www.healthy-kids.info

CHECKLIST 1: The Walk-Through

Evaluate conditions and activities in each location.

Document observations.   

Location: ______________________________

Date: ______________ Time: _____________

Walk-Through Team Members:
_______________________________________

_______________________________________

_______________________________________

_______________________________________

SIGNS OF POOR VENTILATION OR POLLUTION SOURCES:
[ ] Stuffiness
[ ] Odors
[ ] Excess humidity or dryness
[ ] Visible mold
[ ] Stains on walls, floors, carpets or ceilings
[ ] Leaks, dampness, or history of water damage
[ ] Use of solvent-based or scented supplies, cleaning products or air fresheners/deoderizers containing ingredients such as alpha-pinene, limonene, p-dichlorobenzene.
[ ] Chemical Storage (flammables, explosives, corrosives, poison)
[ ] Aerosol products (cleaners, air fresheners, hair spray, bug spray)
[ ] Unlabeled containers
[ ] Unvented kilns, printers or copiers
[ ] Busses or trucks idling near air intakes
[ ] Blocked air supplies or vents

SIGNS OF INADEQUATE MAINTENANCE:
[ ] Excess dust
[ ] Dirty or unsanitary conditions
[ ] Blocked or dirty air intakes or vents
[ ] Unchanged light bulbs
[ ] Unusual noises from light fixtures or mechanical equipment
[ ] Broken windows or fixtures
[ ] Cans of bug spray, air fresheners, etc. in drawers and cabinets.
[ ] Signs of occupant discomfort:
[ ] Unusual clothing for the season (T-shirts in winter, sweaters in summer)
[ ] Doors propped open
[ ] Windows open in winter
[ ] Personal fans or heaters
[ ] Air conditioners turned off (too noisy?)

ASK ABOUT
[ ] Extreme temperatures (heat or cold) or extreme variations
[ ] Recent building renovation or repair projects
[ ] History of chemical spills
[ ] Landscaping or Pest Control practices (pesticides?)
[ ] Changes in room occupancy (overcrowding?) or new activities (painting? science experiments?)
[ ] New furnishings or new carpets
[ ] History of power failures (timers or thermostats out of adjustment?)

CHECKLIST 2: Standards and Practices

[ ] Are the Facility Manager and building staff highly qualified for the roles they play in keeping the building safe, clean and in good repair?

[  ] Are the building maintenance staff trained to operate and maintain the HVAC system?

[  ] Are the maintenance and cleaning staff in-house employees or outsourced?  

[  ] Does the school log reports about safety hazards and environmental problems, pests and maintenance and repair needs? 

[  ] Is the work order system responsive to reports?  How long does it take to fix or clean a problem?  Are repairs done professionally?

[  ] Does the school systematically log student and staff health complaints such as headaches, red eyes, queasy stomachs, respiratory problems and fatigue? 

[  ] Does the school log student and staff disrupted and missed days?

[  ] Are complaints and absences evaluated for patterns of symptoms or locations that indicate air quality problems?

[  ] Have changes in the ventilation system kept up with changes in the building or its use? 

[  ] Does the school perform HVAC maintenance and inspections regularly?

[  ] Is specialized exhaust ventilation used for equipment such as kilns or copy machines and other sources of pollutants (all shops, labs, photography, art rooms)?

[  ] Does the school review energy conservation practices, air-exchange rates, occupancy rates, and the related impact on indoor air quality and employee and student health?

[  ] Does the school maintenance staff keep current on revisions to ventilation standards and building codes?

[  ] Is there a no-smoking policy?

[  ] Is the no-smoking policy enforced?

[  ] Are there purchasing procedures and policies for reducing or eliminating asthma aggravators, allergenic, irritant, and toxic products for housekeeping, furnishings, repair, maintenance, and educational activities? 

[  ] Are renovation, repair, and construction projects designed, scheduled and monitored to avoid exposing people to dust, toxic emissions and odors?

[  ] Do school maintenance, repair, sanitation and hygiene practices integrate best practices for pest management.

[  ] Are pesticides used anywhere in buildings or grounds?

For examples of school IAQ improvements based on Parent Involvement see "WORKING TOGETHER."