ANSI/IICRC S900 Professional Remediation of
Precursors, Drug Residues & Associated Chemical
Waste – IICRC S900 Study Guide, Original Practice
Questions & Answers, Exam Preparation,
Comprehensive Remediation Review, Site
Inspection, Contamination Levels, Safety, Risk
Assessment, Cleaning Technologies, Structural
Remediation, Contents, Waste Disposal & Post-
Remediation
Question 1: According to the ANSI/IICRC S900 standard, what is the fundamental
preliminary assumption that must be made before any remediation work for
precursors, drug residues, and associated chemical waste can begin?
A. The property has been condemned by the local health department.
B. All contaminated materials have been identified by the property owner.
C. The scene has been released by law enforcement or regulatory agencies.
D. The insurance claim for the property has been fully approved.
CORRECT ANSWER: C. The scene has been released by law enforcement or
regulatory agencies.
Rationale: The ANSI/IICRC S900 standard explicitly states that it assumes all scenes
have been released by law enforcement or regulatory agencies before remediation work
commences. This is a critical prerequisite to ensure the safety of the remediation team
and that no evidence needed for legal proceedings is disturbed .
Question 2: Which type of individual is defined in the S900 standard as someone
who, by possession of a recognized degree, certificate, or professional standing,
has demonstrated their ability to resolve problems relating to the project?
A. Competent Person
B. Practitioner
C. Materially Interested Party
D. Qualified Person
CORRECT ANSWER: D. Qualified Person
Rationale: The S900 standard's definition section distinguishes a "Qualified Person" as
an individual with recognized credentials and demonstrated problem-solving ability in a
specific subject matter. This differentiates them from a "Competent Person," who is
focused on hazard identification and correction .
Question 3: In the context of S900, what is a "Precursor" as it pertains to chemical
waste remediation?
A. Any chemical that is immediately dangerous to life and health.
B. A compound that participates in a chemical reaction that produces another
,compound.
C. Any material that is classified as hazardous waste by the EPA.
D. The initial visual inspection report of a contaminated site.
CORRECT ANSWER: B. A compound that participates in a chemical reaction that
produces another compound.
Rationale: The standard specifically defines a precursor as a compound that
participates in a chemical reaction to produce another compound. This is a key concept
as the remediation process often involves dealing with these precursor chemicals used
in the illicit manufacturing of drugs .
Question 4: What is the primary purpose of a Post-Remediation Evaluation (PRE) as
defined in the S900 standard?
A. To determine the final cost of the remediation project for billing purposes.
B. To provide a third-party verification of the cleanup for regulatory compliance.
C. An internal quality assurance inspection performed by the practitioner to confirm the
return to a predetermined condition.
D. To identify the presence of other biological contaminants like mold after the drug
remediation is complete.
CORRECT ANSWER: C. An internal quality assurance inspection performed by the
practitioner to confirm the return to a predetermined condition.
Rationale: A PRE is an internal quality assurance step conducted by the practitioner
themselves. Its purpose is to verify that the structure, system, or contents have
probably returned to a pre-determined condition. This is distinct from a Post-
Remediation Verification (PRV), which is often performed by an independent party .
Question 5: For remediation projects in EL 2, EL 3, and EL 4 environments, what is
the recommended protocol for equipment used to provide temporary heating,
cooling, and other engineering controls?
A. It should be thoroughly HEPA vacuumed and decontaminated on-site.
B. It should be considered single-use and disposed of after clearance is attained.
C. It should be returned to the supplier for professional cleaning after the project.
D. It should be stored in the contamination reduction corridor for future use.
CORRECT ANSWER: B. It should be considered single-use and disposed of after
clearance is attained.
Rationale: Due to the high level of hazard in EL 2, EL 3, and EL 4 environments, the S900
draft standard recommends that equipment such as temporary HVAC units be
considered single-use. It should be kept outside the work area where possible, bagged
and/or sealed, and disposed of after clearance is attained to prevent cross-
contamination .
,Question 6: According to S900, what is the recommended initial step for managing
a building's HVAC system when commencing a precursor and drug residue
remediation project?
A. Run the system continuously to filter airborne contaminants.
B. Seal all supply vents immediately to isolate the system.
C. Attempt to shut down the HVAC system until an investigation determines the
presence or absence of contamination.
D. Increase the system's fresh air intake to dilute potential contaminants.
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Attempt to shut down the HVAC system until an
investigation determines the presence or absence of contamination.
Rationale: To prevent the spread of contamination throughout a structure, the S900
standard advises that the practitioner should attempt to shut down the HVAC system.
This should remain in place until an appropriate investigation can determine the extent
of contamination within the system .
Question 7: The ANSI/IICRC S900 standard is written for use by which of the
following groups?
A. Primarily law enforcement and regulatory agencies.
B. Primarily property owners and tenants.
C. Primarily remediation companies, their employees, and other Materially Interested
Parties.
D. Primarily insurance adjusters and claims processors.
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Primarily remediation companies, their employees, and
other Materially Interested Parties.
