Here are the SMACNA Measures and examples of implementation:
- HVAC Protection – Keep contaminants out of the HVAC system. Do not run permanently installed equipment if possible, or maintain proper filtration if it is used.
- Seal all ductwork, registers, diffusers, and returns with plastic when stored on site or not in service. Seal unfinished runs of ductwork at the end of each day.
- Replace all filtration media before occupancy.
- Do not store materials in mechanical rooms, to reduce potential debris and contamination to mechanical systems.
- Source Control – Keep sources of contaminants out of the building and have a plan to eliminate any that are introduced.
- Use low-toxicity and low-VOC materials to the greatest extent possible.
- Develop protocols for the use of any high- toxicity materials. Isolate areas where high- toxicity materials are being installed and use temporary ventilation for that area.
- Prevent exhaust fumes (from idling vehicles, equipment, and fossil-fueled tools) from entering the building.
- Enforce the no-smoking job site policy.
- Protect stored materials from moisture because absorbent materials exposed to moisture during construction can mold and degenerate long after installation. Store materials in dry conditions indoors, under cover, and off the ground or floor.
- Pathway interruption – Prevent circulation of contaminated air when cutting concrete or wood, sanding drywall, installing VOC-emitting materials, or performing other activities that affect IAQ in other work spaces.
- Isolate areas of work to prevent contamination of other spaces, whether they are finished or not. Seal doorways, windows, or tent off areas as needed using temporary barriers, such as plastic separations. – Provide walk-off mats at entryways to reduce introduced dirt and pollutants.
- Depressurize the work area to allow a differential between construction areas and clean areas. Exhaust to the outdoors using 100% outdoor air, if possible. - Use dust guards and collectors on saws and other tools.
- Housekeeping – Maintaining a clean job site results in fewer IAQ contaminants to manage.
- Maintain good job site housekeeping on a daily basis. Use vacuum cleaners with high-efficiency particulate filters and use sweeping compounds or wetting agents for dust control when sweeping.
- Keep materials organized to improve job site safety as well as indoor air quality.
- Scheduling – Sequence construction activities to reduce air quality problems in new construction projects. For major renovations, coordinate construction activities to minimize or eliminate disruption of operations in occupied areas.
- Keep trades that affect IAQ physically isolated on-site and separated from each other by the construction schedule. For example, schedule drywall finishing and carpet installation for different days or different sections of the building. Consider after-hours or weekend work if practical.
- Install absorptive-finish materials after wet-applied materials have fully cured whenever possible. For example, install carpet and ceiling tile after paints and stains are completely dry.
- If applicable, plan adequate time to conduct a flush-out and/or perform IAQ testing before occupancy, in compliance with EQ Credit Indoor Air Quality Assessment.
- Remove all temporary filtration media and replace them with new filters before occupancy.
