Issue link: http://iaqnet.uberflip.com/i/637188
Final Guidelines for the Protection and Training of Workers Engaged In Maintenance and Remediation Work Associated with Mold 21 • Mold remediation of HVAC systems is a highly specialized skill requiring specialized training, such as that provided by NADCA. Maintenance workers need to be trained to understand: 1. why mold contamination in an HVAC system is of concern and how to prevent this from occurring; 2. when it is appropriate to isolate (shut down) an HVAC system; and 3. when it is appropriate to recommend that HVAC mold remediation workers be hired. Representatives from the International Union of Operating Engineers, which represents licensed building operators, provided a minority opinion that it was not realistic to recommend advanced HVAC training for maintenance workers who will be dealing with the minor amounts of mold growth routinely encountered inside ventilation systems. They proposed the following training for maintenance staff who encounter less than 10 square feet of mold in ventilation systems. Table 10. Low-level HVAC mold maintenance work course. (Never to exceed 10 square feet in size) 1. Respiratory Protection in accordance with OSHA respiratory protection standard (29 CFR 1910.134) (e.g., use of the N95 disposable respirator) 2 hours 2. Proper PPE selection, i.e. gloves and eye protection 0.5 hours 3. Area containment to avoid mold from spreading to other areas. How to create a positive or negative pressure with your facilities HVAC system and the benefits of doing so. Mold suppression methods. Lockout/tag out. 1 hour 4. Removal of contaminated material and proper disposal, discussion on the variety of biocides used by HVAC manufactures. 0.75 hours 5. Final area cleanup using a HEPA vacuum and cleaned with a damp cloth and/or mop with a detergent solution. 0.75 hours 6. Areas left to dry and visibly free from contamination and debris. 0.5 hours 7. Prevention fixing-the-leak discussion on the causes of HVAC contamination, humidification, dehumidification, and condensation. 1.5 hours 8. Performance based test. 1 hour Additionally, if written verification is available that a worker has attended, and has successfully completed a 40-hour HAZWOPER, an OSHA 500, or an OSHA 501 course, the classroom duration should be reduced to four hours. 2.4.1.3 Mold remediation worker training General caution to trainers Mold is not a carcinogen like asbestos, nor a heavy metal like lead. Consequently, asbestos and lead paint abatement trainers need to be careful not to overlay other training on mold and describe terms, work practices, and personal protections that are inappropriate to mold remediation. Examples of this problem include specifying expensive and burdensome worker protections and worksite containment - appropriate for asbestos sites, but not warranted for low risk mold removal sites. The high cost of over-priced mold remediation quotes can discourage building owners from undertaking any appropriate remediation and turn instead to unqualified contractors whose faulty remediation may put the owner and others at risk.