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Indoor Air Quality Tools for Schools Coordinators Guide

A Guide to Implementing an IAQ Program

Indoor Air Quality (IAQ)


U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Indoor Environments Division, 6609J
1200 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20460
(202) 564-9370
www.epa.gov/iaq

American Federation of Teachers


555 New Jersey Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20001
(202) 879-4400
www.aft.org

Association of School Business Officials


11401 North Shore Drive
Reston, VA 22090
(703) 478-0405
www.asbointl.org

National Education Association


1201 16th Steet, NW
Washington, DC 20036-3290
(202) 833-4000
www.nea.org

National Parent Teachers Association


330 North Wabash Avenue, Suite 2100
Chicago, IL 60611-3690
(312) 670-6782
www.pta.org

American Lung Association


1740 Broadway
New York, NY 10019
(212) 315-8700
www.lungusa.org

EPA 402/K-07/008 I January 2009 I www.epa.gov/iaq/schools


Contents
Acknowledgments ii

BASICS
Section 1 IAQ Tools for Schools Program and Kit Overview 1
Implementing the IAQ Tools for Schools Program 1
The IAQ Tools for Schools Kit 3
Section 2 Develop an IAQ Tools for Schools Program 5
Familiarize Yourself with IAQ Issues and the IAQ Program 6
Commit to and Gain Support for an IAQ Program 6
Select an IAQ Coordinator 7 Note: Separate pieces
Form an IAQ Team 8 in this Kit include:
Gather Information on IAQ and the School 9 A Framework for
Distribute IAQ Checklists 12 School Management;
Review the Checklists 13 IAQ Coordinators
Complete the Walkthrough 13 Guide;
Identify, Prioritize, and Resolve Problems 14 IAQ Reference Guide;
Establish IAQ Policies and Management Plan 15
IAQ Backgrounder;
Assess Results and Communicate Success 16
Awards Program;
Section 3 Model IAQ Management Plan 19
Mission Statement 20 Radon in Schools;
Role of IAQ Coordinator and IAQ Team 20 IAQ Checklists;
Background and IAQ Findings 21 IAQ Problem
IAQ Policies and Plans 22 Solving Wheel;
Procedures 24 Managing Asthma
Staff Responsibilities for Maintaining Good IAQ 28 in the School
Applicable Local and State Requirements/Regulations 28 Environment; and
Emergency Response 29 Video Collection on
Steps to Prevention 30 DVD.

APPENDICES
Appendix A IAQ Coordinators Forms 31
Appendix B Developing Indoor Air Policies 47
Appendix C Glossary and Acronyms 59
DISClAImEr rEProDuCtIoN
Any information gathered using this Kit This Kit contains public information that
is for the benefit and use of schools and may be reproduced or modified in whole
school districts. EPA does not require or in part without permission. If the Kit or
retention or submission of any information its contents are reproduced or modified,
gathered, and EPA has no regulatory or EPA would appreciate knowing how it is
enforcement authority regarding general used. Please write:
indoor air quality in schools. This Kit has
IAQ Tools for Schools
been reviewed in accordance with EPAs
Indoor Environments Division, #6609J
policies. Information provides the current
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
scientific and technical understanding of
1200 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
the issues presented. Following the advice
Washington, DC 20460
given will not necessarily provide complete
protection in all situations or against all For more information, see EPAs website:
health hazards that may be caused by www.epa.gov/iaq.
indoor air pollution.

Mention of any trade names or commercial
products does not constitute endorsement
or recommendation for use.

WArNINg
Please note the following as you prepare to
use this Kit:
This Kit is not intended as a substitute
for appropriate emergency action in
a hazardous situation that may be
immediately threatening to life or safety.
Modification of building functions,
equipment, or structure to remedy air
quality complaints may create other
indoor air quality problems and may
impact life-safety systems and energy
use. A thorough understanding of all
the factors that interact to create indoor
air quality problems can help avoid
this undesirable outcome. Consult with
professionals as necessary.
In the event that medical records are
used while evaluating an IAQ problem,
maintain confidentiality.

ii
Section 1 IAQ Tools for Schools

1
Program and Kit Overview
T he U.S. Environmental Protection styles. The Framework for Effective
Agency (EPA) created the Indoor Air Quality School IAQ Management synthesizes the
Tools for Schools (IAQ Tools for Schools) accumulated learning of more than 800
Program to help schools assess and improve schools involved in a national survey of IAQ
indoor air quality (IAQ). IAQ is becoming an management practices; 200 applicants for
increasingly important issue in our nations IAQ Tools for Schools awards; and in-depth
schools. Approximately 20 percent of the U.S. interviews, site visits and analysis of the
populationnearly 56 million peoplespend five faculty school districts. The Framework
their days inside elementary and secondary identifies approaches and management
schools. Good IAQ assists schools with strategies that deliver school IAQ success,
their core missioneducating children. advancing environmental health in schools.
The background information and activities
This Kit provides resources, tools and
in this voluntary program are directed
clear and easily-applied guidance that
toward existing schools in the kindergarten
will help schools put the Framework for
through twelfth grade range, but colleges,
Effective School IAQ Management into
universities, preschool, and day-care centers
action to develop and implement an IAQ
could benefit by applying the principles and
Management Plan, identify and resolve
activities presented. In addition, architects
existing IAQ issues, and prevent future IAQ
and engineers could apply many of these
problems. For questions on indoor air quality,
principles when planning new schools or
schools should call the IAQ Information
major renovations. For additional information
Clearinghouse at (800) 438-4318. A number
on designing healthy learning environments
of resources and publications, available on
for the next generation, visit EPAs Indoor
EPAs website at www.epa.gov/iaq/schools,
Air Quality Design Tools for Schools
provide additional guidance and information
(IAQ DTfS) website at www.epa.gov/iaq/
for schools interested in improving their IAQ.
schooldesign.
EPAs IAQ Tools for Schools Program has ImPlementIng the IAQ TOOlS fOr
been implemented successfully in tens of
thousands of schools nationwide. To help
SchOOlS PrOgram
schools or districts replicate this success, Individual schools and school districts can
EPA provides a variety of resources including implement an IAQ Tools for Schools Program.
this IAQ Tools for Schools Kit, a technical Although many of the steps are similar, there
hotline, an Awards Program, the annual IAQ are a few notable differences.
Tools for Schools National Symposium, and Individual Schools. To develop and
a variety of publications and brochures on implement an IAQ Tools for Schools Program,
the program and various IAQ-related topics. individual schools should take the following
The annual IAQ Tools for Schools National 11 steps:
Symposium brings together school board
officials, administrators, school nurses, 1) Familiarize yourself with IAQ issues and
teachers, facility managers, school and health the IAQ program. Review the IAQ Tools
association members, parents, and others to for Schools Kit and watch the Taking
learn how to develop and implement good Action & Ventilation Basics Video and
IAQ practices in schools. As part of the the IAQ Walkthrough Video.
Awards Program, EPA holds a ceremony 2) Commit to and gain support for your
at the Symposium to provide national program from school officials. Apply for
recognition to schools and districts committed a Great Start Award.
to improving IAQ and implementing an
IAQ Management Plan. In addition, EPA 3) Select an IAQ Coordinator to oversee
provides programmatic guidance to help your schools IAQ program.
schools develop sustainable, effective 4) Form an IAQ Team with representatives
IAQ management programs using proven from various groups within the school.
organizational approaches and leadership

1
5) Gather information on IAQ in the school walkthroughs at schools with more
through research. pressing IAQ problems first.
6) Distribute and complete the IAQ Tools The Team should ensure that IAQ policies
for Schools checklists. and improvements are implemented
consistently throughout the district and
7) Review the IAQ Tools for Schools
should also communicate the importance
checklists and list identified problems.
and successes of the districts IAQ efforts.
8) Complete a walkthrough inspection of
Districts can successfully implement the Kit
the school.
in many ways. Case studies of successful
9) Identify, prioritize, and resolve problems, programs are available on EPAs website
focusing first on health and safety and (www.epa.gov/iaq/schools). Districts, like
low-cost solutions. individual schools, are eligible to receive EPAs
Great Start, Leadership, and Excellence Awards.
10) Establish appropriate IAQ policies and
develop an IAQ Management Plan for Importance of an IaQ
your school (see Section 3 of this Guide management Plan
for a model plan).
A well-designed IAQ Management Plan
11) Follow-up with inspections and assess yields substantial benefits for schools,
your problem-solving performance. employees, and students. Using this plan can
Develop a schedule for IAQ events also reduce or avoid the expensive process of
and file all IAQ information. Also, investigating and mitigating suspected IAQ
communicate success of your IAQ problems.
efforts, apply for a Leadership or
Excellence Award, and serve as a mentor A typical school contains a variety of special
for other schools. use areas (such as kitchens, locker rooms,
science laboratories, technology education
School Districts. Districts interested in rooms, darkrooms, art rooms, cleaning
implementing an IAQ Tools for Schools storage areas, and grounds maintenance
Program need to follow the same general storage areas), each with pollutant sources
steps as individual schools, with the following that can cause discomfort and health
variations: problems. Under detailed inspection, most
When the district selects an IAQ schools will reveal some inadequacies
Coordinator to function at the district level, of design, construction, operation, and
it is important to designate IAQ contacts maintenance.
for each school within the district. (Larger Significant IAQ problems often arise from
districts with numerous schools may prefer a combination of common minor problems,
to have regional contacts.) rather than from unique circumstances. For
The district IAQ Coordinator should example:
meet regularly with the school or regional A school is not getting enough outdoor air
contacts to keep everyone up to date on the because a fan belt is broken or slipping
progress of the IAQ program. and a seldom used drain trap dries out,
The IAQ Team is also at the district level resulting in sewer gases being drawn into
and should represent a wide variety the school.
of backgrounds, including at least one The design of the school ceiling/roof
individual with the authority to make allows significant air leakage through
district-wide decisions. In addition, unintentional openings and stack effect
individual schools can form IAQ teams. (warm air rising) pushes indoor air out
When assessing school buildings through these openings, causing radon to
throughout the district, the IAQ Team be drawn into the school through cracks
will prioritize schools, completing and utility penetrations in the floor.

2
A housekeeping product is mixed at twice important IAQ topics (including radon,
the recommended strength so it does a asthma, mold, and secondhand smoke). In
better job and the unused mix is placed in addition, there is a list of useful resources
an inappropriate container and stored in a included in Appendix L of the IAQ
utility closet that is connected to the return Reference Guide, including resources
air ductwork, which carries pollutants to available through states, regions, non-profit
other parts of the school. organizations, associations, unions, as
well as a list of publications for various
IAQ problems may occur even in schools
IAQ topics.
where a conscientious effort is being made
to avoid such problems. Schools that can The various checklists, accompanied by the
demonstrate ongoing efforts to provide a safe IAQ Backgrounder, should be distributed
indoor environment, however, are in a strong to and completed by various school staff.
legal and ethical position if problems do arise. Schools will find the problem-solving
Further considerations for instituting an IAQ wheel, videos, asthma companion piece,
Management Plan include: and fact sheet helpful in solving IAQ
problems and learning more about the
Quick, cost-effective response if
IAQ program and its benefits. (Although
problems occur.
not included in this Kit, other valuable
Peace of mind for parents, students, resources include the IAQ Tools for Schools
and staff. Communications Guide and IAQ Design
Tools for Schools (DTfS), available on
Occupant comfort, efficiency, and EPAs website at www.epa.gov/iaq.)
durability of the physical plant and
equipment. Why Follow this guidance?
Reduced need for crisis intervention There are many important reasons to
involving upper-level management. implement this guidance:
Save MoneyThe expense and effort to
the IAQ TOOlS fOr SchOOlS KIt prevent most IAQ problems are typically
This Kit (see diagram on page 4) consists of much less than the expense and effort to
a Road Map, two guides, various checklists, resolve problems after they develop.
a problem-solving wheel, background
information on IAQ, a fact sheet on district- Utilize in-house staffSchools
wide implementation, a summary of the can prevent many IAQ problems by
Awards Program, videos, and a companion educating staff and students about the
piece on managing asthma in schools. factors that create them. When IAQ
problems do arise, they can often be
This Guide, the IAQ Coordinators Guide: resolved using skills available in-house.
A Guide to Implementing an IAQ Program,
provides in-depth guidance for schools and Work effectively with contractors or
districts just beginning their IAQ programs. professionalsIf you need outside
This Guide describes how to launch, assistance to solve an IAQ problem,
develop, and implement a comprehensive being an informed customer will achieve
IAQ program and highlights tips for schools the best results.
and school districts. The IAQ Coordinator Improve IAQSome of the suggested
may find the simple steps presented in the practices and policies will not only help
Road Map helpful for implementing an prevent problems but will also result in
IAQ program. The IAQ Reference Guide improved air quality in and around the
contains useful background information on school.
the importance of IAQ as well as guidance
on diagnosing and solving IAQ problems, Refer to the IAQ Reference Guide, included
effective communication, and several in the Kit, for more information on the
benefits of maintaining good IAQ.

3
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IaQ Checklists

4
Section 2 Develop an IAQ Tools

2
for Schools Program
A n effective IAQ program can district, as the organizational and physical
help schools and districts address IAQ structures of schools vary. Although the
issues quickly and efficiently and create a administrative process of who and when
healthier learning environment for staff and is flexible, it is important that the major
students. The program should be tailored to individual activities be completed.
the specific needs of your school or school

Start-Up hints
In addition to completing the coordinators forms provided in Appendix:
Obtain a map/blueprint of the school. This will be an invaluable resource as you implement your IAQ program.
Make a copy of any existing school policies and building specifications/codes, such as anti-idling policies or rules about
where the school buses must park for student drop-off/pick-up.
Count the number of staff and their job categories (for example, the number of teachers and the number of maintenance
staff). Youll need this information to distribute checklists.
Gather names and contact information for any of the schools outside contractors, such as maintenance staff; heating, ven-
tilation, and air-conditioning contractors; or bus fleet operators.
Secure support from the school and/or school district administration.
Read the IAQ Coordinators Guide, especially this section: Develop an IAQ Tools for Schools Program.
Meet with your schools heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning technician to acquire a working knowledge of the vari-
ous ventilation units at your school. Learn which systems serve which rooms.
Meet with the custodial staff to form a better understanding of their tasks, maintenance schedules, equipment inventory,
and resources (budgets).
Meet with school bus fleet administrators/operators to learn about the buses in the fleet (e.g., model year, mileage, safety
features, replacement schedules).
Set up a location for turning in checklists and a filing system for all the paperwork you will generate. Keep it in a conve-
nient location. (Portable file boxes work nicely.)
Set up an IAQ Resource Center at your school in an area where staff members can access information at their leisure. This
is also a great place to post important reminders and communicate with staff.

