Indoor Air Quality Procedure

I.

Background: Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) problems can come from a variety of sources indoor and outdoor. The cause may be transient, intermittent or chronic and it may be chemical, biological or physical in nature. Symptoms arising from poor indoor air quality often mimic those symptoms commonly associated with cold, flu or allergies. These symptoms may include upper respiratory irritation, congestion, headaches, nausea, fatigue and itchy or watery eyes. Individual susceptibility to IAQ problems vary widely as well as an individual’s perception of comfort. Factors that can contribute to an individual’s susceptibility are allergies (diagnosed or undiagnosed), and immunocompromised individuals.

Acceptable IAQ is an environment where there are no known contaminants at harmful concentrations as determined by cognizant authorities and with which a substantial majority (80% or more) of the people exposed do not express dissatisfaction.

II.

Purpose: These procedures have been created to help ensure employees and students are provided a workplace free of recognized hazards. The Environment, Health and Safety Office (EHS) responds to indoor quality concerns. This may include building inspections, occupant interviews and air monitoring. EHS and Facilities Management will address all concerns in a timely manner.

III. Responsibilities Environment, Health and Safety (EHS): 

Oversee and implement Indoor Air Quality Program



Provide technical expertise to investigate health concerns



Communicate between departments, Facilities Management and outside entities involved in IAQ response



Communicate with the Hospital’s Occupational Health Clinic when review is needed.



Use industry accepted sampling protocols



Maintain IAQ records including reporting forms, concerns, and resolutions.



Maintain all equipment and instrumentation that is used in indoor air quality reviews.

Facilities Management: 

Collaborate with EHS on recommendations regarding IAQ assessments



Maintain building systems to manufacturer’s recommendations.

Employees: 

Bring the concern to respective supervisor and/or EHS



Complete IAQ Questionnaire Form and send to EHS



Work with EHS, Facilities and other University parties affected by the IAQ issue

Supervisors 

Assist in the identification of IAQ issues and concerns



Assist in communication between affected employees

IV. Comply with EHS and Facilities recommendations. Reporting Procedures Faculty, staff and students are responsible for communicating IAQ complaints or concerns to the attention of the Environment, Health and Safety Office. All IAQ concerns that pose an immediate threat to personal health or safety such as natural gas leaks shall be reported by calling 911 from a campus phone or by calling campus police directly at 913-588-5030. Non-emergency IAQ complaints shall be reported by calling the EHS department at 8-1081 or by completing the Indoor Air Quality Assessment Form found in Appendix A of this document.

If you suspect an IAQ issue in your areas use the following procedure to initiate an investigation:

1. All issues will first be communicated to your supervisor. 2. Fill out an IAQ assessment and turn into EHS for Review (Appendix A). 3. EHS will review form and follow-up with one or all of the following. a. Facilities will be contacted to investigate concerns relating to:  Temperature

 Air movements/drafts from diffusers  Stale air  Particulates or dirt coming from your air handling systems  Visible mold growth less than 10 square ft. b. EHS will investigate concerns relating to:  Chemical, gas, exhaust or unusual odors  Sickness associated with building occupancy with may include headaches, nausea, dizziness, upper respiratory irritation, fever, chills and fatigue  Areas of mold contamination greater than 10 square feet, or mold contamination on any component of an air handling system c. Data Collection and Inspection – this includes:  Interviewing occupants using an employee questionnaire and occupant diary  Performing a walk-though inspection of the area as necessary  When the nature of the problem cannot be determined testing and evaluation may occur d. Testing and Evaluation:  Lower Explosive Limit  Volatile Organic Content  Oxygen  Temperature  Relative humidity  Carbon monoxide  Mold Spore Count  Hydrogen Sulfide 4. Recommendations and Reports - all sampling results and data are reviewed and analyzed. All recommendations are brought forward and any additional reviews and improvements are discussed. EHS will issue an IAQ report to affected parties and ensure that recommended corrective actions have been implemented.

V.

Appendices A. Indoor Air Quality Assessment B. Occupant Diary C. Sources of IAQ Problems

Appendix A Indoor Air Quality Assessment Name:

Date:

Email:

Phone #:

Location (bldg./room#)

I.

