Renovation  and Repairs Checklist
Thbcheckfsti
seven major tofiic areas:

Communication
General Activities
Painting
Flooring
Roofing
Project Completion &
   Commissioning
Construction Administration
 1. Read the IAQ
   Backgrounder and the
   information in this
   section.
 2. Distribute appropriate
   portions of this checklist
   to groups or individuals
   involved in the planning
   process and/or actual
   repair/renovation work.
 3. Use the checklists on
   pages 7-10 to limit indoor
   environmental hazards as
    repairs and/or
    renovations are' planned
    and completed. Use the
    checklist hints  to guide
   .your observations. '  .
  4. Completed checklists
    should be returned to the
    IAQ Coordinator.

  NOTE: Check EPA's web
    site for information on
    Indoor Air Quality
    Tools for NEW
    Schools, a
    comprehensive guide
    to new school
    construction with a
     good IAQ environment
When planning and conducting
renovations in schools, it is important
to remember four potential causes of
indoor air problems during renovation
and repairs:

•  Demolition that releases toxic
    materials or mold

•  Construction dust and fumes

• ' Designs that interfere with
    ventilation

 •  Off-gassing from building
    materials and new products'

 You can minimize these problems by
 making good indoor air quality (IAQ)
 one of the criteria during project
 planning. Also, contract language and
 negotiations with service providers
 (contractors) can help ensure that
 proper materials and procedures are
  used, such as performing work during
  unoccupied periods in the school. This
  Renovation and Repairs Checklist is
  for use before and during renovation
  projects.

  Depending on who is performing the
  work, you may need to give relevant
  sections of this Checklist to the
  different in-house staffer contractors
  involved. Instruct those who receive a
  portion of the Checklist to return it to
  the IAQ Coordinator.

  See Appendix I, Resources, in the IAQ
  Coordinator's Guide, for additional
  sources of information on the following
  activities.  Also see the IAQ
   Coordinator's Guide for suggested
   contract language and other useful
   information.
                                                                                COMMUNICATION
It is important to provide advance
notice and information about the project
to all school occupants and parents.
This helps build trust and avoid misun-
derstandings. Communication should
include information about who will be
affected,
and how (e.g., disruption of normal
routines). Input into the process and
expression of concerns should be
encouraged. During longer projects,
periodic updates should be given to
keep the school community informed.

Designate an individual to provide a
 timely response to IAQ problems that
 might arise during the renovation.
 Ensure that emergency response plans
 are appropriate for the work performed.
 For example, if an emergency exit is
 blocked, an alternative must be
 identified. Appropriate signs should
 be posted to alert occupants. Projects
 involving asbestos and, in some
 states, lead, have specific regulatory
 requirements.  .
       GENERAL ACTIVITIES
  Plan to isolate students, staff, and other
  areas of the school from any dust or
  fumes generated during renovation
  work. This may include temporarily
  relocating people away from potential
  problem areas.  Use plastic sheeting,
  portable fans, and a mechanical ventila-
  tion strategy (where applicable) to
  prevent dust and fumes from reaching
  school occupants through hallways,
  doors, windows, and the ventilation
  system (for additional details, see the

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activity groups on this Checklist). Also
consider conducting renovation work
during hours when the school is
unoccupied, for example during
summer "vacation" months. Even
during unoccupied times, the ventila-
tion and containment strategies
mentioned above should be used to
prevent the spread of contaminants
through the school.

During periods of renovation, height-
ened housekeeping practices may be
necessary, not only in the renovation
area, but also in the rest of the school.

Give attention to workers and equip-
ment leaving renovation areas to avoid
carrying dust and fibers to  other parts
of the school. Walk-off mats, the use
of removable coveralls, and wiping
down  equipment before exiting the
work area are-all effective  practices.

Do not disturb asbestos during demoli-
tion. Most schools have identified and
dealt with asbestos in the school under
state or Federal requirements. Schools
that have asbestos-containing materi-
 als, as identified in an AHERA survey,
 should have a management plan on file
 at the school. Refer to the  management
 plan when considering whether
 planned renovations will require
 disturbing areas containing asbestos.
 Use an asbestos professional to consult
 on and assist with such renovation
 work. Be sure to update the AHERA
 management plan to reflect any
 asbestos abatement activities.

