| 3.1602.15a
Pre-inspection | Specifications will be field verified as appropriate to site conditions by installer (e.g., fire dampers, other obstructions) Access to all elements of distribution system will be identified Access to all dwelling units and elements of distribution system will be ensured by the installer An inspection will be conducted for mold, water leaks, water damage, and breaches in the surfaces of the isolated space before sealing Repairs will be completed before subject work | Prepare for installation |
| 3.1602.15b
Health and safety | Health and safety concerns for occupants and workers, in relation to repairs and materials, will be addressed in accordance with
OSHA
OSHA
U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration, www.osha.gov
standards (
OSHA
OSHA
U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration, www.osha.gov
1926, 1910) Area will be prepared and isolated in accordance with health and safety standards for the application and materials (e.g., extreme temperatures, lead, asbestos) Work lighting, work platform, and adequate ventilation will be provided | Provide a safe working environment Provide safe indoor environmental quality (IEQ) in the work environment Provide effective repair access |
| 3.1602.15c
Identification of leakage locations | Duct leakage sites will be identified using industry approved approaches (e.g., visual inspections, borescopes, remote cameras, infrared thermography, smoke, and/or pressure tests [
ASTM
ASTM
ASTM International, www.astm.org
E1186-03 {2009}]) | Locate air leakage pathways to repair |
| 3.1602.15d
Identify and prioritize leakage locations to be sealed | Duct sealing opportunities will be assessed and prioritized by: Type of hole: 1. Catastrophic holes disconnected, missing ducts, or very large holes 2. Roof curb, close to fan, register boots 3. Holes larger than 1/4" 4. Seams and joints (holes less than 1/4") Accessibility: 1. Easy to access 2. Demolition required 3. Access by internally applied sealants | Maximize efficiency of work effort |
| 3.1602.15e
Temporary access | When demolition for access is specified, the installer will: - Make the temporary access using appropriate containment and worker protection
- Seal ductwork in accordance with manual sealing specifications listed in row 3.1602.15h
- Document repairs using photographs, checklist, and testing, as required
- Repair the opening to specification
| Protect occupants and workers from work-related contaminants Seal ductwork in otherwise inaccessible locations |
| 3.1602.15f
Preparation | Ducts and registers will be cleaned before sealing Presence and type of dampers and smoke control devices will be identified and protected from duct-sealing application | Establish preconditions for effective adhesion duct sealing materials Ensure health and safety of occupant |
| 3.1602.15g
Material selection | Sealants and materials will be compatible with their intended surfaces and applied in accordance with manufacturer specifications Duct sealants will be
UL
UL
Underwriters Laboratories
181 compliant Sealants and materials will be continuous and meet fire barrier specifications | Ensure sealants and materials meet or exceed the performance characteristics required of the assembly (e.g., fire rating) |
| 3.1602.15h
Duct sealing | Manual sealing of all accessible leakage areas will be completed first: - Reconnect disconnected ducts
- Repair missing ducts with like materials
- For holes greater than 1/4", backer material with mastic or appropriate sealants will be used
- For holes smaller than 1/4", mastic or appropriate sealants will be used (Some sealed joints will allow for movement [e.g., steam pipes, deflection joints])
- If specified, internally applied spray or aerosol sealing will only be applied after any manual sealing is complete
- Installer will coordinate access to the ventilation ductwork in the affected dwelling units with the building management and specialized subcontractor(s)
- Installer will provide logistical support to subcontractor(s) (e.g., remove/replace rooftop fans, mask duct terminations and openings, manually seal ducts, install flow orifices)
- Sealants and sprays will be applied in accordance with manufacturer specifications by a qualified contractor
These final steps will be performed for all duct-sealing activities: - Ventilation system will be returned to operational conditions
- Installer will document sealing was completed with photographs, checklist, and testing, as required
- Installer will conduct final inspection and conduct close out meetings with building management
| Provide proper sequencing of duct improvements Minimize inconvenience to occupants Prevent air leakage in ductwork Prevent contamination of ventilation air flow Improve effectiveness and efficiency of ventilation system |
| 3.1602.15i
Verification | Final visual inspection of duct sealing activities and installer documentation will be completed Continued operation of dampers and smoke control devices will be verified Flows and pressures will be measured and balanced | Ensure the performance of the ventilation system Ensure occupant health and safety |
| 3.1602.15j
Combustion appliance zone testing | Pressure effects caused by fans will be assessed and corrected when found outside of combustion safety standards | Ensure safe operation of combustion appliances |
| 3.1602.15k
Occupant/property manager education | Occupant/property manager will be educated on how the system works and its purpose Occupant/property manager will be instructed to not alter or make holes in the ventilation duct system | Ensure the durability of the ventilation system |
