Clearance & Certificates
Post-remediation evaluation and independent verification
In plain English
R520 describes two checks at the end of a job. First, the remediator performs a post-remediation evaluation as internal quality control. It includes a visual inspection, a smell check, and tools such as moisture meters and particle counters. Second, when asked for or required, an independent IEP performs post-remediation verification to confirm the area is back to Condition 1, using visual, odor, moisture and environmental sampling methods. The criteria and process should be written down.
R520's practical test for clean: the contamination and unsalvageable materials are gone, surfaces are visibly dust-free (a white or black cloth wiped across a surface counts as indirect observation), and there is no musty odor. If any of that fails, the area is cleaned again. Containment stays up until verification passes, and rebuilding, restarting systems or returning contents waits for the same result.
Texas note: in Texas, clearance on a regulated project is a post-remediation assessment by a licensed Mold Assessment Consultant who is independent of the remediator, following Texas criteria. When the project passes, a Certificate of Mold Damage Remediation is issued to the property owner. The R520 verification step lines up with this, but the Texas requirements are what count.
“surfaces are visibly free of dust”
Key points
- The remediator's own evaluation comes first, then independent verification.
- Clean means no remaining contamination, visibly dust-free surfaces and no musty odor.
- Keep containment up until verification passes.
- Do not rebuild or return contents before Condition 1 is confirmed.
- In Texas, clearance is done by a licensed assessor and leads to a certificate.
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. 1, pp. 10–11. Best practice
- IICRC S520 Reference Guide, IICRC S520 Standard and Reference Guide for Professional Mold Remediation — Reference Guide — Ch. 11, pp. 125–126. Best practice
- IICRC S520 Reference Guide, IICRC S520 Standard and Reference Guide for Professional Mold Remediation — Reference Guide — Ch. 13, p. 150. Best practice