Recommended Action Checklists
NOTE: This page contains only a summary of the recommended actions, follow links in the text below for additional detail and
explanatory information.
Contents
Each recommended action is broadly categorized according to the following codes:
A=School Administrator/Facility Planner
D=Design Team
C=Construction Supervisor
F=Facility Manager
Top of page
 |
Establish superior indoor air quality
as a design goal for the project in preliminary documents. |
A |
D |
|
|
|
|
Include requirements for attention to indoor air quality in all
appropriate phases of planning, design, and construction. |
A |
D |
|
|
Top of page
Top of page
Top of page
- Controlling Indoor Sources
Material Selection
Strategies and Processes for Material Selection
|
|
Prioritize sensitive program areas. |
A |
D |
|
|
|
|
Use product consensus standards. |
|
D |
|
|
|
|
Develop specification criteria.
|
A |
D |
|
|
|
|
Obtain MSDS/manufacturer certifications. |
|
D |
|
|
|
|
Require field approval for product
substitutions. |
A |
D |
|
|
|
|
If carpet is specified, select a carpet,
cushion, and adhesive that:
- have been tested and labeled for VOC emissions under the Carpet
and Rug Institute's (CRI) IAQ testing
programs
-
can be easily cleaned and maintained
-
are constructed to prevent liquids
from penetrating the backing layer where moisture under the carpet
can result in mold growth
-
can be easily removed without
the use of toxic chemicals
|
|
D |
|
|
|
|
Where new carpet odor is a concern, require suppliers to unroll and
air-out carpets
in a clean, dry warehouse before bringing them into the building. |
A |
D |
|
F |
|
|
Specify the least toxic carpet adhesive
system compatible with selected carpet product. Require installer to
use the smallest amount of adhesive necessary to fulfill the
manufacturer’s performance specifications for that product.
Alternately, specify tack-down carpet to eliminate gluing. |
|
D |
|
|
|
|
Air out space(s) where carpet has
been installed for a minimum of 72 hours. |
|
D |
C |
F |
|
|
In renovations, carpet installation
should occur only when the school building is not in use. |
|
|
C |
F |
|
|
Do not install carpet near water
fountains, sinks, showers, pools, or other locations where it may
get wet. |
|
D |
C |
|
|
|
Follow recommendations from the
Carpet and Rug Institute
 for installation (CRI 104-- Standard for
Installation of Commercial Carpet). |
|
|
C |
|
|
|
Follow the carpet manufacturer's maintenance recommendations to protect
the carpet warranties. |
|
|
C |
F |
|
|
All spills must be cleaned up immediately
and thoroughly. If carpet becomes saturated with a clean water spill,
extract the moisture and be sure the carpet is dry within 24 hours.
Spills of other liquids require immediate extraction and spot cleaning
as well as drying within 24 hours. |
|
|
C |
F |
|
|
Specify low-VOC adhesives and
coatings to minimize the indoor air pollution load and health risks to
both installers and occupants. |
|
D |
|
|
|
|
Ask for manufacturer’s emissions
data to aid in selection. |
|
D |
|
|
|
|
Require installer to use the smallest
amount of adhesive necessary to fulfill the manufacturer’s
performance specifications for that product. (Note: In some
applications, interlocked rubber tiles and heavy linoleum can be
laid without adhesive.) |
|
D |
C |
|
|
|
Air out space(s) where resilient flooring has
been installed for a minimum of 72 hours. |
|
D |
C |
F |
|
|
Select formaldehyde-free acoustical
ceiling and wall systems with recycled-content. |
|
D |
|
|
|
|
Where feasible, sequence
work to avoid applying VOC-containing materials in spaces with
exposed acoustical surfaces. |
|
D |
C |
F |
|
|
Require adequate ventilation during
installation of finish materials that emit indoor pollutants. |
|
D |
C |
F |
|
|
Consult with the manufacturer before
painting/coating any acoustical material. With most ceiling tiles,
for example, the material loses its acoustical properties once it
has been painted.
