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 vs. Non-Restorable
Components, Safety, Documentation, Reporting &
Restoration Work Plans
Question 1: According to the ANSI/IICRC S590 standard, what is the primary
purpose of an HVAC assessment following a water, fire, or mold damage event?
A. To determine the operational efficiency of the HVAC system.
B. To identify impacted and non-impacted HVAC internal surfaces and determine the
condition of the system.
C. To provide a cost estimate for a complete HVAC system replacement.
D. To test the air quality for volatile organic compounds (VOCs) only.
CORRECT ANSWER: B. To identify impacted and non-impacted HVAC internal
surfaces and determine the condition of the system.
Rationale: The S590 standard is specifically designed to assess the condition of HVAC
systems after a damage event. The core of this process is identifying which internal
surfaces have been impacted by the event and which have not, allowing for a clear
determination of the system's overall condition. This is the foundational step for creating
a Restoration Work Plan (RWP) .
Question 2: The ANSI/IICRC S590 standard is applicable to which of the
following building types?
A. Residential buildings only.
B. Commercial and institutional buildings only.
C. Healthcare buildings only.
D. Residential, commercial, institutional, and healthcare buildings.
CORRECT ANSWER: D. Residential, commercial, institutional, and healthcare
buildings.
Rationale: The S590 standard was developed with broad applicability. It explicitly states
that its procedures can be used to perform HVAC assessments in residential,
commercial, institutional, and healthcare buildings, making it a versatile standard for the
industry .
Question 3: A key component that must be created as a result of the S590
HVAC assessment process is the:
A. Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS).
B. Restoration Work Plan (RWP).
,C. Building Energy Efficiency Report.
D. Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) Compliance Certificate.
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Restoration Work Plan (RWP).
Rationale: The S590 standard contains specific procedures to perform HVAC
assessments, which culminate in the creation of a written report and a Restoration Work
Plan (RWP). The RWP outlines the scope of work needed to restore the HVAC system to
an acceptable condition .
Question 4: Which established standard is noted as being integrated into the
development of the ANSI/IICRC S590?
A. The IICRC S500 Standard for Water Damage Restoration.
B. The IICRC S520 Standard for Mold Remediation.
C. The NADCA ACR Standard for HVAC Cleaning.
D. The OSHA General Duty Clause.
CORRECT ANSWER: C. The NADCA ACR Standard for HVAC Cleaning.
Rationale: During the development of the S590, the Consensus Body integrated multiple
IICRC standards and the NADCA ACR Standard. This integration ensures the new
standard aligns with and complements existing best practices for HVAC system
cleaning .
Question 5: Who is responsible for leading the Consensus Body that developed
the ANSI/IICRC S590 standard?
A. Brandon Burton, IICRC Standards Chairman.
B. The IICRC Standards leadership team.
C. Tom Yacobellis, IICRC S590 Consensus Body Chairman.
D. The NADCA Board of Directors.
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Tom Yacobellis, IICRC S590 Consensus Body
Chairman.
Rationale: Tom Yacobellis is explicitly credited as the Chairman of the IICRC S590
Consensus Body. His leadership and the dedication of the consensus body were key to
the development and publication of the new standard .
Question 6: Which of the following is a core component included in the scope
of the S590 standard?
A. Calculating the structural load capacity of ductwork.
B. Determining restorable versus non-restorable components.
C. Designing new HVAC systems for energy efficiency.
D. Calibrating thermostats for optimal temperature control.
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Determining restorable versus non-restorable
components.
,Rationale: The S590 standard outlines a comprehensive process for HVAC assessment.
One of the key elements included in this process is determining which components of
the HVAC system can be restored and which are non-restorable and require
replacement .
Question 7: The ANSI/IICRC S590 standard contains methods and procedures
for determining:
A. Visual deposition and odor retention.
B. The R-value of insulation in ductwork.
C. The CFM (Cubic Feet per Minute) output of the system.
D. The age of the HVAC equipment.
CORRECT ANSWER: A. Visual deposition and odor retention.
Rationale: The S590 standard specifically lists methods and procedures for determining
the extent of visual deposition (such as soot or debris) and odor retention within the
HVAC system. This is fundamental to assessing the level of impact from a fire, water, or
mold event .
Question 8: If an HVAC system was not operating during a fire damage event,
how does the S590 standard address this scenario?
A. It states that the system is exempt from assessment if it was not running.
B. It acknowledges that HVAC systems may be impacted by event-related particulates
regardless of operational status.
C. It requires the system to be operated for a period before an assessment can be made.
D. It presumes there is no impact if the system was off.
CORRECT ANSWER: B. It acknowledges that HVAC systems may be impacted
by event-related particulates regardless of operational status.
