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CASH Facility Resource Center

ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY POLICY
Saugus Union School District / PSWC ARCHITECTS

  1. GENERAL:

    The governing Board believes that students and employees have the right to learn and work in a safe, clean and healthy environment. The District has an obligation to locate and reduce or eliminate potential risks to health and the environment, to use environmental resources in a responsible way, and to educate students, staff and consultants about environmental issues.

  2. OBJECTIVES:

    1. The Governing Board recognizes that schools serve populations of potentially sensitive individuals, i.e., children, immune-compromised children and adults, and on occasion the elderly, for whom occupational exposure standards do not apply or are not appropriate. Saugus Union School District will take protective and prudent measures to assure acceptable Indoor Air Quality.

    2. The Governing Board recognizes that clean air contributes to a favorable learning environment for students, productivity for staff, and the health of all school occupants. Proper design and construction procedures, adequate ventilation, appropriate housekeeping and maintenance procedures, and the removal of pollution sources are all necessary to achieve good indoor air quality.

    3. The Governing Board & District are committed to preventing and correction Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) problems. Contractors shall ensure that all sub-contractors implement measures that will maintain good air quality in classrooms, multi-purpose rooms, auditoriums, gyms, cafeterias, kitchens, program and support spaces, and offices. Contractors shall oversee the Indoor Air Quality Management. The intent of the Indoor Air Quality Management is to minimize building occupants' exposure to uncomfortable and potentially harmful IAQ environments. This effort starts with the appropriate design and construction measures of new and renovated facilities, and continues through the life of the facility with appropriate maintenance and housekeeping practices. For existing facilities, practices will be adopted to assure best possible systems performance.

    4. Good IAQ practices will be adopted to ensure that the District will achieve the above objectives. The District will institute an overall program of applying the techniques and practice outlined in the " Indoor Air Quality Tools for Schools Action Kit" throughout all district schools and facilities.

SCHOOL FACILITIES DESIGN:
Good Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) Guidance

The District has established the IAQ Management Policy as follows:

  1. Site Layout and Landscape

    1. Use thoughtful site planning to address concerns about indoor environment, including indoor air quality. Architect/Engineer (A.E) team shall evaluate air quality and wind direction, and develop appropriate site layout to mitigate poor air quality; and to maximize natural ventilation opportunities. Equipment exhausts shall be located away from areas where they will compromise ventilation of buildings. Equipment exhausts shall also be located in areas to avoid lowering the air quality and to minimize noise.

    2. Use landscape elements for climate and sound control, while balancing security and supervision issues. Buildings shall be oriented to take advantage of solar orientation, using sunlight where possible for heating and daylighting. Use appropriate landscaping and screening techniques for prudent control of sunlight.

    3. If appropriate (new site or significant additions to existing site) determine existence of potential hazardous materials - Refer to CDE SITE APPROVAL - TOXICS PROCESS FLOW CHART (Enclosed).

  2. Building Materials, Finishes, and Furnishings

    1. When considering indoor air quality issues, proposed material, finish, and furnishing selections include the following considerations:

      1. Prioritize selections on the basis of highest to lowest mass and emission of volatile organic compounds (VOC's). Avoid products with high levels of known or potentially harmful VOC's. Avoid where possible the use of materials that contain formaldehyde, petroleum solvents, and high odorous compounds. Avoid use of penta, creosote and pressure-treated wood using ammoniated copper arsenate (ACA) or chromated copper arsenate (CCA) Methods. Both ACA and CCA are toxic wood preservatives. Ammoniated copper quaternium (ACQ) method is an acceptable alternative. ACQ is a safe wood preservative.

      2. Identify and specify products with low VOC's or least-toxic VOC's.

      3. Set goals for emissions in technical specifications and enforce them by requiring submittal of emission data and Material Safety Data Sheets.

    2. Certain materials are referred to as "sinks" (absorbing surfaces) because their porous surfaces absorb chemicals from the air or provide spaces to harbor fungi or bacteria. These potential "sinks" shall be avoided as appropriate by selecting non-porous materials or by encapsulating porous materials. Examples of corrections of sinks include mylar-coated acoustic ceiling tiles and office system partition panels.

