CALGreen Section: 5.504.1.3 Temporary ventilation. The permanent HVAC system shall only be used during construction if necessary to condition the building within the required temperature range for material and equipment installation. If the HVAC system is used during construction, use return air filters with a Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV) of 8, based on ASHRAE 52.2 1999, or an average efficiency of 30% based on ASHRAE 52.1 1992. Replace all filters immediately prior to occupancy.
Intent of new section for 2012:
The intent of this new section is for mandatory compliance, taken from voluntary Section A5.504.1.1, Item 3, which allows limited use of the permanent heating and cooling system during construction and requires the use of air filters with a Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV) of 8. It is intended to control air pollutants for workers during construction and ensure good air quality for occupants when the building is turned over to the owner. It allows ventilation using air conditioning systems if necessary, though this practice is noted not to be an optimum choice due to possible damage to equipment that may jeopardize a warranty.
Existing Law or Regulation:
The California Energy Code, CCR, Part 6 contains ventilation standards for conditioned spaces. CCR, Title 8 contains additional regulations for the protection of worker safety.
Compliance Method:
Engineers and designers should include the measures intended to promote air quality in the project specifications for ventilation, materials and others as applicable. The contractor should be responsible for employing them on the job and being able to demonstrate that the practices are being followed if requested by the enforcing agency.
Enforcement:
Plan Intake: The reviewer and/or plan checker should review the plans and specifications for directions on ventilation practices to be followed by the contractor.
On-Site Enforcement: The inspector should review the permit set of plans to verify which air quality practices the contractor is to use on the project and ask for demonstration of their employment during site visits.
CALGreen Section: 5.714.4.1 Temporary ventilation. The permanent HVAC system shall only be used during construction if necessary to condition the building within the required temperature range for material and equipment installation. If the HVAC system is used during construction, use return air filters with a Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV) of 8, based on ASHRAE 52.2 1999, or an average efficiency of 30% based on ASHRAE 52.1 1992. Replace all filters immediately prior to occupancy.
Intent:
This new section for mandatory compliance for newly constructed buildings, taken from Section A5.504.1.1, Item 3, allows limited use of the permanent heating and cooling system during construction of additions and areas of alteration. It requires the use of air filters with a Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV) of 8 and is intended to control air pollutants for workers during construction and ensure good air quality for occupants.
Compliance and Enforcement: See § 5.504.1.3 of this guide
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