Georgia Correctional Officer (CO) Practice Exam

If visible rhizomorphs are found in the crawl space due to water-conducting rot, what is one of the actions required?

1. Paint over the growth

2. Remove the wooden supports

3. Cut and scrape the infected areas

4. Install additional vents

The correct answer is: Cut and scrape the infected areas

The presence of visible rhizomorphs in the crawl space indicates a serious case of water-conducting rot, often associated with fungal decay, which can compromise the structural integrity of wooden materials. One of the actions required is to cut and scrape the infected areas to remove the decay and prevent further spread. This method is crucial as it directly addresses the source of the problem by eliminating the affected material. Cutting and scraping the infected areas helps to stop the rot from continuing and allows for a more thorough treatment of the area to prevent recurrence. This action is part of effective remediation, as it ensures that any colonizing fungi are removed, thus limiting their ability to expand. Following this action, additional measures such as improving ventilation or controlling moisture levels may also be necessary to prevent future issues. Other options, such as painting over the growth or removing the wooden supports without addressing the rot itself, do not effectively deal with the underlying problem and can lead to more significant structural issues down the line. Similarly, while installing additional vents can help with moisture control, it does not address the immediate presence of the rot itself and would be an ineffective primary action in this scenario.