5
By following the 11 steps presented below, address IAQ issues through the IAQ Tools
schools and districts can implement a for Schools Program, inform EPA of your
successful IAQ Tools for Schools Program. commitment in a letter. This notification
will qualify the school or district for EPAs
1. FamIlIarIze YOUrSelF WIth IaQ Great Start Award, which can help you
gain support for your IAQ program from
ISSUeS anD the IAQ TOOlS fOr administrators, school staff, and community
SchOOlS PrOgram members. Great Start Award recipients are
It is essential for schools and districts to given a certificate, a welcome letter, and
recognize good IAQ as a top priority and information about how to access other IAQ
commit to improving IAQ and ensuring a Tools for Schools resources. Refer to the
safe and healthy learning environment for Awards Program tab of the Kit for more
students and staff. information.
review the IAQ Tools for Schools After reviewing the Kit and videos, you
Kit. The first step for schools interested in should be ready to kick off your IAQ
launching an IAQ program is to review the program. This Guide, along with the sample
contents of the IAQ Tools for Schools Kit. memos and checklists included in Appendix
The Kit will help you understand basic IAQ A, provide you with the organizational tools
issues in schools, how the program works, necessary to implement a successful IAQ
and how everyone can play a role. program. Gaining support or buy in from
school officials and committees, choosing
Watch the Videos. The Taking Action
an IAQ Coordinator, and assembling an IAQ
& Ventilation Basics video included in
Team are key components of this program.
the Kit provides information on why IAQ
is important, the IAQ Tools for Schools *DISTRICTS: It is important to develop
Program, how to begin a program, and active IAQ management programs for all
how school ventilation systems (which are district schools. Make Kits available to each
integral to IAQ issues) operate. The IAQ school and encourage everyone to become
Walkthrough Video (included in the Kit) familiar with the IAQ Tools for Schools
illustrates some of the most common IAQ resources. Begin to organize how the district
problems found in schools, and is ideal for will handle and respond to IAQ problems.
schools that are beginning to implement an
IAQ program. 2. COmmIt tO anD gaIn SUPPOrt
Find a mentor. Obtain firsthand FOr YOUr IaQ PrOgram
knowledge from other schools and districts Schools often need the support of
experienced with the IAQ Tools for Schools superintendents, school boards, facility
Program. They may be able to help you management directors, and business or
design and implement a program that meets financial officers to implement an effective
your schools specific needs. EPA formed IAQ program. In fact, obtaining buy-
the IAQ Tools for Schools Mentor Network in from highest levels of school district
to provide a collaborative network for IAQ administration is often essential
advocates to share their experiences and to secure the funds necessary to the
successes and to offer advice to schools long-term success of an IAQ program.
involved or interested in the IAQ Tools for The top levels of administration have the
Schools Program. Visit EPAs website to authority to ensure that the school staff have
learn more about how to join the Mentor the proper incentive and resources to carry
Network (www.epa.gov/iaq/schools/). out an IAQ program.
apply for a great Start award. Once Most IAQ Tools for Schools activities
your school or school district decides to have specifically been designed to have

6
minimal impact on the school budget and and distributing the IAQ Backgrounder and
time resources of school staff. Some of IAQ checklists and summarizing checklist
the actions associated with implementing responses. Delegation of activities to the
this guidance, however, may need to be IAQ Team members helps ensure that
coordinated with specific school committees people in the school understand their role.
(such as health and safety committee) or Because no one person is overly burdened,
groups (such as unions or the local PTA). the program is more likely to take off and
It may be useful to provide a briefing to succeed.
these committees and groups as well as
The primary IAQ Coordinator functions
to the highest levels of school or district
include:
administration using information from this
Kit (e.g., the IAQ Backgrounder, Sections 1 team leadership: Coordinates an IAQ
and 3 of the IAQ Reference Guide). Team, as shown in the figure below, and
encourages a sense of shared responsibility
All school personnel can potentially be
and cooperative effort. Provides the
affected by IAQ and will be better advocates
Team with information and educational
of the schools IAQ program if they
opportunities and, in coordination with
understand the health effects associated
the IAQ Team, implements the IAQ
with poor IAQ. Therefore, it is advisable
Management Plan (Section 3).
to conduct a training session for all school
employees to familiarize them with the
IAQ Tools for Schools Kit and their role in
improving IAQ.
Remember that implementing an IAQ Health
management program is an on-going Officer
process, not an overnight miracle. Be patient,
consistent, organized, and never forget that Custodians School
you are doing something important for staff Board
and students at your school.
*DISTRICTS: Identify interested principals
and building managers in individual schools Facility
who would be willing to initiate and/or Operators School
lead IAQ improvements. Conduct training Transportation
sessions for all IAQ contacts as well as Officials
IAQ
school faculty and staff to familiarize them
Coordinator
with the IAQ Tools for Schools Kit.
Districts may find it easier to incorporate
these training sessions into scheduled Administrative
Contract
general staff or district meetings. Staff
Service
Providers
3. SeleCt an IaQ COOrDInatOr
The primary role of the IAQ Coordinator is
team management and leadership. Leading Teachers
people is an important function of the IAQ
Coordinator because people both affect and Parents
are affected by the quality of indoor air. IAQ Students
Team members and the rest of the school
staff can share most of the day-to-day work.
For example, others can assist with copying

7
emergency response: Ensures that the Some schools and districts share the
school is prepared for emergency response, responsibilities of the IAQ Coordinator by
as outlined in the IAQ Management Plan. having a co-coordinator or by delegating
Follows the guidance and makes decisions many of the administrative tasks to an
as outlined in Resolving IAQ Problems IAQ Team or an existing health and safety
(Sections 4-6 of the IAQ Reference Guide). committee. Independent of who is acting
Determines if and when outside professional as the team leader, it is fundamentally
assistance is needed and coordinates important that staff and students have the
activities. opportunity to learn about the basics of
indoor air quality (IAQ Backgrounder) so
Key authority: Disseminates IAQ
that their daily decisions and activities (IAQ
information, registers IAQ complaints and
checklists) will prevent and not cause indoor
directs responses, and communicates IAQ
air problems.
issues and status to school administration,
staff, students, parents, and the press. *DISTRICTS: The IAQ Coordinator in
The IAQ Coordinator should, therefore, school districts may be a district-level
be familiar with the importance of good administrative person, such as the business
IAQ and the IAQ issues facing the school official, a health and safety officer, or the
(Sections 1-2 of the IAQ Reference Guide). facilities manager. The IAQ Coordinator
should designate IAQ contacts at each
The selection of an IAQ Coordinator
school in the district (or regional contacts)
depends on the organizational structure
to enable the districts IAQ Team to have an
of your school system. Often, the IAQ
on-site manager for IAQ concerns at each
Coordinator is a principal, school nurse,
school (or region). The contacts may choose
teacher, facility manager, or another staff
to create IAQ Teams in their respective
member. Since most school staff have busy
schools to support their IAQ efforts.
schedules, providing an incentive (such as a
stipend) may help schools recruit the most
qualified person. 4. FOrm an IaQ team
In most schools using this Kit, a committed
The ability to carry out necessary functions,
team works with the IAQ Coordinator
level of leadership, and genuine interest in
to implement the IAQ Tools for Schools
improving the indoor environment in the
Program. This team, which is led by the
school(s) should drive the choice of the IAQ
IAQ Coordinator, can (and probably should)
Coordinator. In any event, success depends
include representatives from nine distinct
on selecting someone who can manage the
groups:
Team and who is empowered to take action.
This includes authority to interact with teachers and Principals play a strong
district-level administration, school staff, role because they have daily interaction with
students, and parents, and to make budget students, access to parents, and knowledge
recommendations. The IAQ Coordinator of classroom issues. These staff members
does not have to be an expert in IAQ are the eyes and the ears of the school and,
issues. By using the information in this Kit, therefore, are invaluable for identifying and
the IAQ Coordinator and all team members monitoring IAQ issues.
will learn about IAQ as the work progresses.
administrative and Support Staff have
The IAQ Reference Guide and the IAQ
knowledge about unique pollutant sources,
Coordinators Guide, in particular, will help
such as printing areas, and any ventilation
the IAQ Coordinator become familiar with
problems in areas with pollutant sources.
IAQ issues in schools and provide a basic
understanding of the IAQ management plan Facility Operators have knowledge about
process and effective communication. ventilation systems and their requirements.

8
Their specific expertise is essential to The Team can also include individuals from
develop a good IAQ plan and to prevent and the community, such as local environmental
resolve IAQ problems. or health department staff; volunteers from
local businesses who have special skills,
Custodians see the day-to-day condition
such as commercial building engineers; or
of the school. Their involvement with the
organizations that have a strong interest in
IAQ Team is crucial, as they play such an
securing proper IAQ in the school system
important role in maintaining the schools
(refer to the IAQ Reference Guide, Section
buildings and grounds.
L: Resources).
health Officers/School nurses know
Each team member may want to read
the status of student health. Their knowledge
the IAQ Coordinators Guide and the
of specific health problems and their
IAQ Reference Guide for more detailed
ability to track health problems and use
information on IAQ and on the process
of medication allows them to monitor and
of using this Kit to prevent, identify, and
recognize trends in reported illnesses. These
resolve IAQ problems in the school.
trends may provide an early warning of IAQ
problems. In addition, they can educate *DISTRICTS: Ensure that members of the
students and staff about asthma triggers and IAQ Team adequately represent the entire
provide validation that IAQ can affect the district. Ideally, individuals who are part
health of students and staff. of this Team should be key players in the
implementation of the IAQ Tools for Schools
School Board representatives can help
Program. IAQ Team members should include
obtain the authority and funding necessary
at least one individual with the authority to
to support IAQ efforts.
make district-wide decisions.
School transportation Officials can
ensure that anti-idling policies are enforced 5. gather InFOrmatIOn On IaQ
and that school bus fleets meet current
pollution control standards.
anD the SChOOl
Researching the schools history with
Contract Service Providers have important IAQ topics in mind, including
specific areas of expertise that can help asbestos, radon, integrated pest management
schools complete necessary activities (IPM), lead, and mobile sources of
without degrading IAQ. Examples of these pollutants, will help to focus your IAQ
activities include pesticide application, bus efforts. After establishing the history, the
fleet management and operation, renovation next step involves assessing the current
work (such as roofing), and maintenance of status of these issues in the school.
ventilation equipment and air filters.
Developing and implementing standard
Students are exposed to and spend time procedures to gather and track information
in many areas of the school on a daily basis. will ensure consistency in the data, and
They can help identify problems in the keeping the information organized in a
school that affect their health and safety central, stable location (such as in the
and research solutions. In one school, for building managers office) will make it
example, students researched the impact of easier to locate data in the future. There
various floor coverings on IAQ and raised are many methods available to schools for
funds to purchase high-performance carpet gathering information about IAQ in your
and linoleum for their classroom. buildings. For example, schools should
Parents have various areas of expertise consider impacts on IAQ from any recent
and skills that can help improve the learning changes to the school building or areas near
environment of their children and promote the building (for example, construction of
the schools IAQ efforts. highways or other buildings), the school

9
schedule or activities, or to occupants. Has a responsible party been designated
Sample considerations include: by the school district to perform and
delegate, if necessary, the management of
Has flooding occurred? Look and smell
asbestos in the school building?
for mold growth and an increase in IAQ
complaints in flooded areas. Is a copy of the schools asbestos
management plan kept in the schools
Are there night or weekend classes?
administrative office?
Check time clock settings on the
ventilation system(s) for areas where radon. Radon is a colorless, odorless, and
these classes are held. tasteless radioactive gas that occurs naturally
in almost all soil and rock. Radon can enter
Have new staff been added? Update them
schools through cracks
on your IAQ program and activities.
or other openings in their foundations.
Has enrollment increased or decreased? Radon is second only to smoking as the
main cause of lung cancer in America. EPA
Have ventilation systems been modified? provides free guidance on how to perform
Did this result in proper fresh air intake? testing and recommends that all schools test
Asbestos. Asbestos is a naturally occurring for the presence of radon. For information
mineral fiber commonly used in building on how to test for radon and how to reduce
construction materials for insulation and radon within your school, see Appendices
as a fire-retardant. If undamaged and G and L in the IAQ Reference Guide and
unlikely to be disturbed, asbestos should visit EPAs radon website at www.epa.gov/
be left alone. Disturbing asbestos materials iaq/radon/.
through building renovations or asbestos Consider the following questions regarding
removal can release asbestos fibers into the your current radon status:
air, potentially leading to inhalation and
accumulation within the lungs. Over time, a Has testing for radon been completed?
buildup of asbestos fibers embedded within
If needed, has a radon mitigation system
the lung tissue may lead to serious lung
been installed?
diseases including asbestosis (irreversible
lung scarring that can be fatal), lung cancer, Are all radon mitigation systems
and mesothelioma (a cancer of the chest and operating properly?
abdominal linings). Under the 1986 Asbestos
Integrated Pest Management (IPM).
Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA),
Several of the activities in the checklists
all public primary and secondary schools
affect the number of pests in your school by
are required to re-inspect their buildings for
restricting the availability of food and water.
asbestos-containing building materials every
EPA recommends that schools use IPM,
3 years. Inspections must be conducted by
an effective and environmentally sensitive
EPA-certified asbestos inspectors. For more
approach to pest management that uses a
information on AHERA or asbestos, visit
combination of common-sense practices.
EPAs website at www.epa.gov.iaq/asbestos/
IPM can reduce the use of chemicals
or see Appendix L: Resources in the IAQ
and provide economical and effective
Reference Guide.
pest suppression. For details on IPM, see
Consider the following questions regarding Appendix K: Integrated Pest Management
your asbestos status: in the IAQ Reference Guide, and Pest
Control in the School Environment: Adopting
Is there a blueprint available that clearly
Integrated Pest Management (EPA 735-
identifies the location of asbestos-
F-93-012). Contact the National Pesticide
containing materials within the school?
Telecommunication Network Hotline (1-
800-858-7378), or visit schoolipm.ifas.ufl/
edu/ for more information.

10
Consider the following questions regarding Consider the following questions regarding
your current pest control program: your schools current mercury status:
Are IPM principles being applied in all Does your school have an emergency plan
areas of your school or district? in case of a mercury spill?
Are staff using pest control chemicals in Will you conduct a mercury identification
accordance with instructions? and removal effort?
Are spot-treatments of pesticides used to Have you checked your chemical storage
control obviously infested areas instead of areas and science rooms to remove
widespread, indiscriminate applications? unnecessary bulk mercury or mercury
containing chemicals? Are those areas
lead. Lead causes various problems,
secure?
particularly for children and pregnant
women. Contact with lead-containing dust PcBs. PCBs were widely used as
particles is a potential concern during coolants and lubricants in such devices as Memo
renovation or repair of surfaces with lead- transformers, capacitors, and ballasts (a
based paint. Lead poisoning can affect component of fluorescent light fixtures)
childrens developing nervous systems, until PCBs were banned in 1978. PCBs
causing learning disabilities and reduced may cause cancer and immunological,
IQ. Guidelines for proper removal of lead reproductive, neurological, liver, and
are available from the Occupational Safety kidney damage. Exposures in schools are
and Health Administration (OSHA) (see most likely to come from leaky fluorescent Checklist
Appendix L: Resources in the IAQ lighting fixtures installed prior to 1980.
Reference Guide). PCBs and associated wastes are regulated Packets
under the Toxics Substance and Control Act
Consider the following questions regarding
as well as various state laws.
your schools current lead status:
Consider the following questions regarding
Has lead contamination been assessed in
your schools current PCB status:
your school?
Were your fluorescent light fixtures
Is a lead control or removal program in
installed prior to 1980?
place?
Are there any signs of leaks around the
Will any upcoming renovation work affect
fluorescent light fixtures?
surfaces painted with lead-based paint?
chemicals. A high diversity of hazardous
lab chemicals and Other Toxics.
chemicals (toxic, reactive, corrosive,
mercury. Mercury is found in products and explosive) can be found in science
such as fluorescent light bulbs, thermostats, classrooms, labs, art classrooms, and storage
thermometers, barometers, batteries, and rooms, as well as used in building and
electrical switches and relays. Mercury can grounds maintenance (e.g., cleaning and
permanently damage the brain and kidneys, pest control). Many are often outdated or
especially in developing fetuses. Exposure unknown, posing a particularly dangerous
can occur through inhalation of vapors, skin situation in the event of a fire. Schools
contact (if mercury is accidentally spilled or may inadvertently purchase chemicals in
leaked), or while using chemicals containing excessive amounts, store them incorrectly,
mercury. There are now non-mercury or low- and dispose of them improperly. Exposure to
mercury product substitutes. If a mercury these chemicals can occur during normal use
spill or leak occurs, contact your local health and when they spill or leak.
department immediately.

