MODULE 5: SYSTEMS & SCALING
Training Techs on Mold
Building a Skilled, Compliant Team
Why Mold Requires More From Techs
Mold work requires more than water mitigation.
- Protocol compliance - must follow third-party requirements exactly
- Extensive documentation - photos, logs, checklists
- Strict safety procedures - real health risks
- Severe consequences - failed clearance, denied billing, liability
4 Training Areas
1. Certification
Formal credentials
2. Protocol Compliance
Following scope exactly
3. Documentation
Photos, logs, records
4. Safety
PPE, health, procedures
CERTIFICATION
Formal Certification
- AMRT - Applied Microbial Remediation Technician (primary mold cert)
- WRT - Water Restoration Technician (good foundation)
- Check state requirements - Florida, Texas, others have mold-specific licensing
- Insurance preferences - carriers may require certified technicians
Certification as Competitive Advantage
When you tell a homeowner or adjuster your techs are AMRT certified, it builds confidence.
- Differentiates you from competitors sending untrained workers
- Invest in training - pay for certifications, give time to complete
- Keep certification records current - track expiration dates
PROTOCOL COMPLIANCE
Protocol Compliance Training
Techs must understand what a protocol is and why it matters.
The protocol is the scope of work defined by a third-party professional.
It tells us exactly what to do. We follow it precisely. No more, no less.
Train Techs to Read the Protocol
Before starting each job, understand:
- What areas are affected
- What containment is required
- What removal is specified
- What cleaning methods
- What treatment
The Critical Rule
No deviation without authorization.
If something seems wrong or incomplete, they don't do what they think is right.
They stop and communicate.
When They Find Something Not in Protocol
Mold the protocol doesn't cover? Something that seems missed?
Don't touch it, don't try to clean it. Let the office handle getting amendments.
Communication Chain & Consequences
Establish Clear Communication
Who do they call with protocol questions?
What's the escalation path?
Explain Consequences
Deviation = failed clearance, might not get paid, company faces liability
Help them understand why compliance isn't optional.
DOCUMENTATION
Documentation Training
Documentation is part of the job, not an afterthought.
Photo Requirements
Before Work
Mold extent
Affected areas
During Work
Containment setup
Equipment
Workers in PPE
Before Clearance
Clean surfaces
Completed work
Disposal
Train on how to take useful photos: good lighting, clear focus, context visible.
A blurry, dark photo is useless.
Daily Logs & Equipment Records
- Daily log completion - equipment verification, work completed, issues or notes
- Equipment logs support thousands in billing - every day verified running, every filter change documented
- PPE tracking - suit counts, cartridge changes - supports PPE billing
Common mistakes: Forgetting photos, unclear photos, incomplete logs, missing dates.
Make documentation part of the workflow - not at the end if they remember.
SAFETY
Safety Training
Mold work has real health risks. Safety training is non-negotiable.
- PPE requirements are not suggestions - full Tyvek, respirator, gloves, boot covers
- Every time they enter containment - no exceptions
PPE & Entry Procedures
- Proper donning and doffing - how to put on PPE correctly, how to remove without contaminating themselves. The sequence matters.
- Containment entry/exit - always through decon chamber, decontaminate before leaving
- Don't track contamination into clean areas
What If PPE Fails?
Respirator seal breaks, suit tears?
Don't keep working with compromised protection.
Health Monitoring Awareness
- Know the symptoms of mold exposure - respiratory issues, allergic reactions
- If a tech feels unwell, they report immediately
- Create an environment where techs feel comfortable reporting health concerns
- Don't ignore symptoms, don't tough it out
Safety protects three things: the tech personally, the customer, and the company.
Building a Training Program
- Initial training - classroom on mold basics, protocols, documentation, safety
- Field training - shadow experienced techs before working independently
- Competency verification - quiz them, check documentation, review work before solo jobs
- Ongoing updates - practices evolve, regulations change, keep team current
Job Briefings & Debriefs
Before Each Project
Review the specific protocol
Discuss unusual aspects
Make sure everyone understands the scope
After Clearance
Did we pass first attempt? If not, why?
What can we learn?
Document all training
Recap
- Trained technicians are the foundation of successful mold work
- Certification (AMRT) establishes professional competency and competitive advantage
- Protocol compliance - follow scope exactly, stop/document/communicate when questions arise
- Documentation - photos, logs, equipment records done correctly as they work
- Safety - PPE required, health monitoring matters, shortcuts aren't worth it
- Training program - initial training, supervised experience, competency verification, ongoing updates
ACTION ITEM
Your Next Step
Assess your current mold training.
What gaps exist? What topic needs the most improvement?
Start there this week.
Final lesson: Metrics & Profitability - tracking mold job performance to continuously improve.