The remediator's inspection and preliminary determination

In plain English

In R520, a mold job starts with an inspection: gathering facts and walking the property for moisture and possible mold. Background includes what prompted the call, recent leaks, building age, materials, maintenance history and past repairs. On site the inspector looks for stains, condensation, odors, HVAC problems, structural damage and earlier remodeling. Because mold follows water, tracing the water's path is the best way to predict hidden growth.

From this the remediator forms a preliminary determination. It records the known or likely growth and moisture areas, and whether an IEP or another specialist is needed. Factors include how much growth is visible and where, the cause, how long it has been wet, how the building is used, who lives there, and any known or suspected hidden growth. R520 says the remediator should bring in, or recommend, an IEP when the Conditions cannot be determined or when health problems seem related.

The inspection must also identify regulated hazards such as asbestos or lead paint, which are more likely in buildings from before the mid-1980s. R520 stresses that this inspection is not an exposure or health assessment. Texas note: in Texas, the assessment and the written remediation protocol for a regulated project must come from a licensed Mold Assessment Consultant, not from the remediation company.

Key points

• Collect building history and the reason for the call first.
• Follow the water path to predict hidden mold.
• Check for asbestos and lead before anything is disturbed.
• Bring in an IEP when Conditions are unclear or health issues appear.
• The remediator's inspection is not a health or exposure assessment.

Official text

This topic is covered in our own words because the standard behind it is copyrighted; we cite it below rather than reproduce it.

Citations

• IICRC S520 Reference Guide, IICRC S520 Standard and Reference Guide for Professional Mold Remediation — Reference Guide — Ch. 8, pp. 93–99. Best practice

Related topics