The CMW (certified mold worker) is trained in the processes leading to and involved in the remediation of mold from indoor environments. Those who work in the mold industry should understand the basic mycology of mold, the seven components of indoor air quality, moisture control, sanitization techniques, remediation guidelines, "generally accepted practices" including personal protection equipment (PPE), hazards communication (HazCom), and OSHA safe workplace practices. This comprehensive two-day training gives the worker what he needs to protect himself and his employer from downside litigation that sometimes accompanies mold remediation.

"Our industry has been fraught with fraud and characterized by unprofessional, incompetent and unhealthy work practice. Times are rapidly changing as more and more states adopt regulations to protect the property owner and employee from slip-shod work. This course was designed to assist licensed Remediators in their selection of competent workers. NORMI Certified Mold Workers understand how their segment of a project fits into the overall scope of work and thus provide a much safer workplace lending confidence to the Remediators efforts to provide complete mold services to their clients." D. Douglas Hoffman, Executive Director of NORMI

• CMW ONSITE CLASS Schedule

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  DAY ONE

  • Introduction of Instructors & Class Members The opening period is devoted to a brief discussion of the trainer's backgrounds, field experience, objectives, and logistical announcements along with a discussion of the certification process.
  • Mold and the Media A overview of the media "hype" surrounding mold, licensing laws and the role certifying agencies are playing in pending and future mold licensing legislation.
  • Mold Fundamentals This discussion centers on the physical make-up of this biological organism and how it fits under the umbrella of indoor air quality contaminants. The student is trained in understanding the differences between viable and non-viable mold and its effects on the environment.
  • Moisture Challenges Moisture is a key factor in controlling mold growth so this section is devoted to a discussion regarding moisture control, the five rules of moisture movement, and the Psychrometric fundamentals in efforts to control both temperature and relative humidity in indoor environments.
  • Mold Standards-Guidelines & Publications New York City Guidelines, EPA Recommendations, IICRC 500-520, and NADCA suggestions are discussed in an effort to sort out the similarities and differences in each. In the absence of a national "standard", these become the standard for mold sanitization and remediation projects to protect mold industry professionals from potential litigation.
  • Understanding the Remediation Process Understanding the remediation process makes developing a scope of work and remediation protocol easier. This section takes the project from gross demolition to rebuild and discusses the details of each aspect of the remediation project within the context of industry standards.
  • HVAC & Filtration/Purification Developing a good indoor air quality maintenance program is imperative to maintaining good indoor air quality so in this section we discuss the difference parts of the HVAC system, air filtration and purification to better understand their impact on indoor air quality issues.
  • Health Concerns Several videos are discussed as they relate to and document health issues connected to mold. Real clinical research is contrasted with media hype to sort out the truth about the effects of mold in our indoor environments.
  • The Investigation Process The assessment process is the important first step toward evaluating the need for a sanitization or remediation solution. The investigation always includes assessing the environment visually, collecting samples for laboratory analysis, and drawing conclusions. The investigation process ends with a well-written report and templates are discussed to facilitate the writing of those reports.
  • Employee Safety (OSHA) Although mold is not considered a hazardous substance, health issues are sometimes related to exposures of higher levels of mold. For this reason, the CMA must consider safety measures that should be taken to protect the health of the occupants and the workers during a remediation project.

  DAY TWO

  • Licensing Laws and NORMI Professional Practices used as guidelines for "best practices"
  • Hazard Communication in regards to hazardous work conditions is an important aspect of the remediation protocol. This section outlines the potential dangers associated with poor communication in the workplace.
  • Case Studies Some of the most practical lessons are learned through the failures and successes of others. In this section the student is helped with analyzing actual mold projects in an effort to identify problems and solutions in a practical way.
  • Pre-Test and Organization Review The student is introduced to the testing process required for certification and information regarding the certifying agencies and their benefits.Panel Discussion This is an opportunity for the students to discuss in detail any aspect of the class that need clarification. The teachers make themselves available in a panel discussion format for Q&A.
  • Web Access and Support The student completes an Attendance Voucher verifying his presence in the classroom along with an evaluation of the teacher(s) and the subjects discussed. This information is reviewed at a later date in an effort to "tweak" the class to make it as current and as relevant as possible. This kind of input from students is always an important part of the training process.
  • Definitions of Sanitization and Remediation The difference between these two techniques helps define the scope of work
  • Developing a Report Writing a legible, comprehensive report is a requirement for the protection of the CMR and the client.
  • HANDS-ON Training - students will experience hands-on training which includes, but not limited to, 1) a single student will dress in full PPE in preparation for the mold remediation project, 2) all students will be involved in simulating a crawl space in which containment is constructed, negative pressure is established using an AFD converted to a NAM and the manometer is demonstrated, and 3) two walls will be constructed to simulate limited and full containment with a decon chamber, negative air machine installation, fresh air makeup and a demonstration of the AFD converted to air scrubbing with distribution tail connected to the PRV24K to expedite the PRV process. ALL students will participate in this instruction as part of their final grade.
  • Review Testing process Proctored testing is discussed and the student is informed of the entire certification processes.

   

• Module 1 - Introduction, Code of Ethics & Definitions - covers the areas of professional ethics and industry unique language.
• Module 2 - Mold in the Meida - is all the hype surrounding mold concerns true or just that, hype?
• Module 3 - Industry Guidelines & Laws - introduction to, and discussion of, IICRC, NYCDOH, OSHA, EPA and NY State Mold Licensing Law and NORMI Professional Practices - industry and NORMI standard of practice and legal obligations for meeting insurance criteria.
• Module 4 - Health Concerns - how molds grow, mycotoxins, allergic reactions, SBS, comfort and other IAQ concerns of asbestos and lead. This segment will also consider the causes and conditions for mold proliferation in indoor environments.
• Module 5 - Protecting the Public - what are the obligations a works faces in protecting the public, himself and his fellow workers from potential cross-contamination?
• Module 6 - Employee Safety and PPE - practical discussion and hands on donning and doffing of PPE, including respiratory protection.
• Module 7 - Hazard Communication - includes discussions surround lock-out, tag-out, SDS sheets and heat exhaustion.
• Module 8 - NORMI Professional Practices - the remediation section of best practices for mold remediators including containment levels, PPE requirements and engineering controls.
• Module 9 - Successful Mold Remediation Process - checklist approach to completing a successful mold remediation process to meet the mold protocol and prepare for Post-Remediation Clearance procedures. Hands on to include building containment, establishing negative pressure and pre-Post-Remediation Clearance Procedures.

*The NORMI CMW Student Manual is available for purchase at the Best Living Systems Store and includes, but not limited to, all power point slides, reference documentation, the applicable state licensing law, NORMI Professional Standards and definitions/acronyms.