ANSI/IICRC S590 Assessment of HVAC Systems
Following Water, Fire, or Mold Damage – IICRC S590
Study Guide, Original Practice Questions & Answers,
Exam Preparation, Comprehensive HVAC Assessment
Review, Testing Methodologies, Sampling Protocols,
Restorable & Non-Restorable Components, Safety,
Documentation, Reporting & Restoration Work Plans
Question 1: What is the primary purpose of the ANSI/IICRC S590 Standard?
A. To provide procedures for the installation of new HVAC systems in residential
buildings.
B. To establish guidelines for the routine maintenance of HVAC systems to improve
energy efficiency.
C. To determine the condition of HVAC systems that are subject to a water, fire, or mold
damage event.
D. To outline the manufacturing standards for HVAC components and materials.
CORRECT ANSWER: C. To determine the condition of HVAC systems that are
subject to a water, fire, or mold damage event.
Rationale: The fundamental purpose of the ANSI/IICRC S590 Standard is to assess
HVAC systems that have been impacted by a water, fire, or mold damage event. It
provides a systematic process to evaluate the condition of these systems and determine
the appropriate course of action, which may include cleaning, restoration, or
replacement .
Question 2: According to the ANSI/IICRC S590, what is the first step in the
HVAC assessment process?
A. To immediately begin cleaning all accessible ductwork.
B. To identify impacted and non-impacted HVAC internal surfaces.
C. To replace all air filters regardless of their condition.
D. To test the HVAC system's operational efficiency.
CORRECT ANSWER: B. To identify impacted and non-impacted HVAC internal
surfaces.
Rationale: The S590 HVAC assessment process begins by identifying which internal
surfaces of the HVAC system have been impacted by the damage event and which have
not. This distinction is critical for developing a targeted and efficient Restoration Work
Plan (RWP) .
Question 3: A qualified HVAC assessor, as defined by the S590, is someone who
is knowledgeable about which of the following?
A. The chemical composition of all refrigerants used in HVAC systems.
B. HVAC system components and typical particulate deposition within them.
,C. The electrical wiring standards for all commercial HVAC units.
D. The historical development of HVAC technology over the last century.
CORRECT ANSWER: B. HVAC system components and typical particulate
deposition within them.
Rationale: The standard specifies that a competent HVAC assessor must have a
thorough understanding of HVAC system components and the typical patterns of
particulate deposition. This knowledge is essential to accurately identify event-related
contamination and distinguish it from normal system debris .
Question 4: Which of the following is NOT a primary area of focus included in
the ANSI/IICRC S590 Standard?
A. Determining restorable vs. non-restorable components.
B. Testing methodologies and sampling protocols.
C. Energy efficiency ratings of HVAC equipment.
D. Documentation, reporting, and safety and health considerations.
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Energy efficiency ratings of HVAC equipment.
Rationale: The S590 Standard focuses on damage assessment and remediation, not on
equipment performance or energy efficiency. Its scope includes principles, assessor
qualifications, restoration determination, testing, sampling, safety, documentation, and
considerations for specific damage events. Energy efficiency ratings are not a topic
covered by this standard .
Question 5: When a final cleanliness test of a non-porous duct surface is not
acceptable after damp wiping, what does the S590 standard recommend?
A. Repeat the damp wiping procedure with a stronger cleaning solution.
B. Ignore the results as the surface is non-porous and will not harbor contaminants.
C. Replacement of that component should be recommended.
D. Seal the surface with an encapsulant to trap any remaining residues.
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Replacement of that component should be
recommended.
Rationale: According to the S590 Standard's testing methodologies, specifically for damp
wiping non-porous surfaces, if the final cleanliness is not acceptable, the standard
recommends the replacement of that component. This ensures that the HVAC system is
restored to a condition that does not pose a risk to the building's environment .
Question 6: For a mold damage event, the S590 states that if Condition 3 mold
contamination is identified and validated, what should be the primary goal?
