Review for the Water Restoration Standards Revision (S500) officially closed on May 13 with more than 700 comments. The IICRC Consensus Body (CB) is currently working through the end of July to review all comments, draft responses and make changes to the standard. The CB approval ballot has been passed with five votes in favor, one negative and one not returned. The S500 Standard and Reference Guide will be opened up for a second round of public review and CB approval ballot after all comments in the current public review round have been addressed.

 

The IICRC Board and CB have agreed to send the S520 Professional Mold Remediation Standard for public review. The Reference Guide will be available through IICRC for an informal comment period. The S600 Standard and Reference Guide for Professional Carpet Installation’s CB met twice during May to review comments and draft responses. The majority of comments have been addressed and the S600 CB will continue to review the chapters on pattern carpet installation, woven carpet installation and principles of stair upholstery. 

 

The IICRC’s Government Affairs committee has been keeping track of legislative issues around the country and has found some valuable information regarding mold assessment and remediation. In 2008, the Maryland General Assembly passed the Maryland Mold Remediation Services Act, which requires any company or firm that provides mold remediation services in Maryland to obtain a license. The law also requires that each employee who provides mold remediation services must be certified by an accreditation body as a microbial remediation technician or supervisor. The law was scheduled to take effect on June 1, 2010 but was pushed to July 1, 2013 due to budget constraints. It is the position of the IICRC that it meets the requirement of an “accreditation body” and that the AMRT and MRS certifications meet the law’s requirements for technicians and supervisors, respectively. While the law has still yet to pass, the IICRC’s goal is to ensure its certifications meet any future regulations regarding mold remediation. The IICRC Government Affairs Chair is watching this issue very closely. 

 

In addition, a bill is currently working its way through the New Jersey legislature that would require any individual performing mold inspection and remediation to obtain a license. The bill has officially passed the assembly and is currently with the Senate Committee. 

 

Lastly, the IICRC recently applied to have its Mold Remediation Specialist (MRS) certification exam approved by the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation, since it requires licensing for mold assessors and remediators. Please contact joe.hughes@iaqtraining.com for more information. 

 

The IICRC has completed the purchase of its new Global Resource Center in Las Vegas. It will host an official ribbon cutting ceremony and soft opening on July 22, 2013. The IICRC’s building committee will meet this summer to discuss the building’s plan and how it can best be used to support the industry. The grand opening of the Global Resource Center will be planned in conjunction with the SURFACES Trade Show in January 2014.