The Indoor Air Quality Tools for Schools Approach:
Providing a Framework for Success
EPA's IAQ Tools for Schools Program has been implemented successfully in tens of thousands of schools nationwide.
The Framework for Effective School IAQ Management synthesizes the accumulated learning of more than 800 schools
involved in a national survey of IAQ management practices; 200 applicants for IAQ Tools for Schools awards; and in-
depth interviews, site visits and analysis of the five faculty school districts. The Framework provides a common language
to describe the drivers of IAQ program success; detailed guidance on the proven strategies, organizational approaches,
and leadership styles that are fundamental to program effectiveness; and a clear vision of the pathway to school IAQ
excellence. Its highly flexible and adaptable structure allows any school, regardless of location, size, budget or condition,
to use the Framework to launch, reinvigorate and sustain an effective IAQ management program.
The Framework: Key Drivers
The Six Key Drivers are the essential elements of effective
and enduring IAQ management programs. Applying a
cycle of continuous assessment, planning, action and
evaluation, the Six Key Drivers work synergistically to
deliver effective school IAQ management programs. The
Six Key Drivers are:
Organize for Success.
Communicate with Everyone, All the Time.
> Assess Your Environments Continuously.
Plan Your Short- and Long-term Activities.
> Act to Address Structural, Institutional and Behavioral
Issues.
Evaluate Your results for Continuous Improvement.
The Framework: Technical Solutions
The Six Technical Solutions define the most common
issues that schools need to address to effectively
manage IAQ risks. When addressed systematically
and aggressively, an IAQ program that focuses on the
Six Technical Solutions will deliver a healthier school
environment. The Six Technical Solutions are grounded
in the IAQ Tools for Schools Action Kit, the Center for
Disease Control's School Health Policies and Programs
Study and the management practices of leading school
IAQ programs. The Six Technical Solutions are:
> Quality HVAC.
Control of Moisture/Mold.
Strong Integrated Pest Management (IPM).
> Effective Cleaning & Maintenance.
Smart Materials Selection.
> Aggressive Source Control.
The Framework in Action
The IAQ Tools for Schools Framework: Six Key Drivers
and Six Technical Solutions is designed to promote the
proven approaches and strategies for IAQ management
that advance environmental health in schools. This
Framework can help everyone involved in your IAQ
program understand the overarching purpose of the
work your team does every day and how those day-to-
day tasks translate into significant environmental health
achievements in your schools. The tools and materials
provided in the Action Kit will help you put the Six Key
Drivers and Six Technical Solutions into action in your
school district.
Communicate
Evaluate
HVAC
* Moisture/Mold
*IPM
Cleaning & Maintenance
Materials Selection
Source Control
Assess
http://www.epa.gov/iaq/schools/excellence.html
Indoor Air Quality (IAQ)
-------
&ER&
The Indoor Air Quality Tools for Schools Approach: Providing a Framework for Success
The Framework for Effective School IAQ Management:
Six Key Drivers
ORGANIZE
• Develop Systematic Approach
• Identify Existing Assets
• Design Standard Operating
Procedures
• Empower an IAQ Leader
• Build an Effective Team
• Create Champions
• Secure Senior Buy-In
EVALUATE
• Solicit Feedback
• Capture Return
on Investment
ACT
• Educate Staff About IAQ to
Change Behavior
• Train Occupants to Address
IAQ Risks
• Address the Source of
Problems
Communicate
HVAC
Moisture/Mold
IPM
Cleaning & Maintenance
•k Materials Selection
Source Control
Assess
COMMUNICATE
• Share Your Goals
• Make IAQ Meaningful
• Be Transparent & Inclusive
• Communicate Results
ASSESS
• Walk the Grounds
• Listen to Occupants
• Use Technology
• Determine a Baseline
• Keep Customers Satisfied
• Identify and Prevent Risks
PLAN
• Prioritize Actions
• Put Goals in Writing
• Start Small
• Work in Stages
• Plan for the Future
Indoor Air Quality (IAQ)
-------
The Indoor Air Quality Tools for Schools Approach: Providing a Framework for Success
The Framework for Effective School IAQ Management:
Six Technical Solutions
Quality HVAC
• Inspect HVAC systems regularly
• Establish a maintenance plan
• Change filters regularly and ensure condensate pans are draining
• Provide outdoor air ventilation according to ASHRAE Standard or local code
• Clean air supply diffusers, return registers, and outside air intakes
• Keep unit ventilators clear of books, papers, and other items
Control of Moisture/Mold
• Conduct routine moisture inspections
• Establish mold prevention and remediation plan
• Maintain indoor humidity levels between 30% and 60%
• Address moisture problems promptly
• Dry wet areas within 24-48 hours
ACTION KVT
Strong Integrated Pest Management (IPM)
• Inspect and monitor for pests
• Establish an IPM plan
• Use spot treatments and baits
• Communicate with occupants prior to pesticide use
• Mark indoor and outdoor areas treated with pesticides
Effective Cleaning & Maintenance
• Conduct routine inspections of school environment
• Develop a preventative maintenance plan
• Train cleaning/maintenance staff on protocols
• Ensure material safety data sheets (MSDS) are available to staff
• Clean and remove dust with damp cloth
• Vacuum using high-efficiency filters
HVAC
* Moisture/Mold
-*IPM
Cleaning & Maintenance
Materials Selection
Source Control
Smart Materials Selection
• Maintain products inventory
• Develop low-emitting products
purchasing and use policies
• Use only formaldehyde-free materials
• Use only low-toxicity and low-emitting
paint
• Select products based on product
rating systems
• Use least toxic cleaners possible (only
those approved by the district)
Aggressive Source Control
Conduct regular building walkthrough
inspections
Test for radon; mitigate if necessary
Implement a hazardous materials plan (use,
label, storage and disposal)
Establish a school chemical management
and inventory plan
Implement Smoke-Free policies
Establish an anti-idling school bus policy
Use walk-off mats at building entrances
Conduct pollutant-releasing activities when
school is unoccupied
Indoor Air Quality (IAQ)
------- |