Actionable made best efforts to interpret the ANSI/IICRC S520 (4th Edition-2024) Standard for Professional Mold Remediation - Section 9.3.3 Containment Set-up.
Irrespective of the water class or water category, Section 9.3.3 recommends that restorers maintain a minimum of 4 air changes per hour (ACH). The mathematics embedded with these rules leverage formulas that are approximations and not a determination of the actual project needs. The actual project needs are determined by the restorer upon consideration of the relevant factors associated with the given project in accordance with the guidance outlined within the S520.
ANSI/IICRC S520 Standard for Professional Mold Remediation:
This edition of ANSI/IICRC S520 Standard for Professional Mold Remediation (the “Standard” or the “S520”), as published by the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC), is intended to provide information about the remediation of mold-contaminated structures, systems, and contents and to assist individuals and entities working in the mold remediation industry in establishing and maintaining their professional competence. Users of the S520 must keep abreast of developments in the field of mold remediation, implement changes in technology and procedures as appropriate, and follow applicable federal, state, provincial, and local laws, and regulations.
Furthermore, the Standard is not intended to be either exhaustive or inclusive of all pertinent requirements, methods, or procedures that might be appropriate on a particular mold remediation project. The information upon which the S520 is based is subject to change, which may invalidate any or all of the information contained in the Standard. Therefore, remediators must use their professional judgment throughout each and every project, as a project may have unique circumstances that require a deviation from the S520.
Prior to deviation from the standard of care (i.e., “shall” or “should”), as outlined in the Standard, the remediator should document the circumstances that led to such a decision, notify the materially interested parties, and in the absence of a timely objection, document the communication before proceeding.
The IICRC Does Not Independently Verify Information Contained in the S520
The Standard was developed through a consensus standard development process, which brought together volunteers representing varied viewpoints and interests to achieve consensus on mold remediation issues. While the IICRC administers the process and establishes policies, procedures, and guidelines to promote fairness in the development of consensus, the IICRC does not independently test, evaluate, or verify the accuracy of any information or the soundness of any judgments contained in the S520
The IICRC Expressly Disclaims Any Liability Associated with Use of the S520
The IICRC, and all S520 consensus body members, contributors, and editorial consultants (collectively the “IICRC”) expressly disclaim, and shall not be liable for any and all damages of any nature whatsoever, whether direct or indirect, arising from or relating to the publication, use of or reliance on the information contained in the Standard, including without limitation, any and all special, incidental, compensatory, consequential, punitive, or other damages (including, but not limited to, damages for personal injury or bodily injury, property damage, loss of business, loss of profits, or litigation expenses), whether based upon breach of contract, breach of warranty, tort (including intentional acts, negligence or gross negligence), product liability, or otherwise, even if advised of the possibility of such damages.
The foregoing disclaimer of liability is a fundamental condition for the use of the S520, and the Standard would not be published without such limitations.
The IICRC Disclaims All Express or Implied Warranties Associated with the S520
While the information contained in the S520 is provided in good faith, the IICRC makes no representations, warranties, or guarantees as to the accuracy or completeness of any information contained in the Standard, or that the S520 will result in compliance with any applicable laws, rules, or regulations, or in the safe, satisfactory, or complete performance of a mold remediation project.
ALL WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, ARE DISCLAIMED, INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION, ANY AND ALL WARRANTIES CONCERNING THE ACCURACY OR COMPLETENESS OF THE INFORMATION IN THE STANDARD, ITS FITNESS OR APPROPRIATENESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE OR USE, ITS MERCHANTABILITY, ITS NON-INFRINGEMENT OF ANY INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS, OR ANY OTHER MATTER.