Division 02 Existing Conditions

Performance Specification Gap in Division 02 Existing Conditions submittals

By Deviation Check Editorial Team. Last reviewed June 1, 2026.

Short answer

A measurable performance property in the submittal (rating, capacity, tolerance, efficiency) does not meet what the spec requires. Default grade in Division 02 Existing Conditions: Blocker.

A measurable performance property in the submittal (rating, capacity, tolerance, efficiency) does not meet what the spec requires. This guide covers how it shows up specifically in Division 02 Existing Conditions submittals.

What to look for in Division 02 Existing Conditions

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

How severe is it?

Default grade: Blocker. Always a Blocker when the gap touches life-safety or structural performance.

Deviation Check assigns a default per category and escalates or de-escalates based on the spec, always showing its reasoning. See the Division 02 severity rules.

What the PM should do

Treat this as a hold. Do not approve the submittal until the sub resolves it, either by providing the specified product and documentation or by routing an approved substitution or or-equal request. Return the relevant spec passage to the sub as a redline.

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Frequently asked questions

What HEPA filter efficiency and negative air pressure requirements appear in Division 02 Existing Conditions submittals?

HEPA filters must achieve at least 99.97% efficiency at 0.3 micron per ANSI/ASME AG-1. Negative air pressure differential in containment zones must be at least 0.02 in. w.g. (0.005 kPa) per EPA guidance, and air exchange rate must typically reach 4 or more changes per hour. Any submittal showing lower ratings is a Blocker because the gap touches life-safety.

Which clearance thresholds in Division 02 Existing Conditions submittals must lab results meet before a project manager can accept a remediation closeout?

Lead clearance wipe samples must fall below 40 micrograms per square foot for floors per HUD/EPA limits. Asbestos air clearance samples measured by phase contrast microscopy must read below 0.01 f/cc. PCB decontamination wipe results must not exceed 10 micrograms per 100 cm2 per EPA TSCA cleanup standards. UST soil samples must meet applicable DTSC, EPA, or state regulatory cleanup levels.

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