levels I, II, III) referenced in the restoration industry? → ASNT (American Society for Nondestructive Testing)
14. When restoring smoke-damaged textiles, which step should occur BEFORE wet cleaning? → Dry soil removal by vacuuming or shaking to remove loose particulate
15. Which of the following best describes the concept of 'salvageability' as it relates to contents restoration decisions? → Whether the cost and feasibility of restoration is justified versus replacement
16. A restorer is working in an area with confirmed Stachybotrys contamination exceeding 100 sq ft. What minimum respiratory protection does IICRC S520 require? → Full-face air-purifying respirator with P100 filters
17. Which cleaning method is most appropriate for removing soot from a delicate porcelain figurine after a fire loss? → Ultrasonic cleaning
18. When documenting IR findings in a restoration report, the thermographer should ALWAYS include: → IR image paired with a corresponding visual photo and confirmatory moisture meter readings
19. Which condition MOST increases the risk of a false positive moisture reading when using an IR camera on exterior stucco walls? → Scanning after a rainstorm before the surface has dried
20. Which psychrometric property is most directly used to calculate the moisture-removal capacity of a refrigerant dehumidifier? → Grain depression (inlet vs. outlet humidity ratio)
21. Which type of fit test uses a saccharin or Bitrex solution to evaluate respirator seal on the wearer? → Qualitative fit test (QLFT)
22. Which chemical classification describes cleaning agents that have a pH above 7 and are effective at breaking down greasy soot deposits? → Alkaline cleaners
23. Which respirator class provides the highest level of protection against airborne contaminants in restoration environments? → Supplied-air respirator (SCBA) in pressure-demand mode
24. Which of the following best describes 'equilibrium moisture content' (EMC) in the context of water damage restoration? → The moisture level at which a material neither gains nor loses moisture to its environment
25. A desiccant dehumidifier is preferred over a refrigerant dehumidifier when ambient temperatures are: → Below 45°F
26. Which EPA regulation governs the disposal of renovation waste containing lead-based paint from pre-1978 housing? → RCRA Subtitle D (solid waste rules) supplemented by the RRP Rule
27. In psychrometrics, 'enthalpy' refers to: → The total heat content (sensible + latent) of moist air
28. An anemometer is used in restoration to: → Measure airflow velocity (FPM or MPH) to verify air mover performance and HVAC duct output
29. When assessing a fire-damaged wood-frame structure, which condition indicates that a structural member must be replaced rather than repaired? → Char depth exceeding 40% of the member's cross-section
30. On a psychrometric chart, what does the curved line on the far left represent? → The saturation curve (100% RH)