    3. Pre-finished and pre-manufactured products such as cabinets and countertops are preferable to site-finished products; specifications shall require that all factory-made products be "aired out" prior to delivery for two weeks or longer.

    4. When making decision on the selection and/or placement of furnishings such as carpeting, flooring, etc. that will require regular maintenance, consideration will be given to ability to provide that regular maintenance in the long-term and to the IAQ implications of product and placement alternatives.

    5. Portable classrooms shall be set for grade level entry on concrete foundations with drained concrete diversion slabs below or set on slightly sloped asphalt paving (pest control) with either redwood or ammoniated copper quaternium (ACQ) treated wood foundations.

  3. Building Systems

    Heating, Ventilating and Air Conditioning (HVAC)

    1. For all new buildings or new HVAC systems specifications shall generally follow a building commissioning process per American society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning engineers (ASHRAE) Guideline 1-1989 or latest revision. Systems and structures will be properly designed so that all components are easily accessed and maintained.

    2. Proposed design(s) shall provide adequate ventilation for acceptable indoor air quality based on ASHRAE 62-1989 or latest revision. Provide 15 cfm/occupant continuous ventilation while a room is occupied (even if HVAC heating or cooling mode is off). Options to consider should include:

      1. Local control of environmental systems, including operable windows where feasible.

      2. Locating air intakes and exhausts to avoid intake of contaminated air.

      3. Providing dedicated exhausts for photocopy rooms, kitchen appliances, laboratories, and other equipment rooms or areas where combustion appliances are used.

    3. Eliminate potential biological sinks in HVAC systems. This may include:

      1. External insulation of ducts or lining of insulation within ducts.

      2. Avoiding use of return air plenums wherever possible.

      3. Ducts should be provided with access panels for maintenance cleaning.

    4. Do not use "bake-out" procedures for toxic abatement. "Flush out" air in building as long as necessary by running HVAC with 100% outside air. Alternatively, adopt new technologies to remove residues from installed materials, as they are proven effective.

SCHOOL FACILITIES CONSTRUCTION:
Good Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) Guidance

The District has established the IAQ Management Policy as follows:

  1. Construction Practices

    1. Specifications shall direct the following practices at the job site:

      1. Existing and new HVAC systems shall be sealed off from exposure to demolition and new construction areas where dust, dirt, fibers and VOC's are introduced into the air. Ducts shall be cleaned prior to building turnover.

      2. Adequate ventilation, appropriate to the materials being installed, of all areas shall be provided during the course of construction.

      3. Porous materials shall be installed wherever possible after volatile materials have dried.

      4. Construction debris and chemicals shall not be buried or otherwise disposed of on site.

      5. Construction debris shall not be allowed to accumulate on site

      6. Prevent the accumulation of flammable, noxious or otherwise dangerous materials unless adequate safeguards are provided.

    2. A/E shall specify and conduct as appropriate pre-bid, pre-award, pre-construction, pre-submittal, and/or pre-installation meetings where needed to reinforce environmental concerns to contractor and district's team.

    3. "Flush out" air in building by running HVAC with 100% outside air for two weeks or longer.

    4. Pertaining to Modernizations/Additions:

      1. Remove or encapsulate identified asbestos and lead containing material as outlined in the Districts Management Plan utilizing state certified abatement contractors in compliance with state and federal standards prior to commencement of other contracted work.

SCHOOL FACILITIES MAINTENANCE AND OPERATIONS:
Good Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) Guidance

The District has established the IAQ Management Policy as follows:

  1. Maintenance and Operations

    1. Develop a maintenance plan which provides regular building and system maintenance and cleaning.

    2. Test HVAC systems regularly. Replace or clean filters and replace degradable parts on a regular schedule.

    3. Clean carpets regularly using when possible High Efficiency Particulate Arrestor (HEPA) vacuums.

    4. Select cleaning agents on the basis of non-toxicity and low volatile organic compounds (VOC's), and avoid such ozone depleting CFC's and HCFC's. Eliminate chemical air fresheners and masking of fragrances.

