Construction/Demolition Indoor Air Quality Control
During demolition, renovation and construction activities, pollutant suppression and control techniques
must be utilized as follows:
Prior to the start of work, the Heating, Ventilating, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) equipment must be
protected from collecting dusts and odors. Appropriate methods include but are not limited to:
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During heavy construction or demolition (e.g. concrete/block demolition), shutdown the entire
HVAC system. Isolate the system to prevent induction of pollutants by sealing supply and
return openings, as well as window units, with plastic. Operate exhaust systems, or add
supplemental exhaust, where feasible, to negatively pressurize area.
If the system must remain operational and heavy demolition or construction is being
conducted, return systems in the areas of heaviest work activity must be blocked/sealed over
(as long as temporary imbalance of the return air system does not create a greater problem).
Supplemental exhaust systems must be used to negatively pressurize the work area. Supply
systems can also be dampened down. (Option is to conduct work on second shift and shut
down HVAC).
If the system must remain operational, (e.g. the HVAC serves other occupied rooms),
temporary filters (2” pleated) must be installed on the return air ductwork (i.e. on ceiling
return grills, transfer ducts, or main return duct) and window convection openings must be
sealed with plastic. Filters must receive periodic maintenance throughout the project and be
removed at the end of the project.
Surrounding occupied areas must be protected from construction activities. Alternative methods include:
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Establish work area as a negative pressure environment with respect to occupied areas.
Adjust balance of existing HVAC and/or exhaust systems to accomplish this. A general rule
is that work site should be exhausted at a rate at least 10% greater than the rate of supply.
Assure balance is re-established at completion of project.
Pressurize the occupied spaces to prevent entry of dust/odors during construction activities.
Adjust balance of existing HVAC and/or exhaust systems to accomplish this. Assure balance
is re-established at completion of project.
Doors must be kept closed to the space undergoing renovation. Where there are no doors,
erect plastic barriers to separate the occupied areas from demolition/construction activities.
Where openings must be maintained for entry of personnel or materials, favorable pressure
differentials must be maintained (i.e. occupied space positive to work area) or plastic doors
constructed.
(1) Where significant fume emissions are anticipated, such as from welding/cutting operations,
portable local exhaust systems must be utilized. These must be self-contained systems with
appropriate pollutant filtration or provisions must be made for exhausting outside the building
(security issues must be addressed).
(2) When any activity of a project could result in pollutants (from construction activities,
materials, or equipment) being drawn into a building through the outside air intake or other
openings (if the building is under negative pressure), sealing of HVAC intakes or other
building openings must be done for the duration of those activities. Care shall be taken to
isolate or protect plenum areas above false ceilings. When the activity is done, assure that
plastic is removed from HVAC intakes and other openings.
(3) Where construction equipment is utilized that has the potential to release combustion
products, precautions must be taken to minimize build-up of contaminants. Methods include:
directly venting equipment exhaust to the outdoors; utilizing existing roof vents/exhausts; use
of alternate equipment that doesn’t release contaminants. Emissions shall not be allowed to
enter other building areas outside the construction space.
Construction/Demolition Indoor Air Quality Control
(4) Where construction activities result in emission of pollutants which can not be effectively
controlled, work activities must be scheduled during unoccupied hours. The use of other
products which could result in the release of odors must also be done outside normal working
hours. The need/urgency to do anything different than this must be approved through ESH.
(5) All drywall must be sanded wet and/or by using local exhaust ventilation and/or isolating
building ventilation.
(6) Construction areas must be kept clean of accumulations of dust/debris. Use wetting agents or
sweeping compounds to suppress dust emissions. Spills of products/materials must be
cleaned up as soon as possible. Conduct frequent housekeeping at entry/exits to work space
to prevent carry-over of dust/debris to occupied spaces. Walk-off mats (old carpeting) must
be used at the exits.
(7) Any water leaks must be stopped as quickly as possible and water accumulation must be
removed. Dehumidification equipment shall be employed as necessary. Site water incursion
practices must be implemented.
(8) Cover any existing assets/materials left within construction area to prevent contamination or
accumulation of pollutants (dusts, odors) during renovation activities.
(9) Construction materials must be transported and stored so as to protect them from inclement
weather. All chemical product containers must be stored with lids closed and in secondary
containment as necessary.
(10) Materials or products that have the potential to emit odors/VOC’s can be used only after
review and approval by ESH. MSDS’s are required for all such products. Only building
materials specified under the contract can be used. Construction products and waste materials
that have the potential for emitting pollutants must not be stored in mechanical rooms with air
handling equipment. Any deviations must be reviewed/approved by SSC ESH.
(11) Where carpeting is present within a construction project area, plastic or alternative material
must be installed to cover/protect carpeting prior to start of additional construction activities
(e.g. ceiling tile and drywall installation).
(12) Demolition of damp or potentially moldy materials must be done using rigorous controls.
These will vary by the nature of the job and should be assessed for each situation. Contact
ESH to review.
(13) Ceiling tile installation must be done so as to minimize dust generation. Cutting and
installation should be done (e.g. two-man teams) so as to prevent dust/debris collecting on
work surfaces, fabric walls, and floors.
(14) Apply finishes and stains to doors and furniture in separately ventilated spaces or outdoors
(where possible) to allow for off-gassing before materials are brought into building.
(15) Paint and adhesives with low odor thresholds used in areas adjacent to and occupied by
personnel may be applied only during off-shift or on weekends, or with adequate mechanical
ventilation to minimize employee exposure and odor complaints.