What is a critical deal breaker for conducting a blower door test according to BPI standards?

The presence of asbestos is a critical deal breaker for conducting a blower door test according to BPI standards because asbestos poses significant health risks during disturbance or removal. If asbestos is present, the testing process could inadvertently disturb the materials containing asbestos, releasing harmful fibers into the air and jeopardizing the safety of occupants and test personnel.

In practice, before any infiltration or exfiltration tests like a blower door test can be safely performed, a thorough inspection for hazardous materials, including asbestos, must take place. If asbestos is found, appropriate precautions or remediation must be taken to ensure a safe testing environment. This aligns with health and safety regulations and BPI's commitment to occupant safety in buildings. The assessment and management of hazardous materials, such as asbestos, directly impact risk management protocols within the field of building performance evaluation.