CALGreen Code Section A5.504.5: Hazardous particulates and chemical pollutants.
Minimize and control pollutant entry into buildings and cross-contamination of regularly occupied areas.
CALGreen Code Section A5.504.5.1: Entryway systems.
Install permanent entryway systems measuring at least six feet in the primary direction of travel to capture dirt and particulates at entryways directly connected to the outdoors.
1. Qualifying entryways are those that serve as regular entry points for building users.
2. Acceptable entryway systems include, but are not limited to, permanently installed grates, grilles, or slotted systems that allow cleaning underneath.
3. Roll-out mats are acceptable only when maintained regularly by janitorial contractors as documented in service contract, or by in-house staff as documented by written policies and procedures.
Intent:
The purpose of these measures is to reduce the amount of pollutants brought into a building at points of entry from people’s shoes or rain-soaked apparel. This keeps the air and finish surfaces free of contaminants that may be tracked into regularly occupied spaces and is intended to maintain higher level air quality for building occupants.
Compliance Method:
Specify entrance mats that are permanently fixed and cleanable from debris. The specifications should include a maintenance schedule to be followed during occupancy.
Roll-out mats are not recommended because they are not considered contract furnishings and their maintenance is an uncertain prospect. If roll-out mats are specified, however, provide a maintenance schedule to be followed after occupancy.
Suggestion:
Contractor: Retain product data sheets and recommended maintenance schedule for on-site verification by the enforcing agency and for inclusion in the operation and maintenance manual.
Enforcement:
Plan intake: The plan reviewer should confirm in the construction documents that entrance mats are included. A maintenance schedule is recommended to be included in the specifications.
On-site enforcement: The inspector should verify that mat systems specified on the approved construction documents are installed, or stored on site with the ability to be verified. The inspector may review specifications and maintenance recommendations provided with products or accept self-certification forms signed by the contractor.
(Excerpted from ‘Guide to the 2022 California Green Building Standards Code Nonresidential’ – Appendix A5)