11
Consider the following questions regarding The IAQ Team may wish to introduce
your schools current chemical status: the checklist packets during a meeting
with school faculty and staff. The Team
Has your school conducted a chemical
should copy and distribute the following
inventory and clean-out recently?
information to the appropriate staff
Does your school have a chemical members:
management plan in place?
IAQ Backgrounder. This backgrounder
Motor Vehicles and Equipment. will provide all IAQ Team and staff
Mobile sources, such as buses, cars, and members with a summary of important
lawnmowers, emit air pollutants that issues regarding IAQ. It includes a definition
penetrate indoors through air intakes and of IAQ, why IAQ is important, basic
open windows. Mobile source pollution problems and control methods, the team
is also a potential problem outdoors on approach, and strategies for communication.
school grounds and for children traveling on Graphics are included to clarify ventilation
school buses. Several studies suggest that issues in classrooms.
exposure to vehicle emissionsespecially
IAQ checklists. The checklists provide
diesel exhaustcan aggravate asthma and
detailed, yet simple, IAQ activities for
cause other serious respiratory problems.
each type of space in the school. These
Idling of buses during pick-up and drop-
activities are based on the unique functions
off is particularly problematic. Detailed
and locations of teachers, administrative
information about reducing mobile source
staff, school officials, facility operators,
emissions in and around schools is presented
custodians, health officers, school nurses,
in Appendix I: Mobile Sources in the IAQ
and contract service providers. Each activity
Reference Guide.
deals with a specific pollutant source or
Consider all aspects of transportation on ventilation issue. A Checklist Log, located in
your school grounds, including: Appendix A, is provided to assist in
summarizing the data from the completed
How many buses are in your schools bus
checklists. All checklists can be revised to
fleet? How old are the buses? What is the
address the specific needs of your school or
replacement schedule for old buses?
district.
How many people drive to school? Is
School Memo (optional). For school
there a public bus stop or commuter train
staff, the memo or letter carries the school
nearby?
administrations request that staff members
Do buses or other vehicles (e.g., delivery perform the activities as specified in their
trucks) idle near the school? Is there a individual information packets. For the
policy in place and enforced that prohibits school board, contract service providers,
buses and cars from idling near doors, students and parents, the memo introduces
windows, and air intakes? the IAQ Backgrounder and notifies recipients
that the school has undertaken an IAQ
6. DIStrIBUte IaQ CheCKlIStS management program. Several sample
memos that can be adapted to your schools
This Kit provides various checklists to needs are included in Appendix A: IAQ
help the IAQ Team develop a profile of the Coordinators Forms.
schools current IAQ (including known
or potential indoor and outdoor sources), Information packets for parents and local
prevent potential IAQ problems, and resolve media may contain the memo and IAQ
problems as they arise. Backgrounder.

12
checklist Interval. To help maintain good valuable for the entire IAQ Team to participate
IAQ, it is important to establish a checklist in the walkthrough. At a minimum, have
interval. The IAQ Coordinators Checklist someone who is familiar with the operation
should be completed twice each year, of the building, such as a facility operator
starting with the beginning of the school or custodian, accompany you during the
year. Midway through the school year, such inspection. During your walkthrough, you
as during winter break, is an appropriate can learn a lot about a schools IAQ status by
time for the second checkup. using your senses:
Observe the general level of cleanliness
7. reVIeW the CheCKlIStS in classrooms and mechanical rooms.
Use the
The information provided by the checklists Look for pollutant sources such as mold, Walkthrough Checklist
is essential to the success of the IAQ improperly stored chemicals, dirty air provided with this Kit
program and can help schools focus their filters or ducts, and blocked airflow to guide you during the
efforts during their walkthrough. While all pathways (e.g., books or papers on top
the checklists provide useful information of unit ventilators or plywood covering
walkthrough.
on IAQ in schools, the checklists that are outdoor air intakes). Determine whether
essential for building an effective IAQ vehicles idle for long periods and whether
management plan include: walkthrough, the idling is in close proximity to the
ventilation, teachers, and building and buildings air intakes or to students and staff.
grounds maintenance.
Smell for unique or objectionable odors as
The IAQ Coordinator should record all you move from room to room.
completed checklists on the Checklist
Feel for uncomfortable air temperatures,
Log and review all information. Make a
drafts, high or low humidity, and air
list of irregularities for review during the
flowing into and out of grilles and air vents.
walkthrough inspection. A blueprint/layout
of the school may be useful for tracking the Listen to the concerns of school occupants
location of health problems and determining regarding IAQ. Do they provide clues to
where pollutant sources exist. Some schools problems (such as using their own pest
share the results of the checklists by spray to control pests, or turning off the
presenting them at school PTA meetings unit ventilator because it is too noisy
or by placing them on the schools Intranet during class-time)? Do you hear unusual
or website. equipment noises that may indicate You can learn a lot by
potential problems? Do you hear air
*DISTRICTS: The checklist results will help
blowing out of supply vents?
using your senses of
districts prioritize schools for walkthroughs. sight, smell, touch, and
Address schools with more pressing IAQ Extend your walkthrough inspection to
problems first. all special-use areas including the cafeteria,
hearing to gather
art rooms, industrial arts areas, science information on factors
8. COmPlete the WalKthrOUgh laboratories, and maintenance equipment that affect IAQ.
storage areas. Where possible, resolve IAQ
Completing the Walkthrough Checklist
issues as you go, particularly low-cost and
is an essential component for identifying
no-cost changes.
IAQ problems in a school. Watch the IAQ
Walkthrough Video included in the Kit *DISTRICTS: A district IAQ Team member
before conducting an inspection. The video should lead a walkthrough in each school
demonstrates how to conduct a walkthrough building with the schools IAQ contact or
and complete the Walkthrough Checklist. Team, principal, maintenance staff, a health
official, or others directly involved in IAQ
The walkthrough is not intended to be an
efforts. Districts may choose to have the
intensive and detailed inspection, but rather
same individuals or groups conduct the
a quick overview of the conditions that affect
walkthroughs in all of their schools. Forward
the quality of air within the school. It is
the findings to the district IAQ Team for review.

13
9. IDentIFY, PrIOrItIze, anD into the schools plan for implementing
reSOlVe PrOBlemS long-term IAQ improvements. Because
of the potential complexities involved in
In all likelihood, the checklists and your setting priorities for repairs and upgrades
walkthrough inspection will reveal some and for committing school resources, an
IAQ problems. The Problem Solving agreement from top school management
Wheel, provided in the Kit, can help schools and appropriate committees will probably
identify potential sources of IAQ problems be necessary. As repairs and upgrades are
based on health symptoms. Sections 5 and completed, ensure that you are still meeting
6 in the IAQ Reference Guide also provide your priorities.
assistance with diagnosing and solving IAQ
problems. In addition, Section 6 provides Investigating Financing Options.
basic criteria for determining the practicality Sometimes repairs that require funding may
of proposed solutions. be necessary. Various finance vehicles are
available for funding the longer term, more
Once identified, prioritize projects for expensive IAQ improvements (e.g., roofs,
each school into short-term and long-term HVAC improvements). Many options are
categories, considering health-related and available to schools and states (e.g., low-
interest loans, bonds, grants, performance
contracts). Initiate a meeting with the Chief
PreVentIOn SaVeS Financial Officer and business officials for
the district. These individuals are essential to
If minor problems are allowed to develop into a serious IAQ problem, a variety understanding the funding options available
of deficiencies may be identified, but the one that caused the problem often for schools. EPA offers finance training for
school personnel and finance officers. For
cannot be easily determined. As a result, schools can be confronted with more information, visit EPAs website at
an expensive list of potential explanations of their problem. The crisis www.epa.gov/iaq.
atmosphere surrounding a serious IAQ problem creates pressure to remedy *DISTRICTS: Prioritize IAQ improvements
and repairs within your school district.
every deficiency immediately instead of establishing a prioritized approach
School-wide problems that impact health
to IAQ improvement. By contrast, many of the preventive measures or safety should be corrected first. Create
recommended in this guidance can be accomplished with in-house effort, a district IAQ budget and investigate
additional financing options for larger
following a schedule that is consistent with your resources. projects.

10. eStaBlISh IaQ POlICIeS &


management Plan
financial issues. Implement solutions that
impact health or safety first. Then focus Once problems have been identified and
on problems that can be resolved by low- resolved, it is important to develop IAQ
cost and/or in-house measures. Many IAQ policies and a comprehensive, proactive
hazards may be remediated by simply management plan. The plan will help to
educating school staff and changing the prevent IAQ problems and prepare the
current habits of school occupants (e.g., school to deal with any new IAQ issues
explaining to teachers that placing books that arise.
on unit-ventilators or posters on air-return IaQ management Plan. Develop an
grilles prevents fresh air from circulating). ongoing, active IAQ Management Plan
Make a to-do list and include any supported by district-wide decision makers.
unresolved problems from previous The IAQ Management Plan should prioritize
checklists. This list can be incorporated activities and identify areas needing special

14
funding or attention. Emergency response dry wet carpets or having a pre-established
and IAQ school policies, discussed below, agreement with a professional cleaning firm
should also be incorporated into the Plan. that can provide immediate service on a 24-
See Section 3 of this Guide for a model hour, 7-day-a-week basis.
IAQ Management Plan and use the checklist
*DISTRICTS: Implement a district-wide
provided in Appendix A to guide and log the
IAQ Management Plan, IAQ policies, and
development of the Plan.
emergency response plans. Ensure that
IaQ Policies. Based on the problems all schools in the district are aware and
uncovered as a result of the checklists and familiar with the policies and plans.
walkthrough, schools may want to develop
various school policies regarding: 11. aSSeSS reSUltS anD
Integrated pest management. COmmUnICate SUCCeSS
Animals in the classroom. Follow-up. One of the final steps in
implementing an IAQ Tools for Schools
Food in the classroom. Program includes conducting follow-up
Location of idling motor vehicles (for inspections. Determine whether the repairs
example, buses and delivery trucks). and upgrades were performed according to
plan or specifications, whether the intended
Painting (for example, use low volatile results were obtained, and whether areas
organic compound paints and paint only are being properly maintained. Refer to
when the building is unoccupied). Section 6: Solving IAQ Problems in the
Carpet (installation and/or cleaning). IAQ Reference Guide for help evaluating
your solutions. Schools should also ensure
Cleaning procedures and products. that newly implemented policies, if any, are
Proactive IAQ policies can prevent IAQ being followed.
problems from developing and recurring. To assess recent problem-solving
Ensure that all existing IAQ policies are performance, determine if changes
being properly followed and are updated need to be made in your ability to:
as necessary. Appendix B: Developing
Indoor Air Policies provides more detailed Respond to IAQ complaints and
information on establishing IAQ policies. incidents quickly.

emergency response Plan. Acute Resolve IAQ problems.


IAQ problemssuch as a chemical spill, Communicate in a way that prevents
unintentional shutdown of ventilation or reduces the concerns of school
systems, or a flooded carpetrequire an occupants and others during an IAQ
immediate response. Preparing for such problem or crisis.
events in advance will help ensure timely
and cost-effective actions. Preparations may For information on resolving IAQ
include developing a cooperative agreement complaints, incidents, and how to
or contract with a health and safety agency communicate when IAQ problems occur, use
or private contractor to assist with acute IAQ the guidance in Sections 3-6 of the
problems that are beyond the capabilities IAQ Reference Guide.
of your IAQ Team. (See Appendix A: Develop a Schedule of IaQ events.
Hiring Professional Assistance in the IAQ Develop and maintain a schedule of events
Reference Guide.) Proper preparation can that may affect IAQ:
also mean having the appropriate equipment
on hand. For example, stocking the Establish a specific date for the next
equipment needed to immediately clean and round of implementing the IAQ

15
Coordinators Checklist, based on the Personal notes, contracts, or other
previously determined interval. paperwork as appropriate.
Check weekly for mold growth if your Up-to-date contact information.
school is in a humid climate and will
*DISTRICTS: The IAQ Coordinator should
be unoccupied over the summer. Take
have an opportunity to address and explain
preventive measures (such as cycling the
all improvements in each school through
cooling system to keep relative humidity
memos, meetings, or on the school web site.
below 60 percent) as needed.
District-wide refresher classes on IAQ Tools
Mark your schedule in advance for for Schools implementation are a great
renovations or new construction to allow way to keep participants informed about
enough lead time for you to provide the progress of the program and can help
information packets or other materials to address any concerns of school faculty
the people performing the work and to the and staff.
occupants of the affected areas.
Communicate Success. It is important
Provide appropriate checklists to new to keep school occupants and constituents
Develop and maintain school staff so that they can become part informed about the repairs and the general
of the IAQ program. status of IAQ in your school. Periodic
a schedule of events, reports containing updates on the status
such as building Conduct ongoing classes about IAQ or
of the schools IAQ issues and a copy
incorporate IAQ trainings into general staff
renovation, major meetings. Make sure that staff understand
of the IAQ Management Plan should be
repairs, summer sent to school staff, local unions, and
how behavior can influence IAQ in a school
administrators. Additional guidance on what
shutdown, and new building. Address any overall IAQ Tools
to include in the report, as well as principles
staff, that may affect for Schools implementation concerns that
for effective communication, are presented
school staff and faculty may have.
IAQ. in Section 3: Effective Communication of
File Checklists, reports, and notes. the IAQ Reference Guide and in EPAs IAQ
For future reference and for accountability Tools for Schools Communications Guide
purposes, all completed paperwork should (EPA 402-K-02-008), available from
be filed in a readily accessible manner in a NSCEP at 800-490-9198 and EPAs website.
centralized location. Files should include:
When reporting to the school or district
Completed checklists. administration, it may be desirable to
provide indicators of how successful the
IAQ Management Plan Checklist. IAQ program has been to date. Indicators
IAQ Coordinators Checklist. may include:
Checklists from IAQ Team members All IAQ checklists completed and
who received an information packet. returned.
Checklist Log. All IAQ problems identified by the
checklists corrected.
IAQ Problem-Solving Checklist.
Decreased absenteeism.
Copies of memos, status reports, and final
reports. Fewer IAQ complaints, visits to the
nurses office, and use of medications.
Copies of communications with school or
district administration. Establishment of good relations with the
local media.
A copy of the schools floor plan.

16
School memo and IAQ Backgrounder
mailed to all parents.
apply for IAQ Tools for Schools
awards. EPAs IAQ Tools for Schools
Awards Program provides national
recognition for exemplary IAQ programs
in schools and districts. This recognition
can provide the positive publicity necessary
to ensure the long-term success of an IAQ
program.
Schools and districts that have shown
substantial progress implementing the
IAQ Tools for Schools Kit are eligible for
the Leadership Award. Award recipients
receive a plaque and a press kit and are
recognized on EPAs website. Refer to the
Awards Program tab of the Kit for more It is important that
information. everyone affected
When a district IAQ Team has made students, parents,
significant progress on IAQ Tools for Schools teachers, staff, unions,
and has demonstrated leadership in handling and administration
IAQ issues, it is eligible to apply for the
Excellence Award. Excellence Award receive a report
recipients are recognized during an awards summarizing the status
ceremony in Washington, DC, and in a of IAQ issues.
national press release, are featured on EPAs
web site, and receive a press kit. Refer to
the Awards Program tab of the Kit for more
information.
Serve as a mentor. Share your experience
and IAQ knowledge by mentoring other
schools and districts. Visit EPAs website to
learn more about how to join the Mentor
Network.

