• The Problem Defined
• Government Standards
• Improving Indoor Air Quality
• Ventilation Problems In Closed Schools
• Ventilation Problems in Schools With Windows
• Temperature and Relative Humidity
• Copying Equipment
• Pesticides
• Vocational and Art Classes
• Science Rooms and Laboratories
• Air Quality During Renovation Work
• Coal-Fueled Boilers
• Pollution From Outside Sources
• Resolving Indoor Air Quality Problems

Air Quality During Renovation Work

Our school has been lucky enough to be scheduled for some renovation work, but we are concerned about possible exposure to hazards during construction. What has the UFT done to protect us?

The UFT negotiated a provision in our contract requiring that a safety “protocol” be written to spell out how work will be done in each occupied school. The protocol requires that a “job committee” be established to oversee every renovation job and that a meeting be held prior to the commencement of any renovation work. That committee includes the UFT chapter leader or designee, the custodian, a representative of the school administration, a parent association representative and the on-site construction superintendent. The chapter leader should hold a protocol meeting before any work begins and then meet regularly to ensure that the renovation is being conducted safely and without significant disruption to education. If problems occur during work, the union dispatches its health and safety experts and its industrial hygienists to solve them. If danger is imminent, the union will not hesitate to close the school.

The UFT provides chapter leaders with a renovation “check list” to assist them in monitoring renovation work and provide technical assistance when needed. Chapter leaders should inform members about the progress of the renovation work and report members’; complaints at the meetings.

What precautions should the Department of Education take to protect building occupants during such renovation work?

Under the protocol that the union negotiated, the DOE and School Construction Authority (SCA) can require contractors to protect air quality by measures such as:

• Isolating work areas with temporary barriers that prevent dust and debris from contaminating nonwork areas. This includes sealing the ventilation ducts so respirable dust is not circulated throughout the building.

• Using renovation procedures that minimize dust creation. For example, all grinders for pointing and grinding work must be equipped with high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) vacuum attachments to collect the dust and particulates.

• Selecting the least toxic paints, paint strippers and sealers.

• Following the SCA welding protocol when using acetylene and propane torches or confining such work to after-school hours.

• Whenever possible, interior renovation work and roof repair should be scheduled during hours when schools are not occupied.

What about lead and asbestos removal or work that disturbs those materials? Are special procedures required?

Yes. When lead paint or asbestos materials are disturbed or removed, contractors must follow safety procedures required by city, state and federal laws. Particularly stringent dust control and isolation techniques are required along with specialized clean-up procedures. For lead paint work, contractors should follow the guidelines in the “Report on Lead-Based Paint: Policy Recommendations” by the Chancellor’s Task Force on Lead, in which the UFT played a leading role. The UFT enforces the lead and asbestos requirements through the job committee process described above.

How can I get more information about lead paint and asbestos?

Ask your chapter leader to provide you with copies of the booklets on lead and asbestos, which are part of this “Straight Talk" series.

Sometimes when we arrive at school, we notice dusty rooms or areas. We’re told maintenance, repair or renovation work was conducted. Shouldn’t the dust have been removed before we reported and how do we know it’s safe to go inside?

Yes, the dust should have been cleaned up. As for whether it’s safe to enter the building or room, you should check with your UFT chapter leader to find out what was done and to register a complaint that a possibly hazardous mess was left behind.

Are there any rules about how work should be conducted?

Absolutely – and the union secured them to protect staff and students.

As a result of the union’s efforts and pressure, the Department of Education’s Division of School Facilities issued dust control procedures and standard operating procedures to control dust and/or debris. They specify how workers are supposed to prepare work areas, conduct the work and clean up after any activities that generate dust. These procedures apply to all DOE personnel. Including custodial staff, as well as contractors and subcontractors — in fact, anyone who will disturb any building material or painted surfaces.

The DOE ’s procedures also require written notification to the UFT chapter leader, principal and custodian prior to the start of the work and the use of a checklist/building material form to determine if any of the building materials contain asbestos or lead.

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