IEQ R4: Indoor Air Quality Management Plan during Construction

Requirement

PURPOSE

Promote a safe working environment for construction workers. Minimize the introduction of indoor air contaminants to the building during the construction process.

CRITERIA

Reduce the exposure of building materials to moisture and other factors that may degrade or promote mold growth. Create and enforce protocols for the order, delivery, acceptance and on-site protection of materials. The plan must be communicated to all trades/sub-contractors before and during construction.

IEQ R4.1 Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) Management Plan during Construction shall include at minimum: 

• Create and present the plan at site start-up meetings with relevant trades 
• Identify responsible individuals for IAQ Management Plan 
• Guidelines on HVAC protection, source control, pollutant pathway interruption, housekeeping and scheduling to follow in accordance with Sheet Metal and Air Contractors’ National Association (SMACNA) IEQ Guidelines for Occupied Buildings under Construction

IEQ R4.2 HVAC Protection 

• All ductwork in building (staged or installed) is protected from dust and debris until all sanding, grinding and polishing activities are complete 
• If mechanical system is used during construction install at minimum a new MERV 8 filter prior to occupancy

IEQ R4.3 Source Control 

• Staged delivery, with materials covered, elevated and protected from moisture and dust 
• No paper-faced drywall installed until building is fully dried in 
• All sprayed polyurethane foam (SPF) must follow industry safe installation guidelines 
• Prohibit the use of tobacco products inside the building and within 25 feet (8 meters) of the building during construction

IEQ R4.4 Pathway Interruption 

• Limit contaminant exposure to construction workers by incorporating various pathway interruption applications through appropriate strategies 
• For example, depressurize the work area or erect barriers to contain construction activity

IEQ R4.5 Housekeeping 

• Create and implement a Housekeeping plan to address dust and construction debris which can become airborne and distributed if build-up is allowed. Consider the following strategies: 
  • Establish a cleaning schedule for floors to reflect construction activities 
  • Incorporate a wet mop application if high dust construction activities occur 
  • Vacuum with HEPA filter

VERIFICATION 

• Indoor Air Quality Management Plan during Construction should be established before building is dried-in 
• Five photos of efforts at two different stages of construction (minimum 10 photos total) 
• Site Inspection by ECLC Technical Advisor