Page 656 - 2018 National Home Improvement

2018 National Home Improvement Estimator, All Rights Reserved Page 527

[ ] Large jobs require containment made from two layers of fireretardant
poly supported on a frame made of framing lumber or
PVC pipe. The containment structure should include an egress
pathway from where work is done all the way to the building
exterior. Seal off cracks and openings, HVAC vents and
registers. Maintain negative air pressure with a HEPA scrubber
that vents to the exterior. Those working in the containment
structure will need full PPE: gloves, disposable full-body
clothing, head cover, foot cover, and a full-face respirator with
HEPA filter. Provide an airlock chamber large enough for
changing into and out of PPE. All contaminated PPE, except
respirators, should be placed in a sealed bag when leaving the
airlock. Your crew should wear respirators until outside the
airlock chamber.

Sampling and Your Protocol
Sampling isn't necessary on most jobs. But recommend sampling to the owner if:

[ ] Litigation is expected,

[ ] The source of contamination isn't clear,

[ ] Health concerns are a problem,

[ ] Cleanup is going to take more than a few days.
An industrial hygienist can collect samples and arrange for testing. The lab report will show spore count
(by fungal type) at each of the locations tested. When cleanup is done, a second sample should confirm
that spore count inside and outside the building are approximately the same. From a contractor's
perspective, the second test is proof positive that work was done correctly.

All samples should be tested under standards published by the American Industrial Hygiene
Association (AIHA) or the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH).

An industrial hygienist will also draft a protocol, the plan for remediation work. Even if the owner elects
to skip sampling, it's good practice to have a protocol for any but the most routine mold remediation
jobs. The protocol will describe the containment required, the PPE recommended, what has to be
removed, the cleaning procedure, the chemicals, and the equipment to use. In short, the protocol is to
mold remediation what plans and specs are to a home improvement job. Most construction
professionals feel comfortable following plans. You'll feel better about the job with a good written
protocol.