Australia’s climate has always carried a mould challenge. Intense rainfall, flash flooding and lingering condensation in poorly ventilated spaces provide the perfect conditions for spores to thrive. Once established in a water-damaged building, mould becomes more than a stain on walls or a problem for plasterboard. It can compromise health, triggering respiratory conditions, chronic fatigue, headaches and even cognitive dysfunction.
The scale of the risk has put the spotlight firmly on how mould is identified and managed. Until recently, industry approaches varied widely, leaving building owners and occupants uncertain about the right path forward. That has now changed with the release of the updated ANSI-IICRC S520:2025 Standard for Professional Mold Remediation.
Setting a clear standard for remediation
The new standard provides a transparent, science-based framework that sets clear expectations for professionals tasked with mould assessment and removal. It codifies best practice across risk assessment, remediation strategies, personal protection requirements and verification procedures, ensuring consistent outcomes and greater confidence for clients. For contractors and facility managers, it also establishes a common language that can help reduce disputes and improve project planning.
To help industry professionals understand the new framework in practice, the ISSA Cleaning & Hygiene Expo 2025 will host a dedicated workshop. Running on Thursday 30 October from 1pm to 3.30pm at Meeting Room E5.3 in Sydney, the session will be led by two internationally recognised experts. Doug Hoffman, executive director of the National Organisation of Remediators and Microbial Inspectors, will unpack the technical elements of the standard and what they mean for day-to-day projects. He will be joined by Dr Gavin Macgregor-Skinner, senior director at ISSA and a global authority on public health preparedness, who will examine the wider health and regulatory context driving the update.
Together, the speakers will outline how the S520:2025 aligns remediation work with the latest scientific evidence, while also equipping businesses to protect both workers and building occupants. Attendees can expect insights into risk communication, documentation standards and the role of ongoing monitoring in preventing re-contamination.
The session is priced at $80 (ex GST) for ISSA members and $120 (ex GST) for non-members. To register for the expo, click here.
For cleaning and restoration specialists, facility managers, or anyone dealing with water-damaged buildings, this workshop offers a timely opportunity to build expertise and confidence in navigating the mould challenge with a clear, evidence-based standard.
