Indoor Air Quality - Tools for Schools Action Kit for Canadian Schools

Chapter 14: Renovation And Repair Checklist (Continued)

Flooring

If using this section separately:

Instructions - Flooring checklist

1. Read the IAQ Action Kit - Introduction, Backgrounder and How to Get Started sections.
2. Read the General Renovation and Repair Checklist.
3. Read each item on this checklist. Check off each box () as you complete the activity.
4. Check the triangle () if you do not require help with the activity OR check the circle () if you need additional help.
5. Return this checklist to the school board's IAQ coordinator and keep a copy for future reference.

Name
Room or Area
School
Date Completed
Signature

Flooring materials have the potential to impact indoor air quality (IAQ), therefore the selection of flooring materials is an important consideration during the renovation process. Potential pollutants released by flooring materials, which can impact IAQ, include volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that off-gas directly, fibres and dust from many flooring materials, and the cleaning products used to maintain the flooring. Dirty and persistently damp flooring materials can stimulate the growth of biological contaminants, such as fungi. The proper cleaning and maintenance of flooring materials helps to improve IAQ.

Carpet in schools can contribute to IAQ problems. The cleaning and maintenance of textiles in areas where moisture, food, or other contaminants are present represents an ongoing challenge. Smooth, hard-surface flooring materials provide a more easily and effectively cleaned surface.

When installing flooring materials, the following selection, repair, and installation activities will help protect the indoor air quality in the school.

Determine whether resilient tile flooring scheduled for removal contains asbestos fibres

Previous asbestos surveys may have identified asbestos-containing floor tiles. Refer to the inspection report and management plan on file at the school.
Follow notification and handling procedures defined by provincial or federal regulations if renovations will disturb asbestos-containing tile flooring.
No asbestos-containing flooring will be disturbed.
Renovation may/will disturb asbestos-containing flooring.

Select low-emitting adhesive when installing glue-down flooring

Use low-emitting adhesives.
Follow manufacturer's recommendations for ventilating the work area.
Selected a low-emitting adhesive.
Need additional information for selecting low-emitting adhesive.

Select low-emitting flooring materials

Ask manufacturers to submit information about product constituents and emissions that may adversely impact IAQ. Many manufacturers and suppliers can provide this information.
The Canadian Carpet Institute (CCI) has a carpet testing and labelling program. If the school's carpet supplier cannot provide information on any carpets being considered, this information may be obtained by contacting the CCI (1-819-684-8444).
Selected a low-emitting flooring system.
Need additional information to select a low-emitting flooring system.

Air out new products before installation

If practical, unwrap and unroll flooring products and cushion them in a well-ventilated location prior to installation, preferably in a location other than the school.
Flooring products will be aired out before installation.
Need help airing out of flooring products.

Air out the space during and after flooring installation

Install carpet, vinyl, and related flooring materials only when the school building is not in use, except for small installations or repairs where air can be exhausted directly to the outdoors and the room can be maintained under negative pressure relative to the surrounding rooms and hallways.
Try to continuously operate the building ventilation system at normal temperature and maximum outdoor air from the start of installation until at least 72 hours after the installation is completed. Please contact the Canadian Carpet Institute for airing and other installation procedures for carpets.
Avoid recirculating air from the installation area, through the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system, and into occupied areas. Seal return air grilles, open door ways and stairways, and use exhaust fans to remove airborne contaminants.
Space will be aired out as prescribed.
Need help airing out space during and after installation.

Require the installer to clean flooring with a high efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filtration vacuum

Vacuum the old carpet that is being removed and subfloor surfaces (once the carpet is removed) to reduce the release of particles such as dirt, dust, and biological materials into the air and onto the new carpet.
Consider cutting flooring (especially carpet) into strips and sealing it in polyethylene bags or sheets before removing it from the work area.
Vacuum new flooring after installation to remove loose matter and particles generated by the installation process as well as general construction in the area.
Surfaces are vacuumed before removal and/or after installation.
Need help vacuuming the work site.

Do not install carpet near water sources

In areas where there is a perpetual moisture problem, do not install carpet, (e.g., beside drinking fountains, classroom sinks, or concrete floors with leaks or frequent condensation).
Do not install carpet in areas where it will be in contact with cool surfaces, (e.g., slabs on grade, near poorly insulated exterior walls) since high relative humidity or condensation can occur.
Do not install carpet in areas where food or beverages will be consumed, or near other sources of moisture or nutrients.
To reduce the potential for microorganisms growing in the joints of hard surfaces or porous flooring installed near water sources, make sure to seal the entire surface.
No carpet will be installed near water sources.
Seams near water sources are sealed.
Need help, carpet installation is planned near water sources or porous hard surface flooring is unsealed.

Problem Summary

All activities on this checklist have been completed and no help is required.

OR

A list of problems and/or assistance required is attached.

Comments Form

Indoor Air Quality Tools for Schools Action Kit for Canadian Schools

We anticipate revising the Tools for Schools Action Kit in the future. To help us ensure that the Kit meets the needs of those who are using it, please send us your comments about how easy or difficult you found the Kit to use. Suggestions for how to make the Kit more useful are especially welcome. If
a reply is requested, please provide your name, address and phone number along with the completed sheet and mail it to:

• Health Canada
  Healthy Environments and Consumer Safety Branch
  Indoor Environments Division
  Room 120, Environmental Health Centre (P.L. 0801D)
  Tunney's Pasture, Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0L2

Comments or Suggestions:

Your role at the school (e.g., custodial staff, teacher, etc.):

Checklist (s) used:

Optional for correspondence purposes:

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