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Indoor Air Quality Best Practices for Schools

The Indoor Air Quality Program has created several documents as part of a best practices manual to assist schools in meeting the requirements of 410 IAC 33.  It is not mandatory that schools follow these documents or use the example policies found in these documents.  Below is a description of the documents and a link to each one:

  • Animals in Schools - Schools are required to have a written policy stating when animals are allowed in classrooms, housekeeping requirements, and how issues with allergies to the animals will be addressed.  This document discusses this along with an example policy.
  • Asthma in Schools -   This document discusses environmental asthma triggers found in schools and ways to manage triggers.
  • Chemicals in Schools - Schools are required to have a written policy to minimize student and staff exposure to chemicals.  Basically this means having a chemical management or hygiene plan.  This document discusses this topic and provides an example policy.
  • Housekeeping - This document provides suggestions for housekeeping to help minimize allergens and asthma triggers in the schools.
  • HVAC - This document discusses requirements for routine maintenance of the HVAC systems, Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for the maintenance, and recordkeeping or logs.
  • HVAC Rule Interpretation [410 IAC 33-4-5(c)] - The rule requires ducted returns in new construction of schools and, in some cases, renovations of existing HVAC systems.  There was some confusion on when ducted returns were required for renovations.  This document provides an interpretation of what is considered a renovation vs. a repair of the system.
  • Indoor Air Quality Coordinator (Schools) - Schools are required to have an individual designated as an Indoor Air Quality Coordinator.  This document discusses the expectations of that individual.
  • Indoor Pools Irritants - This document provides more information on chloramines and discusses a multi-faceted approach to addressing chloramines.
    How to Shock the Pool - Chloramines are the primary “chlorine” odor associated with swimming pools. Chloramines are a respiratory irritant and an asthma trigger. This is a technical document that discusses maintenance of the pool chemistry and breakpoint chlorination to minimize the chloramines in the water.
    For more information on swimming pools and spas: Environmental Public Health Swimming Pool and Spa Program
  • Mercury Spills - Mercury has been banned from use in schools but it still occasionally finds its way into schools.  If handled incorrectly even a small mercury spill can be hazardous to the occupants and become costly to clean up.  This document provides some guidance on steps to take in addressing a mercury spill.
  • Pesticides in Schools - This document is an overview of Integrated Pest Management as a means of managing pests with a minimum use of pesticides.
  • Radon in Schools - Indiana schools are not required to test for radon, but the Indiana State Department of Health does recommend schools to test.
  • Vehicle Idling on School Property - Schools are required to have a written policy regarding vehicle idling on the school campus.  This document explains the requirements along with an example policy.

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