17
18
Section 3 model IaQ

3
management Plan
D eveloping a comprehensive and effective
IAQ Management Plan can help schools
organize and implement their IAQ program.
This chapter provides an example of a
model IAQ Management Plan, based on
several plans currently in use by schools
and school districts. While all the sections
below are useful and important, each
school and/or school district should tailor
the plan to meet their needs. Not every
section will be necessary for every school
or district. Consider including the following
components in a comprehensive IAQ
Management Plan:
1. Mission statement
2. Background and IAQ findings
3. IAQ policies and plans
4. Procedures
5. Role of the IAQ Coordinator and IAQ
Team
6. Staff responsibilities for maintaining
good IAQ
7. Applicable local and state requirements/
regulations
8. Emergency response
9. Steps for prevention
Schools across the nation have used EPAs
IAQ Tools for Schools resources to develop
and implement successful IAQ programs.
By implementing EPAs IAQ Tools for
Schools Program and following the IAQ
Management Plan in your school or district,
you can help ensure a safe and healthy
environment for students and staff.

19
e nt Plan
IAQ Managem
ts Name]
[School Distric
Date

ATEMENT rtant aspects


1. MISSION ST of st ud en ts an d staff are impo Schools
t r
ng environmen eir IAQ Tools fo
he al th , co m fort, and learni . W or ki ng w ith EPA and th on ito r an d im prove the
The na m es] mission th at w ill help m
st ri ct s t Pl an an ar e:
of [school di pe d an IAQ Manag
emen
th is IA Q Managemen
t Pl
e de ve lo iv es of
Program, w gs. The object as routine
school buildin e measures such -specific
quality of air in s thro ug h pr ev en tiv
d IAQ
le ve ls of in do or air pollutant aluations and inspections, an
Reduce the tivities, period
ic building ev
maintenance ac n
ning ventilatio
policies. ow by re pa ir ing and maintai an d w or ki ng
uate airfl healthy learning
maintain adeq mfortable and
Provide and ch will pr om ot e a co
equipment, whi anner, and
environm en t.
s in a pr om pt and thorough m l interested
m al
erns and proble eir resolution to
es po nd to IA Q-related conc re ss of in ve st igations and th
R municate the pr
og
effectively com
parties. EAM
O R D IN A T O R AND IAQ T
THE IAQ CO
2. ROLE OF
ator for the
IAQ Coordin
ator
pe rs on ] as th e IAQ Coordin the necessary
ed to providing
of
entified [name ard is committ
l di st ri ct s name] has id sc ho ol bo
[S ch oo ation an d jectives.
ri ct . T he sc hool administr s IA Q M an ag ement Plan ob
di st stri ct
t the school di
support to mee e:
sibilities includ to and address
IAQ issues
IA Q C oo rd inators respon ct to re sp on d
The within the dist
ri
g as th e ke y contact person
Actin anagement
and concerns. em en t of th e districts IAQ M g building
ent and manag tin
Team, coordina ordinating the
g the developm seeing an IAQ
Coordinatin establis hi ng an d ov er
system ev al ua tio ns , co
t
Plan. T hi s in cl ud es
ordinatin g th e bu ild in g
ifying th e IA Q Managemen
sp ec tio ns , co er ns , an d m od
walkthrough in Q issues and co
nc
ve st ig at io ns of reported IA ed s an d ob jectives.
in ct s sp ecific ne .
Plan to fit th e di st ri sed or reported
is su es that are discus Q
to IAQ concer
ns an d bution of the IA
Responding d m ee tin gs , including distri
s activities an
g the IAQ Team
Coordinatin e pr ogress made w
ith the
is ts . rega rd in g th
checkl d other parties
at in g w ith st aff, parents, an er ns .
Communic ing IAQ conc ing walkthrough
ocess of report involves build
Plan and the pr hi ch
of th e Pl an , w to include new
rd in at in g th e annual review uations, and revising the Plan
Coo eval
ilding systems
inspections, bu or revision.
information. ag em en t Pl an after every maj
of the IAQ Man
ai ni ng sc ho ol board approval
Obt

20
IAQ Team
[School dis
tricts nam
parents]. T e]
he IAQ Tea has established an IA
informatio m assists th Q Team to
na e sc repre
district fac nd recommending IA hool district adminis sent [staff, students
ilities and Q p o licies to m tratio , and
Led by the
school buil
dings. aintain and n by reviewing IAQ-r
im prove the a elate
IAQ Coord
inator, the ir quality w d
Support IAQ Team ithin
ing the IAQ is involved
Coordinato in the follo
Contrib r to ensure wing effort
uting to th good IAQ s.
distribute th e IA Q Manage in a ll facilities
e IAQ chec men and areas.
Meeting klists and th t Plan creation and im
e IA Q Backgro p le m
regu
resolve IA larly [monthly, quart under to th entation. The memb
Q issues. erly, biann e appropria ers
ually, or an te staff me
Meeting other time-f m bers.
[annually o rame] to re
Plan, whic r as neede view and
h in d, indicate
building sy cludes the completi frequency]
to review th
stems evalu on
Plan. ations, and of walkthrough insp e IAQ Man
agem
the review ections of
of existing school buil ent
Meeting policies in din
to evaluate the IAQ M gs, key
The Team and respon anagement
takes steps d to
or recomm IAQ concerns that h
Maintain ends measu ave been re
ing IAQ Te res to reso p
Manageme am meetin lve the rep orted to the district.
nt Plan. g m inutes, rep o rt ed concern
orts, and o .
The follow ther docum
ing individ ents in the
uals are m IAQ
Name embers of
Position th e IA Q Team:
Joe Doe Contact In
Teacher formation
Specific D
Room 10A uties
Jane Doe Coordinate
Facilities M c
anager distributio hecklist
123-4567 n and coll
ection.
Conduct fa
cility
walkthrou
gh
Donna Do
e Schoo that ventila s and ensure
ti
l Nurse operating on systems are
Health Offi properly.
3. BACKG ce,
ROUND A 987-6543 Track hea
ND IAQ F lth sympto
Indoor air IN D a school ma ms on
qua IN G S p.
learning en lity (IAQ) is a critic
vir al c
health prob onment. Indoor air p omponent of provid
lems inclu ollutants m ing a healt
headaches, din ay hy a
nasal cong g asthma, respiratory cause or contribute to nd comfortable
and nausea estion, eye tr a c t infectio short- and
. In additio an long-term
cause disco n, indoor a d skin irritations, co n and disease, allerg
mfort, whic ir pollutan ughing, sn ic reactions,
h can affec ts an eezing, fati
IAQ proble t students d extremes in tempe gue, dizzin
ess,
m ability to c rature and
liability pro s can hasten building oncentrate
a n d
humidity m
ay
blems, and de learn.
the school strain relati terioration, contribu
administra onships am te to the clo
tion. ong parents si
, teachers, ng of schools, create
school staff
, unions, a
nd

21
ing the
es IA Q issues affect
me] re se ar ch Q issues are
rd in at or , or consultants na don, pests, lead, and other IA
QC oo ra
[IAQ Team, IA ories related to
. Fo r ex am pl e, schools hist
school [IAQ Team, IA
Q
d documented. s evaluations,
investigated an ild in g sy st em . T he is su es are
ou gh in sp ec tions and bu d pr ob le m s and issues es se d first
During the wal
kthr IAQ an e addr
ns ul ta nt s na me] identifies
t. U rg en t or si mple issues ar
co an
Coordinator, or ost important to least import duled appropriately.
fr om m ar e sc he
priori tiz ed inual atte nt io n , performs
su es th at re qu ir e co nt
cu m en ts al l IAQ concerns
and is , who do interested
to th e IA Q Coordinator at es th e re solution to all
po rt ed mun ic experts,
Problems are re ion, and documents and com aff. However, professionals,
ig at
an initial invest es are resolved using in-hou
se st he district
al w ith sp ecific issues. T truction
parties. Many
is su
ne l m ay be brought in to de
an ce , re no va tions, and cons
and other outs
ide person cessary mainten
n ex pe ct s to complete the ne
administratio lving Wheel,
ch as the Problem So
by [date]. riety of to ol s, su
] to help identif
y
in at or [o r Te am] uses [a va th e IA Q R ef erence Guide s ef fo rt s
The IAQ Coord hecklist, and Sections 4-6 of ct
spite the distri
bl em So lv in gC ot be id en tifi ed or persists de ter with the appropriate
P ro cann at
If the problem discusses the m provider is needed.
IAQ problems. ia te it, th e IA Q Coordinator ra ct ed se rv ic e
to identify and
remed
rm in e w he ther a cont
s) in order to de
te sponse,
school official( C oo rd in at or coordinates a re copies of
tified, the IAQ ken, and keeps
pr ob le m has been iden do cu m ents actions ta ge, the IAQ
W he n a
th e re levant pa rt ie s,
re qu ir es a policy chan
communicat es w ith t urge nt bu t to develop and
. W he n th e problem is no [IAQ Team or a committee] appropriate
all docum en ts
tin g with the e pr esented to the
gani ze s a m ee y ch an ge s ar the existing
Coordinator or c po lic y ch an ges. These polic re vi se d po lic ies are added to n to
ecifi or take
recommend sp option. All new t the measures
ol of fic ia ls fo r review and ad pa rt ie s ar e informed abou
scho terested
ent Plan. All in
IAQ Managem al l po licy changes.
lv e th e pr ob lem and
re so
NS
IES AND PLA IAQ policies.]
4. IAQ POLIC in fo rm at io n on developing
ile d
B for more deta
[See Appendix
icy allergens,
al s in th e Classroom Pol ts , an im al s ca n be a source of chool
Ani m m pe fore, [s
rs an d st ud en ts have classroo e infectious diseases. There
ache us om
While many te sms that may ca d on information gathered fr aff
a tr ig ge rs , an d microorgani al po lic y ba se re po rt s, an d st
asthm s in st itu te d an anim ns , IA Q concern
ha al ua tio
districts name] ing systems ev
hr ou gh in spections, build
w al kt carpets,
ee tin gs . d sh ou ld be kept away from from the
m an
extent possible s of animals may be restricted
sh ou ld be isolated to the ecific type rict also reserv
es
Anim al s
rn itu re , an d stuffed toys. Sp students, or parents. The dist st af f an d
upholstered fu essed by staff, ty or comfort of udents with
m if a concern is expr po se a th reat to the safe d from st
cl as sr oo
ba n ce rt ai n animals if th ey
aw ay fr om re turn air ducts an
the right to ld be placed
room pets shou s.
students. Class lem
or asthma prob
known allergy

22
Food in th
e Classroom
Policy
Food shou
ld not be le
must be ke ft in classro
pt in airtig o
biological ht, sealed c ms. When it is necess
growth. ontainers to ary
minimize th to store food in cla
Painting P e potential ssrooms, it
olicy for pests, o
dors, and
Schools m
ust use late
prohibited x,
. Painting a water-based paints;
unoccupie nd drying using pain
da shou ts that
students be nd properly ventilate ld only occur when th contain mercury or
fore a pain d. It is also e area of th lead is
ting job be important
located in
[location]. gins. The sc to inform a e building is
hool distric ll
Hazardou ts Hazardo affected staff and
s Materials us Materia
Policy ls Policy is
It is import
an
Wastes gen t to handle hazardou
erated from s materials
and dispose ha acc
d in approp zardous materials sh ording to the manufa
vocational/ riate conta ould be sto c
ind ine red separate turers guidelines.
with hazard ustrial classes. Train rs. Hazardous materi ly from reg
ula
ou ing als
districts H s materials and the im sessions for staff ca are common in art, sc r waste
azardous M p ortance o n h elp expla ience, and
aterials Po
Asbestos H licy is loca f complying with this in the risks associate
azard Em ted in [loca policy. The d
ergency R tion]. school
An AHER esponse A
A Manage ct (AHER
exposure to ment Plan A) Manag
a is req ement Pla
location an sbestos during genera uired by Federal law n
d condition l operation and is inte
removal an of asbestos- an nde
d re containing d maintenance activ d to prevent staff
practices th pairs. The AHERA building m
aterials, an
ities. It desc
at M ri
Plans with school officials must anagement Plan also d documen bes the
informatio fo ll ow. Scho d e sc ribes the ts their
inspection nc
of building ollected from their p ols must update their proper recordkeepin
taken with s for asbest eriodic surv AHERA M g
in the scho o e a
ol. The AH s-containing materia illance every 6 month nagement
ERA Mana ls s, re-
Integrated
Pest Mana gement Pla every 3 years, and re
gement Pr n is located in sp o n
Integrated ogram [location]. se actions
Pest Mana
pest-genera gement (IP
te M) is a com
as irritants d substances (such a prehensive
strategy fo
and trigger sc
frequency allergies an ockroach fecal matte r con
and magnit d asthma. T r), and pest trolling pests,
file is loca u d h icides, whic
ted in [loca e of both pesticide u e districts IPM prog h
tion]. se and pest ram aims to can act
Lead Polic problems. re duce the
y The schoo
l districts
Lead can a IPM
dversely aff
If lead is p ec
resent in ex t the nervous system
employed isting scho . Young ch
tha ol b ildre
particles. In t minimize the exposu uilding paint coating n are particularly susc
addition, a re of build s, renovatio eptible.
sampling, in n
faucet repla Lead in Water Plan g occupants to airbo procedures must be
located in cement, ed h rne lead-ba
[location]. ucation, an as been implemente se
d record ke d that inclu d paint
eping. The des water
Lead in W
ater Plan is

23
ng
om the underlyi
Radon Gas Pol
icy
te r in to sc ho ol buildings fr ca nc er. R ad on
cc ur ri ng ga s that can en sk fo r de ve lo ping lung be at
Radon is a natu
rally-o se occupants ri Radon levels were found to
bu ild -u p to le vels that increa in [l oc at io ns ]. , us ua lly 4 pC i/L]
soils, and n ha s be en pe rformed
ls th at ex ce ed ed [level in g an d
gatio n leve n test
testing and miti pe r lit er (p Ci/L)]. All rado tside air. Information on rado
ri es ou
[level in picocu parable to the
be en re du ce d to levels com
have ion].
cated in [locat
mitigation is lo
facilities and
Non-Smoking
Policy
cc o us e in al l public school
prohibits toba [location].
districts name] ns is located in
[Law or school ion about smoking regulatio
at
vehicles. Inform
g outdoor
i- Id lin g P ol icy en lo ca te d aw ay from buildin me]
Ant be ool districts na
off zones have
y an d bu s pi ckup and drop do no t en te r the facility. [Sch f students. Buses shall
Deliver t fumes or drop of
sure that exhaus ting to pick up rature and
air intakes to en d cars from idling while wai s to pr op er operating tempe grees
prohibits buse
s an
e re qu ir ed to bring en gi ne
te m pe ra tu re s fall below 32 de
than the tim t in effect whe
n
idle no longer w s. T his policy is no policy is located in [location]
.
l w in do
to defrost al s an ti- id lin g
school district
Fahrenheit. The
RES
5. PROCEDU sources.
an d C he m icals e re m ov al of air pollutant
Cleanin g eans fo r th To ensure
ng is an important m ribute to indoor air pollution.
orough cl ea ni
ucts may also
cont appropriately,
Regular and th cl ea ni ng pr od hi le us in g cl ea ning products
e of tant sources w
However, the us es remove pollu
ng pr ac tic
that clea ni use. All
es ha ve be en created. by th e di st rict for school
guidel in prov ed agents
on ly us e cl ea ning agents ap re ar ea . B ot tles of cleaning
aff shal l cu
Custodial st d stored in a se
ts m us t be cl early labeled an
produc ored. all staff, and th
e
closed when st ea available to
must be tightly or ed in an ar to K no w an nual
da ta sh ee ts should be st ct s E m pl oy ee Right
l safety stri
All materia ussed in the di
n of th is in fo rmation is disc
locatio from surfaces
training. ar e us ed to remove dust e, since
cl ea n. Sl ig ht ly damp cl ot hs
et fo r ex te nd ed periods of tim
Rooms mus
t be kept left damp or w
w ip ed su rf ac es should not be
however , ust
mold growth. h as bleach) m
this can cause ne -c on ta in in g cleaners (suc
ri
agents and chlo
m on ia -b ased cleaning te s to xi c gases.
A m use this ge ne ra time of day,
never be m ix ed be ca ar e restricted by
sing ac tiv iti es iday afternoons
e op er at io ns , pollutant-relea ors will be performed [on Fr
in e waxing of flo ses resume].
During rout
For example, th by the time clas
week, or year. se s ar e re m ov ed
ensure that ga
or vacations, to

