1. Introduction
The NAMRI Mold Remediation Standards of Practice establish a minimum and uniform standard for performing mold
remediation in residential and non-residential buildings. These Standards define the scope, procedures, limitations,
and documentation requirements for NAMRI-certified mold remediators. They are based on the principles and practices
outlined in ANSI/IICRC S520 and adapted for NAMRI’s professional framework.
2. Key Terms
Client - The person who engages the remediator to perform mold remediation services.
Mold Remediation Agreement - A written agreement defining the scope, limitations, fees, schedule, and responsibilities
of the remediation project.
Remediation Protocol - A written plan describing the methods, engineering controls, work practices, and
post remediation verification criteria.
Condition 1 - Normal fungal ecology: indoor spaces free from visible mold, settled spores, and mold associated
debris.
Condition 2 - Settled spores and mold fragments dispersed from a Condition 3 area but without active growth.
Condition 3 - Actual mold growth and associated spores and debris.
Containment - A controlled environment designed to prevent cross contamination during remediation.
Engineering Controls - Systems such as negative pressure, HEPA filtration, and isolation barriers used to
control contaminants.
HEPA - High Efficiency Particulate Air filtration capable of capturing 0.3 micron particles at 99.97% efficiency.
Post Remediation Verification (PRV) - A visual and analytical assessment confirming that remediation goals
have been met.
AIHA Accredited Laboratory - A laboratory accredited by the American Industrial Hygiene Association for
microbial analysis.
Chain of Custody - Documentation tracking sample handling from collection through laboratory analysis.
3. Purpose
The purpose of mold remediation is to return the built environment to Condition 1, removing mold growth, mold
contaminated materials, and mold associated particulates while preventing cross contamination and protecting occupants
and workers.
4. Scope
The NAMRI Mold Remediation Standards of Practice apply to mold remediation in residential and non-residential
buildings, including single-family homes, multi-family dwellings, commercial buildings, institutional facilities,
and other occupied structures.
These Standards cover:
- Mold growth (Condition 3)
- Mold-impacted settled spores and debris (Condition 2)
- Water-damaged building materials
- Containment, removal, cleaning, and post-remediation verification
- Engineering controls and worker protection consistent with S520 principles
Remediators shall perform work only within the limits of their training, experience, and equipment. Large,
complex, or high-risk environments—such as multi-story commercial buildings, industrial facilities, healthcare
settings, schools, or buildings with specialized mechanical systems—may require additional qualifications, specialized
engineering controls, or the involvement of an Indoor Environmental Professional (IEP).
The NAMRI MR-SOP does not cover:
- Asbestos abatement
- Lead abatement
- Fire or smoke restoration
- Structural repairs beyond removal of contaminated materials
- HVAC system cleaning beyond mold-impacted components
- Environmental hazards unrelated to mold
5. Limitations
Mold remediation is limited to:
- Areas identified in the remediation protocol
- Materials accessible without structural demolition beyond what is required for remediation
- Non invasive assessment unless authorized
- Conditions present at the time of remediation
The SOP does not guarantee:
- Future mold prevention
- Identification of hidden mold not revealed during authorized demolition
- Correction of unrelated building defects
6. Standards of Practice
6.1 Assessment and Work Planning
The remediator shall:
- Review the mold inspection report or assessment findings when available.
- Develop a written remediation protocol consistent with S520 principles only when the contamination is clearly
visible (Condition 3) and the scope is limited to identifiable affected materials.
- Identify Condition 1, Condition 2, and Condition 3 areas.
- Determine containment type (source containment, local containment, or full containment).
- Identify safety hazards and required PPE.
- Provide the client with a written scope, limitations, and change order procedures.
Protocol Writing Restrictions
- When the source, extent, or condition classification cannot be determined visually, the remediation protocol
must be written by an independent mold assessor or IEP.