Rationale: The standard is designed for those directly involved in the cleanup process.
This primarily includes remediation companies and their workers, but also extends to
other Materially Interested Parties (MIPs) such as consultants, estimators, engineers,
and adjusters who are involved in the project .
Question 8: In the S900 standard, what is the term for an individual who is capable
of identifying existing and predictable hazards and has the authorization to take
prompt corrective measures to eliminate them?
A. Qualified Person
B. Specialized Expert
C. Competent Person
D. Safety Officer
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Competent Person
Rationale: The definition provided in the S900 standard for a "Competent Person" is one
who can identify hazards in the working conditions and has the authority to take prompt
, corrective measures to eliminate them. They are knowledgeable of applicable
standards and can identify workplace hazards .
Question 9: What is a key requirement for establishing containment and critical
barriers during a remediation project under S900?
A. They must be removed during the pre-remediation phase to allow for inspection.
B. They must remain in place and be maintained until after clearance is attained.
C. They are only required for EL 4 contamination levels.
D. They must be constructed from non-porous materials only.
CORRECT ANSWER: B. They must remain in place and be maintained until after
clearance is attained.
Rationale: The integrity of containment is vital to prevent cross-contamination. The
S900 standard stipulates that containments and critical barriers should remain in place
and be actively maintained throughout the project until after clearance verification has
been achieved .
Question 10: During site remediation, what is the recommended course of action
for non-restorable items and materials?
A. They should be left in place for the final inspection.
B. They should be decontaminated using a HEPA vacuum.
C. They should be wrapped as part of the pre-remediation phase.
D. They should be relocated to an uncontaminated area of the site.
CORRECT ANSWER: C. They should be wrapped as part of the pre-remediation
phase.
Rationale: The pre-remediation phase includes the wrapping of non-restorable items
and materials. This is a critical step to prevent the spread of contamination during the
active remediation process and to prepare them for proper disposal .
Question 11: The Post-Remediation Verification (PRV) for elevated risk factors (EL2,
EL3, EL4) must be completed by which type of individual?
A. A site supervisor from the contracting remediation company.
B. The property owner or their designated representative.
C. A qualified person or specialized expert who is independent of the practitioner.
D. The lead technician responsible for the on-site decontamination work.
CORRECT ANSWER: C. A qualified person or specialized expert who is independent
of the practitioner.
Rationale: To ensure objectivity and impartiality for high-risk projects, the S900 draft
standard requires that the PRV be conducted by a qualified person or specialized
expert. Crucially, this individual must be independent of the remediation practitioner to
provide a credible verification of the cleanup .
Precursors, Drug Residues & Associated Chemical
Waste – IICRC S900 Study Guide, Original Practice
Questions & Answers, Exam Preparation,
Comprehensive Remediation Review, Site
Inspection, Contamination Levels, Safety, Risk
Assessment, Cleaning Technologies, Structural
Remediation, Contents, Waste Disposal & Post-
Remediation
Question 1: According to the ANSI/IICRC S900 standard, what is the fundamental
preliminary assumption that must be made before any remediation work for
precursors, drug residues, and associated chemical waste can begin?
A. The property has been condemned by the local health department.
B. All contaminated materials have been identified by the property owner.
C. The scene has been released by law enforcement or regulatory agencies.
D. The insurance claim for the property has been fully approved.
CORRECT ANSWER: C. The scene has been released by law enforcement or
regulatory agencies.
Rationale: The ANSI/IICRC S900 standard explicitly states that it assumes all scenes
have been released by law enforcement or regulatory agencies before remediation work
commences. This is a critical prerequisite to ensure the safety of the remediation team
and that no evidence needed for legal proceedings is disturbed .
Question 2: Which type of individual is defined in the S900 standard as someone
who, by possession of a recognized degree, certificate, or professional standing,
has demonstrated their ability to resolve problems relating to the project?
A. Competent Person
B. Practitioner
C. Materially Interested Party
D. Qualified Person
CORRECT ANSWER: D. Qualified Person
Rationale: The S900 standard's definition section distinguishes a "Qualified Person" as
an individual with recognized credentials and demonstrated problem-solving ability in a
specific subject matter. This differentiates them from a "Competent Person," who is
focused on hazard identification and correction .
Question 3: In the context of S900, what is a "Precursor" as it pertains to chemical
waste remediation?
A. Any chemical that is immediately dangerous to life and health.
B. A compound that participates in a chemical reaction that produces another
,compound.
C. Any material that is classified as hazardous waste by the EPA.
D. The initial visual inspection report of a contaminated site.
CORRECT ANSWER: B. A compound that participates in a chemical reaction that
produces another compound.
Rationale: The standard specifically defines a precursor as a compound that
participates in a chemical reaction to produce another compound. This is a key concept
as the remediation process often involves dealing with these precursor chemicals used
in the illicit manufacturing of drugs .
Question 4: What is the primary purpose of a Post-Remediation Evaluation (PRE) as
defined in the S900 standard?
