GOT MOLD!?

DISASTER RESTORATION CONSULTING (DRC) has been dealing with mold since 2002. Unfortunately, many water restorers have not taken the time to receive advanced training and update or purchase equipment to be able to handle water damage according to industry standards. Therefore, a problem with fungal and bacterial amplification can result. Many times the water damage restoration contractor is blamed.

There are also many issues dealing with the construction of residential and commercial buildings that builders and others may not be aware of. Let’s just say that the research goes on in this field. Let’s concentrate on things we can do when we think we have a mold problem.

What's behind your wallpaper!?










DRC provides mold removal for homes and businesses. The IICRC S520 – ‘Standard and Reference Guide for Professional Mold Remediation’ is where the standards are taken from. The New York City Guidelines were developed in November 1993, which mainly gave some guidelines for the janitorial staff of a commercial building when they encountered varying levels or square footage of visible mold. Then in March 2001 the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released the booklet ‘Mold Remediation in Schools and Commercial Buildings.’ This is a useful tool to give people an idea of what is necessary to remove mold and maintain occupant health. Those serious about removing mold according to industry standards, however, either as a building or home owner, or as a mold remediation contractor would do well to make sure the guidelines from the S520 are followed.

The S520 (December 2003, updated 2008 and 2015) is superior for several reasons, one of which being that it recommends a third party independent professional, such as a Certified Industrial Hygienist or Indoor Environmental Professional, be hired by the commissioning agent in order to establish a scope or protocol of work necessary, including a pre and post test, to insure work done by the remediation company significantly reduced the contamination in the structure. The second edition of the S520 was approved recently for release. On August 7, 2008, the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) notified the IICRC Standards Committee of the approval of the IICRC S520 Standard and Reference Guide for Professional Mold Remediation. The S520 is the second ANSI-approved IICRC standard, along with the IICRC S500 Standard and Reference Guide for Professional Water Damage Restoration, which was published in April, 2006.

DRC conducts indoor environmental inspections for homes and businesses.

The company gives recommendations and informs the proper persons of its findings. It provides a detailed analysis and findings including a written proposal of recommendations and associated costs for work to be done. It informs the home or building owner that it will do whatever necessary to make the indoor environment healthier. In most or all cases, if the source of the moisture is not determined and fixed mold will return. Therefore, at times it may recommend another profession i.e. a water proofing company, roofer or other is called in.

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