A. To immediately apply biocides to kill the mold.
B. To identify and document the condition and location of the components to be
returned to Condition 1 or replaced.
,C. To seal the HVAC system and prevent it from operating.
D. To begin a comprehensive demolition of all affected building materials.
CORRECT ANSWER: B. To identify and document the condition and location of
the components to be returned to Condition 1 or replaced.
Rationale: When Condition 3 mold contamination is confirmed, the S590 standard
requires that the condition and location of the components be scoped and documented.
The ultimate goal is to have these components returned to a Condition 1 state (clean) or
replaced as part of the overall mold remediation strategy .
Question 7: Which organizations collaborated in a cooperative agreement to
develop the ANSI/IICRC S590 Standard?
A. The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers
(ASHRAE) and the EPA.
B. The IICRC and the National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA).
C. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the CDC.
D. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and the National Institute of
Standards and Technology (NIST).
CORRECT ANSWER: B. The IICRC and the National Air Duct Cleaners
Association (NADCA).
Rationale: The development of the S590 standard was a significant milestone achieved
through a cooperative agreement between the IICRC and NADCA. This partnership
helped integrate multiple standards, including the NADCA ACR Standard, into a unified
HVAC assessment standard .
Question 8: What type of standard is the ANSI/IICRC S590 classified as?
A. A government-mandated regulation.
B. A manufacturer's warranty guideline.
C. A voluntary consensus-based Standard.
D. An international building code.
CORRECT ANSWER: C. A voluntary consensus-based Standard.
Rationale: The IICRC is an ANSI-accredited standards developing organization (SDO),
and the S590 is a voluntary consensus-based standard. This means it was developed
through a consensus process involving a diverse body of industry stakeholders and is
not mandated by law but represents the industry's accepted standard of care .
Question 9: The S590 Standard is designed to be used in conjunction with
which other standard for professional mold remediation?
A. ANSI/IICRC S100.
B. ANSI/IICRC S300.
C. ANSI/IICRC S520.
D. NADCA ACR.
, CORRECT ANSWER: C. ANSI/IICRC S520.
Rationale: The standard explicitly references the ANSI/IICRC S520 Standard for
Professional Mold Remediation. It provides an exception stating that in areas requiring a
licensed mold assessor, the appropriate licensing should be in place to perform the
HVAC impact assessment, linking the two standards .
Question 10: According to the S590, how should the HVAC assessor determine
the number of sampling locations?
A. A fixed number of locations is mandated for all projects.
B. The number is based upon the extent, severity, type of air conveyance system, and
type of event.
C. The number is determined by the property owner's insurance company.
D. A minimum of ten sampling locations is required for all residential projects.
CORRECT ANSWER: B. The number is based upon the extent, severity, type of
air conveyance system, and type of event.
Rationale: The standard grants the HVAC assessor professional judgment to determine
the number of sampling locations. This determination should be based on key project
variables such as the extent and severity of the contamination, the type of HVAC
system, and the nature of the damage event .
Question 11: What is the primary role of the HVAC Assessor in the S590
process?
A. To perform the physical cleaning and restoration of the HVAC system.
B. To determine the visual and odor impact on HVAC system components from the
assessed event.
C. To negotiate the cost of remediation with the property owner's insurance company.
D. To repair any mechanical or electrical faults in the HVAC equipment.
CORRECT ANSWER: B. To determine the visual and odor impact on HVAC
system components from the assessed event.
Rationale: The HVAC assessor's core responsibility is to evaluate the impact of the event
on the system. They determine the visual and odor impact to identify affected
components and assess their restorability. This assessment forms the basis for the
written report and Remediation Work Plan .
Question 12: If event-related contamination is found in the initial sampling
locations, what does the S590 suggest?
A. The assessment is complete, and the restoration plan can be finalized.
B. No further action is needed as the contamination is likely isolated.
C. Additional sampling locations may be needed to fully assess the extent of the
contamination.
