# Division 02: Existing Conditions submittal deviations

> Source: https://deviationcheck.com/divisions/02-existing-conditions/
> Deviation Check - AI submittal review for General Contractors (Aliso LLC).

Division 02 covers assessment and remediation of existing site and building conditions in commercial construction. Common CSI sections submitted for review:

## Common Division 02 CSI sections

- 02 21 00 - Surveys
- 02 22 00 - Existing Conditions Assessment
- 02 24 00 - Sampling and Testing of Existing Conditions
- 02 26 00 - Hazardous Material Assessment
- 02 41 00 - Demolition
- 02 42 00 - Removal and Salvage of Construction Materials
- 02 43 00 - Structure Moving
- 02 44 00 - Retaining Measures for Existing Construction
- 02 45 00 - Work Area Isolation
- 02 61 00 - Soils Remediation
- 02 65 00 - Underground Storage Tank Removal
- 02 82 00 - Asbestos Remediation
- 02 83 00 - Lead Remediation
- 02 84 00 - Polychlorinated Biphenyl (PCB) Remediation
- 02 85 00 - Mold Remediation

## The six deviation categories in Division 02 Existing Conditions

### Manufacturer or Product Substitution (default grade: Blocker)

The submittal proposes a different manufacturer or product than the spec names, without an approved or-equal or substitution request.

Division 02 submittals are largely method-based, but product substitutions arise for:
- **Personal protective equipment (PPE)** manufacturer changes (respirators, Tyvek suits, gloves) affecting NIOSH/OSHA approval
- **Encapsulant product** substitutions for lead paint or asbestos (Fiberlock, Childers, Safe-Guard)
- **HEPA vacuum** manufacturer changes (affect HEPA filter efficiency rating)
- **Air filtration unit (negative air machine)** manufacturer or HEPA filter substitution
- **Waste containment materials** (poly sheeting mil rating, drum manufacturer) below specified grade
- **Wetting agent / surfactant** substitutions for friable asbestos work (must be approved)
- **Sealant or fixative** product substitutions on asbestos or lead abatement
- **UST (underground storage tank)** removal vendor or treatment product change

Full guide: https://deviationcheck.com/divisions/02-existing-conditions/manufacturer-substitution/

### Performance Specification Gap (default grade: Blocker)

A measurable performance property in the submittal (rating, capacity, tolerance, efficiency) does not meet what the spec requires.

Key performance parameters in Div 02 submittals:
- **HEPA filter efficiency** - minimum 99.97% at 0.3 micron (ANSI/ASME AG-1)
- **Negative air pressure differential** - minimum 0.02 in. w.g. (0.005 kPa) in containment zones per EPA guidance
- **Air exchange rate** in containment (typically 4+ air changes per hour)
- **Respirator protection factor** - APF for half-face vs full-face vs PAPR; must meet OSHA 1926.1101 (asbestos) or 1926.62 (lead)
- **Poly sheeting thickness** (mil) - minimum specified per work class (Class I asbestos = 6 mil)
- **Lead level clearance threshold** - wipe sample results vs HUD/EPA limit (40 micrograms/ft2 for floors)
- **Asbestos clearance air sample** - phase contrast microscopy (PCM) count below 0.01 f/cc or TEM below applicable limit
- **Bulk sampling minimum count** per OSHA 1926.1101 or EPA AHERA
- **Post-remediation mold clearance** - visual inspection + spore count vs pre-remediation baseline
- **UST excavation soil confirmation sampling** - lab results meeting regulatory cleanup levels (DTSC, EPA, state)
- **PCB decontamination standard** - EPA TSCA cleanup level (typically 10 micrograms/100 cm2 wipe)
- **Waste manifest tracking** - proper hazardous waste manifest number per EPA form 8700-22

Full guide: https://deviationcheck.com/divisions/02-existing-conditions/performance-specification-gap/

### Missing Certification or Compliance Documentation (default grade: Fix and Resubmit)

A required listing, test report, certification, or compliance document is absent from the submittal package.

Required certifications in Div 02 submittals:
- **State asbestos contractor license** (required in every US state; license number must appear)
- **OSHA asbestos supervisor/worker training certificates** (16-hr initial, 8-hr annual refresher)
- **EPA AHERA accreditation** for school work (inspector, project designer, project monitor, contractor)
- **Cal/OSHA lead supervisor/worker training certificates** (for California projects)
- **CDPH/state lead abatement contractor license** where required
- **Certified industrial hygienist (CIH)** or certified asbestos consultant (CAC) credentials for project monitor
- **Third-party air monitoring firm accreditation** (NVLAP for TEM labs, state-accredited for PCM)
- **Laboratory accreditation** for bulk asbestos samples (NVLAP or state equivalent)
- **RCRA generator registration** for regulated hazardous waste disposal
- **Disposal facility permit/approval** - approved TSDF (treatment, storage, disposal facility)
- **Licensed disposal site acceptance letter** for asbestos waste (landfill NESHAP compliance)
- **EPA NESHAP notification** (10-day advance for demolition or renovation of regulated asbestos-containing material)
- **UST contractor certification** per state underground storage tank program
- **Structural engineer letter** for shoring submittals (if required by spec)
- **Survey crew license** for as-built surveys (state licensed land surveyor or professional engineer)