A. To determine the final cost of the remediation project for billing purposes.
B. To provide a third-party verification of the cleanup for regulatory compliance.
C. An internal quality assurance inspection performed by the practitioner to confirm the
return to a predetermined condition.
D. To identify the presence of other biological contaminants like mold after the drug
remediation is complete.
CORRECT ANSWER: C. An internal quality assurance inspection performed by the
practitioner to confirm the return to a predetermined condition.
Rationale: A PRE is an internal quality assurance step conducted by the practitioner
themselves. Its purpose is to verify that the structure, system, or contents have
probably returned to a pre-determined condition. This is distinct from a Post-
Remediation Verification (PRV), which is often performed by an independent party .
Question 5: For remediation projects in EL 2, EL 3, and EL 4 environments, what is
the recommended protocol for equipment used to provide temporary heating,
cooling, and other engineering controls?
A. It should be thoroughly HEPA vacuumed and decontaminated on-site.
B. It should be considered single-use and disposed of after clearance is attained.
C. It should be returned to the supplier for professional cleaning after the project.
D. It should be stored in the contamination reduction corridor for future use.
CORRECT ANSWER: B. It should be considered single-use and disposed of after
clearance is attained.
Rationale: Due to the high level of hazard in EL 2, EL 3, and EL 4 environments, the S900
draft standard recommends that equipment such as temporary HVAC units be
considered single-use. It should be kept outside the work area where possible, bagged
and/or sealed, and disposed of after clearance is attained to prevent cross-
contamination .
,Question 6: According to S900, what is the recommended initial step for managing
a building's HVAC system when commencing a precursor and drug residue
remediation project?
A. Run the system continuously to filter airborne contaminants.
B. Seal all supply vents immediately to isolate the system.
C. Attempt to shut down the HVAC system until an investigation determines the
presence or absence of contamination.
D. Increase the system's fresh air intake to dilute potential contaminants.
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Attempt to shut down the HVAC system until an
investigation determines the presence or absence of contamination.
Rationale: To prevent the spread of contamination throughout a structure, the S900
standard advises that the practitioner should attempt to shut down the HVAC system.
This should remain in place until an appropriate investigation can determine the extent
of contamination within the system .
Question 7: The ANSI/IICRC S900 standard is written for use by which of the
following groups?
A. Primarily law enforcement and regulatory agencies.
B. Primarily property owners and tenants.
C. Primarily remediation companies, their employees, and other Materially Interested
Parties.
D. Primarily insurance adjusters and claims processors.
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Primarily remediation companies, their employees, and
other Materially Interested Parties.
Rationale: The standard is designed for those directly involved in the cleanup process.
This primarily includes remediation companies and their workers, but also extends to
other Materially Interested Parties (MIPs) such as consultants, estimators, engineers,
and adjusters who are involved in the project .
Question 8: In the S900 standard, what is the term for an individual who is capable
of identifying existing and predictable hazards and has the authorization to take
prompt corrective measures to eliminate them?
A. Qualified Person
B. Specialized Expert
C. Competent Person
D. Safety Officer
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Competent Person
Rationale: The definition provided in the S900 standard for a "Competent Person" is one
who can identify hazards in the working conditions and has the authority to take prompt
, corrective measures to eliminate them. They are knowledgeable of applicable
standards and can identify workplace hazards .
Question 9: What is a key requirement for establishing containment and critical
barriers during a remediation project under S900?
A. They must be removed during the pre-remediation phase to allow for inspection.
B. They must remain in place and be maintained until after clearance is attained.
C. They are only required for EL 4 contamination levels.
D. They must be constructed from non-porous materials only.
CORRECT ANSWER: B. They must remain in place and be maintained until after
clearance is attained.
Rationale: The integrity of containment is vital to prevent cross-contamination. The
S900 standard stipulates that containments and critical barriers should remain in place
and be actively maintained throughout the project until after clearance verification has
been achieved .
Question 10: During site remediation, what is the recommended course of action
for non-restorable items and materials?
A. They should be left in place for the final inspection.
B. They should be decontaminated using a HEPA vacuum.
C. They should be wrapped as part of the pre-remediation phase.
D. They should be relocated to an uncontaminated area of the site.
CORRECT ANSWER: C. They should be wrapped as part of the pre-remediation
phase.
Rationale: The pre-remediation phase includes the wrapping of non-restorable items
and materials. This is a critical step to prevent the spread of contamination during the
active remediation process and to prepare them for proper disposal .
Question 11: The Post-Remediation Verification (PRV) for elevated risk factors (EL2,
EL3, EL4) must be completed by which type of individual?
A. A site supervisor from the contracting remediation company.
B. The property owner or their designated representative.
C. A qualified person or specialized expert who is independent of the practitioner.
D. The lead technician responsible for the on-site decontamination work.
CORRECT ANSWER: C. A qualified person or specialized expert who is independent
of the practitioner.
Rationale: To ensure objectivity and impartiality for high-risk projects, the S900 draft
standard requires that the PRV be conducted by a qualified person or specialized
expert. Crucially, this individual must be independent of the remediation practitioner to
provide a credible verification of the cleanup .
