Measures to Protect Air Quality in School Construction Projects

In his former role as project manager and estimator for Greg Opinski Construction Inc., Greg Opinski leveraged his extensive background in construction to provide services for large-scale public projects. Today, as the president of OP Development, Greg Opinski focuses on commercial work in addition to rehabilitating distressed properties. OP Development provides a wide array of master planning services for large projects, including school renovations.

School construction projects that occur while buildings are occupied require construction teams to be mindful of air quality concerns. The US Environmental Protection Agency has provided guidelines that aim to protect the health of those in school environments.

There are four main causes of indoor air problems during a renovation:

1. The release of toxic materials such as lead, asbestos, and mold.
2. Construction dust and fumes.
3. Designs that interfere with ventilation systems.
4. Off-gassing that occurs when new materials are installed.
In order to reasonably protect a building’s occupants, construction crews should take several precautions. First, they should test for harmful substances. If they are aware of the presence of lead, asbestos, or mold, they can take appropriate measures for containment. They should also complete work during off hours, such as school breaks or weekends, when possible. 

When work cannot be completed during off hours, managers should include temporary barriers such as plastic sheeting to help contain pollutants. In addition, they should work to keep the site relatively free of debris, dust, and scraps to lessen risk of exposure and injury.

Building officials can also help by keeping occupants away from the construction zones and reducing the likelihood of exposure to harmful airborne items.