 Test for lead-based paint before
 removing old paint. Use a certified
 inspector (if your state certifies
 inspectors) or a reputable  testing firm
 for areas to be demolished, sanded, or
 stripped. Use appropriate  personnel
 and precautions when removing and
 disposing of lead-based paint.
Avoid exposure to mold and bacteria. If
renovation is likely to expose large
areas of microbial growth such as mold
and mildew (for example, while
repairing water damage), consult with
an environmental professional about
adequate protective measures to ensure
both worker and occupant safety.

Note: Even dead mold can potentially
still cause allergic reactions and other
health effects, (see Appendices H & I
in the IAQ Coordinator's Guide for
more information on mold).

Consider the effect of the renovation
on ventilation and mixing of air in
rooms. Beware of cutting off a room
from its supply of outdoor air, enclos-
ing a pollutant source (like photocopi-
ers) in a room with inadequate exhaust
or supply air, or erecting barriers, such
as new walls, that could prevent
adequate movement of air throughout
the a room.

 Minimize and provide for off-gassing
 from new products. New products
 contain volatile constituents, such as
 resins, solvents, and binders, which
 off-gas volatile organic compounds for
 a period of time. This process is called
 "off-gassing." Whenever possible,
 obtain information on emissions from
 potential new products to be installed
 in the school and select lower emitting
 products when available. Whenever
 new products with the potential for off-
 gassing are installed, allow adequate
 time for off-gassing before re-occupy-
 ing the area, and increase ventilation
 with outdoor air until off-gassing odors
 and any irritation symptoms no longer
 occur. Examples of products which will
 potentially off-gas include:

 •  Wall paneling

 •  Draperies

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   Composite wood furniture and
   cabinets

   Cubicle dividers

   Carpet and vinyl flooring

   Paints and finishes
            PAINTING
There are many factors to consider
before beginning a painting project.
Special care should be taken when
sanding a surface to prepare for
painting, due to the dust released into
the air. The dust may contain lead
particles. Exposure to excessive levels
of lead could affect a child's mental
growth and interfere with nervous
system development, which could
cause learning disabilities and im-
paired hearing. In adults, lead can
increase blood pressure.

The type of paint is an important
decision. For instance, both solvent-
based and water-based paints give off
volatile organic compounds (VOCs)
that could lead to IAQ problems.
Water-based paints produce less VOCs
than solvent-based paints, but produce
them over a longer period of time.

 Durability is important—a relatively
 low-emitting paint might create more
 IAQ problems in the long run than a
 higher-emitting paint, if the low-
 emitting paint requires repainting more
 often. In addition, many water-based
 paints (even interior paints) have, until
 recently, used mercury as a fungicide.
 Any paint that contains mercury should
 not be used indoors.

 Check painting records or old paint
 cans to determine whether the paint
 contains lead. Do an initial screen
using a trained lead paint inspector. If
there is lead in the existing paint,
contact a trained lead-based paint
contractor.

Evaluate existing stock of paint (prop-
erly dispose of paints containing lead or
mercury or having higher VOC emis-
sions than new paints).

Evaluate new paint before you pur-
chase it. Express your indoor air quality
concerns to paint suppliers and use
their technical personnel as a resource.
Not all paint suppliers have information
on pollutant emissions; consult other
sources (e.g., manufacturers) if your
paint supplier cannot provide adequate
information.

Schedule exterior painting to occur
when the building is unoccupied (for
example, weekends or vacation peri-
 ods).

 Keep nearby windows and doors closed
 as much as possible.

 Schedule interior painting to occur
 when the area is unoccupied (for
 example, on weekends or during
 vacation periods), and allow time for
 paint odors to dissipate before occu-
 pants return to the area. If the area
 being painted has a heating, cooling,
 and ventilation system which is shared
 •with other areas, those areas should
 also he unoccupied.

 Use supply and exhaust  fans to'sweep
 paint fumes out of the building.
 Operate supply fans continuously (24
 hours/day, 7 days/week), at the highest
 possible outdoor air supply setting,
 from the beginning of the painting work
 until several days after painting has
• been completed.

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-331ock return openings to prevent air
  from circulating from the work area to
  occupied areas.

  Seal containers carefully after use.

  Keep paint containers in designated
  storage areas equipped with exhaust
  ventilation, never in heating, ventila-
  tion, and air conditioning equipment
  rooms.