24
Areas o
f fr equent use
should be
Large w cleaned mo
alk-off ma re often th
mats are cle ts must be an areas of
an u se d to infrequent
Trapping d ed according to man trap dirt and moisture use.
irt and mo u fa c tu re rs a t b u il d ing entranc
and carpets isture at bu guideline es. T
throughou ildin s to
t the buildin g entrances helps to ensure optimal perfo hese
Staff are g. maintain th rmance.
not permit e cleanline
chemicals ted to brin ss of floors
into the sc g any clean
hool. ing produc
Flooring ts, pesticid
es, air fresh
eners, or o
The two m ther
ost
resilient flo common types of fl
or oor
generally n covering products. C covering for genera
ot available arpet offers l use in sch
classrooms w acoustical ools are ca
and admin ith other floor coveri a rpe
classrooms, istrative are ngs. Many nd comfort benefits th t and
hallways, c as. Resilie schools pre at are
afeterias, a nt fl fer
While there rt rooms, re ooring is used for hig to use carpet in
strooms, a
schools, E
is considera
ble debate nd anywhe h traffic areas includ
re liquid sp in
of floors co
PA recogn
izes a b o u t th e mo ills are like g
verings. Re that there are advanta st appropriate floorin ly.
maintenan gardless of g g
ce the floor co es and disadvantages material for use in
extraction is essential to keep it vering type
, regular an
associated
with all typ
at least twic dry and cle
can be drie e an de es
d within 24 a year. Carpet may n . All carpets must be ffective cleaning and
hours. ot be clean c le aned with
Preventive ed during su hot water
Maintena mmer mon
nce and O ths unless
Preventive perations it
maintenan
structures ce involves
and system routine insp
(HVAC); u s, in ection, adju
nit ventilato cluding the heating st
maintenan rs; local ex , ventilatin ment, and repair of b
ce plays a haust; fresh g, and air c uilding
systems are majo air onditionin
operating e r role in maintaining intakes; and flooring g system
temperature ffectively a the quality . Preventiv
s and hum n o e
idity in occ d efficiently. Moreov f air by assuring that
The preven upied spac er, it helps the buildin
tiv es. to maintain g
[location]. e maintenance sched comfortab
le
The schedu ule for [sch
ventilation le describe ool district
co s th sn
was establi mponents that are in e time intervals and lo ame] can be found in
shed using spected an cations of
th d maintain
the availab
ility of fina e past experience of ed on a rou building and
specificatio ncial resou school distr tine
ns. rces, ict mainten basis. The schedule
operating sy All records of preve and technical guide anc
stem for ea nti s, includin e professionals,
sy evaluati ve maintenance are g the manu
factu
Unless oth on. kept attach
erwise note e d to the rele rers
American s, school b vant
Society of uil
recommen Heating, R dings should be main
ded comfo efr tained acco
district sta rt paramete igerating, and Air-C rding to th
onditionin
levels that
ff makes v
entilation a
rs. If the re
commende g Engineers e
are as close djust d para (ASHRA
to the ASH ments that provide fr meters cannot be m E)
RAE param esh air, tem et, the
eters as po perature, a
ssible. nd humidit
y

25
n
and Renovatio
n n and renovatio
Construction w he n pl an ni ng constructio d di sc us s m ajor
e] sh ou ld co nsider IAQ de nt , an d sc hool boar d
s nam perinten inspections an
[School district Coordinator, [IAQ Team], su om walkthrough
IA Q fin di ng s fr . IAQ Design
projects. T he
ay im pa ct IAQ. T he
pl an ni ng renovations
ges th at m ered w he n es into the
structural chan tio ns sh ould be consid is hi ng go od IAQ practic ww.
building system
s ev al ua
eb -b as ed gu ide for es ta bl
of K -1 2 sc ho ol facilities (w
ols (DTfS), a w ce
Tools for Scho and maintenan [location].
tio n, re no va tion, operation, se pl an s ar e summarized in
design, constr uc he
n be utilized. T n school is not
in
a. go v/ ia q/ sc hool design) ca performed whe ssion, the return
ep ns sh ou ld be
novatio is in se
ssible, major re t be performed while school system.
To the extent po oj ec ts m us th e m ain ventilation
session. If reno
va tio n pr isol at ed fr om n of dust and
ea be in g re no vated should be an d m in im iz e the distributio ould be more
air from any ar used to contai n g operations sh
in ee ri ng co ntrols should be ns tr uc tio n ac tivities. Cleanin
E ng by co
ants produced
other contamin d after renovation.
an
frequent during
, health
bi al M an agement gn ifica nt cause of illness
M ic ro ses, are a si control
m ol d, ba cteria, and viru aw ar e th at th e easiest way to
ch as be
Microbials, su ol staff should
an d di scomfort. Scho ure.
sym pt om s,
is to control m
oist walkthrough
al gr ow th in ve st ig ated during the
mic ro bi shou ld be aff should
d m ic robial growth s. T he maintenance st
Signs of water
intr us io n an d othe r effo rt ater leaks and
sy st em evaluations, an and components that cause w
inspections, bu
ild in g s stments in a
ou t da m ag ed buildings system necessary repairs and adju . Damp or wet
e
be informed ab n. School staff must make th ld be replaced when possible
tio ou
water condensa aterials damaged by water sh y within 24 hours).
ne r. M s (pre fe ra bl
prompt man within 48 hour aced. Mold
materials m us t be dr ie d ly cleaned or repl
ld be pr om pt d non-ammonia
w ith microbials shou aces with a strong brush an
Materials cont
am in at ed us su rf be handled
m ov ed from non-poro tio n pr oj ects that cannot ts
growth should
be re ng. Rem ed ia ediation projec
de te rg en t an d thorough dryi of es si on al . L arge-scale rem at io n on
containing ntracted to a pr additional info
rm
f should be co measures. For d Commercial
by district staf co nt ro l an d pr ot ec tio n
ed ia tio n in Sc ho ol s an
ecific ide, Mold Rem
may require sp re fer to EPAs gu
n, d.
mold re m ed ia tio w.epa.gov/mol
gs an d E PA s website: ww
Build in e
air quality sinc
Staff Educati
on
m ai nt ai ni ng and improving am pl e,
in r ex
important role ol buildings. Fo
ll di st ri ct em ployees play an ity of the air present in scho tu rn in g of f unit ventilato
rs
A th e qu al m os ta ts , or s
can affect er
justing room th ployee is more likely to take
step
their behavior un it ventilators, ad em Q is more
je ct s on ed uc at ed g of IA
placing ob in a room. An un de rstandin
qual ity of ai r oyee w ith an ct staff must
can worsen the qu al ity . In ad dition, an empl . For these reasons, the distri
od ai r ly
to maintain go y and accurate
re po rt IA Q concerns quickl
likely to
out IAQ.
be educated ab

26
[School dis
tric
training pro ts name] performs
g an
or another ram, such as health a annual IAQ training
qualified p nd safety, e session, as
training ag ers m pa
enda: for e on] performs the tra ployee right to know rt of the [name of
xample, de ining. The ]. The [IAQ
The IAQ To scribe the training in Coordinato
importanc c
educationa
ols for Sch
ools Backg e of IAQ to ludes [sessions from r
l tools. Sta rounder an health and
Teachers, ff d checklist learning].
Ventilation should complete all s (distribute
d annually
completed , and Build the checkli )
sts. At a m
. ing and Gro
unds Main inimum, ea are
Communic tenance Ch ch year the
ation ecklists sh
ould be
Communic
ation is a c
and other d riti
istrict auth cal element to succe
effective c orities try ss
om to limit mis ful IAQ manageme
staff, the IA munication. In order informatio nt.
n and confu The IAQ Coordina
Q to
with releva Coordinator and oth develop and mainta sion throug
h th
tor
nt er designa in the trust
Every time parties in a prompt, ted district of the com e use of
an hon emp mun
measures ta IAQ concern is add est, and courteous m loyees should comm ity and
ken and th ressed or re anner until un
e resolutio
n of the id
solved, the the issue is icate
In the unli IA Q Coordinato resolv
students, p
kely event
of an IAQ
entified co
ncern to th r should re ed.
e appropri port
are
update the nts, and staff. One o
emergency
, the distric ate parties. the
co rm t will a
discuss IA mmunity during a cri ore contacts shall be ccommodate the ne
Q-related is sis. No one selected to eds of
media con su o h
tact] when es with the press. Th ther than the district andle the media and
effort will it is necess e representa
ary to prov media will be alerte ti
be
school distr made to share appro ide inform d by [name ve(s) should
ict. priate info ation to a b o f districts
rmation as road
The IAQ T soon as it b er audience. Every
eam and C ecomes av
oordinator ailable to th
The IAQ will inform e
Manageme p a re n ts a n
how to obta nt Plan and d staff about:
in an IAQ ong
Concern R oing efforts, how to
How to eporting F view the P
contact the orm. lan upon re
IAQ Coord quest, and
Where to inator abou
find self-h t IAQ issue
about struc elp inform s.
tural featu atio
res and op n on how to evaluate
[School dis erational p
tricts nam ractices of IAQ in the school an
used (such e] provides the school d to learn
as the scho this inform buildings.
website, or o l a ti o
a letter) an newsletter, Right-to n to parents and staff
d time of y -Know no using [nam
ear (usuall ti e the media
y the begin fication, the school
ning)]. districts

27
GOOD IAQ
S F O R M AINTAINING
SPONSIBILIT
IE IAQ [tailor
6. STAFF RE in g an d m ai ntaining good
ble for improv
rs are responsi
All staff membe meet your schools needs]: ., do not stack
responsibilitie
s to ai rfl ow fr om ventilators (e.g n due to
ing with f the fa
fr ai n from interfer po sters, or turn of
Teachers sh ou ld re cover ve nt s w ith s waste, and
he r ite m s on ventilators, pr op er ly di sp ose of hazardou
books or ot classrooms,
clutter in their eir classrooms.
noise), remove ri ou s IA Q policies in th board, staff,
enforce the scho
ol s va
tiv iti es to the school Q
the sc ho ol s ac plementing IA
at or s sh ou ld communicate en su re th at the school is im
Administr also need to
mmunity. They
students, and co ely. ly and that
policies approp
riat
st em s ar e op erating proper
C sy
sure that HVA
ci lit y op erators must en uately and cleaned regularly.
Fa
aintained adeq that the
buildings are m g cl ea ni ng ch emicals, ensure d check
in an
l policies regard pty trash cans,
us to di an s ne ed to follow al sw ep t, cl ea n drain pans, em m s an d in form the
C
gu la rl y va cu umed and fo r si gn s of pest proble
school is re ld also look
larly. They shou
drain pipes regu of any issues. may provide
appropriate pe
ople
ne ss es , su ch as asthma, that
k ill
ses should trac
lt h O ffi ce rs/School Nur
H ea lem s. shall
ng of IAQ prob an . This approval
an early warni Q Man ag em en t Pl
Plan must be
s to approve the IA g, an d how often the er
The School
Boa rd ne ed the m ee tin y year, whichev
te , a co py of the minutes from change to the Plan, or ever
include the da ter every major
da te d or re ap proved (e.g., af
up
ULATIONS
comes first). R E Q U IR E MENTS/REG
AT E lations
L IC A B L E L OCAL AND ST d st at e re qu ir ements and regu
7. APP llowing local an that apply to
ri ct s na m e] will meet the fo re qu ir em en ts and regulations
[School di st l and state IAQ
: [List all loca
related to IAQ e:]
gs. For exampl
school buildin
g laws
Non-smokin
gulations
Asbestos re

28
8. EMERG
ENCY RE
SPONSE
Emergenc
y Response
Policy
An emerge
ncy is defi
assistance, ned as an u
or relief. T nfo
his include reseen circumstance
s situation
Spills o
f hazardou s that are p that requires immed
otentially li ia
Compla
s materials
; fe threaten te action,
ints of seve ing, such a
re headach s:
Diagnose es, nausea,
d Legionna a n d combust
ires disease ion odors;
In addition o r tu b e and
, emergenc rculosis.
serious pro ies include
perty dama situations
ge, such as whe
It is up to th flooding in re there is limited tim
e discretio a carpeted e available
area or hea
a case-by-c n
ase basis, u of the school adminis lth problem to prevent
about whe sing the ab trators to id s.
the ove en
approach m r exposure to a specifi definition as a gene tify and react to eme
ay be used c hazard co ral guideli rgencies on
situations w ne
are address here the matter is h nstitutes an emergen only. If doubt exists
ed accordin an cy,
District offi g to the R dled as an emergency a precautionary
cials must eporting an . Non-eme
with in-ho re d Response rgency
use resourc spond to emergencie Policy.
profession es, externa s immedia
als l help shou tely. If the
affected bu ). If a hazard poses a ld b prob
ilding area n immedia e acquired (e.g., loca lem cannot be resolv
to warn an s must be e te health th l health ag ed
d inform a vacuated. A reat to the ency, IAQ
ffected or ll a ve n u es st u d e n ts a nd staff, th
interested
IAQ Repo
rting and parties in a of communication n e
Response prompt ma eed to be u
[School dis P o licy n n e r. ti lized
tric
the issue m ts name] encourag
ay es th
prevent seri seem. The prompt re e reporting of IAQ
ous proble porting an c
discomfort m d resolutio oncerns, regardless o
, and unne s from developing, w n of IAQ is f
sues has th how trivial
cessary co
worthwhile
. sts. This m hich will help to pre e potential
akes the in v to
The IAQ C vestigation ent potential health e
oo o f a ll reported ff e cts,
IAQ conce rdinator should requ concerns
rns in writi e
creates a h ng. A writt st concerned staff, st
istory that en descrip udents, and
to the IAQ can tion o pare
Coordinato be referred to at a fu f the concerns reduc nts to report their
of the issu r to initiate ture date. A es
en an ll written c misunderstanding a
about the m eeds to be documente official IAQ concern oncerns sh
ould be sen d
n
easures tak d and the a reporting p t
the school e ff ro
districts p n. Information collec ected parties should cess. The re
solution
olicies. ted must b b
e processe e informed in writin
d and store g
d accordin
g to

29
e
R PREVENT
ION ach this goal, th
9. STEPS FO en tin g IA Q problems. To re
mitted to prev
s name] is com
[School district ete the following activities: klists, and repo
rt
district will co
mpl
t, di st ri bu te and collect chec
ac
ate an IAQ cont
ry sc ho ol must design in
E ve
Q Coordinator
. and completed
results to the IA Q ef fo rt s ar e coordinated
sure that all IA
C oo rd inator should en
T he IA Q ) must be in
a timely manne
r. ti- id lin g, no n-smoking, etc.
, an
(for radon, IPM
IA Q po lic ie s and programs
All dated on the
place by [date]
.
st ud en ts need to be up .
unio ns , an d ning good IAQ
ol bo ar d, co mmunity, staff, re sp on si bi lit ies for maintai
The sc ho t thei r ement
ct s IA Q ef fo rts and carry ou e ch an ge s to the IAQ Manag ems,
distri al review to m
ak
the building sy
st
ho ol m us t co mplete an annu cause changes may occur in he an nu al
Every sc cessary be priorities. T
al review is ne s attitudes and
Plan. The annu pants, and the administration
cu
components, oc
in vo lv es :
review
ns;
stems evaluatio
Building sy
inspections;
Walkthrough rmation;
Q co nc er ns and other info
IA
Reviewing IAQ Team; and
cu ss in g ne w issues with the
Dis as needed.
g th e IA Q M anagement Plan ed and included in g
all
Updatin su m m ar iz
ld be peatin
an ge s to the Plan shou ld reduce the likelihood of re
ion of th e ch n shou s of the IAQ
A brief descript the Plan. This documentatio fic ie nt an d en sure the succes
ef
future versions
of ineffective or in
s an d pr oc ed ures that were
policie
program.