    5. Clean all exposed surfaces and all furniture regularly.

    6. Develop a comprehensive program of integrated pest management, minimizing or eliminating the use of chemical pesticides.

    7. Familiarize maintenance personnel with the EPA's guide to operating schools with good indoor air quality. Foster communication between all staff to assure reporting of situations related to IAQ.

  2. Pest Management

    In determining when to control pests and whether to use mechanical, physical, chemical, cultural or biological means, the district shall follow the principles of integrated pest management. Procedures shall include the following:

    1. The choice of using a pesticide will be assessed on a review of all other available options and a determination that these options are not acceptable or not feasible. The full range of alternatives, including no action, will be considered.

    2. Selected nonchemical pest management methods will be used whenever possible to provide the desired control. Cost or staffing considerations alone will not be adequate justification for use of chemical control agents.

    3. The pest and the site of infestation shall be carefully identified. Strategies for managing the pest will be influenced by the pest species and whether that species poses a threat to people, property or the environment.

    4. When it is determined that a pesticide must be used, the least hazardous material will be chosen and applied in accordance with law.

    5. Staff, students and parents/guardians shall receive information about the district's integrated pest procedures and notification of any upcoming pesticide treatments. Notice of upcoming pesticide treatments shall also be posted in areas designated by the Superintendent or designee.

    6. The following records shall be maintained at each school site:

      1. Records of pesticide use at the site

      2. Pest surveillance data sheets that record the number of pests or other indicators of pest populations that verify the need for treatments.

    7. Pesticide purchases shall be limited to amounts authorized by the Superintendent or designee for use during the year. Pesticides shall be stored in a secure site not accessible to students or unauthorized staff; they shall be stored and disposed of in accordance with EPA - registered label directions and state regulations.

    8. Persons applying pesticides shall follow label precautions and shall be trained in the principals and practices of integrated pest management.


REFERENCES

Legal Reference:

EDUCATION CODE

17366 Legislative intent (fitness of buildings for occupancy)

17582 Deferred maintenance fund; use for determining presence and encapsulation or removal of asbestos-containing materials

17590 Asbestos abatement fund

32020 Access gates

32240-32245 Lead-Safe Schools Protection Act

49410-49410.7 Asbestos materials containment or removal

FOOD AND AGRICULTURE CODE

11401-15206.6 Pest Control Operations and Agricultural Chemicals

GOVERNMENT CODE

3543.2 Scope of representation; right to negotiate safety conditions

CALIFORNIA STATE CONSTITUTION

"Right to Safe Schools" Article 1, Section 28(c)

CODE OF REGULATIONS, TITLE 8

340-340.3 Employer's Obligation to provide safety information

1532.1 Construction safety orders, lead standard

5142 Heating, ventilating, and air conditioning systems; minimum ventilation

5143 Mechanical ventilating systems; inspection and maintenance

CODE OF REGULATIONS, TITLE 17

35001-35099 Accreditation in Lead Abatement Services

UNITED STATES CODE, TITLE 7

136 et seq. Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodentcide Act

UNITED STATES CODE, TITLE 15

2641-2656 Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act

CODE OF FEDERAL REGULATIONS, TITLE 40

763.93 Management Plans

763.94 Record Keeping

Management Resources:

CDE MANAGEMENT ADVISORIES

0100.88 Final Regulations for Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act

0310.88 Potential Health Hazard in Drinking Water Fountains, Follow Up

0626.89 Federal Lead Contamination Control Act of 1988

1218.87 Potential Health Hazard in Drinking Water Fountains

CDE PUBLICATIONS

Indoor Air Quality, A Guide for Educators, 1995

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH ERVICES ADVISORIES

Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention and Public Elementary Schools,

Preschools and Child Care Centers, May 1994

U.S. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

Pest Control in the School Environment: Adopting Integrated Pest Management, 1993

Miscellaneous:

NCARB (National Council of Architectural registration Boards)

Monograph - ADVP-2 Indoor Environment