D. The restoration contractor should immediately begin cleaning the system.
Following Water, Fire, or Mold Damage – IICRC S590
Study Guide, Original Practice Questions & Answers,
Exam Preparation, Comprehensive HVAC Assessment
Review, Testing Methodologies, Sampling Protocols,
Restorable & Non-Restorable Components, Safety,
Documentation, Reporting & Restoration Work Plans
Question 1: What is the primary purpose of the ANSI/IICRC S590 Standard?
A. To provide procedures for the installation of new HVAC systems in residential
buildings.
B. To establish guidelines for the routine maintenance of HVAC systems to improve
energy efficiency.
C. To determine the condition of HVAC systems that are subject to a water, fire, or mold
damage event.
D. To outline the manufacturing standards for HVAC components and materials.
CORRECT ANSWER: C. To determine the condition of HVAC systems that are
subject to a water, fire, or mold damage event.
Rationale: The fundamental purpose of the ANSI/IICRC S590 Standard is to assess
HVAC systems that have been impacted by a water, fire, or mold damage event. It
provides a systematic process to evaluate the condition of these systems and determine
the appropriate course of action, which may include cleaning, restoration, or
replacement .
Question 2: According to the ANSI/IICRC S590, what is the first step in the
HVAC assessment process?
A. To immediately begin cleaning all accessible ductwork.
B. To identify impacted and non-impacted HVAC internal surfaces.
C. To replace all air filters regardless of their condition.
D. To test the HVAC system's operational efficiency.
CORRECT ANSWER: B. To identify impacted and non-impacted HVAC internal
surfaces.
Rationale: The S590 HVAC assessment process begins by identifying which internal
surfaces of the HVAC system have been impacted by the damage event and which have
not. This distinction is critical for developing a targeted and efficient Restoration Work
Plan (RWP) .
Question 3: A qualified HVAC assessor, as defined by the S590, is someone who
is knowledgeable about which of the following?
A. The chemical composition of all refrigerants used in HVAC systems.
B. HVAC system components and typical particulate deposition within them.
,C. The electrical wiring standards for all commercial HVAC units.
D. The historical development of HVAC technology over the last century.
CORRECT ANSWER: B. HVAC system components and typical particulate
deposition within them.
Rationale: The standard specifies that a competent HVAC assessor must have a
thorough understanding of HVAC system components and the typical patterns of
particulate deposition. This knowledge is essential to accurately identify event-related
contamination and distinguish it from normal system debris .
Question 4: Which of the following is NOT a primary area of focus included in
the ANSI/IICRC S590 Standard?
A. Determining restorable vs. non-restorable components.
B. Testing methodologies and sampling protocols.
C. Energy efficiency ratings of HVAC equipment.
D. Documentation, reporting, and safety and health considerations.
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Energy efficiency ratings of HVAC equipment.
Rationale: The S590 Standard focuses on damage assessment and remediation, not on
equipment performance or energy efficiency. Its scope includes principles, assessor
qualifications, restoration determination, testing, sampling, safety, documentation, and
considerations for specific damage events. Energy efficiency ratings are not a topic
covered by this standard .
Question 5: When a final cleanliness test of a non-porous duct surface is not
acceptable after damp wiping, what does the S590 standard recommend?
A. Repeat the damp wiping procedure with a stronger cleaning solution.
B. Ignore the results as the surface is non-porous and will not harbor contaminants.
C. Replacement of that component should be recommended.
D. Seal the surface with an encapsulant to trap any remaining residues.
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Replacement of that component should be
recommended.
Rationale: According to the S590 Standard's testing methodologies, specifically for damp
wiping non-porous surfaces, if the final cleanliness is not acceptable, the standard
recommends the replacement of that component. This ensures that the HVAC system is
restored to a condition that does not pose a risk to the building's environment .
Question 6: For a mold damage event, the S590 states that if Condition 3 mold
contamination is identified and validated, what should be the primary goal?
