IEP vs. Remediation Contractor- When Do You Need One; How

Do You Choose One?

Envirotech Clean Air Inc. -- Stoneham, MASteven Goselin

The following presentation is based upon the IICRC S-520, twenty years of field experience and my opinion

Heavy on my Opinion

Indoor Environmental Professional (IEP)

“An individual that is qualified by knowledge, skill, education, training and/or experience to perform an assessment of the fungal ecology of property, systems and contents at the job site, create a sampling strategy, sample the indoor environment, interpret laboratory data and determine Condition 1, 2 and 3 status for the purpose of establishing a scope of work and verifying the return of the fungal ecology to a Condition 1 status.”

IICRC S-520

Remediation Contractor aka Remediator

“The remediation contractor or firm that is responsible for the remediation project.”

IICRC S-520

And never the twain shall meet.

The IEP and the Remediation Contractor should be separate and independent entities.

What about the idea that if one can see mold and smell mold

that it is more important to clean it up then to find out what

kind of mold it is?

The concept of see it/clean it may work when the sole goal is to create a clean and healthy

indoor environment, but that is rarely the goal. It may be a by-product, but it is rarely the goal.

Most of the time mold remediation is driven by litigation, fear of litigation and occasionally by health concerns (backed by fear of litigation).

It is my opinion that there should be an IEP on every mold remediation project.

Why an IEP on every project?

• An independent party establishes the scope of work.

• Hidden damage.

• A consistent protocol for contractor bid purposes.

• Client education and expectations.

• Clear cut goal or criteria for success.

My 3 big reasons for an IEP on every project!

• Even the smallest project can turn ugly.

• No good deed goes unpunished.

• Most importantly- It covers my butt!!!!

Common objections to using an IEP

• It costs too much.

• The work is obvious.

• The project is too small.

• We know it’s mold who cares what kind.

• It costs way too much!!

Contractor Qualifications, Training:

• Institute of Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration Certification (IICRC) www.iicrc.org

• Indoor Air Quality Association (IAQA) www.iaqa.org

• American Indoor Air Quality Council (AmIAQ) www.iaqcouncil.org

• National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA) www.nadca.com

Contractor Qualifications, Experience

• Number of years in specific mold work

• References

• IEP recommendations

• Technician training

• Core business and other related industries

Contractor Qualifications, Other

• Insurance

• Safety Programs

• Size of Company

• Appearance

IEP Qualifications

• Training & certifications specific to core business (AIHA, ACGIH, etc)

• Letters after the name, especially in litigious situations

• Many similar qualifications already covered for contractors

• Contractor recommendations

Conclusion

I fervently believe that there should be a qualified IEP on every mold

remediation project. The extent of involvement may vary based upon the size of the project and the complexities

of the scope of work, but an IEP is essential.