Teacher's Classroom Checklist
Instructions:
1, Read the
Backgrounder and
the information In
this section.
2. Put a 'check" in the
"yes" or "no* box
beside each item as
appropriate.
3. Make comments as
desired in the
"Notes* section.
4, If any "no* boxes
a re checked, put a
check in the circle
beside the 'need
help* statement.
S, Ret urn this checklist
to the IAQ
Coordinator and
keep a copy for
future reference.
Name:
Room or Area;
School;
Date Completed:
Signature:
GENERALOEANUNESS
Regular and thorough classroom
cleaning is important to ensure good
indoor sir quality. While custodians
typically dean the classroom, as a
teacher you also can play an important
role in promoting and maintaining
classroom cleanliness. The presence
of dirt, moisture, and warmth also
stimulates the growth of molds and
other biological contaminants. Unsani-
tary conditions attract insects and
vermin, leading to possible indoor air
quality (IAQ) problems from animal or
insect allergens. The overuse or
improper use of pesticides for second-
ary control of insects, vermin, and
head lice can cause IAQ problems.
Reminder Ctan spill* promptly
* For spills on carpets, contact
custodial staff immediately
(carpets need to he cleaned
properly, and dried within 24
hours to prevent mold growth)
* Request that unit ventilator be
cleaned and filter replaced if
spilled liquid goes into the unit
• Report previous spills on carpets
or in unit ventilators because they
can affect current indoor air
qualify
QY OH Classroom is clean
QY QN Classroom is dusted and
vacuumed thoroughly and regu-
larly
QY ON Trash is removed daily
QY QN Food is not kept in class-
room overnight
QY QN Animal food, if any, is
stored in tightly sealed containers
QY QN Room is free of pests
QY ON Room is free of the use of
scented cleaners
QY ON Spills cleaned
O Need help with cleaning or
pest control
ANIMALS IN THE
CLASSROOM
Certain individuals, in particular those
with asthma, are sensitive to animal fur.
dander, body fluids and fee**, and may
experience reactions to these allergens
Furthermore, individuals can become
sensitized (made allergic) by repeated
exposure to animal allergens,
QY QN Exposure to animal
allergens minimized
QY QN Animals kept' in cages as
much as possible; not allowed to
roam
QY QN Cages cleaned regularly
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QY QN Animals located away
from ventilation system vents to
avoid circulating allergens
throughout the room or building
QY QN Alternatives to animals
used when possible
QNetd help minimizing
exposure to animal allergens
Taka spacial ear* with asthmatic or
othtf tansittva students
QY ON School nurse consulted
about student allergies or sensitivi-
ties (privacy tows may limit the
information that health officials
can disclose)
QY ON Parents asked about
potential allergies in a note that
students take home, or during
parent teacher conferences
QY QN Check for allergies when
new students enter the class
QY QN Sensitive students located
away from animals and habitats
O Need help determining if
students have allergic*
Hotm '
DRAIN TRAPS IH
THE CLASSROOM
trap evaporates due to infrequent use,
allowing sewer gases to enter the room.
QY QN Drain traps filled regularly
QY QN Water poured down floor
drains once per week (approx. 1
quart of water)
QY QN Water run in sinks at least
once per week (about 2 cups of
water)
QY QN Knot regularly used,
toilets flushed once each week
O Need help Filling dry drain
traps regularly
Notat ,
MOISTURE
IN CLASSROOMS
Brain imps, if present, can become a
problem when the water is the drain
Excess moisture contributes to mold
growth. Mold can trigger allergic
reactions and asthma in sensitive
individuals. Mold can also cause odors
and other IAQ problems. Excess
moisture is the result of condensation
on cold surfaces, leaking or spilled
liquid, or excess humidity. Note here
any signs of moisture that exist now or
that recur,
CoftdwtMt* feondamad water, or
"fog") on cold lurfacM
QY QN Windows, window sills,
and window frames free of con-
densate
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QY , ON Cold water pipes free of
condensate
QY ON Indoor surfaces of exterior
walls free of condensate
O Excess condensate found
Ch»ck for leaks or «ign» of moisture
from plumbing or roofs
QY ON Area around and under
classroom sinks free of leaks
QY ON Classroom lavatories free
of leaks
QY ON Ceiling tiles or walls leak-
free (discoloration may indicate
periodic leaks)
O Found leaks or signs of
moisture
QY ON Nosignsofdraftiness
QY QN No direct sunlight shining
on students
QY QN Humidity is acceptable.
