EPA WTC response coordination memo, May 31, 2002

NYC 9/11 Public Portal Document

stair ways, hall ways, elevators/shafts, and common heating systems will be vacuumed using commercial quality HEPA vacuums. Cleaning of common areas will begin at the building entrance and proceed to the upper level then return down to the entrance. Plastic curtains will be installed at the interface of clean and non - clean areas to prevent re - deposition of dust due to drafting. If HVAC systems are present, subcontractors specializing in cleaning these units may be utilized. All ventilation ducts will be covered with plastic to minimize recontamination with dust. Wet washing of walls, and ceilings will be performed if dust cannot be removed by vacuuming. The goal of this activity is to provide a dust free area to allow level “D” entry through the common spaces and for construction of equipment storage and decontamination areas. Decontamination areas be will temporary structures built of wood and plastic sheeting to be utilized to don and doff protective equipment when entering or exiting the work areas.

5. Interior Cleaning:

USEPA will evaluate 8 cleaning techniques on fifteen rental spaces. Each cleaning technique will be tested on two rental units. The 8 cleanup techniques will vary through use of different vacuuming systems. Sampling of dust before, during, and after the cleanup will be performed to evaluate the effectiveness of each cleanup technique and worker exposure.

General Cleaning Procedures which will be employed for all units are as follows: Bulk accumulations of dust and debris (if present) will be manually removed using shovels and commercial quality HEPA vacuums. All horizontal and vertical surfaces will be vacuumed beginning with the ceilings and working down along the walls to the floor. Windows, electrical outlets, sills, heating/cooling units will be vacuumed as they are encountered. Filters will be replaced on cooling units. After cleaning, A/C units will be sealed with plastic sheeting. Central HVAC intake/discharge registers will be covered with plastic. Horizontal and vertical solid surfaces including floors, appliances, table tops, cabinets (interior/exterior) as well as flat ware, and accent items will be washed with soap and water (if appropriate). Books, files, magazine, porous accent items will be vacuumed and stored in boxes then covered with plastic bags. Items such as clothes, shoes, drapes/curtains, will be HEPA vacuumed (if necessary) and stored in plastic bags for washing/dry-cleaning by the tenant. Carpets and furniture will be dry vacuumed until visibly clean. The tenant will be invited to monitor the cleanup if desired. USEPA will furnish protective equipment to tenant(s) during the cleanup. No items will be discarded unless authorized by the tenant. If necessary, work schedules will be modified to accommodate the tenant.

Detailed cleaning procedures and sequencing of work are included as Attachment A

Four scenarios have been developed to evaluate 8 cleanup techniques. Each scenario contains two parts for testing 2 different cleaning procedures. Each scenario is discussed below:

Scenario 1: (Selection Criteria): Accumulation of dust on horizontal surfaces should be limited to a dusting. This scenario may represent a typical apartment which was impacted but not totally encompassed in dust.

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