Remediation
Respirators and protective gear for mold work
In plain English
OSHA requires employers to provide the protective equipment a job calls for, and R520 explains what that means for mold. Respirators are worn whenever ventilation and work practices cannot keep the air clean, which in practice covers most removal work. Any employee required to wear one must be covered by a written respiratory protection program. Options range from N-95 filtering facepieces to half- and full-face respirators, powered air-purifying respirators, and supplied air, each with an OSHA assigned protection factor.
For mold, particulate filters rated HEPA (N100, R100 or P100, magenta cartridges) capture spores and fragments. Organic vapor cartridges add protection against musty-smelling compounds and some cleaning chemicals. Air-purifying respirators must not be used where oxygen is low, such as around dry ice blasting in a tight crawlspace. Other gear includes disposable coveralls with hood and booties, gloves, eye protection, boots, hard hats and hearing protection where needed.
R520 also describes how to exit. Outer suits are vacuumed or removed in the first chamber. Respirators are wiped and taken off last, in the second chamber. Workers wash face and hands after leaving the work area. Visitors without training should be kept out, or at least given protection. If two layers of coveralls are worn, the inner suit can be reused only if it is undamaged. Before entering, each worker checks that the respirator is working, and anyone entering a crawlspace or other confined space may need extra measures.
Key points
- Respirators are needed whenever controls cannot keep air clean.
- A written respiratory protection program is required for wearers.
- Use HEPA (P100/N100) filters; add organic vapor cartridges when chemicals are present.
- Never use air-purifying respirators in oxygen-deficient air.
- Remove the respirator last; wash up after leaving containment.
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. 6, pp. 72–75. Best practice
- IICRC S520 Reference Guide, IICRC S520 Standard and Reference Guide for Professional Mold Remediation — Reference Guide — Ch. 11, p. 120. Best practice
- IICRC S520 Reference Guide, IICRC S520 Standard and Reference Guide for Professional Mold Remediation — Reference Guide — Ch. 11, p. 125. Best practice
- IICRC S520 Reference Guide, IICRC S520 Standard and Reference Guide for Professional Mold Remediation — Reference Guide — Ch. 6, p. 77. Best practice