A. To immediately apply biocides to kill the mold.
B. To identify and document the condition and location of the components to be
returned to Condition 1 or replaced.
,C. To seal the HVAC system and prevent it from operating.
D. To begin a comprehensive demolition of all affected building materials.
CORRECT ANSWER: B. To identify and document the condition and location of
the components to be returned to Condition 1 or replaced.
Rationale: When Condition 3 mold contamination is confirmed, the S590 standard
requires that the condition and location of the components be scoped and documented.
The ultimate goal is to have these components returned to a Condition 1 state (clean) or
replaced as part of the overall mold remediation strategy .
Question 7: Which organizations collaborated in a cooperative agreement to
develop the ANSI/IICRC S590 Standard?
A. The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers
(ASHRAE) and the EPA.
B. The IICRC and the National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA).
C. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the CDC.
D. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and the National Institute of
Standards and Technology (NIST).
CORRECT ANSWER: B. The IICRC and the National Air Duct Cleaners
Association (NADCA).
Rationale: The development of the S590 standard was a significant milestone achieved
through a cooperative agreement between the IICRC and NADCA. This partnership
helped integrate multiple standards, including the NADCA ACR Standard, into a unified
HVAC assessment standard .
Question 8: What type of standard is the ANSI/IICRC S590 classified as?
A. A government-mandated regulation.
B. A manufacturer's warranty guideline.
C. A voluntary consensus-based Standard.
D. An international building code.
CORRECT ANSWER: C. A voluntary consensus-based Standard.
Rationale: The IICRC is an ANSI-accredited standards developing organization (SDO),
and the S590 is a voluntary consensus-based standard. This means it was developed
through a consensus process involving a diverse body of industry stakeholders and is
not mandated by law but represents the industry's accepted standard of care .
Question 9: The S590 Standard is designed to be used in conjunction with
which other standard for professional mold remediation?
A. ANSI/IICRC S100.
B. ANSI/IICRC S300.
C. ANSI/IICRC S520.
D. NADCA ACR.
, CORRECT ANSWER: C. ANSI/IICRC S520.
Rationale: The standard explicitly references the ANSI/IICRC S520 Standard for
Professional Mold Remediation. It provides an exception stating that in areas requiring a
licensed mold assessor, the appropriate licensing should be in place to perform the
HVAC impact assessment, linking the two standards .
Question 10: According to the S590, how should the HVAC assessor determine
the number of sampling locations?
A. A fixed number of locations is mandated for all projects.
B. The number is based upon the extent, severity, type of air conveyance system, and
type of event.
C. The number is determined by the property owner's insurance company.
D. A minimum of ten sampling locations is required for all residential projects.
CORRECT ANSWER: B. The number is based upon the extent, severity, type of
air conveyance system, and type of event.
Rationale: The standard grants the HVAC assessor professional judgment to determine
the number of sampling locations. This determination should be based on key project
variables such as the extent and severity of the contamination, the type of HVAC
system, and the nature of the damage event .
Question 11: What is the primary role of the HVAC Assessor in the S590
process?
A. To perform the physical cleaning and restoration of the HVAC system.
B. To determine the visual and odor impact on HVAC system components from the
assessed event.
C. To negotiate the cost of remediation with the property owner's insurance company.
D. To repair any mechanical or electrical faults in the HVAC equipment.
CORRECT ANSWER: B. To determine the visual and odor impact on HVAC
system components from the assessed event.
Rationale: The HVAC assessor's core responsibility is to evaluate the impact of the event
on the system. They determine the visual and odor impact to identify affected
components and assess their restorability. This assessment forms the basis for the
written report and Remediation Work Plan .
Question 12: If event-related contamination is found in the initial sampling
locations, what does the S590 suggest?
A. The assessment is complete, and the restoration plan can be finalized.
B. No further action is needed as the contamination is likely isolated.
C. Additional sampling locations may be needed to fully assess the extent of the
contamination.
D. The restoration contractor should immediately begin cleaning the system.