|
|
D |
C |
F |
|
|
Coordinate placement of lighting
fixtures and other equipment in ceilings to provide clear access for
inspection and servicing of HVAC system air filters and other
components. |
|
D |
C |
|
|
|
Remove and discard any wetted ceiling tiles from
the site immediately to avoid mold contamination. |
|
|
C |
F |
|
|
Avoid using ceiling tile and
sprayed-on ceiling finishes containing asbestos or
formaldehyde. |
|
D |
C |
|
|
|
Specify least toxic,
formaldehyde-free, zero-VOC or low-VOC paint that meets durability
and other performance requirements. |
|
D |
|
|
|
|
Specify products containing no lead,
mercury, hexavalent chromium or cadmium. Though regulations have
nearly eliminated many toxic components from consumer paint lines,
industrial and commercial paints may still contain them. Check the
MSDSs. |
|
D |
|
|
|
|
Specify isolation requirements (isolation of construction zones from
completed zones to prevent cross-contamination; removal, coverage, or
isolation of porous materials to avoid adsorption and subsequent re-emission of
solvents, maintaining negative ventilation in construction areas). When sanding dried paint, a dust mask should be worn. |
|
D |
C |
|
|
|
Review recommended duration between
paint application and occupancy and review for compatibility with
maintenance schedules/requirements. |
|
D |
C |
F |
|
|
When possible, schedule work during
unoccupied periods or periods of least occupancy. Large projects
should be scheduled during the summer vacation months or other
breaks. The maintenance schedule should also factor in manufacturer
recommended air temperatures for application. |
A |
D |
C |
F |
|
|
Where possible, perform painting and
stripping off-site or select materials with factory-applied
finishes. |
|
|
C |
F |
|
|
For on-site interior painting, cover
surfaces (e.g., with plastic sheeting), such as fabric-covered furnishings, that may adsorb VOCs.
Specify sequence of installation so that painting and other
"wet" applications occur before installation of "fleecy"
materials. |
|
|
C |
F |
|
|
Consider constructing barriers (for
example, walls or curtains of plastic sheeting) to help isolate
portions of larger areas and minimize the distribution of dust and
other pollutants. |
|
|
C |
F |
|
|
Wipe down all surfaces with a wet
cloth as soon as practical after completing all dust-generating work
typically associated with surface preparation. |
|
|
C |
F |
|
|
Carefully observe manufacturers
recommendation for cleanup, storage, and disposal, for paints,
primers, and thinners. (Note: Some products are classified as
"flammable liquids" under federal regulations and must be
stored in a specifically constructed safety cabinet.) |
|
|
C |
F |
|
|
Keep paint containers covered as much
as possible during and following use to protect against VOC release. |
|
|
C |
F |
|
|
Avoid using solvent-based products,
which include butyls and urethanes, indoors. Low VOC, low-toxic
water-based, formulations are now available for many applications. |
|
D |
C |
F |
|
|
Specify the least toxic/lowest VOC
product suitable for the application and require installer to use
the smallest amount of adhesive necessary to fulfill the
manufacturer’s performance specifications for that product. |
|
D |
|
|
|
|
Use low VOC, low-toxic
water-based, formulations which are now available for many applications. |
|
D |
C |
F |
|
|
Specify the least toxic/lowest VOC
product suitable for the application and require the installer to use
the smallest amount of adhesive necessary to fulfill the
manufacturer’s performance specifications for that product. |
|
D |
|
|
|
|
Specify air exchange rates and proper
air filtration procedures for the ventilation system in construction documents to ensure that
whenever possible, any necessary off-gasing from Type One materials
is dissipated before Type Two materials are installed. |
|
D |
|
|
|
|
Require the contractor to properly
clean all duct work and replace all air filters before building
occupancy. |
|
D |
C |
|
Top of page
|
|
Install 4 inches of ½ to 1 inch
clean aggregate and a vapor barrier under all slab areas. |
|
D |
C |
|
|
|
Install one centrally located sump
pit per 100,000 square feet of earth-contact floor area |
|
D |
C |
|
|
|
Install a 6 inch PVC vent pipe from
the sump pit to the roof. |
|
D |
C |
|
|
|
Install a 120VAC, 15A weatherproof
junction box on the roof next to the 6 inch vent pipe, to permit
installation of a fan to vent soil gas if post-construction testing
finds elevated radon levels. |
|
D |
C |
|
|
|
Seal all major slab openings,
cracks, or penetrations with polyurethane sealant |
|
D |
C |
|
|
|
Make post-construction radon measurements
using EPA's Radon Measurement in Schools Protocol (EPA-402-R-92-014). |
A |
|
C |
F |
|
|
Install automatic drain trap primers,
available from several major manufacturers, in all floor drains to
ensure that a small amount of water is periodically delivered to the
trap, preventing the trap from drying out. |
|
D |
C |
|
|
|
Make sure sewer vents are not located
where gases can be pulled back into the building or install an air
admittance valve. |
|
D |
C |
|
|
|
The entry mat system should be at least
20 feet long and as wide as the entry doors, and employ three
different types of matting.
|
|
D |
C |
|
|
|
All mats should have anti-slip backings
or other locking mechanisms to reduce sliding and tripping hazards.