30
appendix a IaQ Coordinators

A
Forms
M ake copies of the checklists and forms
in this section so that the originals will be
available for future use. The checklists and
forms may be copied or modified according
to your specific needs.
An electronic version is available at www.
epa.gov/iaq/schools.
The IAQ Coordinators forms in this
appendix include:
Sample Memo for School Staff
Sample Memo for Parents
Sample Memo for Contract Service
Providers
Sample Memo for Local News Media
IAQ Management Plan Checklist
(2 pages)
IAQ Coordinators Checklist (2 pages)
Checklist Log
Local IAQ Service Providers List
Problem Solving Checklist (4 pages)

31
Sample memo for School Staff

hool
Forest Lake Sc

[Date]

ber,
Dear Staff Mem
ity
indoor air qual
m to m on ito r and improve th e U .S .
prog ra part of
, [F or es t L ak e] begins a new IA Q B ac kg ro under, which is , an d a
This month is a copy of the g in our school
A Q ) in ou r sc hool. Enclosed PA ) gu id an ce that we are usin
(I ncy (E
Protection Age
Environmental mfortable, and
checklist. in pr ov iding a safe, co
ersh ip ro le re mission
d to be taking a lead at w e achieve our co g
[Forest Lak e] is pr ou and st af f so th Q by preventin
vi ro nm en t for our students gu id an ce to improve our IA
en s e.
productive ol will utilize E
PA es that may aris
at in g st ud ents. Our scho sp on di ng to any IAQ issu
ed uc ible an d re all make
m an y IA Q pr oblems as poss ev er yo ne in our school. We
as
commitment fr
om eathe. You can
re qu ir es an ongoing e qu al ity of the air we br ground
Good air qu al ity
or m ac tiv iti es that affe ct th
pr og ra m by re ading the back
and pe rf improvement
daily decisions tion to this IAQ ist (attached).
rt an t co nt ri bu an t, ac tiv iti es in your checkl
make an impo simple, yet im
port e checklist
fo rm at io n an d applying the et ed th e ch ec klist, return th
in mpl IAQ concerns.
rounder and co llow up on any
ad the IAQ Backg n fo
When yo u ha ve re at [he or sh e] ca es taking a team
at or , [name], so th t Pl an , which includ
to our IAQ C oo rd in Man ag em en ation resource
ed to ad m inister the IAQ an d se rv in g as our inform
[Name] has ag re
g emergency re
spon se , questions or
le , co or di na tin s, an d ro om number] with
leadership ro dres
hone, e-mail ad
IA Q . C on ta ct [name] at [p im or her] by [date].
on th e ch ec klist to [h plement our IA
Q
concerns, and
re tu rn
e pr og re ss re ports as we im
site will provid
sletter and web
The school new
Plan.

Sincerely,

[Name]
perintendent]
[Principal or Su
le] Checklist
r, [Appropriate tit
Q Backgrounde
Enclosures: IA

32
Sample memo for Parents

Forest Lak
e School
[Date]

Dear [Pare
nt]:

This month
, [Forest L
(IAQ) in o ake] begin
ur school. s a new pro
comfortab W e are proud gram to m
le, and pro to be takin onitor and
d u ctive envir g a leaders improve in
core missi onment fo hip role in door air qu
oneduca r our stude providing ality
Environme ting studen n ts and staff a safe,
ntal Protec ts. Our sch so that we
that may a tion Agenc ool will uti achieve ou
rise. y to preven lize guidan r
t IAQ prob ce provide
lems and re d by the U.S.
Enclosed is sp o n d to any IA
a copy of th Q issues
using in ou e IAQ Bac
r school. N kgrounder,
useful for o t only is th w h ich is part
application is basic info of the EPA
in your ow rmation use guidance th
[Name] ha n home. ful to scho at we are
s agreed to o ls , you may
or concern administer also find it
s, please d the IAQ pro
number]. o not hesita gram in ou
te to conta r school. If
ct [name] a you have a
The schoo t [p hone, e-ma ny questio
l newslette il address, ns
our school. r and websi and room
te will carr
y progress
reports as
we learn m
ore about IA
Q in
Sincerely,

[Name]
[Principal
or Superin
tendent]

Enclosure:
IAQ Backg
ro under

33
Sample memo for Contract Service Providers

ol
Forest Lake Scho

[Date]

ider],
ntract Service Prov
Dear [Name of Co
comfortable, and
sh ip ro le in providing a safe, educating
ke ] is pr ou d to be taking a le ad er
th at we ac hi ev e our core mission
[Forest La dents and staff so
nment for our stu
productive enviro
or air quality
students. m to m on ito r and improve indo
is implementing a
prog ra quality of
[F or es t La ke ] ho ol ca n ha ve an impact on the
Therefor e, in our sc Protection
ou r sc ho ol . Th e work you perform ov id ed by th e U. S. Environmental
(IAQ) in ific guidance pr
have enclosed spec this effort a succes
s.
the schools air. I can help us make
ho w yo u checklist.
Agency that sh ow s
cl os ed IA Q Ba ck grounder and IAQ
se read the en
is important. Plea e] at [phone, e-mai
l
Your involvement no t he sit at e to contact [nam
, plea se do
estions or concerns
If you have any qu
number].
address, and room

Sincerely,

[Name]
IAQ Coordinator

title] Checklist
ckgrou nder, [Appropriate
Enclosures: IAQ Ba

34
Sample memo for local news media

Forest La
ke Schoo
l
[Date]

Dear [Loc
al News M
edia Perso
n]:
This mon
th, [Fores
(IAQ) in o t Lake] be
ur school. gins a new
comfortab We are pro program to
le, and pro ud to be ta monitor a
core miss d uctive env king a lea nd improv
ioneduc ironment dership ro e indoor a
a ting stude fo r our stud le in providin ir quality
Environm nts. Our s ents and s g a safe,
ental Prote chool will ta
any IAQ is
sues that m
ction Age
ncy to imp utilize guid ff so that we achiev
ay arise. ro ve IAQ, p a n ce provide e our
As a prom revent IAQ d by the U
inent sourc p roblems, a .S.
in assurin e of inform nd respon
g that tim ation on e d to
the parents ely and ac vents in o
of students curate info ur local are
rmation re a
Backgrou
nder, whic
and other
concerned garding IA , you can be helpfu
h is part o constituen Q in our schoo l
If you hav f the EPA ts. Enclos l reaches
e any que g u idance tha e d is a copy
our IAQ C stions reg t we are u of the IAQ
oordinato arding IA sing in ou
Plan, whic r [n ame]. [Na Q in o u r school, p r s c h ool.
h includes me] has a lease do n
serving as ta king a tea g re ed to adm o t hesitate to
our inform m leaders inister the contact
ation reso hip role, c IA Q Managem
urce on IA oordinatin ent
Q. [Name g emergen
] can be c cy respon
ontacted a se, and
Sincerely, t [phone].

[Name]
[Principal
or Superin
tendent]

Enclosure
: IAQ Bac
kgrounder

35
IaQ management Plan Checklist
IAQ Coordinator School Date Completed
Use the checklist below to record and monitor the steps you have taken to activate the IAQ Management Plan.

Steps Taken Date Comments/Notes


1. Selected IAQ Coordinator
Name:

2. Read Guidance

3. Obtained Administrative Support

4. Indicated Problems with:

Radon

Hazardous Materials

Asbestos

Pest Managment

Lead

Idling Vehicles

Smoking
5. Established IAQ Checklist Interval
Number of times each year:
6. Prepared Emergency Response
Contacted local health agency

Identified and contacted IAQ professional(s)

36
Steps Taken Date Comments/Notes
6. Prepared Emergency Response (cont.)

Prepared or identified equipment and sup-


plies for wet carpets or contacted local
professional cleaning firm

Completed local IAQ Service Providers form


7. Procedures Established for:

Cleaning and Chemicals

Flooring and Furnishings

Preventive Maintenance and Operations

Construction and Renovation

Microbial Management

Staff Education

Communication

Others:

8. Prepared and Distributed IAQ Policies

Nonsmoking

Integrated Pest Management

Asbestos

Painting

Lead

Radon

Anti-Idling

Others:

37
Checklist Log
IAQ Coordinator School

Use this log to keep track of who has received a checklist, returned checklist(s), unresolved problem(s), problems resolved and
corresponding dates.
Also, this log can be used to record distribution of information to parents, school board members, contract service providers,
unions, and local media.

Type of Checklist(s) Distributed

urse

nt
airs
ol N

eme
ce

Rep
om

ent
f

nan
cho
Staf

nag
)

Ren nagem
ssro
al(s

and
Ven ficer/S

inte

Ma
ive
ffici

e
Ma
trat

c
l

tion
Date
rs C

Date Problems Require

ervi

est
Location

Ma
ion
Follow-up Delegated To
ol O

Person Receiving Checklist


inis
lth O

ding

g. P
ova
tilat

dS
che

Completed

ste
or Room # Sent Received Follow-up
o

Adm

Inte
Sch

Foo
Buil

Wa
Hea
Tea

Yes
No
Yes
No
Yes
No
Yes
No
Yes
No
Yes
No
Yes
No
Yes
No
Yes
No
Yes
No
Yes
No
Yes
No
Yes
No
Yes
No
Yes
No
Yes
No
Yes
No
Yes
No
Yes
No

38
Local IAQ Service Providers List

FIRM CONTACT PHONE ADDRESS


Hazardous
Materials
TITLE EMERGENCY
Hotline
FIRM CONTACT PHONE ADDRESS
Local
Health
TITLE EMERGENCY
Department

FIRM CONTACT PHONE ADDRESS


State
Health
TITLE EMERGENCY
Department

FIRM CONTACT PHONE ADDRESS


Carpet
Cleaner TITLE EMERGENCY

FIRM CONTACT PHONE ADDRESS


IAQ
Consultant TITLE EMERGENCY

FIRM CONTACT PHONE ADDRESS


Mechanical
Systems
Operator TITLE EMERGENCY

FIRM CONTACT PHONE ADDRESS

TITLE EMERGENCY

FIRM CONTACT PHONE ADDRESS

TITLE EMERGENCY

FIRM CONTACT PHONE ADDRESS

TITLE EMERGENCY

FIRM CONTACT PHONE ADDRESS

TITLE EMERGENCY

39
Problem Solving Checklist
Use this checklist with the IAQ Problem Solving Wheel to resolve a single IAQ
IAQ Coordinator
complaint or several complaints occurring at the same time that seem related.
Mark a copy of the fire escape floorplan or use other means of recording and
reviewing information. Since this checklist becomes a record of your activities in
resolving IAQ complaint(s), date it and file if for future reference. Involve
School
additional staff, such as engineers, during the problem-solving process.

Reports of IAQ Problems


Record complaints below at the beginning of your problem-solving process. Interview the complainant(s) to get a complete and accurate
description of any symptoms, times, and locations.

Complainant Date Description of Complaint Location(s) or Is Problem Occurrence


Name Received (symptoms or explanation) Room Number(s) Ongoing? Date(s) & Time(s)
Yes
No
Yes
No
Yes
No
Yes
No
Yes
No
Yes
No
Yes
No
Yes
No
Yes
No

Problem Solving Steps


Follow the directions on the IAQ Problem Solving Wheel to investigate potential causes of the symptoms recorded above.
Use the step below to help keep your investigation organized and documented.

Step Date Completed Notes

1. Relate the symptoms from the complaint data


box to a group of symptoms in the Notes col-
Odors
Temperature or humidity problems (occupant
umn to the right. discomfort)
Headaches, lethargy, nausea, drowsiness, and
dizziness
Swelling, itching, or irritated eyes, nose, or
throat; congestion
Cough, chest tightness, shortness of breath,
fever, chills, fatigue
Diagnosed infection or clusters of serious
health problems

40
Step Date Completed Notes
2. Is this an emergency? Yes No
See the Problem Solving Wheels sectors
Actions Taken: Evacuation Notification
Other:
Identifying an emergency and What to do
in an emergency.

3. Place a checkmark next to the potential causes in


Step 4 below that are shown at 2 on the Wheel.

4. Each section below corresponds to a section of the IAQ Problem Solving Wheel. Use this area to record diagnostics
you perform. Three spaces are provided below for each diagnostic step to allow you to record information for more
than one location or piece of equipment. Make extra copies of this form as necessary. Please note that some of the
steps may not apply to your building.
Step Date Completed (for each Notes
location if more than
one location or piece of
equipment is involved)
1 2 3
Temperature & Humidity
Is thermostat properly set?
Is air flowing from the vent warm (for heat)
or cool (for air conditioning)?
Are drafts or direct sunlight causing
discomfort?
Is humidity between 30-60% relative
humidity (recommended)?
Is condensation often present on windows or
other cold surfaces?
Is there an objectionable odor?

Outdoor Air Supply


Is the ventilation system turned on?
Is the outdoor intake blocked?
Are supply vent(s) blocked?
Is air flowing from supply vent(s)?
Is air flowing into outdoor intake?
Are outdoor air or supply ducts blocked?
Is outdoor air supply at least 15 cfm per
occupant?
Is CO in the area higher than 1000 ppm?
2

Air Handling Unit


Is the system turned on?
Is the air flowing from vent(s)?
Is the fan operating?
Is the filter(s) clean & properly installed?
Are dampers operating properly?
Is there moisture, debris or microbial growth
in or around the unit?
Is the drain pan clean & draining?
Are the coils clean?
Is combustion equipment properly vented
(no flue leaks, spillage, or backdrafting)?

41
Step Date Completed (for each Notes
location if more than
one location or piece of
equipment is involved)
1 2 3
Local Exhaust
Does the exhaust system turn on?
Is the exhaust used consistently?
Is air flowing from the exhaust vent?
Is exhaust duct work blocked?
Is a sufficient amount of air being exhausted?
If everything works, but not enough air is
being exhaused, can make-up air easily enter
the room (e.g., through spaces under doors)?

Biological Sources
Are animals or fungi (mold) present?
Is there an odor of mold or mildew?
Are supply vent(s) blocked?
Is there standing water near the complaint
area or in the air handling unit?
Is condensation often present on windows or
cold surfaces?
Is indoor relative humidity above 60%?
Are contagious occupants present?

Housekeeping Sources
Do complaints occur during or just after
housekeeping activities?
Do housekeeping activities take place near
the complainants?
Are any new products in use?
Are housekeeping products being used
according to directions?
Are products stored in sealed containers or in
a vented room(s)?