Rationale: The standard's scope includes the recognition that HVAC systems can
become impacted by event-related particulates even if they were not operational during
the event. Contaminants can enter through return air openings or settle on static
surfaces, making an assessment necessary in all cases .
Question 9: The S590 standard is an ANSI-approved standard, which signifies
that it:
A. Is a legally binding federal regulation.
B. Has been developed according to a consensus process with requirements for
openness and due process.
C. Is a manufacturer's warranty guideline.
D. Only applies to new building construction.
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Has been developed according to a consensus process
with requirements for openness and due process.
, Rationale: The "ANSI-approved" designation is a crucial aspect of the standard. It
confirms that the S590 was developed under the American National Standards
Institute's (ANSI) rigorous consensus process, ensuring it meets high standards for
openness, balance, and due process, and represents a consensus of the industry's best
practices .
Question 10: What is the publication date and edition of the ANSI/IICRC S590
standard?
A. 2018, 1st Edition.
B. 2020, 2nd Edition.
C. 2023, 1st Edition.
D. 2023, 2nd Edition.
CORRECT ANSWER: C. 2023, 1st Edition.
Rationale: The S590 is a new, entirely original standard for the industry. It was published
as the 1st Edition in late 2023. This marks the first time the IICRC has issued a
dedicated standard for the assessment of HVAC systems post-damage .
Question 11: What is the proper designation of the standard for official
reference?
A. IICRC S500.
B. IICRC S520.
C. ANSI/IICRC S590.
D. NADCA ACR 2023.
CORRECT ANSWER: C. ANSI/IICRC S590.
Rationale: The correct and official designation for the standard is ANSI/IICRC S590.
This format reflects its status as an American National Standard (ANSI) developed and
published by the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) .
Question 12: The creation of the S590 standard represents which of the
following industry milestones?
A. The first standard to address water damage restoration.
B. The integration of multiple IICRC standards and the NADCA ACR Standard.
C. The first standard to focus on mold remediation in residential buildings.
D. The establishment of a new international building code.
CORRECT ANSWER: B. The integration of multiple IICRC standards and the
NADCA ACR Standard.
Rationale: The S590 standard is considered a significant milestone because it integrates
various existing IICRC standards with the NADCA ACR Standard, creating a
comprehensive and unified document for assessing HVAC systems after specific damage
events. This prevents practitioners from having to consult multiple, potentially
conflicting, documents .
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 vs. Non-Restorable
Components, Safety, Documentation, Reporting &
Restoration Work Plans
Question 1: According to the ANSI/IICRC S590 standard, what is the primary
purpose of an HVAC assessment following a water, fire, or mold damage event?
A. To determine the operational efficiency of the HVAC system.
B. To identify impacted and non-impacted HVAC internal surfaces and determine the
condition of the system.
C. To provide a cost estimate for a complete HVAC system replacement.
D. To test the air quality for volatile organic compounds (VOCs) only.
CORRECT ANSWER: B. To identify impacted and non-impacted HVAC internal
surfaces and determine the condition of the system.
Rationale: The S590 standard is specifically designed to assess the condition of HVAC
systems after a damage event. The core of this process is identifying which internal
surfaces have been impacted by the event and which have not, allowing for a clear
determination of the system's overall condition. This is the foundational step for creating
a Restoration Work Plan (RWP) .
Question 2: The ANSI/IICRC S590 standard is applicable to which of the
following building types?
A. Residential buildings only.
B. Commercial and institutional buildings only.
C. Healthcare buildings only.
D. Residential, commercial, institutional, and healthcare buildings.
CORRECT ANSWER: D. Residential, commercial, institutional, and healthcare
buildings.
Rationale: The S590 standard was developed with broad applicability. It explicitly states
that its procedures can be used to perform HVAC assessments in residential,
commercial, institutional, and healthcare buildings, making it a versatile standard for the
industry .
Question 3: A key component that must be created as a result of the S590
HVAC assessment process is the:
A. Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS).
B. Restoration Work Plan (RWP).
,C. Building Energy Efficiency Report.
D. Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) Compliance Certificate.
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Restoration Work Plan (RWP).
Rationale: The S590 standard contains specific procedures to perform HVAC
assessments, which culminate in the creation of a written report and a Restoration Work
Plan (RWP). The RWP outlines the scope of work needed to restore the HVAC system to
an acceptable condition .
Question 4: Which established standard is noted as being integrated into the
development of the ANSI/IICRC S590?
A. The IICRC S500 Standard for Water Damage Restoration.
B. The IICRC S520 Standard for Mold Remediation.
C. The NADCA ACR Standard for HVAC Cleaning.
D. The OSHA General Duty Clause.
CORRECT ANSWER: C. The NADCA ACR Standard for HVAC Cleaning.