  Use an appropriate waste disposal
  method to dispose of any paints
  containing lead or mercury.

  Follow EPA National Emission
  Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutant
  rules for disposal of asbestos-contain-
  ing materials.
             FLOORING
  As is the case with other building
  materials and furnishings, flooring
  materials have the potential to impact
  indoor air quality; therefore selection
  of flooring materials is an important
  consideration during the renovation
  process. Potential pollutants from
  flooring materials which can impact
  IAQ include volatile organic com-
  pounds (VOCs) that off-gas directly
  from many flooring materials, and the
  cleaning products used to maintain the
  flooring. Dirty and persistently damp •
  flooring materials can become a
  location for the growth of biological
  contaminants, such as mold. Proper
  cleaning and maintenance of flooring
  materials helps to improve IAQ.

  When your school installs flooring
  materials, the following selection,
  repair, and installation activities will
  help protect the indoor air quality in
  the school.
Determine whether resilient tile
flooring scheduled for removal
contains asbestos fibers. Asbestos
surveys conducted under AHERA may
have identified asbestos-containing
floor tiles. Refer to the inspection
report and management plan on file at
the school.

Follow notification and handling
procedures defined under the National
Emission Standards for Hazardous Air
Pollutants (NESHAP, 40 CFR Part 61
Subpart M) if renovations will disturb
asbestos-containing tile flooring.

Use low-emitting adhesives.

Follow manufacturers'recommenda-
tions for ventilating the work area.

Ask manufacturers to submit informa-
tion about product constituents and
emissions that may adversely impact
IAQ.

The Carpet and Rug Institute (CRI) has
a carpet testing and labeling program.
If your carpet supplier cannot provide
information on any carpets you are
considering, contact CRI (800-882-
8846) to obtain data on emissions from
these carpets.

If practical, unwrap and unroll flooring
products and cushion (if any) in a well-
ventilated location prior to installation,
preferably in a location other than the
school, such as a ventilated warehouse.

Install carpet, vinyl, and related
• flooring materials only when the
 school building is not in use, except in
 the case of a small installation where
you are able to exhaust the air from the
 space directly to the outdoors and
 maintain the room under negative
 pressure relative to the surrounding
 rooms and hallways.

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The typical recommendation is to
continuously operate the building
ventilation system at normal tempera-
ture and maximum outdoor air during
installation and for at least 72 hours
after installation is completed. The
Carpet and Rug Institute Standard for
Installation of Commercial Textile
Floor Covering Materials (CRI104)
addresses airing and other installation
procedures for carpet.

Avoid recirculating air from the
installation area through the heating,
ventilation, and air conditioning
system, and into occupied areas. Seal
return air grilles, open doorways,
stairways, and use exhaust fans to
remove airborne contaminants.

Vacuum old carpet that is to be
removed and subfloor surfaces (once
carpet is removed) to reduce release of
particles such as dirt, dust, and biologi-
cal contaminants into the air and onto
the new carpet.

Vacuum new flooring after installation
to remove loose matter and particles
generated by the installation process
and general construction in the area,

Do not install carpet near water
sources or areas where there is a
perpetual moisture problem, i.e., by
drinking fountains, classroom sinks, or
 concrete floors with leaks or frequent
 condensation.

 To reduce the potential for microbial
 growth in the joints of hard surfaces or
 porous flooring installed near water
 sources, be sure to seal entire surface.
             ROOFING
problems if fumes enter the building.
School officials and roofers can
cooperate to prevent these problems
and complaints from occupants.

Schedule pollutant-producing activi-
ties for unoccupied periods (e.g.,
weekends or vacation periods).

Check to ensure that pollutant-produc-
ing activities occur during unoccupied
periods.

Consider wind patterns at the work site,
and arrange equipment so prevailing
winds carry odors away from the
building.

Modify ventilation to avoid introduc-
ing odors and contaminants.

Advise staff and students to keep doors
and windows closed until the roofing
work is finished.