|
|
D |
C |
|
|
|
Since daily cleaning will be required,
the ease of cleaning should be considered during selection. |
|
D |
C |
|
|
|
Seal all openings in walls, floors, and ceilings that separate conditioned space (heated or cooled) from unconditioned space. |
|
D |
C |
|
Top of page
|
|
Design in accordance with ASHRAE standards |
A |
D |
|
|
|
|
Ensure
familiarity with and adherence to all state and local building
codes and standards. |
A |
D |
C |
|
|
|
Designers should
consider the use of natural ventilation and operable windows to
supplement mechanical ventilation. |
|
D |
|
|
|
|
If operable windows
will be used to supplement the HVAC system, ensure that:
 |
openings for
outdoor air are located between 3-6 feet from the floor
(head height); |
|
|
the windows are
adjustable and can close tightly and securely; |
|
|
they are placed to
take maximum advantage of wind direction, with openings on
opposite sides of the building to maximize
cross-ventilation; |
|
|
consider outdoor
sources of pollutants (including building exhausts) and
noise when determining if and where to provide operable
windows; |
|
|
avoid placing
operable windows near building exhaust openings.
|
|
|
D |
|
|
|
|
Consider
specifying energy recovery ventilation equipment. |
A |
D |
|
|
|
|
Locate outdoor air
intakes away from pollutant sources and prevent blockage. |
|
D |
C |
|
|
|
Intakes should not
be placed within 25 feet of any potential sources of air
contaminants, including sewer vents, exhaust air from the
school, loading docks, bus loading areas, garbage receptacles,
boiler or generator exhausts, and mist from cooling towers. |
|
D |
C |
|
|
|
Grilles protecting
air intakes should be bird- and rodent-proofed to prevent
perching, roosting, and nesting. |
|
D |
C |
F |
|
|
Intake Screens must
be accessible for inspection and cleaning. |
|
D |
C |
F |
|
|
Consider adding a
section of sloped intake plenum that causes moisture to flow to
the outside or to a drain if intake grilles are not designed to
completely eliminate the intake of rain or snow. |
|
D |
C |
|
|
|
Air filters
should have a dust-spot rating between 35% and 80% or a
Minimum Efficiency Rating Value (MERV) of between 8 and 13. |
|
D |
|
|
|
|
Design more
filter surface area into ventilation systems. |
|
D |
|
|
|
|
Consider
installing a simple pressure differential gauge across all
filter banks. |
|
D |
|
|
Top of page
|
|
Specify the
addition of a measuring station that actively controls the
amount of outdoor airflow by modulating the outdoor air
damper, and if needed to overcome wind and stack effects, the
return (recirculation) damper. |
|
D |
|
|
|
|
Pay
special attention to preventing moisture from entering duct
work. |
|
D |
C |
F |
|
|
If
specifying duct board or internal duct lining for
thermal and/or acoustical control, be sure to consider the
potential for uncontrolled moisture to enter the duct over the
life of the system. Select products that will minimize the potential for moisture
retention in the event of unforeseen moisture contamination of
the duct system, such as those with properties that reduce the
potential for moisture to penetrate the air stream surface.
Ensure that all duct systems are properly fabricated and
installed. |
|
D |
C |
|
|
|
Degrease sheet metal air ducts. |
|
D |
C |
|
|
|
Seal
air ducts to prevent HVAC system air leakage. |
|
D |
C |
|
|
|
Provide
exhaust ventilation for janitors closets. |
|
D |
C |
|
|
|
Provide
exhaust ventilation for copy/work rooms. |
|
D |
C |
|
|
|
Provide
exhaust ventilation for arts and crafts preparation areas where
off-gasing from significant quantities of materials and products may occur.
|
|
D |
C |
|
|
|
Consider specifying a differential pressure monitor to monitor
building pressurization. |
|
D |
|
|
|
|
Do not operate exhaust
systems when the HVAC system is turned off to avoid bringing in
unconditioned moist air that may condense on cooler indoor
surfaces. |
|
D |
C |
F |
|
|
Ensure that all
system components, including air handling units, controls, and
exhaust fans are easily accessible. |
|
D |
C |
F |
|
|
Label HVAC system
components to facilitate operations and maintenance. |
|
D |
C |
F |
|
|
Keep building materials dry during construction. |
|
D |
C |
|
|
|
Dry water damaged materials as quickly as possible, preferably within 24 hours. |
|
D |
C |
F |
|
|
Sloped Roof |
|
D |
C |
|
|
|
Ground Slope – Ensure that ground next to the building slopes
away from the foundation. |
|
D |
C |
|
|
|
Covered Entries – Ensure that exterior entries have sufficient
overhang to prevent rain or snow from being blown into the building,
or from large amounts of moisture collecting directly in front of
the entry and being tracked into the building. |
|
D |
C |
|
|
|
Sloped Intake Plenum – Consider adding a section of sloped
intake plenum that causes moisture to flow to the outside or to a
drain if intake grilles are not designed to completely eliminate the
intake of rain or snow. |
|
D |
C |
|
|
|
To prevent moisture migration, framed walls, floors and roofs should have a vapor barrier on the warm, moist side of the
insulation. |
|
D |
C |
|
|
|
For floor slabs in immediate contact with the ground, consider
installing a 3-6 mil continuous vapor barrier under the slab to
prevent moisture entry through the slab. |
|
D |
C |
|
|
|
In addition to correctly installing a vapor barrier, it is important to provide adequate ventilation of spaces where moisture
can build up. |
|
D |
C |
F |
|
|
Pay close attention to both the design and proper installation of
roof flashing, pan flashing for windows and doors, capillary breaks
for footings, and other areas where moisture can enter the building
envelope. |
|
D |
C |
|
|
|
To protect health, comfort, the school building and its contents,
it is important that indoor relative humidity be maintained below
60%, ideally between 30% and 50%.
