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Indoor Air Quality A Proactive Approach
Good indoor air quality (IAQ) is important to the comfort, health, and productivity of workers. But many employers don’t give the air quality in the workplace a second thought – until there’s a complaint or illness.
Below are steps employers can take to ensure that the IAQ in their building is healthy. By taking a proactive approach, employers can lessen the chance that problems will occur and be ready to deal with IAQ issues when they do arise.
Inspect and Maintain the HVAC System
The heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) system is probably the single most important factor affecting IAQ. The HVAC system is not only responsible for providing fresh, outdoor air to a building, it also filters out unwanted particles, such as pollen and dust, and conditions the air to a comfortable temperature and humidity. Regularly inspecting and maintaining this system so that it functions properly is essential. This means more than an occasional filter change.
Identify and Control Sources of Indoor Air Pollutants
Indoor air pollutants in the form of particulates, fibers, mists, bioaerosols, and gases can originate within the workplace, or they can come from outdoors. Some potential indoor sources include new building materials and furnishings, microbial growth on water-damaged materials, cleaning products, copy and printing areas, trash, and insects and other pests.
Some outdoor sources of indoor air pollutants include vehicles parked at loading docks, bird droppings or other debris near air intakes, and building exhausts located near air intakes. Pollen, dust, and fungal spores that originate outdoors can also pollute the indoor environment.
Provide Regular and Appropriate Housekeeping
Housekeeping in the workplace is not simply a matter of appearance: it should also improve the IAQ in the building. But if done improperly, housekeeping can contribute to indoor pollution by reintroducing dust and dirt into the air or introducing toxic or irritating cleaning chemicals. Therefore, it is important to ensure that appropriate cleaning methods, equipment, and products are used.
Prevent Mold by Controlling Moisture and Relative Humidity
For sensitive individuals, exposure to molds can cause symptoms such as nasal stuffiness, eye irritation, or wheezing. Some people, such as those with serious allergies to molds, may have more severe reactions. People with chronic illnesses, such as obstructive lung disease, may develop mold infections in their lungs.
Mold thrives in the presence of water. The secret to controlling mold is to control moisture and relative humidity. Leaking roofs and pipes, spills, condensation, and standing water can all lead to mold growth. Therefore, controlling potential sources of moisture and responding quickly and appropriately to unexpected events, such as leaks, can prevent the growth of mold.
Anticipate and Minimize the Impact of Renovation and Repair on IAQ
Demolition and construction activities can release dust and other air contaminants. Paint, carpeting, and new furnishings can all emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Even outside activities, such roof repair, can have a negative impact on IAQ. The best time to address the effects of renovation and repair on IAQ is in the planning stage. Selecting low VOC emitting materials and furnishings, scheduling work when the building is empty, isolating the construction activity, and temporarily closing air intakes during roof repair are just a few ways to minimize any negative impact on IAQ.
Designate an IAQ Coordinator
Maintaining good IAQ requires the coordinated efforts of many people: building manager, HVAC engineer, housekeeping personnel, contractors, and pest control personnel, to name a few. An IAQ coordinator should have the authority and responsibility to develop and manage a comprehensive IAQ plan. The IAQ coordinator would ensure that everyone knows his or her role and works as a team to provide good IAQ.
Establish a System for Responding to IAQ Complaints
Unresolved IAQ complaints can not only affect comfort, health, and productivity, they can also affect employee morale. Therefore, a system for dealing with complaints should be established. Make sure employees know to whom complaints should be reported. All complaints should be referred to the IAQ coordinator. Complaints should be logged, addressed promptly, and tracked until resolved. Follow-up to ensure that the resolution is permanent is also important.
Learn More About IAQ
The Environmental Protection Agency has a wealth of information on IAQ. To learn more, visit the EPA Web site.
The above evaluations and/or recommendations are for general guidance only and should not be relied
upon for legal compliance purposes. They are based solely on the information provided to us and relate
only to those conditions specifically discussed. We do not make any warranty, expressed or implied, that your workplace is safe or healthful or that it complies with all laws, regulations or standards.
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