It may be advisable to temporarily close
the outdoor air intakes of air handlers;
particularly rooftop units in the vicinity
of (and downwind from) the work area.
(NOTE: To avoid creating IAQ prob-
lems from under-ventilation, provide a
temporary means [fans and/or ducts] to
supply unaffected outdoor air. and
reduce pollutant generating activities
indoors.)
     PROJECT COMPLETION
       & COMMISSIONING
 Roofing work often involves the use of
 tar or other pollutant-producing
 chemicals which may cause indoor air
 You should establish lAQ-related
 procedures and criteria that must be
 met at the completion of any renovation
 project. These criteria should address
 the state in which the school should be
 in when the project is finished and the
 last worker leaves.  Areas that should
 be covered include:

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          l pleaning, including the
   wet wiping of surfaces and
   vacuuming (high efficiency
   vacuuming for fine or potentially
   toxic dusts, such as asbestos, lead
   or mold)

   Tlnaning building system comoo-
   nenls, including those in the
   ventilation system which have
   been contaminated during the
   work.  This includes the disposal
   and replacement of filters

   Balancing and testing the ventila-
   tion system if it has been modified,
   or if areas served by the ventilation
   system have been altered (e.g., if a
   partition wall was installed or
   removed)
        CONSTRUCTION
       ADMINISTRATION
Schools should include contract
specifications which reflect the
recommendations in this information
and checklist Oversight should be
used to ensure the specifications are
being met Possible contract specifica-
tion topics include:

•   Notification and communication

*   Scheduling to minimize occupant .
    exposure  ..'

• -  Selection of building materials

•   Protection of building systems and
    furnishings, including the ventila-
    tion system
Use of isolation techniques,
including barriers and negative
pressure

Ventilation and filtration
requirements

Work practices and housekeeping

Material storage

Close-out and commissioning
criteria

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Renovation and  Repairs  Checklist
     GENERAL ACTIVITIES
Pie-Renovation

Q Notify school occupants and
   parents.

Q Consult asbestos (AHERA) survey.

Q Test for lead-based paint before
   removing old paint.

Plan isolation strategy for:

Q  Students and staff.

Q Non-work areas of building.

Q  Ventilation system.

Q  Arrange for increased housekeeping
    activities.

Q  Consider ventilation implications,
    supply and exhaust for all affected
    rooms, in and out of work area.

Q  Select products to minimize off-
    gassing.

 Q  Put lAQ-related specifications in
    construction contracts.

 Q  Evaluate work area for signs of
    potential hidden mold before
    starting destructive activities. Signs
    include must or moldy odors,
    visible water damage, or a history of
    leaks in the area.
During Renovation

Q Progress reports made to school
   occupants and parents for longer
   projects.

Q If asbestos will be disturbed, use an
   asbestos professional.

Q Avoid exposure to mold and
   bacteria,  tor large areas of con-
   tamination, consult with an environ-
   mental professional about protective
   measures and special close-out
   procedures.

Q Implement isolation plan.

Q  Verify that housekeeping activities
    are sufficient to control dirt and
    dust.

Q  Verify that contract specifications
    are being adhered to.
Close-out

Q  Clean surfaces with -wet-wiping and
    vacuuming (high efficiency vacu-
    uming for fine or potentially toxic
    dusts, such as lead, asbestos, or
    molds).

Q  Clean building system components
    as needed.

Q  Ventilation system filters changed.

Q  if HVAC system has been modified,
    or if rooms served by system have
    been altered, balance and test
    HVAC system.
                                     Q  I have completed the activities on
                                        the Renovation and Repairs
                                        Checklist, and I do not need help
                                        in any areas.

                                     Name:

                                     School:	

                                     Room or Area:

                                     Date Completed:

                                     Signature:

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Renovation and  Repairs  Checklist
            PAINTING
Pre-ftonovation

Q  Confirm that the painted surface is
    lead-free before preparing a surface
    for repainting.

     O Paint contains lead or
     testing is needed to determine if
     lead is in existing paint

Q  Select a low-VOC emitting paint
    that is free of lead and mercury.

Q  Schedule painting to occur when
    building is unoccupied, if possible.
     I have completed the activities on
     the Renovation and Repairs
     Checklist, and I do not need help
     in any areas.

  Name:

  School:	

  Room or Area:

  Date Completed:

  Signature:
Dining Renovation

Q Minimize occupant exposure to
   odors and contaminants.

ID Use exhaust and supply ventilation
   to sweep fumes out of building.

Q Block ventilation return openings to
   prevent circulating air from the
   work area to other areas of the
   building.

