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BEAM PLUS FOR NEW B UILDINGS INDOOR ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY (IEQ)
V ERSION 1.2 IEQ 5 CONSTRUCTION IAQ MANAGEMENT
Copyright © 2012 BEAM Society Limited. All rights reserved.
Page 151
for drying or curing times before installation of materials that have a
fibrous or porous nature that tend to adsorb contaminants;
 provide adequate outside air continuously during installation of
materials and finishes;
 replace all construction-related filtration media used on permanent
HVAC equipment at substantial completion of the work;
 confirm that all air filters, casing, coils, fans and ducts are clean,
before air quality testing; and
 ensure air ducts are clean by coordinating duct testing and cleaning
procedures with the commissioning requirements.
BACKGROUND Buildings, especially those with extensive ventilation systems, can suffer
from indoor air pollution problems arising from residuals left in HVAC and
mechanical ventilation systems. Proper management during
construction, followed by cleaning and replacement strategies, can
significantly reduce air pollution caused by construction. Designers
should specify containment control strategies including protecting the
HVAC systems, controlling pollutant sources, interrupting pathways for
contamination, enforcing proper housekeeping and coordinating
schedules to minimise disruption. The construction sequencing to install
absorptive materials after the prescribed dry or cure time of wet finishes
should be specified to minimise adverse impacts on indoor air quality.
Materials directly exposed to moisture through precipitation, plumbing
leaks, or condensation are susceptible to microbial contamination.
Absorptive materials to be protected and sequenced during installation
include: insulation, fabrics, ceiling tiles, and gypsum products. During
construction the IAQ management should be monitored and reported.
The flush-out may begin only after all construction work and finishing is
completed; all cleaning finalised and all fixed furniture installed. Final test
and balancing should be completed and HVAC control should be
functional, particularly if the occupants will be moving in during the
second phase of flush-out.
The flush-out procedure may use the building's HVAC system, but
alternatives are acceptable providing that they can comply with the air
quantity, temperature and humidity requirements.
One approach uses temporary supply and exhaust systems placed into
windows or window openings. EPA's indoor air quality for schools web
site [ 2 ] provides information on exhaust and spot ventilation during
construction activities that can be helpful for design teams who are
considering using this approach.
Care must be taken to ensure the airflow is not short circuited, potentially
leaving remote corners within the project spaces with less than adequate
circulation, or other parts of the building with unanticipated increases,
such as a stack effect up elevator shafts.
If the building’s HVAC system is used, any temporary filters and duct
coverings installed shall be removed. The filtration media shall be
replaced with new media unless the system is configured such that filters
filter only the outside air. The new filters installed prior to the start of
flush-out must be MERV 13 or better [1].
Depending upon the season, outside air can be cold or humid.
Appropriate internal temperature and relative humidity shall be
maintained during flush-out procedure.
2 EPA, Controlling Pollutants and Sources; 5. Ventilation Techniques,