Mold Remediation Specialist cheat sheet

Mold Remediation

• Moisture is the controlling variable: no water source, no amplification. Source correction precedes or accompanies every removal step; remediation that leaves the reservoir intact fails.

• Condition categories: Condition 1 = normal fungal ecology (settled spores, no amplification); Condition 2 = settled spores on surfaces where they are not expected to grow (indicative of indoor source); Condition 3 = actual growth or amplification. Category drives the work plan.

• Remediation sizes (per standard guidance): Level I = 10 sq ft or less; Level II = 10-100 sq ft; Level III = over 100 sq ft. Level IV adds HVAC system remediation. Higher levels require containment, PPE escalation, and often a written plan by a qualified professional.

• Porous materials with Condition 3 growth (drywall paper, carpet, carpet pad, upholstery, ceiling tile, insulation) are generally removed rather than cleaned. Semi-porous and non-porous materials may be cleaned and HEPA-vacuumed when structurally sound.

• Containment: critical barriers of 6-mil polyethylene with zipper doors or flap entries, sealed with tape; negative pressure via HEPA air scrubber sized to give roughly 4-6 air changes per hour in the contained volume; exhaust to the outdoors when feasible.

• PPE minimums: N95 or better respirator (half-face with P100 cartridges typical for larger jobs), eye protection, gloves, and disposable coveralls. Respirators require fit testing and medical clearance under OSHA respiratory protection rules.

• HEPA vacuum, damp-wipe with detergent solution, and allow full drying are the standard cleaning sequence; biocides are not required for mold cleanup and do not substitute for removing the moisture source. Killing spores does not remove allergens.

• Clearance: visual inspection plus moisture verification, and where specified, air sampling (spore trap or culturable) compared against an outdoor control. Post-remediation verification is performed after the work area is dried and cleaned, before containment comes down.

• Documentation essentials: moisture readings and maps, psychrometric logs, photos of pre-existing and post-remediation conditions, product safety data sheets, waste disposal records, and a written scope tied to the condition category and remediation level.