Outdoor Sources
Are sources of odor or pollutants (e.g., vehicles,
stored chemicals, trash, plumbing vents)
located near outdoor air intakes?
Are there sources nearby or upwind:
Combustion byproducts from traffic,
loading docks or flue exhausts?
Industrial, agricultural or lawn care activity?
Construction activity?
Are pollen levels high?

Building Sources
Has there been recent painting, roofing, or
other remodeling or construction?
Were pesticides applied recently near the
complaint area?
Are new furnishing or equipment in place?
Are drain traps dry?
Are chemicals stored in properly sealed
containers?
Is the building overly dusty?

42
Step Date Completed Notes

5. Repeat all diagnostics for each potential cause in


all affected locations.

6. Ifpotential
the diagnostics for the recommended
causes did not identify the problem(s),
investigate remaining potential causes in
Step 4 until the cause(s) of the complaint(s)
are identified and corrected.

7. Ifobtain
problem remains unidentified or uncorrected,
professional assistance.
Company:
Person:
Phone:

8. Provide notice if problem is not quickly resolved. Notice to occupants


Notice to parents of minors

9. Problem resolved and preventive measures taken. Describe solution:

Preventive measures taken:

10. Provide a final report.


11. To prevent future problems, implement an
IAQ Management Plan.

12. File this Checklist and related information.

43
44
Appendix B Developing Indoor

B
Air Policies
A n IAQ policy statement demonstrates Guidance on appropriate steps for
a strong commitment by the school maintaining good IAQ (see specific
administration to address the health and activities in the various IAQ checklists for
comfort of staff and students, as well as ideas).
the environmental quality in the school.
Guidance on appropriate actions for
In addition, an IAQ policy sets an overall
correcting IAQ problems.
direction for efforts to prevent and correct
IAQ problems. General issues that may Reporting requirements.
require policies include, but are not limited
Developing an IAQ policy should be an
to: Painting, smoking, renovations and
open process. A health and safety committee
repairs, pest management, ventilation system
is a good forum for developing consensus
operation, school supply and purchasing,
recommendations. In the absence of an
food or pets in the classroom, disinfectants,
existing committee, consider establishing
vehicle idling, and maintenance schedules.
an ad hoc committee comprised of
This appendix presents general administrators, teachers, support personnel,
considerations related to developing an school health officers, maintenance
IAQ policy. In addition, it presents four personnel, physicians, union representatives,
sample IAQ policies targeted to specific and community leaders. Interested parents
indoor pollutant sources. The first sample may also wish to serve on this committee.
is a policy on integrated pest management
(IPM). The second sample is a memo and
letter to parents regarding painting. The third
sample is a policy that limits bus idling on
school grounds and includes a sample memo
to bus drivers about anti-idling procedures.
The final sample is a nonsmoking policy,
including a sample letter to staff. The
samples presented are intended only as
guides, and may be modified in any way to
meet the site-specific needs and intent of
individual schools.

GenerAL ConSIDerAtIonS
An IAQ policy should include the following
components:
A statement indicating that the school
administrations commitment to good
IAQ and the health, safety, and comfort of
staff and students.
A statement indicating the intent to
identify, prevent, and correct IAQ
problems.
Authorization of an IAQ Coordinator for
each school or district and delegation of
authorities to the IAQ Coordinator.

45
Sample Pest Management Policy Statement

azardous
e n t g o a ls , the least h be followed
m
nt manage ons should
se d to m e et importa sen and label directi cies and procedures,
st be u st should b
e cho
hool distric
t poli
6 et seq.),
sticide mu
When a pe uate to control the pe may be subject to sc nited States Code 13 d local
eq es U an
material ad pplication of pesticid d Rodenticide Act (7 gulations, and state
T h e a e , a n H A re
exactly. e, Fungicid lations, OS
l Insecticid ode of Federal Regu
the Federa C
tions in 40
EPA regula
regulations. organisms)
.
a ls , p la n ts, or micro and whether
nisms (anim by the pest species
Pests o n s o f living orga uenced
u n w a n te d popu la ti
p u la ti o n s will be infl vironment.
Pests are g pest po y, or the en
for managin at to people, propert
Strategies re
s poses a th
that specie lude
si te a n d should inc
ment eloped for
th e
Pest Manage agement plans should be dev at to public
p ro v e d pest man n t m e a su re s to:
a in st a si g nificant thre
A p me protect ag
est manage hazard or to
proposed p a n h e a lt h
al hum
any potenti
Reduce property.
safety. sc h o o l st ructures or animal pop
ulations
a m a g e to p la n t a n d
loss of or d mmunity o
r to
Prevent a d in g into the co
sp re
pests from
Prevent .
beyond the
si te . , and others
li fe to st u dents, staff
ty of
e the quali
Enhanc ntrol pests
e n t P ro c e d ures e when to co ers
anagem to d e te rm in tion
ra te d P e s t M w ill be used al means. IPM practi
Integ n a g e m ent (IPM)
pro c e d u re
h e
s
m ical, or bio
logic
it s e
t, and the
nvironmen levels of
pest m a ysi c a l, c est a n d le
Integrated hanical, ph about the p prevents unacceptab azard to
w h e th e r to use mec hensive information p ri n c ip le s p o ss ib le h
and rr e n t, c o mpre p p ly in g IPM w it h th e least
c u ds. A an d
depend on trol metho ical means
a il a b le pest con by the most econom
be st av age ons and
st a c tiv it y and dam e nv ir o n m ent. ll o th e r av ailable opti ng
p e the of a staffi
perty, and on a review not feasible. Cost or agents, and
people, pro l b e b a se d re l
sticide wil ptable or a ical contro
d e c is io n to use a pe p ti o n s a re not acce ation for use of chem henever possible to
Th e ese o ific dw
ation that th equate just implemente ze IPM principles to
a determin s alone will not be ad ent methods will be ti li
on em istric t to u ction, will
considerati hemical pest manag olicy of this school d atives, including no a
n-c ep rn
selected no sired control. It is th The full range of alte
e th e d e u a te ly .
provid ons adeq
st populati
manage pe .
red
be conside

d
Continue

46
education
Staff, stude
nts
pest proble , pest managers, and
ms and the th
IPM policie e public will be edu
s and proc c
record Keep edures that ated about potential
will be imp school
ing lemented.
Records of
pe
state regula sticide use shall be m
tory agenc aintained o
IPM to be y n
effective. In and school board. Re site to meet the requ
pests or oth addition, p cords must irements o
er indicato est surveilla be f the
treatments rs of pest p nce data sh current and accurate
. opulations eets that re for
should be
maintained cord the number of
to verify th
notification e need for
[School na
me
any pesticid ] will be responsible
e applicati for notifyin
ons. g school st
aff and pare
Pesticide Sto nts in adva
nce of
rage and Purc
Pesticide p
urc
h ase
for use duri hases will be limited
ng to the amo
EPA-registe the year. Pesticides unt authori
z
will be sto
inaccessible
red label d
irections a red and dis ed by [committee/dep
to students nd state reg posed of in artment]
or unautho ulati acco
rized perso ons. Pesticides must rdance with the
Pesticide Ap nnel. be stored in
an area
plicators
Pesticide a
pp
of IPM and licators must have a w
u orking kno
regulations se only pesticides ap wledge of
the princip
and label p proved by le
this school
policy and
pest manag
recautions.
Applicators district. Th s and practices
ement plan must comp ey must fo
Pests and p . ly with this llow
est school distr
environme icides can pose sign ict IPM
nt. ific
for control It is, therefore, the p ant problems and risk
of structura oli s to people
toxicity of l and landsc cy of [school name] ,
pesticides a p e p e st s. to incorpo property, and the
used in the This policy rate IPM p
school. will minim roc
ize the am edures
ount and

47
Sample Painting Memo

ANDUM
MEMOR

l Principal
TO: Schoo

ilities M anager
istrict Fac painting
FROM: D fo r th e interior
parati o n prior to
y o u r use in pre e n b y the school
ed fo r be ta k aximum
c h m e n ts are provid certain steps must nd to ensure that m
o and atta perience , process a
This mem ol. Based on past ex on to the teaching
h o
of your sc nsure minimal disru e parents.
p ti e month
e th y o u n o la ter than on terest
painting to d to ith of in
n is c o mmunicate ta ti v e w ill meet w items that may be cess.
informa ti o
s ig n a te d repres e n
a n d d is c uss an y
u t th e p a inting pro
a de ffort ugho other
e P a in t F oreman or to coordinate the e ust be vacated thro n drying time and
Th ork es m no of a
e start of w fined spac informatio occupancy
prior to th rooms or other con Sheets will provide e right not to allow The paint crew
ss ta th ts.
to you. Cla Material Safety Da e principal reserves azard to the studen
a c h e d n . T h s e a h
The att t be take ill not po
s that mus d that it w ans
precaution til he/she is satisfie in 1 d a y . c o m p le te d. This me of
un classroom er lunch is e painting
classroom an average ta rt until aft orking day. Thus, th
c o m p le te w il l n o t s w
can , painting oon each
s to cafeterias 3 hours in the aftern rt of the school.
As it p e rt a in 2 to er pa must be
n g w il l o ccur only g e r th a n in any oth e ra ti o n . All parents orandum;
painti e lon ons id mem
a re a w il l likely tak v id e d fo r school c fo rm o f an official
ro e
this rents are p re offered, one in th
n o tices to pa e s a e
The att a c h e d
. Two c h o ic ting. Sinc
e d b y s o me means n is a flyer. h o o l d u ri ng the pain f [# of
notifi c o
ss formal
optio sence in s minimum
the other le v e r th e ir childs pre ur school will be a
concern o rior of yo e basis.
ay express int the inte lly on a case-by-cas contact
Parents m time required to pa d mutu a ss, please
o f s o lv e p ro c e eting.
the le n g th
is s u e s h ould b e re
m o o r th e painti n g
le d p re -p ainting me
is
months], th g this me the schedu
q u e s ti o n s concernin ons or concerns at
e any ques ti
If you hav e], or discuss your
c t n a m
[conta

Source: Anne Arundel County Public Schools, Maryland

48
Sample Parental notification Letter for
School Painting

Name
Address
City, State
, Zip Code

Dear Paren
t or Guard
ian:
The Mainte
nance Divis
ion plans to
The schoo start painti
l building ng in our sc
Proper ma is an impo hool on or
intenance o rtant facto about [day
atmosphere f school bu r in the suc and date].
. The majo ildings is n c e ss of the to
Some heav rity of pain ecessary to tal educati
y traffic are tb provide a h onal progra
lead or me as and trim eing used in [name] ealthy and
pleasant
m.
rcury are n will requir P ublic Scho
ever used in e th ols is latex
school pain e use of oil-based p w
Instruction
al areas wil ting. aint. Paints ater-based.
paint crew l be unocc containing
s will be in upied durin
the school g painting
for a perio an
The health
and safety d of [# of d d drying times. We a
undertake o f ay s], beginnin nticipate th
this mainte all students is a prim g on [day a
nd date].
at
about the sc n a nce and be a ry c o n si d
heduled pa au eration as
inting, plea tification project. If the paintin
g crews
With the c se feel free you have a
ooperation to contact ny questio
new look fo o fp m e at [phone ns or conc
r our schoo arents, students, and #]. erns
results for l. I hope yo staff, this p
yourself! u will stop ainting pro
by when th je
e project is ct will result in a bri
completed ght,
to see the
Sincerely,

Principal

Source: Anne Arundel County Public Schools, Maryland

49
Anti-Idling Policy

This section includes a sample anti-idling to all affected individuals. Signs can also
policy and memo. The announcement letter be posted in areas where cars, buses, or
should address the main issues covered by delivery trucks wait to remind drivers that
the schools anti-idling policy: their engines should be turned off.
Explicitly state when/where/for how long Following is a sample anti-idling policy that
buses are allowed to idle. reduces idling on school grounds.
Define individuals and vehicles covered For additional information on mobile
by the policy. sources and anti-idling, see Appendix I:
Mobile Sources in the IAQ Reference
Outline the stages and dates of policy
Guide.
implementation.
State the enforcement procedures taken
when the policy is violated.
Identify the appropriate contact for
questions and concerns.
The sample policy is intended to provide
a framework for developing an anti-idling
policy and highlights issues of emission
exposure and health concerns. The level
of detail and specificity of any policy will
depend on the type of school, the actions to
be taken, and the level of communication
required to reach all affected individuals.
A simple, clear-cut policy, for example,
will require few specifics and will be easily
monitored.
The anti-idling policy should be placed in
the personnel manual (including that of
bus drivers), employee handbook, school
by-laws, or another location that will
facilitate the distribution of this information

50
Sample Anti-Idling Policy:

[Forest L
ake Scho
all person ol] is com
su mitte
emissions sing our school. In d to providing a h
,e li ea
limited bu specially to childre ght of the signific lthy and productiv
s idling p n , [F o re st L a nt risk po e environ
individua oli s m
ls in or aro cy]. This policy is ake] is implemen ed by school bus e ent for
exposure und the s in te n d ed to ti n g a n [anti-i x haust
to cho
decreased diesel exhaust (su ol and school gro improve the health dling policy or
lu ch un an
buses for ng function, acute as aggravated res ds and reduce risk d safety of all
pick-up a re s p iratory p ir a to ry and s associate
cause part nd d
icular pro drop-off as well a symptoms, and ch cardiovascular con with
current o blems. Th s periods ronic bro d itions,
perations e of nc
and outlin following steps in idling during the hitis). Queueing o
e the proc d bu f
A. Imple
mentatio edures fo icate the exact tim s commute itself
Emission n o fP r c o n flict resolu in g o fs c a n
s, also kn olicy to [Elimina tion and e pecific changes to
o wn as die te n forcemen
Beginnin
g immedia sel exhau or Reduce] Expo t:
te s t e m is s io sure to S
to improv ly, [F o rest n s . c h o o l B us Exhau
es
fuel (save urrounding air qu Lake] requires all st
money); a ality; pro buses to li
nd decrea tect the h m it their
ealth of d
B. Policy
Guidelin
se engine
wear. rivers, stu idling on school g
dents, and ro
This rule
es to Red
uce Expo others; co unds
applies to sure to S nserve
transporta any bus s chool Bu
tion. ervice, in s Exhaus
cluding h t Emissio
1. To the ome-to-sc ns.
extent po h o o l, a c ti
ssible, eli v ity, or cha
While minate id rter
waiting fo ling upon
r passeng reaching
When ers to boa your desti
arriving a rd at plac nation:
should no t your loc e o f o ri g in
t idle whil ation, , all engin
2. During e waiting all buses should b es should
be shut o
for passen e shut off ff.
morning g e rs . a s s o o n as it is pra
proper op start-up, b
erating te u s es c ti cal; buses
mperature should idle no lo
3. Excep a n d to d nger than
tions efrost all n
when it is to the policy may windows. ecessary to bring
necessary be made engines to
a safe env to run the when the
ironment e a ir
engine id for passen ngine to operate re temperature is belo
ling are: gers with q w
special he uired safety equip 32 degrees, and
a lt h needs. T m en
Above 32
F: 3 min he guideli t or to maintain
utes nes for m
Between aximum
10 and
32 F: 10
Below 1 minutes
0 F: no li
4. Signs mit
will be po
Policy. sted to re
mind all (c
ar, bus, an
d truck) d
rivers of o
ur school
s Anti-Idli
ng

