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I. Construction and Renovation (building additions, replacing flooring, applying paints and finishes, applying panels, erecting walls, installing insulation, new roofs, installing large new furnishing, restoring smooth floors and the like) I.1 Schedule all construction and remodeling The best way to prevent exposure during When are construction or projects outside child care center hours (e.g., construction and renovation is for occupants to renovation projects performed, weekend and vacations) and complete projects be away from the work site, preferably out of the including stripping and waxing during unoccupied times building when feasible. Putting up plastic sheets floors? and using other containment and engineering Schedule extra time to ensure delays don’t cause methods may not be sufficient to prevent dust the projects to continue during occupied times. and odors from spreading throughout the building. Air out the building before re-occupancy. I.2 Are air vents and work areas sealed off with plastic and tape during renovations and remodeling? I.3 Do you increase housekeeping during and after projects to clean dust that may have settled in adjacent areas? I.4 Are outdoor air intakes closed off near or downwind during roofing work? I.5 Is the building flushed out with fresh air for at least 3 days after construction or renovation projects are completed? OK See Notes During renovations, isolate work areas using engineering controls. This could include installing temporary barriers (polyethylene sheeting), covering vents and fire alarms, and providing local exhaust (for example, window fans pointing outward from the area). OK See Notes Perform careful cleaning in nearby rooms and areas served by the same ventilation system, including damp wiping of all horizontal surfaces, mopping floors, and vacuuming carpets and fleecy materials. OK See Notes Shut outdoor air intakes and windows near or downwind from roof work (approximately 100 feet or less). OK See Notes Allow three days of outdoor ventilation to air out the building before it is occupied again. Where feasible, air out the building by opening windows, running fans, and running the ventilation system at maximum outdoor air (if this can be done without creating moisture or temperature problems). OK I.6 Are durable and low chemical emitting materials used in renovation and construction projects? Materials of interest include flooring, paints, adhesives, panels, insulation, and furniture. See Notes Talk to your vendor about environmentally preferable products, such as: Green Label (carpet) Green Guard (furniture, building materials) Green Seal (paints, coatings) ANSI A208 (pressed wood and particle board) OK See Notes Dust and chemical fumes can be irritating to the airways. Even if the building is unoccupied during renovation, the dust and chemicals will spread through the building, settling in ducts and other building surfaces. These contaminants can be released into the air at a later time. A large amount of dust may settle in adjacent areas. These should be cleaned so the dust doesn’t become resuspended in air. The gas and particles released from roofing work can enter buildings through openings such as outdoor air intakes and open windows. This may irritate the air ways of some individuals. Many building materials and coatings contain chemicals, which off-gas into air after application. Typically, levels are acceptable for most people after the area has been aired out for 72 hours. However, particle board furniture and some building materials, tend to off-gas more slowly and it may be necessary to air out the building for several months (as weather permits). Care should be taken when increasing your mechanical ventilation because moisture problems may occur during very warm or cold days. Many building materials, furnishings, and coatings emit significant levels of volatile organic chemicals. Selecting products that have low emissions is an effective way to prevent exposure to chemicals that may irritate the airways of some individuals. The products should balance low volatile organic chemical emissions, quick curing time, durability, ease of cleaning, and ease of application. I.7 Check the building exterior and interior for renovation needed in walls, floors, windows, ceiling. cracks, tears, or openings stained areas, water damage, peeling paint weeps missing/ weeps touching soil vegetation touching building wetted by sprinklers Replace worn and torn carpeting and smooth flooring. Repair walls and windows. Seal cracks and openings. Worn flooring collects more dust and is more difficult to clean compared to flooring in good condition. Correct moisture problems and staining. Paint walls and correct any moisture causing peeling. Gaps and cracks in the walls and windows can allow cold air in and create condensation that may lead to mold or bacteria growth. In addition, these openings may allow pests to enter the building. Install weeps or other feature to drain water. Move weeps off the ground or snow. Trim back plants and shrubs Direct sprinklers away from the building. OK See Notes Staining may indicate a water problem, such as gutter, faucet, downspout, and flashing problems. Moisture problems should addressed following MDH or EPA best practices (see www.health.state.mn.us/divs/eh/indoorair/mold/i ndex.html) Weeps are ropes that stick out of brick walls, and should be present to move water out of the wall cavity. Plants and shrubs should not touch the building exterior. This can contribute to dampness in the building wall and provide harborage and cover for pests that can enter the building. Sprinklers directed against buildings for prolonged periods may cause moisture problems in walls. I.8 Check the building roof top, if accessible, for: standing water roof doesn't slope to drain or gutter apparent water infiltration, roof disrepair ice dams plumbing exhaust blocked Change the grading of the roof to ensure water drains off the roof. Check the roof drainage every three months to see if water drains away properly. Minnesota rules require that areas used by children must be free from debris, loose flaking, peeling, or chipped paint, loose wallpaper, or crumbling plaster, litter, and holes in the walls, floors, and ceilings. Water infiltration through the roof is one of the most common causes of mold in buildings. It can be caused by poor drainage, damage from ice dams, and disrepair. Plumbing exhausts need to be unobstructed, to allow for sewer gases to leave the plumbing system. Repair roof, patch or replace roof. Improve roof insulation to prevent ice dams. Where possible, make repairs or modification to ensure ventilation and exhaust stacks/pipes don’t get obstructed with debris, leaves, snow, and the like. Remove snow and debris as needed. OK See Notes Rev 8/07 2