SECTION 297.2. Definitions

The following words and terms, when used in these sections, shall have the following meanings, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

(1) Acceptable indoor air quality--The quality of air in an occupied enclosed space that is within an established temperature and humidity comfort zone, and which does not contain air contaminants in sufficient concentration to produce a negative impact on the health and comfort of the occupants.

(2) Air contaminant--A gaseous, liquid, or solid substance or combination of substances in a form transported by or in air that has the potential to be detrimental to human health.

(3) ASHRAE--American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-conditioning Engineers, Incorporated.

(4) Board--The Texas Board of Health.

(5) Building commissioning--The process of ensuring that all building systems are designed, installed, functionally tested, and operated in conformity with design intent. Commissioning includes planning, design, construction, start-up, testing, documentation, owner acceptance, and training throughout the life of the systems and building.

(6) Department--The Texas Department of Health.

(7) Government building--A building that is:

(A) owned, or leased for a term of at least three months, by a state governmental entity or by a political subdivision of this state, including a county, municipality, special purpose district, or school district; and

(B) regularly open to members of the public or used by the state or local governmental entity for a purpose that involves regular occupancy of the building by an employee or by a person in the custody or control of the governmental entity such as a public school student.

(8) HVAC system--The heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning system that provides the processes of comfort heating, ventilating and/or air conditioning within, or associated with, a building.

(9) IAQ--Indoor Air Quality. The attributes of the respirable atmosphere (climate) inside a building including gaseous composition, humidity, temperature, and contaminants.

(10) IAQ coordinator--A designated person who provides leadership and coordination of IAQ activities. The responsibilities should include coordination of an IAQ team, preparation for emergency responses, dissemination of IAQ information, tracking of IAQ complaints and direction of responses, and communication of IAQ issues and status to interested parties.

(11) IAQ management plan--A written plan for preventing and resolving IAQ problems.

(12) Indoor air pollution--The presence, in an indoor environment, of one or more air contaminants in sufficient concentration and of sufficient duration to be capable of causing irritation and/or adverse effects to human health.

(13) MERV--Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value. A number that reflects the filter efficiency based on the testing procedure defined in ASHRAE Standard 52.2-1999.

(14) Microbials--Agents derived from, or that are, living organisms (e.g., viruses, bacteria, fungi, and mammal, bird and dust mite antigens) that can be inhaled and can cause adverse health effects including allergic reactions, respiratory disorders, hypersensitivity disorders, and infectious diseases. Also referred to as "microbiologicals" or "biological contaminants."

(15) Negative pressure--A condition that exists when the air pressure in an enclosed space is less than that in the surrounding areas. Under this condition, if an opening exists between these locations, air will flow from surrounding areas into the negatively pressurized space. A negatively pressurized building will have airflow from the outside into the building through available openings.

(16) Occupied zone--the region within an occupied space between the planes three and 72 inches above the floor and more than two feet from the walls or fixed air-conditioning equipment (ASHRAE Standard 62-2001).

(17) Positive pressure--A condition that exists when the air pressure in an enclosed space is greater than that in the surrounding areas. Under this condition, if an opening exists between these locations, air will flow from the positively pressurized space into surrounding areas. A positively pressurized building will have air flow from the building to the outside through available openings.

(18) Preventive maintenance--Regular and systematic inspection, cleaning, and replacement of worn parts, materials and systems. Preventive maintenance helps to keep parts, materials, and systems from failing by ensuring they are in good working order.

(19) Public school--A building owned by a public school district or leased by a public school district for three months or more that is used by the district for a purpose that involves regular occupancy of the building by students.

(20) Qualified--Personnel possessing the necessary education, experience and equipment (where required) to accomplish the activities being performed. Certifications may be required for some regulated functions, such as asbestos and lead-based paint abatement.

(21) Recognized best practices--Those procedures that are considered by knowledgeable practitioners to be necessary to produce the most favorable results.

Source Note: The provisions of this §297.2 adopted to be effective December 22, 2002, 27 TexReg 11759