- When the remediator writes the protocol, the client must sign a written disclosure stating that:
- No independent mold assessment was performed,
- The protocol is based solely on visible conditions, and
- Hidden mold may exist beyond what is visible.
- A remediator who writes the protocol shall not perform post remediation verification unless permitted by law
and disclosed in writing.
Limitations:
- The remediator is not required to perform a full mold inspection unless contracted separately.
- The remediator is not responsible for diagnosing building defects unrelated to mold contamination.
6.2 Engineering Controls
The remediator shall:
- Install containment appropriate to the contamination level.
- Maintain negative pressure within containment using HEPA filtered air filtration devices (AFDs).
- Seal HVAC registers and openings within containment.
- Establish controlled worker access and decontamination procedures.
- Use pressure monitoring or visual indicators to confirm containment integrity.
Limitations:
The remediator is not required to modify building HVAC systems beyond isolation.
6.3 Removal of Mold Contaminated Materials
The remediator shall:
- Remove porous materials with visible mold growth or water damage (e.g., drywall, insulation, carpeting).
- Remove semi porous materials when visibly colonized or structurally compromised.
- Clean and restore non porous materials when feasible.
- Use controlled demolition methods to minimize dust generation.
- Bag and seal waste before removal from containment.
Limitations:
The remediator is not required to perform structural repairs beyond removal of contaminated materials.
6.4 Cleaning and Decontamination
The remediator shall:
- HEPA vacuum all surfaces within containment.
- Perform damp wiping or appropriate cleaning of non porous and semi porous materials.
- Clean HVAC components within containment when impacted.
- Perform multiple cleaning cycles until surfaces are visibly free of dust and debris.
- Clean adjacent Condition 2 areas to prevent recontamination.
Limitations:
The remediator shall not apply antimicrobial coatings as a substitute for removal of mold contaminated materials.
6.5 Drying and Moisture Control
The remediator shall:
- Identify and document moisture sources.
- Dry remaining materials to industry accepted moisture levels.
- Use dehumidification and air movement equipment as needed.
- Verify dryness before reconstruction.
Limitations:
The remediator is not required to repair building envelope defects unless contracted separately.
6.6 Post Remediation Verification (PRV)
The remediator shall:
- Conduct a visual inspection confirming surfaces are clean, dry, and free of visible dust and debris.
- Confirm containment integrity before teardown.
- Perform air or surface sampling when required by the protocol or client.
- Use an AIHA accredited laboratory for sample analysis.
- Document that the remediated area meets Condition 1 criteria.
Limitations:
The remediator shall not perform PRV on their own remediation project unless allowed by law and disclosed in writing.
6.7 Documentation and Reporting
The remediator shall:
- Provide a written remediation report including:
- Scope of work
- Containment type and engineering controls
- Materials removed
- Cleaning methods used
- Moisture readings
- PRV results
- Deviations from the protocol
- Change orders
- Maintain chain of custody for all samples.
- Provide the client with all laboratory reports.
7. Safety and Compliance
The remediator shall:
- Follow OSHA requirements for respiratory protection, PPE, and hazard communication.
- Maintain a safe work environment for workers and occupants.
- Comply with all applicable state licensing requirements.
8. Conflicts of Interest
The remediator shall:
- Disclose any financial or professional interests that may influence the remediation.
- Avoid offering unrelated services without written client consent.
- Avoid situations that compromise objectivity or create the appearance of impropriety.
9. Prohibited Practices
- Using antimicrobial coatings as a substitute for proper removal.
- Performing mold inspections and remediation on the same project without written disclosure.
- Writing remediation protocols for projects requiring diagnostic assessment.
- Performing PRV on a project where the remediator wrote the protocol (unless permitted by law and disclosed).
- Misrepresenting qualifications or results.
- Allowing containment breaches or cross contamination.
- Providing guarantees that mold will not return.
10. Enforcement
Violations of this Standard may result in disciplinary action, including suspension or revocation of NAMRI membership
or credentials.
