RIA IICRC S520 Mold Remediation 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: According to IICRC S520, what is the primary purpose of establishing a containment area during mold remediation?
- To speed up drying
- To prevent cross-contamination of clean areas (Correct answer)
- To reduce chemical usage
- To improve lighting for workers
Correct answer: To prevent cross-contamination of clean areas
Containment prevents mold spores and contaminated dust from spreading to unaffected areas during remediation.
Question 2: Under IICRC S520, which condition type typically warrants 'Limited Containment' using 6-mil polyethylene sheeting?
- Condition 1 areas
- Condition 2 areas under 10 sq ft
- Condition 2 or 3 areas between 10 and 100 sq ft (Correct answer)
- Any area with visible mold over 200 sq ft
Correct answer: Condition 2 or 3 areas between 10 and 100 sq ft
Limited Containment is appropriate for Condition 2 or 3 areas between 10 and 100 square feet.
Question 3: Which respirator is the MINIMUM level of protection recommended by IICRC S520 when working in Condition 3 environments?
- N95 disposable respirator
- Half-face air-purifying respirator with P100 filters (Correct answer)
- Surgical mask
- Positive pressure supplied air respirator
Correct answer: Half-face air-purifying respirator with P100 filters
A half-face air-purifying respirator with P100 particulate filters is the minimum for Condition 3 remediation work.
Question 4: What does IICRC S520 define as 'Condition 1' in a building environment?
- Visible mold growth present
- Normal fungal ecology with no visible mold or malodor (Correct answer)
- Settled mold spores from an adjacent area
- Active water intrusion in progress
Correct answer: Normal fungal ecology with no visible mold or malodor
Condition 1 is a normal fungal ecology where no visible mold growth or malodor is present.
Question 5: According to IICRC S520, post-remediation verification (PRV) should confirm that the remediated area has achieved what status?
- Zero mold spores detected
- Condition 1 or better (Correct answer)
- Condition 2 or better
- The same condition as neighboring clean rooms
Correct answer: Condition 1 or better
PRV must confirm the area has been returned to Condition 1 — normal fungal ecology.
Question 6: Which type of HEPA-filtered equipment is used during mold remediation to create negative air pressure inside the containment zone?
- Positive air machine
- Air scrubber / negative air machine (Correct answer)
- Dehumidifier
- Ozone generator
Correct answer: Air scrubber / negative air machine
A HEPA-filtered negative air machine (air scrubber) exhausts air outside containment, maintaining negative pressure to prevent outward spore migration.
Question 7: IICRC S520 states that porous materials with heavy mold growth (Condition 3) should generally be:
- Cleaned with bleach and dried in place
- Encapsulated with antimicrobial paint
- Removed and properly discarded (Correct answer)
- Left in place and monitored quarterly
Correct answer: Removed and properly discarded
Heavily contaminated porous materials that cannot be effectively cleaned should be removed and discarded according to S520.
RIA IICRC S520 Mold Remediation 2
According to IICRC S520, what is the primary purpose of establishing a containment area during mold remediation?