Title: Reading Assignment
Course: WGF 106 DEVELOPMENT > Section: Content

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Sub-Title | Basic Operation and Maintenance IEQ Practices
Content
No matter what the building's use or size is, it is important to operate it responsibly and maintain it properly. Below are some IEQ operational and maintenance practices for a facility.

Maintenance Supplies

- Select low-emitting, low-toxicity caulks, solvents, paints, adhesives, sealants, and cleaning agents (the Low Emitting Materials Table for the Collaborative for High-Performance Schools is one listing of products that meet indoor air quality testing criteria emission levels for chemicals of concern as identified by the California Environmental Protection Agency Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment [OEHHA]).
- Develop safe handling, disposal, and storage practices including procedures for spill control.
- Establish maintenance practices to minimize exposure to hazardous materials by substituting less hazardous materials.

Dust Control

- Maintain barrier floor mats.
- Use high efficiency air filtration.
- Use high efficiency vacuum cleaners (see Carpet and Rug Institute for list of vacuum cleaners tested for particulate removal).

Floor Cleaning

- For carpets, follow guidelines of the Carpet and Rug Institute or the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration Certification.
- Prevent excess moisture or cleaning residue accumulation.

Moisture, Leaks, and Spills

- Dry surfaces promptly. Water-damaged, porous building materials or furnishings, if not dried and cleaned within 24 hours, may have to be replaced.
- Prevent moisture condensation.
- Maintain the building envelope, including the roof.

Pest Control

- Use integrated pest management (IPM) methods of pest control as part of the overall building maintenance program.
- Shut down ventilation system(s) and remove occupants until pesticide applications are completed.
Links/Uploads | Sustainable O&M Practices – Whole Building Design Guide http://www.wbdg.org/resources/sustainableom.php?r=om Resource Page Index – Whole Building Design Guide http://www.wbdg.org/resources/rpindex.php Green Buildings O&M – Green Seal http://www.greenseal.org/GreenBusiness/InstitutionalGreeningPrograms/GreenBuildingOperationsMaintenance.aspx
Attributions | Image courtesy of Green Seal Content courtesy of Whole Building Design Guide – U.S. General Services Administration