Source: Connecticut School Transportation Association


and State of Connecticut
51
Sample Anti-Idling Policy (cont.):

ol
at all scho
a n ti -i d li ng policy in ts o r
t Resoluti
on honor the ual compla
C. Conflic it o rs a re expected to pon arrival. Individ hould be discussed
es, and vis engines u ent of this policy s bus
, employe g off their m individual
Bus drivers d facilities by shuttin tion and/or enforce ho will contact the ds can be
an nta ], w un
buildings arding the impleme [designated person icles on school gro
rn s re g n a g e r, e ir v e h
conce fleet ma who idle th
chool bus or parents #].
with the s o u t s ta ff
ncerns ab n] at [pho
ne
driver. Co e s ig n ated perso ny person
directed to
[d
rc in g th is policy. A any other
ement of
Policy to and enfo at accomp
D. Enforc s ib il it y o f adhering ciplinary actions th
the respon ct to the similar dis
s share in je
All person policy will be sub g:
n g th is in din
c lu
violati f o ur policies
ti o n s o
infrac
minder
Oral re
reprimand
Written
on
Probati

52
Sample Anti-Idling Letter:

To: All Sc
h ool Bus D
rivers

Re: Limit
ing Bus Id
ling

The [State
School Tra
Agency]
and the [L nsportation Assoc
excessive ocal Scho ia
ex ol Distric tion] has teamed u
encourag posure to diesel e t] to prote
ct s
p with the
e you to fo xh [S
effective llow their aust emissions. A chool children and tate Environmenta
immediate guideline s part of th each of y l
s restricti o
To the ex
ly. ng engine is effort, we suppo u from
tent possib idling tim rt
le, elimin e whenev and
While ate idling e r practical,
waiting fo :
r passeng
When a ers to boa
rriving at rd at plac
your loca e of origin
Guideli tion, shut , shut off
nes for m off all bu all engine
aximum e ses as soo s.
Above 32 n gine idlin n a s it is pra
F: 3 min g [consiste ctical.
utes nt with ex
Between isting state
10 and regulation
32 F: 10 s]:
Below 1 m inutes
0 F: no li
mit
Please he
lp us do o
Minimizin ur part to
g vehicle red
wear. idling wil uce air pollution a
l also sav nd protec
e money
by reducin t childrens (and yo
g fuel con ur own) h
sumption ea
Thank yo and engin lth.
u for you e
r support
[School d and coop
istrict] Sc eration w
hool Bus ith this eff
Drivers D ort.
oing Their
Share for
Sincerely Clean Air
yours, !

Fleet Man
ager

Source: New Hampshire School Bus Driver

53
nonsmoking Policy:

This section includes a sample rooms are being provided, this policy
announcement for a nonsmoking policy can be easily revised by omitting the step
and memo. The announcement letter should about eliminating smoking on all school
address the following main issues covered grounds. Add specifics regarding additional
by the schools nonsmoking policy: enforcement procedures for potential and
repeated infractions.
Explicitly state where smoking is
prohibited and permitted (if permitted at For additional information on secondhand
all). smoke, see Appendix F: Secondhand
Smoke in the IAQ Reference Guide.
Define individuals who are covered by the
policy.
Clarify exactly what constitutes smoking.
Outline the stages and dates of policy
implementation.
State the enforcement procedures taken
when the policy is violated.
Identify the appropriate contact for
questions and concerns.
The policy may also include information on
smoking cessation or other staff education
programs being offered or covered by the
school.
The sample policy is intended to provide a
framework for developing a nonsmoking
policy and highlights issues of particular
importance for both large and small schools.
The level of detail and specificity of any
policy will depend on the type of school,
the actions to be taken, and the level of
communication required to reach all affected
individuals. A simple, clear-cut policy, for
example, will require few specifics and will
be easily enforced.
The nonsmoking policy should be placed in
the personnel manual, employee handbook,
school by-laws, or another location that will
facilitate the distribution of this information
to all affected individuals.
The following sample nonsmoking
policy eliminates smoking indoors. If
separately ventilated designated smoking

54
Sample nonsmoking Policy:

[Forest Lak
e
using our sc School] is committed
hool. In lig to providin
as well as h g
to sensitive t of the significant ri a healthy and produ
smoke con equipment, sk posed b ctive envir
tro [Fo y sec onme
the school. l policy]. This policy rest Lake] has decid ondhand tobacco sm nt for all persons
The follow is intended e d ok
outline the ing steps in to improve to implement a [non e to human health
procedures dicate the th e health an sm oking poli
for conflic exa
t resolution ct timing of specific d safety of all individ cy or
I. Implementa and enforc
ement.
c hanges to c
urrent ope
uals using
tion of Policy rations and
a lso known as to[eliminate or
environmenta r
A. Beginn l tobacco Sm educe] exposure to Seco
ing in [mo
nth, date], oke (etS) ndhand Smo
staff. [Forest L ake] will o
ke,
B. Effectiv ffer smokin
e immedia g cessation
Smoking te ly, smokin programs
signs will g will be p to all scho
be posted ro hibited on ol
[Alternativ as necessa [Forest La
e Text for S r y to remind k e ] all schoo
eparately V personnel l
Effective [O entilated S and visito grounds. No
ctober 1], sm moking Ro rs of this p
conference oking will om Policy: olicy.
ro b
including th oms, offices, and rest e prohibited in meeti
e cafeteria ro ngs and all
, breakroom oms. Smoking will
Smoking
signs will s, h a llw ay also be pro enclosed areas includ
rooms that be posted in s, receptio hibited in a ing
hav the n area ll com
from nonsm e been equipped wit restricted areas. Smo s, and outside buildin mon areas
o h king will b g entrance
Federal fun king areas. [NOTE: S separate exhaust fans ep s.
ding.]] ee Append that isolate ermitted only in desi No
ix F of the environme g
IAQ Refere ntal tobacc nated
II. Conflict re n c e Guide if sc o smo
hool is rec ke
solution eiving
Employees
an
facilities. In d visitors are expecte
d d
this policy ividual complaints or to honor the smoking
should be c oncerns re restrictions
unable to re disc ga at
solve the in ussed with your supe rding the implementa all school buildings
directed to dividual co rvisor [or o tion and/or and
the Nonsm m th e
oking Polic plaint or concern, th er designated person nforcement of
y Committe e employee ]. If the su
III. enforcem e [or other m pervisor is
designated ay request that their
ent of Policy person or c
ommittee].
concern be
All person
s share in th
this policy e responsib
will be sub ility of adh
ject to the e
policies in
cluding: same discip ring to and enforcing
linary actio th
Employ ns that acc is policy. Any person
ee counseli ompany an violating
ng y infractio
Oral rem n of our
inder
Written
reprimand
Probatio
n
Termina
tion

Source: Anne Arundel County Public Schools, Maryland

55
Sample nonsmoking Memo:

ANDUM
MEMOR

chool Staff
A ll [F o re st Lake] S
To:
me], Princ
ipal s (EPA)
From: [Na P o li c y l P ro te c ti on Agency stituting a
g ironmenta Lake] is in ned or
onsmokin e U.S. Env ns health, [Forest
o re s t Lakes] N a n d th erty ow
R e : [F
a s in g s ta ff conc e rn
a rm fu l to child re
a p p li e s to all prop lunchrooms,
e to incre may be h his polic y strooms,
In respons secondhand smoke tive immediately. T , waiting rooms, re itors.
a t e c a y s taff and vis
findings th orkplace policy, eff es all offices, hallw licy applies to all s
ew d po
smoke-fre rest Lake] and inclu munity areas. This trances.
d b y [F o a n d c o m th e b uilding en g. This
le a s e
, m e e ti ng roo m s ,
a re a s adjace n t to
e s m o k e as smokin
rs in du c
elevato e allowed ts that pro pipes.
will not b co produc
Smoking a ny use o f to b a c
, cigare tt e s , a n d
-f ree workp
lace:
n s id e rs , c ig a rs a s m o k e
ke] co ited to nsition to
[Forest La ludes, but is not lim a te a smooth tra
n in c c il it
definitio l steps to fa ould like
k e ] h a s ta ken severa uals who w ffered
o re s t L a ly . r in d iv id o
[F immediate e offered fo nue to be
e p o li c y will begin s s a ti o n c lass will b on classes will conti
Th e ti
smoking c king cessa
n in g in [month], a quit smoking. Smo
Begin opportunit
y to
.
to take this nth & year]. mon areas
ro u g h [m o h ib it e d in all com
th
ing will b
e pro ings.
s m o k u g h o u t all build operation
of
Effectiv
e [da te ],
b e p ro h ib ited th ro
n s id e ra ti on, and co rcing the
ill tfulness, c
o
to and enfo
moking w the though ibility for adhering rvisor and handled
E ff e c tiv e [date], s n d u p o n
will depe e respons riate supe the
c c e s s o f this policy veryone shares in th ntion of the approp cy will be subject to yee
The s u rs. E e att e po li emplo
k e rs a n d nonsmoke ld be brought to th als who violate this les. Refer to your
smo s shou mand. Ind
ividu ool ru
y problem f other sch
policy. An ormal chain of com mpany infraction o w
en
through th nary actions that a .
cco ing the ne
c ip li c ie s d c o m m e nts regard me], at
same dis nary poli n a
for discipli uestions a rdinator, [n can provide
handbook o n w elcomes q or Air Quality Coo s and
s c h o o l adminis tr a ti
o n ta c t o u r Indo e s ti o n s a nd concern
st Lake ] free to c your q u
The [Fore policy. Please feel happy to respond to smoke.
nonsmok in g will b e toba o c c
n [# # # # ]; [he/she] ects of secondhand
extensio ealth eff
n on the h
informatio

56
Appendix C Glossary and

C
Acronyms
Disinfectants One of three groups of IAQ Coordinator An individual at the
antimicrobials registered by EPA for public school and/or school district level who
health concerns. A disinfectant destroys or provides leadership and coordination of
irreversibly inactivates undesirable (and IAQ activities. See Section 2: Role and
often infectious) organisms. EPA registers Functions of the IAQ Coordinator for more
three types of disinfectant products based information.
upon submitted efficacy data: limited,
IAQ Management Plan A set of flexible
general/broad spectrum, and hospital
and specific steps for preventing and
disinfectant.
resolving IAQ problems. See Section 4:
Drain Trap A dip in the drain pipe of What is an IAQ Management Plan? for
sinks, toilets, floor drains, etc., that is designed more information.
to stay filled with water in order to prevent
IAQ Team Individuals working directly
sewer gases from escaping into the room.
with the IAQ Coordinator to address IAQ in
Emissions Releases of pollutants into the the school(s). These individuals may include
air from a source, such as a paints, furniture, school staff, administrators, school board
or cleaning agents. members, students and parents. A district-
wide IAQ Team should ensure members
EPA United States Environmental represent the entire district. The team
Protection Agency. See Appendix L: distributes the information packets (IAQ
Resources in the IAQ Reference Guide for Backgrounder, memo, and checklists) to
more information. school staff. See Section 3: Assembling the
ETS Environmental Tobacco Smoke. IAQ Team, for more information.
Mixture of smoke from the burning end of a Indoor Air Pollutant An indoor
cigarette, pipe, or cigar and smoke exhaled contaminant such as particles, dust,
by the smoker (also secondhand smoke fibers, mists, bioaerosols, and gases.
or passive smoking). See the following See the following sections in the IAQ
appendices in the IAQ Reference Guide for Reference Guide for more information:
more information: Appendix E: Typical Section 2: Understanding IAQ Problems
Indoor Air Pollutants, Appendix F: and Appendix E: Typical Indoor Air
Secondhand Smoke, and Appendix L: Pollutants.
Resources.
Indoor Pollutant Sources Indoor
IAQ Indoor air quality. air pollutants can originate within the
IAQ Backgrounder A general building or be drawn in from outdoors.
introduction provided in the IAQ Tools for Common sources include people, carpets,
Schools Kit that describes IAQ issues as well photocopiers, art supplies, furniture,
as IAQ program implementation. vehicles, paints, etc. See Section 2:
Understanding IAQ Problems in the IAQ
IAQ Checklists Various lists provided in Reference Guide for more information.
the IAQ Tools for Schools Kit that contain
simple activities for school staff to improve IPM Integrated Pest Management. A
or maintain good indoor air quality. Each comprehensive approach to eliminating
focuses on topic areas and actions that are and preventing pest problems with an
targeted to particular school staff (e.g., emphasis on reducing pest habitat and food
teachers, administrators, kitchen staff, sources. See Appendix K: Integrated Pest
maintenance staff) or specific building Management in the IAQ Reference Guide
functions (e.g., HVAC system, roofing, and Appendix B: Developing Indoor Air
renovation). The checklists are to be Policies, for more information.
completed by the staff and returned to the Mobile Sources Motor vehicles, engines,
IAQ Coordinator as a record of completed
activities and requested assistance.

57
and equipment that move, or can be systematic inspection/tune-up, cleaning,
moved, from place to place. Mobile and replacement of worn parts, materials,
sources include vehicles that operate and systems. Preventive maintenance
on roads and highways (on-road or helps to prevent parts, material, and
highway vehicles), as well as nonroad systems failure by ensuring that parts,
vehicles, engines, and equipment. materials, and systems are in good
Examples of mobile sources are cars, working order.
trucks, buses, earth-moving equipment,
Radon A colorless, odorless gas that
lawn and garden power tools, ships,
occurs naturally in almost all soil and
railroad locomotives, and airplanes.
rock. Radon migrates through the soil
Negative Pressure Condition that exists and groundwater and can enter buildings
when less air is supplied to a space than through cracks or other openings in the
is exhausted from the space, so the air foundation. Radon can also enter through
pressure within that space is less than that well water. Exposure to radon can cause
in surrounding areas. Under this condition, lung cancer. See the following sections
if an opening exists, air will flow from in the IAQ Reference Guide for more
surrounding areas into the negatively information: Appendix G: Radon
pressurized space. and Appendix E: Typical Indoor Air
Pollutants.
Outdoor Air Supply Air brought into a
building from the outdoors (often through Re-circulation Situation that occurs
the ventilation system). when the air exhausted from a building is
immediately brought back into the system
Pollutants (Pollution) Unwanted
through the air intake and other openings
chemicals or contaminants found in the
in the building envelope.
environment. Pollutants can harm human
health, the environment, and property. Secondhand Smoke See Appendix
Air pollutants occur as gases, liquid F: Secondhand Smoke in the IAQ
droplets, and solids. Once released into the Reference Guide for more information.
environment, many pollutants can persist,
Stack Effect The flow of air that results
travel long distances, and move from one
from warm air rising, creating a positive
environmental medium (e.g., air, water,
pressure area at the top of a building and
soil) to another.
a negative pressure area at the bottom of
Pollutant Pathways Avenues for a building. In some cases the stack effect
distribution of pollutants in a building. may overpower the mechanical system
HVAC systems are the primary pathways and disrupt ventilation and circulation in a
in most buildings; however all building building.
components and occupants interact to
Unit Ventilator A single fan-coil
affect how pollutants are distributed. See
unit designed to satisfy tempering and
Section 2: Understanding IAQ Problems
ventilation requirements for individual
in the IAQ Reference Guide for more
rooms.
information.
Ventilation Air The total air, which
Positive Pressure Condition that exists
is a combination of the air brought
when more air is supplied to a space than
inside from outdoors and the air that is
is exhausted, so the air pressure within that
being recirculated within the building.
space is greater than that in surrounding
Sometimes, however, used in reference
areas. Under this condition, if an opening
only to the air brought into the system
exists, air will flow from the positively
from the outdoors, which this document
pressurized space into surrounding areas.
defines as outdoor air ventilation.
Preventive Maintenance Regular and

58
59

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