(typically, too high if higher than
60% relative humidity [RH]-or too
low if lower than 30% relative
humidity)
QY QN Room usually comfortable
O Need help, room frequently
uncomfortable
Note
VENTILATION
THERMALCOMFOm*
Temperature and relative humidity can
, affect comfort and IAQ. Changing
thermostat settings or opening win-
dows to try to control temporary
fluctuations in temperature can worsen
comfort problems and also have an
adverse effect on other parts of the
school.
Ch«ck comfort factors
QY QN Temperature (generally
72°F-76°F)
Ventilation is the process by which
stale indoor air is exhausted to the
outside, and outdoor air is drawn into
the building. You may either have
mechanical ventilation (supplied by
fans) or natural ventilation (i,e,, oper-
able windows). •
D*t*nniiM how your classroom is
ventilated (SM IAQ Backgrounder)
QY QN Unit ventilator located
QY QN Air supply and return vents
located
QY QN Windows are operable
O Need help determining type
of ventilation
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If you have mechanic*! ventilation,
confirm that air is flowing into the
room from the air supply vent(s)
Check for airflow by holding a piece of
tissue paper near the air supply vent(s);
if air is flowing, the tissue will flutter
away from the supply vent Make sure
that the tirflow is not diverted or
obstructed by books, papers, furniture,
or other obstacles. Never place any-
thing on top of unit ventilators.
OY QN Air is flowing from air
supply
O Need help, supply air is not
flowing
Hf you hav* nwchanieal ventilation,
confirm that iirii flowing from th«
room into th» air return grilMt)
Check for airflow at air return grilles)
in the same manner as with previous
activity. If air is flowing, the plastic or
tissue will be pulled toward the return.
A piece of plastic that nearly covers the
grille will stick to the face of the grille
if a iris flowing. Make sure airflow is
not obstructed by books, papers,
furniture, or other obstacles,
Q Y QN Air is flowing without
obstruction , .
* 'O Need hdp, exhaust air is
- npt flowing • ' ,
Ch«ckforim«ptam»dodof»
Improperly operated or poorly main-
tained ventilation systems may cause
IAQ problems. Odors, or the need to
use scented air fresheners, may
indicate a ventilation problem. The
ventilation system can carry air
contaminants from another location in
the school to your classroom.
QY QN No smell of vehicle
exhaust
QY QN No smell of kitchen/food
QY QN No smell of "chemicals"
QY QN No smell of mold or
mildew
QY QN Found source of odors and
corrected problem
O Need help, sometimes smell
unexplained or unpleasant
odors in classroom
NOTE: Conduct the fattening
activities as appropriate to your
classroom.
LOCAL EXHAUSTFANS
Local exhaust fans and fume hoods can
be used to prevent air pollutants and
moisture from accumulating in, or
spreading beyond, the local area or
classroom. Local exhaust fans may be
used to exhaust entire rooms (e.g.,
bathrooms or locker rooms). Fume
hoods are appropriate for activities that
generate significant quantities of
pollutants in a local area within a room
(e.g., science experiments, spray
painting, and welding).
