Remediation
Source, local and full containment
In plain English
Containment separates the work area from the rest of the building so spores and dust released during removal stay put. R520 describes a range. Source containment covers or wraps the moldy material itself, such as taping plastic over a stained section of drywall or bagging a moldy item; it suits small, visible patches where no hidden growth is expected. Local or mini containment builds a small plastic enclosure around a moderate area. Full containment encloses a larger work zone with critical barriers.
Barriers are usually 6-mil polyethylene on a frame of PVC, wood or spring-loaded poles. Vents, openings and fixtures inside the area are sealed. Decontamination chambers with flap doors give workers a place to remove outer gear and wipe down bagged debris. R520 notes that showers, used in asbestos work, have no proven benefit for mold. The containment should be large enough to work in, but not so big that cleanup grows needlessly.
R520 says nothing contaminated should be disturbed until containment and negative air are up and tested. Containment stays until cleaning, the remediator's own evaluation and any independent verification are complete. Work stops if a barrier fails. Texas note: for regulated projects, the licensed assessor's protocol sets the containment, and Texas rules set minimums of their own.
Key points
- Source containment is for small, visible areas with no suspected hidden growth.
- Use 6-mil polyethylene; seal vents and openings inside the work area.
- Decontamination chambers control what leaves the work area.
- Do not start removal until containment and negative air are working.
- Keep containment up until cleaning and clearance are complete.
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. 11, pp. 110–112. Best practice
- IICRC S520 Reference Guide, IICRC S520 Standard and Reference Guide for Professional Mold Remediation — Reference Guide — Ch. 11, pp. 119–120. Best practice
- IICRC S520 Reference Guide, IICRC S520 Standard and Reference Guide for Professional Mold Remediation — Reference Guide — Ch. 5, p. 55. Best practice
- IICRC S520 Reference Guide, IICRC S520 Standard and Reference Guide for Professional Mold Remediation — Reference Guide — Ch. 11, p. 126. Best practice