Full guide: https://deviationcheck.com/divisions/02-existing-conditions/missing-certification/

### Aesthetic Deviation (default grade: Fix and Resubmit)

A visible attribute (color, finish, texture, profile) differs from the spec or the architect-approved sample.

Aesthetic requirements are rare in Division 02. Where they appear:
- **Surface preparation level** for existing concrete or steel that will be finished or coated (SSPC/NACE blast profile spec)
- **Demolition limits and sequencing** visible in final building - saw-cut lines, patch boundaries, matching finish
- **Salvage item condition** (specified as "undamaged" or "suitable for reuse") - look for condition documentation
- **Dust or staining** on adjacent surfaces after remediation (clearance expectation)

Full guide: https://deviationcheck.com/divisions/02-existing-conditions/aesthetic-deviation/

### Detail or Installation Mismatch (default grade: Fix and Resubmit)

The submitted detail, dimension, anchorage, or installation method differs from what the spec or drawings require.

- **Containment boundary** in submittal drawings differs from spec or contract drawings
- **Decon unit (shower) layout** or number of stages below required (EPA/OSHA minimum 3-stage)
- **Glove-bag procedure** not matching work class (Class III vs Class IV asbestos)
- **Critical barriers** at openings not specified or insufficient number of poly layers
- **Negative air machine placement** and duct routing not matching spec
- **Drop zone and waste transfer path** not matching site logistics plan
- **Plumbing isolation** for lead in drinking water remediation - isolation points differ from drawings
- **Shoring or underpinning detail** for selective demolition differs from structural drawings
- **Utility cap-off locations** for demolition differ from drawings
- **Disposal route** (waste hauler path on site) conflicts with project safety plan

Full guide: https://deviationcheck.com/divisions/02-existing-conditions/detail-installation-mismatch/

### Submittal Package Incompleteness (default grade: Fix and Resubmit)

A required submittal element (cut sheet, schedule, calculation, sample) is missing, leaving the package unreviewable as submitted.

Commonly required items in Div 02 specs:
- Abatement contractor license (state-specific) and insurance certificate
- Worker and supervisor training certificates (asbestos, lead, mold)
- Abatement work plan / project design document
- Site-specific health and safety plan (HASP)
- Containment and negative air drawings
- Emergency response procedure (abatement-specific)
- Air monitoring firm qualifications and sampling protocol
- Waste characterization profile (for hazardous waste manifesting)
- Approved disposal facility acceptance letter
- EPA NESHAP notification copy (for regulated asbestos demolition/renovation)
- Inventory of materials to be abated with ACM classification
- Sampling laboratory accreditation certificates
- Post-abatement clearance testing protocol
- Chain of custody forms for air samples and bulk samples
- Contingency plan for unplanned ACM discovery (O&M trigger levels)

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Full guide: https://deviationcheck.com/divisions/02-existing-conditions/submittal-package-incompleteness/

## How Division 02 deviations are graded

- **Missing state abatement contractor license:** BLOCKER (legal - cannot legally perform work without it)
- **Missing EPA NESHAP notification for regulated ACM demolition:** BLOCKER (federal regulatory requirement)
- **HEPA filter efficiency below 99.97%:** BLOCKER (worker and public health)
- **Missing worker training certificates for asbestos or lead:** BLOCKER (OSHA enforcement)
- **Negative air pressure differential below specified minimum:** BLOCKER (containment failure risk)
- **Missing disposal facility acceptance letter:** BLOCKER (cannot legally dispose of waste)
- **Missing CIH/CAC credentials for project monitor:** BLOCKER (spec requirement, quality assurance)
- **Missing HASP:** BLOCKER (Cal/OSHA 8 CCR 5192 or OSHA 1910.120 requirement)
- **Decon unit stages below OSHA minimum (3-stage):** BLOCKER (worker health)
- **Lab accreditation not NVLAP or equivalent:** FIX_AND_RESUBMIT (data quality)
- **Missing waste manifesting plan:** FIX_AND_RESUBMIT (regulatory compliance)
- **Containment boundary differs from spec:** FIX_AND_RESUBMIT (scope of work)
- **PPE respirator APF mismatch for exposure level:** FIX_AND_RESUBMIT (worker protection)
- **Missing emergency response procedure:** FIX_AND_RESUBMIT (safety plan incomplete)