* Determine if your classroom
activities generate air pollutants
and whether your classroom is
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• ••.• w
fcft**.
equipped with local exhaust fans
and/or ftime hoods
• If there are no activities that
generate air pollutants, you do not
need a local exhaust fan or fume
hood
OY QN No major pollutant
generating activities
QY QN Have fume hood and/or
exhaust fan
O Need fume hood aed/or
local exhaust fan
Confirm that fum« hoods and local
axhauat fans function profMrry ,
Check for air flow when ians are on
(hold a piece of tissue paper near the
fan - or within the space of the fume
hood - to see whether it is puled away
from the room),
QY QN Fume hoods are in good
repair; not cracked, broken, or
pulling away from the ceiling or
wall
QY QN Fan is operated, (Note if
fans are not operated due to noise.)
QY ON Adjacent rooms or halls
odor free,
O Ne*d h*lp, hood or exhaust
fan does not appear to func- •
tion properly
Confirm that f uma hooda and fana
an wad whamavar acthritm that
ganorata pollutant* taka piaca
Train students and others who use the
classroom or equipment on when and
how to use the fume hoods and Ians,
Conduct pollutant generating activities
under the fume hood with exhaust fan
turned on. Monitor use throughout die
year.
Confirm that f uma hooda and fana
are used whanavar aethritiaa that
ganarata pollutant* taka placs
QY QN Fans and fume hoods are
used properly
Notaa
ARTSUPaiES
Art supplies may emit contaminants
during use and storage. In addition,
certain activities (e.g,, firing ceramic
kilns) may generate air contaminants or
heat up the classroom, causing thermal
discomfort to occupants.
Although potentially toxic supplies •
have appropriate labeling since a 1990
federal law took effect, it is still up to
teachers to see that safety precautions
are followed. Examples of-art supplies
and activities that may contribute to
IAQ problems include: solvents, inks,
adhesive?, and glues; wax varnishes
and lacquers; powdered pigments,
acids, clays, paints, and firing kilns,
Laam about your supplias
Check to see whether your supplies
(noted above) are listed as toxic or
nontoxic. Supplies mat are nontoxic
will be labeled AP Nontoxic, CP
Nontoxic, or Health Label (without
warning conditions) by the Art and
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Craft Materials Institute or the Center
for Safety in the Arts.
Read labels and identify precautions
regarding fumes or ventilation. If you
make purchase decisions, or recom-
mend products for purchase, confirm
that supplies are safe to use.
QY ON Supplies okay
O Need help Inventorying
supplies, interpreting label
warnings, or determining if
supplies are safe
Follow good safety, handling, and
stottgtpneticM
Have appropriate procedures and
supplies available for spill control.
Label all hazardous supplies with date
of receipt/preparation and pertinent
precautionary information. Tightly
seal containers. Follow recommended
procedures for disposal of used
substances. Secure compressed gas
cylinders. Supply storage areas should
be separate from classroom and
ventilated.
QY ON Following good handling
and storage practices
O Need help developing good
safety, handling, or storage
practices
Minim be* rapottn* to hazardous-
nwiifUi
Substitute less- or non-hazardous
materials where possible. Use local
exhaust fans. Isolate contaminant
producing activities or operations. Use
raoist-premixed products rather than
powdered products. Use techniques
that require the least amount of
materials.
QY ON Exposure minimized
O Need help minimizing
exposure to art supplies
NotM
SCIENCESUPPLIES
Some supplies used as teaching aids in
science laboratories may contribute to
IAQ problems. Science experiments
should be conducted in well ventilated
rooms using fume hoods and local
exhaust systems wherever appropriate,
Basic safety precautions can prevent
spills or other mishaps that cause air
contamination, and should be followed
at all times. Examples of science
supplies that may contribute to IAQ
problems include: solvents, acids,
flammables, caustics, biological
products, and compressed gases.
Learn about your supplies. Read labels
and identify precautions regarding
fumes ventilation. Request information
and Material Safety Data Sheets
(MSDS) from suppliers and manufac-
turers.
QY ON Supplies reviewed
QY QN MSDS on hand
O Need help determining,
impacts of supplies
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Follow good «afaty, handing, and
storaga practical
Obtain guidancadocutMnts; '
• School Science Laboratories:
A Guide To Some Hazardous
Substances, 1984 Council of State
Science Supervisors and U.S.
