14-1208 v2.X Testing Protocol for Staged Move-In
Question:
Our project has encountered several significant delays during construction, and now the schedule of activities leading to the required move-in date is very tight. We seek guidance in terms of how meet the requirements and objectives of the Healthy Air Imperative given this time constraint.We understand that 100% of construction activities must be complete, the building must be in its normal operating state for 24 hours, and an air quality test must be administered prior to move in. Our contractor has committed to completing punch list items on a rolling basis so that at the date of substantial completion, there are no long-lead items remaining, and the punch list will contain only one-step activities such as touch-up paint that can be completed in a single day.We also understand that furniture is to be in place for the air quality testing. There are three furniture groups that will be used in the project, and it is possible that not all will be completely installed by the required move-in date for full time occupants.--salvaged furniture: occupants’ current work stations, filing cabinets, and other items will be moved into private offices. Salvaged office chairs will be used in the classroom space. The IAQ issue concern here is dust. All of this furniture will be in place prior to air quality testing that precedes regular occupancy of the offices.--refinished furniture: salvaged tables are being refinished for use in the conference rooms, reading room, and classroom. The IAQ concern here is curing finishes. These spaces are not required to be used in the initial weeks of occupancy, so they will not be open for general use until the furniture is installed and air quality in these spaces is tested and documented.--new furniture: custom tables, custom bookcases, two upholstered chairs, a set of bare aluminum chairs, and a set of wood stacking chairs will be purchased and installed. The IAQ concerns here are curing finishes from custom woodwork and off-gassing materials in any upholstered goods. Much of this furniture will be in public, open spaces, which will be traversed, but not regularly occupied until the furniture is installed and air quality is tested.If there is an air quality test after construction activities and move-in of all available furniture, then occupant move-in, then a second test when the last of the new or refinished furniture is installed, and then finally a post-occupancy test after 9-12 months of normal activity, will this satisfy all requirements for air testing? We recognize that late arrival of some significant furniture groups might have a negative effect on air quality. We believe that by quantifying this effect, the intent of this imperative is achieved. In this way corrective action for the base building can be distinguished from corrective action for new furniture. Every effort has and will be made to install furniture with finishes that have lowest possible impact on air quality (through a combination of conscious material decisions and curing/off-gassing opportunities outside of the building).
Answer:
Yes, due to this project's furniture moving in beyond the first date of occupancy, the suggested schedule for IAQ testing is acceptable. Please test IAQ at the following points in the schedule:
1. After all pollution-generating construction is complete and all available furniture is moved in, prior to occupancy.
2. After full occupancy, when all other furniture is moved in and all punch list items are complete. Ideally, this will occur within the first month of occupancy.
3. After nine months of occupancy.Testing data set criteria and locations should remain consistent for all three phases. Although this is a 2.1 project, the team may want to refer to the Phased Construction clarification in the 3.0 August 2014 Health & Happiness Petal Handbook (HHPH p15).