Remediation
Contents: deciding what to restore, dispose of or preserve
In plain English
Contents are sorted by what they are made of and what Condition they are in. Porous items such as clothing, upholstery and mattresses soak up moisture and support growth. Semi-porous items such as unfinished wood absorb more slowly. Non-porous items such as finished wood, glass, metal and plastic do not absorb. R520's matrix: items in Condition 2 of any type can usually be restored. Condition 3 non-porous items can be restored. Condition 3 semi-porous items are generally disposed of. Condition 3 porous items are disposed of unless irreplaceable, in which case they may be preserved without reaching Condition 1.
Restorability also depends on cost versus replacement value and on other value, whether sentimental, legal, artistic or historical. Owners and other interested parties should share in the decision, and disposal should be authorized in writing. Before anything is moved, the remediator inspects, photographs and inventories each item with its description, quantity, Condition, location and an inventory number, and the customer signs off on the list.
Contents can be cleaned on site or at a plant. On-site cleaning keeps items under the owner's control and avoids moving costs. Plant cleaning lets the structure work start sooner and uses better equipment, but the remediator then takes responsibility for the items. Cleaned items are stored apart from dirty ones and do not go back until both they and the house are at Condition 1.
Key points
- Porous, semi-porous and non-porous items are handled differently.
- Most Condition 2 items can be cleaned and returned.
- Condition 3 porous items are usually discarded unless irreplaceable.
- Inventory and photograph everything; get written approval before disposal.
- Keep cleaned items separate until the house is also at Condition 1.
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. 13, pp. 135–139. Best practice