CPSC, 800-638-2772 (800-492-
8104 in MD) U.S. GPO #1984
421-506/3308 Manual of Safety &
Health Hazards In The School
Science Laboratory, 1980 NIOSH/
U.S. Department of Health &
Human Services, National Techni-
cal Information Service, 703-487-
4650, #18-85-238-228
Have appropriate procedures devel-
oped and supplies available for spill
control (i,e., absorbent materials to
control the spread of spills).
QY QN Spill procedures in place,
QY QN All chemicals labeled
accurately with date of receipt/
preparation and pertinent precau-
tionary information
QY ON* Supplies stored
according to manufacturers'
recommendations
QY ON Recommended procedures"
for disposal of used substances
understood and followed.
QY QN Compressed gas cylinders
secured,
QY QN Storage areas separate
from main classroom area and
ventilated separately
O Need help with good safety,
handling, or storage practices
MniTii20flXp)Oiur4i to hazardous
material*
QY ON Diluted substances rather
than concentrates used wherever
possible
QY QN Techniques that require the
least quantity of hazardous materi-
als used
QY QN Fume hoods capture
respirable particles, gases, and
vapors released within them
QY QN Exhaust fens operate
O Need help minimizing
exposure to supplies
INDUSTRIAL AND VOCATIONAL
EDUCATION SUPPLES
Industrial and vocational education
materials and operations can create
IAQ problems. Examples of the kinds
of activities and supplies that may
contribute to IAQ problems include:
machining, solvents, grinding, fuels,
painting, soldering, welding, baking/
heating, and adhesives.
Read labels and identify precautions
regarding fumes or ventilation.
Request information and Material
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Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) from
suppliers and manufacturers
QY QN Supplies reviewed
QY QN MSDS on hand
O Need help determining
impacts of Indus trial/voca-
tion*! supplies
Follow good safety, handling, and
storage practices
Develop appropriate procedures and
have supplies available for spill control
(e.g,» absorbent materials to control Ae
spread of spills).
QY ON Spiil procedures in place,
QY QN Supplies stored
according to manufacturers'
recommendations
QY QN Recommended procedures
for disposal of used substances
understood and followed.
QY QN Compressed gas cylinders
secured.
QY ON Storage areas separate
from main classroom area and
ventilated separately
O Need help with good safety,
handling, or storage practice!
Minknize exposure to hazardous
matarfala
QY QN Instructional techniques
that require the least quantity of
materials used
QY ON Fume hoods capture
respirable particles, gases, and
vapors released within them
QY QN Exhaust fens operate
O Need help minimizing
exposure to supplies
LOCKER ROOM
Locker room conditions that affect
indoor air quality include: standing
water, high humidity, warm tempera-
tures, and damp or dirty clothing. In
addition, some of the methods neces-
sary to control germs and odors in the
locker room (e.g., use of disinfectants)
may themselves contribute to indoor air
quality problems if used improperly
(e,g., if sprayed into the air instead of
directly onto surfaces).
Verify that showers and other locker
room areas am cleaned regularly
and property,
Limit use of chemical cleaners and
disinfectants to times when areas are
unoccupied. Run exhaust fans to
remove moisture aad odors,
QY QN Locker room and showers
cleaned regularly and properly
O Need bdp to have showers
and locker room cleaned
regularly and properly.
Maintain cleanliness and reduce
meats moisture in the locker room
Remove wet towels regularly. Wash
and dry soiled practice uniforms
regularly. Encourage students to take
soiled clothes home regularly. Operate
exhaust fans to remove moisture.
QY QN Soiled clothes and towels
are removed regularly
O Need help to have soiled
clothes or towels removed
regularly
QY QN NO
PROBLEMS TO
REPORT. I have
completed all activi-
ties on this Checklist.
and I do not need
help in any areas
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