Rationale: During the development of the S590, the Consensus Body integrated multiple
IICRC standards and the NADCA ACR Standard. This integration ensures the new
standard aligns with and complements existing best practices for HVAC system
cleaning .
Question 5: Who is responsible for leading the Consensus Body that developed
the ANSI/IICRC S590 standard?
A. Brandon Burton, IICRC Standards Chairman.
B. The IICRC Standards leadership team.
C. Tom Yacobellis, IICRC S590 Consensus Body Chairman.
D. The NADCA Board of Directors.
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Tom Yacobellis, IICRC S590 Consensus Body
Chairman.
Rationale: Tom Yacobellis is explicitly credited as the Chairman of the IICRC S590
Consensus Body. His leadership and the dedication of the consensus body were key to
the development and publication of the new standard .
Question 6: Which of the following is a core component included in the scope
of the S590 standard?
A. Calculating the structural load capacity of ductwork.
B. Determining restorable versus non-restorable components.
C. Designing new HVAC systems for energy efficiency.
D. Calibrating thermostats for optimal temperature control.
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Determining restorable versus non-restorable
components.
,Rationale: The S590 standard outlines a comprehensive process for HVAC assessment.
One of the key elements included in this process is determining which components of
the HVAC system can be restored and which are non-restorable and require
replacement .
Question 7: The ANSI/IICRC S590 standard contains methods and procedures
for determining:
A. Visual deposition and odor retention.
B. The R-value of insulation in ductwork.
C. The CFM (Cubic Feet per Minute) output of the system.
D. The age of the HVAC equipment.
CORRECT ANSWER: A. Visual deposition and odor retention.
Rationale: The S590 standard specifically lists methods and procedures for determining
the extent of visual deposition (such as soot or debris) and odor retention within the
HVAC system. This is fundamental to assessing the level of impact from a fire, water, or
mold event .
Question 8: If an HVAC system was not operating during a fire damage event,
how does the S590 standard address this scenario?
A. It states that the system is exempt from assessment if it was not running.
B. It acknowledges that HVAC systems may be impacted by event-related particulates
regardless of operational status.
C. It requires the system to be operated for a period before an assessment can be made.
D. It presumes there is no impact if the system was off.
CORRECT ANSWER: B. It acknowledges that HVAC systems may be impacted
by event-related particulates regardless of operational status.
Rationale: The standard's scope includes the recognition that HVAC systems can
become impacted by event-related particulates even if they were not operational during
the event. Contaminants can enter through return air openings or settle on static
surfaces, making an assessment necessary in all cases .
Question 9: The S590 standard is an ANSI-approved standard, which signifies
that it:
A. Is a legally binding federal regulation.
B. Has been developed according to a consensus process with requirements for
openness and due process.
C. Is a manufacturer's warranty guideline.
D. Only applies to new building construction.
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Has been developed according to a consensus process
with requirements for openness and due process.
, Rationale: The "ANSI-approved" designation is a crucial aspect of the standard. It
confirms that the S590 was developed under the American National Standards
Institute's (ANSI) rigorous consensus process, ensuring it meets high standards for
openness, balance, and due process, and represents a consensus of the industry's best
practices .
Question 10: What is the publication date and edition of the ANSI/IICRC S590
standard?
A. 2018, 1st Edition.
B. 2020, 2nd Edition.
C. 2023, 1st Edition.
D. 2023, 2nd Edition.
CORRECT ANSWER: C. 2023, 1st Edition.
Rationale: The S590 is a new, entirely original standard for the industry. It was published
as the 1st Edition in late 2023. This marks the first time the IICRC has issued a
dedicated standard for the assessment of HVAC systems post-damage .
Question 11: What is the proper designation of the standard for official
reference?
A. IICRC S500.
B. IICRC S520.
C. ANSI/IICRC S590.
D. NADCA ACR 2023.
CORRECT ANSWER: C. ANSI/IICRC S590.
Rationale: The correct and official designation for the standard is ANSI/IICRC S590.
This format reflects its status as an American National Standard (ANSI) developed and
published by the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) .
Question 12: The creation of the S590 standard represents which of the
following industry milestones?
A. The first standard to address water damage restoration.
B. The integration of multiple IICRC standards and the NADCA ACR Standard.
C. The first standard to focus on mold remediation in residential buildings.
D. The establishment of a new international building code.
CORRECT ANSWER: B. The integration of multiple IICRC standards and the
NADCA ACR Standard.
Rationale: The S590 standard is considered a significant milestone because it integrates
various existing IICRC standards with the NADCA ACR Standard, creating a
comprehensive and unified document for assessing HVAC systems after specific damage
events. This prevents practitioners from having to consult multiple, potentially
conflicting, documents .
