Job-site safety: OSHA, asbestos, lead, confined spaces

In plain English

No federal standard is written specifically for mold, but R520 points out that general OSHA rules still apply. Remediation firms work under both the general industry rules (29 CFR 1910) and the construction rules (29 CFR 1926), plus the general duty to keep the workplace free of recognized serious hazards. That brings emergency and fire plans, posted warning signs, hazard communication for every chemical used (including spray adhesives and cleaners), and sharing safety data sheets with other trades on site.

Hidden hazards often come out during demolition. R520 holds the mold contractor responsible for spotting and controlling asbestos and lead exposure even when the owner has no survey. If suspect asbestos material turns up, work stops and a qualified abatement contractor takes over. Lead paint triggers EPA's Renovation, Repair and Painting rule. Regulated materials take priority over the mold work.

Crawlspaces and attics may qualify as confined spaces, which need atmospheric monitoring and a defined entry program. R520 lists everyday containment rules: no eating, drinking or smoking inside; double gloves; a buddy system in hot or isolated spaces; prompt first aid for cuts, especially around sewage; and bagging used gear as waste.

Key points

• OSHA general industry and construction rules both apply to mold firms.
• The remediator must identify asbestos and lead before disturbing materials.
• Stop work if suspect asbestos appears; regulated materials come first.
• Lead paint work follows EPA's RRP rule.
• Treat crawlspaces and attics as possible confined spaces.

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. 70–72. Best practice
• IICRC S520 Reference Guide, IICRC S520 Standard and Reference Guide for Professional Mold Remediation — Reference Guide — Ch. 6, pp. 75–79. Best practice
• IICRC S520 Reference Guide, IICRC S520 Standard and Reference Guide for Professional Mold Remediation — Reference Guide — Ch. 8, p. 97. Best practice
• IICRC S520 Reference Guide, IICRC S520 Standard and Reference Guide for Professional Mold Remediation — Reference Guide — Ch. 11, p. 109. Best practice

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