Do strippers need to comply with VOC requirements?

Is the school following EBOM? If yes, floor strippers would likely be covered in one of the credit categories.

To the best of my knowledge, paint and floor coating/wax strippers are not otherwise covered in LEED for Schools IEQ credits. If a coating is applied to the cleaned floor later on, that would be count. The line between floor polishes and coatings is a little blurry, but manufacturers tend to use distinct marketing language to differentiate product categories.

As a practical matter, it still makes sense to use the least toxic floor stripper possible. Look for products in the USEPA Design for the Environment program or certified with Green Seal. Commercial market manufacturers that don't sell through state contracts offer similar low VOC and toxicity alternatives, often containing CleanGredient listed solvents and surfactants and compliant with CARB VOC standards.

No matter what coating/polish stripper you specify, make sure the building is cross ventilated with fresh air during and after use. It doesn't hurt to isolate or cover soft materials that can absorb odors, but that should not be a major issue if the airborne molecules aren't given an opportunity to settle.

Great advice Dwayne - even if it doesn't get credit, make it healthy. To help ensure that you have a low environmental impact product you can also look for floor strippers that meet the requirements of EcoLogo CCD-147 (http://ecologo.org/en/certifiedgreenproducts/details.asp?product_type_id...).