Indoor Air Quality - Tools for Schools Action Kit for Canadian Schools

Chapter 9: Relocatable Classroom Checklist

Introduction

The IAQ Action Kit is a practical tool to help school boards and school employees understand and address indoor air quality (IAQ) problems. The kit provides clear and easily applied information that can be used to improve the indoor environment of schools, help prevent indoor air quality problems, and resolve problems promptly if they do arise.

This checklist provides instructions to help maintenance staff, school custodial staff, and contract service providers identify and prevent potential IAQ problems in relocatable (portable) classrooms.

The tasks identified in this checklist should only be performed by or with the assistance of a trained professional in that field. In performing tasks in this checklist, applicable federal, provincial, territorial and municipal regulations and guidelines should be respected including local fire regulations, building codes and occupational health and safety codes.

Background

Relocatable or portable classrooms were originally introduced to provide space to accommodate temporary increases in school populations, which could not be absorbed within the regular school facility.

Over time, some relocatable classrooms have become permanent fixtures, although their original design and installation may not have considered long-term use. Other, more modern relocatable classrooms are designed to be modular schools and have been assembled into complex building configurations.

Despite their "portable" nature, relocatable classrooms should perform and be maintained to the same standard as conventional classrooms.

Refer to other checklists for additional information on facility assessment. Use the Classroom Checklist in conjunction with this checklist.

Design

Evaluate the basic design of the building envelope. Some units are not designed to be pressurized by the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system, or to be humidified, because the building envelope lacks the required air tightness, vapour protection, or thermal insulation.

HVAC Systems

Because they are designed to stand alone and be moved, the HVAC systems in relocatable classrooms are usually self-contained. These systems should perform and be maintained to the same standards as other HVAC systems.

		Ensure that the HVAC system can continuously supply an adequate amount of fresh air.
		Check for proper operation of the air supply and exhaust equipment. Over- or under-pressurization can lead to problems with air leakage and moisture transport.
		Provide access for inspection and maintenance of the HVAC equipment, including rooftop equipment.
		Some HVAC systems may not provide adequate ventilation and space temperature controls. Supplemental heating or cooling may be required to ensure that thermal conditions are met under all environmental conditions.
		Provide outdoor air and recirculating air filters. Consult with the equipment manufacturer to select the highest efficiency filters that are compatible.
		The classroom teacher should be familiar with the required operation of the HVAC system and ensure that it is operated accordingly. If thermal comfort, drafts, or noise are problematic, teaching staff may not operate the HVAC equipment properly.

Site Selection

Relocatable classrooms are often added to existing buildings and may not receive adequate site selection or design. Problems with ground water, soil contaminants, and pest control often result from insufficient site preparation.

		Check that the site is well-drained and water does not collect under or around the unit.
		Provide adequate pavement, grass or other "clean" surfaces to prevent mud, snow, and water from being tracked into the unit.
		Review the previous site conditions and use this information to determine if any pre-existing problems exist.
		Avoid sites near outdoor contaminant sources, vehicle parking, or high voltage power transmission equipment.

Foundations

Relocatable classrooms may be free standing or grouped together. Their foundations should provide stable, clean, and well-ventilated platforms for the classroom units.

		Check that the foundation is secure from rodents and other pests.
		Ensure that the foundation is free from standing water and excessive humidity (a waterproof ground cover should be installed over the entire ground surface below the unit).
		Provide ventilation for foundations to control odours, humidity, and other contaminants.
		Provide eaves trough and downspout extensions or other means to ensure that precipitation is directed away from the foundation.
		Keep snow cleared from the foundation.
		Foundations must be either conditioned or unconditioned spaces. Unless the classroom unit is designed to be placed over a conditioned area foundation, ensure that the unit is properly isolated from the foundation and that ducts do not enter the unconditioned space.

Installation

Relocatable units are often installed in groups. The installation can affect how individual units function.

		Ensure that roofs drain free and do not accumulate snow.
		Corridors and common spaces should have ventilation and provide conditioned space. Foundations, building envelopes, and other details should be appropriate for the site.
		Ensure that there is adequate space for storing clothing, footwear, and other articles.
		Maintenance and custodial practices should be consistent with other school areas.

Inspection, Use and Maintenance

Conduct inspection, use and maintenance checks using the checklists developed for these activities.

Prevention of Water Damage and Mold Growth

		Have the roof and exterior walls inspected yearly.
		Ensure that exterior caulking joints are maintained to prevent water entry.
		Ensure that there are eaves troughs and down spouts in good condition.
		Fix rapidly any water leakage or filtration.
		Identify and fix rapidly the cause of any damp stain.
		Should any visible mould or musty odour be noticed, verify if there is mould in adjacent non-visible areas (e.g. inside ceiling and walls), and then clean thoroughly.

Problem Summary

		All activities on this checklist have been completed and no help is required. OR
		A list of problems and/or assistance required is attached.

Comments Form

Indoor Air Quality Tools for Schools Action Kit for Canadian Schools

We anticipate revising the Tools for Schools Action Kit in the future. To help us ensure that the Kit meets the needs of those who are using it, please send us your comments about how easy or difficult you found the Kit to use. Suggestions for how to make the Kit more useful are especially welcome. If
a reply is requested, please provide your name, address and phone number along with the completed sheet and mail it to:

• Health Canada
  Healthy Environments and Consumer Safety Branch
  Indoor Environments Division
  Room 120, Environmental Health Centre (P.L. 0801D)
  Tunney's Pasture, Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0L2

Comments or Suggestions:
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Your role at the school (e.g., custodial staff, teacher, etc.):
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Checklist (s) used: ________________________________________

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