Q  Use proper storage and disposal
    practices for paints, solvents, and
    supplies. Keep container lids
    sealed when not in use.
                                                                       Ooa»0ut
Allow paint odors to dissipate
before occupants return to the area.

Use supply and exhaust fans to
sweep fumes out of the building.
Operate supply fans continuously at
the highest possible outdoor air
supply setting until several days
after the painting has been com-
pleted.

Use appropriate storage and
disposal practices for paints,
solvents, and clean-up materials.
Keep container lids sealed when
not in use.

Use an appropriate waste disposal
method to dispose of any old paints
containing lead or mercury.

Follow EPA National Emission
Standards for Hazardous Air
Pollutants rules for disposal of
asbestos-containing materials.

   O Need help with storage
   and disposal.

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Renovation  and Repairs  Checklist
            FLOORING
Pro-Installation

Q  Determine whether resilient tile
    flooring scheduled for removal
    contains asbestos fibers.

      O Renovation may/will disturb
      asbestos-containing flooring.

Q  Select low-emitting adhesive when
    installing glue-down flooring.

Q  Obtain information about product
    constituents and emissions that
    may adversely impact IAQ from
    manufacturers.

Q  Select a low-emitting adhesive.

Q  Select low-emitting flooring
    materials.

      O Need additional information
      for selecting low-emitting
      adhesive and flooring materials.

 Q  Do not install carpet near water
    sources.

 Q  When possible, schedule installation
    for time when school is
    unoccupied.
During Installation

Q  Use low-emitting adhesives.

Q  Use low-emitting flooring materials.

Q  Air out new products before
    installation.

      O Need help arranging the
      airing out of flooring products.

Q  Follow manufacturers'recommen-
    dations for ventilating the work area
    during and after flooring installa-
    tion.

Q  Install carpet, vinyl, and related
    flooring materials only when the
    school building is not in use or
    maintain the room under negative
    pressure relative to the surrounding
    rooms and hallways.

 Q  Avoid recirculating air from the
    installation area, through the
    heating, ventilation, and air condi-
    tioning system, and into occupied
    areas. Seal return air grilles, open
    door ways, stairways, and use
    exhaust fans to remove airborne
    contaminants.

      O Need help arranging the
      airing out of space during and
      after installation.

 O  Vacuum old carpet that is to be
     removed and subfloor surfaces
     (once carpet is removed).

  Q  Seal joints of hard surfaces and/or
     entire surface of porous flooring
     installed near water sources.
Post-Installation

Q  Vacuum new flooring after installa-
    tion to remove loose matter and
    particles generated by the installa-
    tion process and general construc-
    tion in the area.

Q  Follow manufacturers'recommen-.
    dations for ventilating the work area
    space during and after flooring
    installation. (Typical recommenda-
    tion is maximum outdoor air for 72
    hours after installation.)
     I have completed the activities on
     the Renovation and Repairs
     Checklist, and I do not need help
     in any areas.

  Name:

  School:	

  Room or Area:

  Date Completed:

  Signature:

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Renovation  and Repairs Checklist
            ROOFING
Pre-ftenovation

Q  Schedule pollutant-producing
    activities for unoccupied periods
    (e.g., weekends or vacation
    periods).

     O Need help to minimize
     occupant exposure
During Renovation

Q  Put "hot pots" of tar and other
   pollutant-producing materials away
   from outdoor air intakes.

Q  Consider wind patterns at the work
   site, and arrange equipment so
   prevailing winds carry odors away
   from the building.

     O There is not a good location
     for pollutant-producing
     materials during this  renovation

Q Modify ventilation to avoid intro-
    ducing odors and contaminants.

Q  Advise staff and students to keep
    doors and windows closed until the
    roofing work is finished.

Q  It may be advisable to temporarily
    close the outdoor air intakes of air
    handlers, particularly rooftop units
    in the vicinity of (and downwind
    from) the work area. (NOTE: To
    avoid creating IAQ problems from
    under-ventilation, provide a tempo-
    rary means [fans and/or ducts] to
    supply unaffected outdoor air, and
    reduce pollutant generating activi-
    ties indoors).

      O Need help to modify
      ventilation
                                                                      Q  I have completed the activities on
                                                                         the Renovation and Repair
                                                                         Checklist, and I do not need help
                                                                         in any areas.

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