|
A |
D |
C |
F |
|
|
Avoid over-sizing the HVAC system, particularly in high humidity climates. |
|
D |
|
|
|
|
Consider specifying
energy recovery ventilation equipment. |
A |
D |
|
|
|
|
If humidification equipment is installed in very dry climates, care
must be taken to avoid microbiological problems associated with excess
humidity and to ensure maintenance of humidification equipment. |
A |
D |
|
F |
|
|
Consider cycling the air conditioning system (if present)
several hours every day to reduce indoor moisture, or run
portable de-humidifiers. |
A |
|
|
F |
|
|
Consider establishing policies that moisture generating
activities (e.g., carpet cleaning) not be conducted in the
summer in humid climates unless air conditioning or other
moisture removing equipment is available. |
A |
|
|
F |
|
|
Consider manual thermostat overrides. |
|
D |
|
|
|
|
Consider CO2 sensors in each zone to control
outdoor air dampers during summer periods when occupancy may be
intermittent. |
|
D |
|
|
|
|
Fully insulate all cold water pipes
and fittings, and condensate drain pipes, with appropriate insulation
(see discussion of duct insulation under
HVAC--Air Distribution). There
should not be any gaps or unsealed seams in the insulation, and all
fittings, including valve stems, should be insulated. |
|
D |
C |
|
|
|
Fully insulate all cold refrigerant lines similar to cold water pipes. |
|
D |
C |
|
|
|
Fully insulate cold-air supply
ducts. |
|
D |
C |
|
|
|
Minimize thermal bridging in the building shell. |
|
D |
C |
|
|
|
If renovating, add appropriate levels of
insulation to prevent cool interior surfaces of windows, walls,
ceilings, and floors. |
|
D |
C |
|
|
|
Specify windows and doors with frames and spacers
around edges that have thermal breaks. |
|
D |
|
|
Top of page
|
|
Incorporate indoor air quality goals
into the bid and construction documents. |
A |
D |
|
|
|
|
Ensure that all members of the project
team are knowledgeable about indoor quality issues and have defined
responsibilities for implementation of good indoor air quality
practices. |
A |
D |
C |
F |
|
|
Require the development and use of an indoor air quality management plan. |
A |
D |
C |
F |
|
|
Conduct regular inspection and
maintenance of indoor air quality measures including ventilation
system protection, and ventilation rate. |
A |
D |
C |
F |
|
|
Conduct safety meetings, develop
signage, and establish subcontractor agreements that communicate the
goals of the construction indoor air quality plan.
|
A |
D |
C |
F |
|
|
Require contractors to provide
information on product substitutions sufficient to enable O&M
staff to properly maintain and repair materials in place. |
A |
D |
C |
F |
|
|
Keep building materials dry. |
|
|
C |
F |
|
|
Dry water damaged materials quickly. |
|
|
C |
F |
|
|
Clean spills immediately. |
|
|
C |
F |
|
|
Seal unnecessary openings. |
|
|
C |
F |
|
|
Temporarily seal duct-work. |
|
|
C |
F |
|
|
Ventilate when needed. |
|
|
C |
F |
|
|
During installation of carpet, paints,
furnishings, and other VOC-emitting products, provide supplemental
(spot) ventilation for at least 72 hours after work is completed. |
A |
D |
C |
F |
|
|
Require VOC-safe masks for workers
installing VOC-emitting products (interior and exterior). |
|
|
C |
F |
|
|
Reduce construction dust. |
|
|
C |
F |
|
|
Use wet sanding for gypsum board assemblies.
Exception |
|
|
C |
F |
|
|
Avoid use of combustion equipment
indoors. |
|
|
C |
F |
|
|
Store liquids outdoors. |
|
|
C |
F |
|
|
Use less toxic cleaning agents. |
|
|
C |
F |
|
|
Consider a building flush-out at the
end of the construction process and before occupancy. |
A |
D |
|
![[logo] US EPA](http://www.epa.gov/epafiles/images/logo_epaseal.gif){kind=logo}
