Mechanical Room

Furnace - Combustion Appliance

A gas furnace can be a source of indoor air pollution, nitrogen dioxide (NO 2), if improperly used or malfunctioning. Nitrogen dioxide, among other pollutants, irritates the lungs and may worsen asthma symptoms.

• Be sure a gas furnace is properly vented and in good working order.

• Replace furnace filters every six months or according to manufacture recommendations. Consider replacing filters with pleated electrostatic air filters which will capture more fine particulates (found at local hardware stores.)

• Be sure the ventilation system air ducts are clear of debris.

Maintenance & Cleaning Supplies - Strong Odors

Often maintenance and cleaning chemicals give off fumes with strong odors that can irritate the lungs and cause asthma symptoms.

• Store maintenance and cleaning supplies in well ventilated rooms out of children’s reach. Do not store chemicals in classrooms because odors are continuously released.

• Choose cleaning supplies that are labeled “non-toxic.”

• Minimize use of caulks, solvents, paints, adhesives, sealants or other repair/renovation products with strong odors. Be sure to use proper ventilation.

• Avoid using aerosol spray cleaners. Instead mix a soap and water solution to pour onto surfaces and wipe off.

• Use metal shelves to store supplies. Be sure the bottom shelf is six to eight inches off the floor and wall for easy sweeping. Metal shelves should also be used for food storage.

• Refer to the Division of Family & Children Building Maintenance Policy  470 IAC 3-4.7-99 for general cleaning policies.

Pest Control Supplies - Strong Odors

Pesticides contain hazardous chemicals that can release strong odors and toxic fumes which irritate the lungs and leave residues children may be exposed to. Mouse and cockroach traps are just as effective as hazardous pesticides, without the harmful residues.

• Do not use hazardous pesticides when children are present, this is ILLEGAL according to Division of Family & Children Rule 470 IAC 3-4.7-118

• Remove toys and other items mouthed or handled by children before pesticides are applied.

• Do not allow children to return to the treated area within two hours of a pesticide application or as specified on the pesticide label, whichever time is greater.

• Avoid preventative uses of pesticides, use pesticides only when signs of pests are detected and other strategies have not worked.

• Consider using baits/traps to monitor and treat for pests. Rodent baits (in pellet or granular form) should not be used in child care settings. Rodents may move and store bait within children’s reach and then be mistaken for candy.

• Consider implementing the Indiana Pesticide Review Board’s suggested pesticide program, Model Pest Control Policy for Indiana Child Care Facilities .

• Refer to the Division of Family & Children Pest Prevention  470 IAC 3-4.7-118 for specific pest control policies.

• Ensure that pesticides are applied by a certified pesticide applicator or registered technician, certified by the Indiana Office of State Chemist  (OISC) – Contact OISC at (765)494-1492 or visit the OISC website for information on certification.

• Report signs of pests to the appropriate personnel, note on the Pest Sighting Log

• If you suspect pests try an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) program rather than chemicals to deal with pests. Examples of IPM include sealing cracks and crevices, removing access to food and water, and using monitoring (sticky) traps or baits. If these actions do not work, low-impact pesticides may be used.

Mop & Bucket - Pests

Dirty mops and buckets can harbor food and water for pests. Cockroaches produce powerful allergens that can cause asthma attacks in children allergic to cockroaches. Also, studies show that exposure to high levels of cockroach allergens can cause the development of new asthma. Empty and rinse out mop bucket daily and hang mop up to dry. This will aid in preventing pests.

Water Heater - Combustion Appliance

Like any combustion appliance, a gas water heater can be a source of indoor air pollution, nitrogen dioxide (NO 2), if improperly used or malfunctioning. Nitrogen dioxide, among other pollutants, irritates the lungs and may worsen asthma symptoms.

• Be sure a gas water heater is properly vented and in good working order

• Consider installing a carbon monoxide (CO) detector; although CO is not an asthma trigger the detector will alert you to a malfunctioning combustion appliance.

Floor Drain - Pests

Floor drains can become breeding grounds for pests, such as flies or cockroaches, due to standing water. Cockroaches produce powerful allergens that can cause asthma attacks in children allergic to cockroaches. Also, studies show that exposure to high levels of cockroach allergens can cause the development of new asthma.

• Be sure drain traps are cleaned on a regular basis.

• Consider using cockroach sticky traps to monitor for cockroaches and other insects. These are non-toxic and safe around food.

• Pouring bleach down the drain will not get rid of flies. If flies are a problem, consider using natural fly traps.

Air Vent - Strong Odors

Maintenance and cleaning chemicals give off fumes with strong odors that can irritate the lungs and cause asthma symptoms.

• Custodial closets should have an increase air flow and exhaust to reduce strong odors.

• Be sure the ventilation system is providing enough air flow. Increase as needed.

• Do not block air vents.