Problem Identification

Description of Problem:

Is your workplace or area (check all that apply: ☐ Too Hot ☐ Too Dry ☐ Stale ☐ Too Cold ☐ Drafty ☐ Not Applicable ☐ Too Humid ☐ Other: Are there Odors Present? ☐ Yes ☐ No If Yes, Describe: Is there Excessive Dust? ☐ Yes ☐ No Is there Excessive Moisture: ☐ Yes ☐ No Is there evidence of mold growth? ☐ Yes ☐ No Have any of the following activities taken place recently (30 days): ☐ Construction Activities ☐ Increase/decrease in the number of people ☐ Heating and Cooling system changes ☐ Carpet Cleaning ☐ New carpet or tile ☐ New Furniture ☐ Recent flooding or water intrusion ☐ Do you have windows in your work area ☐ Change in office location ☐ Change in work assignment II.

Symptoms

Describe any health effects that may be caused by the air quality in your work environment:

When did the symptoms begin? What time of the day are they the worst? Do your symptoms go away when you leave work? Do your symptoms coincide with any activities, events, seasons, outdoor conditions? Have you been to a doctor for these symptoms? Are there others in your area having similar problems? Are there others in your household having similar problems? III.

Activities Outside of Work

Check all that apply: ☐ Change is Residence ☐ Started a new hobby:

☐ Recently acquired a new pet IV.

☐ Additions or home Remodeling ☐ Someone in your family started a new hobby: ☐ Are around small children (less than five)

Additional Information:

What do you think is the most likely cause(s) for the IAQ problem in your work area?

Is there any additional information that may be related to the problem that has not been addressed?

Appendix B Occupant Diary Name:

Date:

Email:

Phone #:

Location (bldg./room#)

This is a diary for you to use to document the frequency and severity of your indoor air quality concern. It is extremely helpful for us to identify and coordinate when issues arise to determine the cause. Use this record to document any symptoms, ill health or discomfort you are experiencing that may be associated with poor indoor air quality. Time and Date Duration

Location

Symptom(s)

Severity

Comments:

Appendix C Sources of IAQ Problems Temperature A comfortable temperature is usually between 68-78 degrees Fahrenheit. This comfort zone varies by season and relative humidity. An individual’s comfort level usually depends on:    

Amount of physical work performed Clothing required Evaporative losses Convention – location near air vents, air conditioners

Relative Humidity Relative humidity and air temperature are related to each other. Optimum humidity is usually between 30-60%. Levels greater than 60% relative humidity will promote mold spore growth and increases in dust mites. Levels of relative humidity below 20% cause skin and mucous membrane dryness and may result in increased susceptibility to viral illness transmission. Higher humidity levels are more prevalent in the summer months and lower humidity levels are more prevalent in the winter months. Acceptable Ranges of Temperature and Relative Humidity ASHRAE Standard 55-1981, Thermal Environmental Conditions for Human Occupancy Relative Humidity 30% 40% 50% 60%

Winter Temperature 68.5◦F – 76.0◦F 68.5◦F – 75.5◦F 68.5◦F – 74.5◦F 68.5◦F – 74.0◦F

Summer Temperature 74.0◦F – 80.0◦F 73.5◦F – 79.5◦F 73.0◦F – 79.0◦F 72.5◦F – 78.0◦F

Note: Certain weather conditions may temporarily affect the relative humidity and temperature in buildings by making the relative humidity and temperature ranger lower or higher than the ideal occupancy comfort ranges. Most of these will resolve on their own as weather passes. Ventilation Ventilation refers to the process of supplying and removing air by natural or mechanical means to and from any space. Natural ventilation is the movement of outdoor air into a space through provided openings, such as windows and doors, through non-powered ventilators or by natural infiltration into a building. Note: in order to not disrupt the HVAC in your building, it is suggested that windows and doors to the outside not be opened. This can disrupt the appropriate flow of air coming in and out of building ventilation systems. Air Contaminants

Odorants – can be toxic, cause anxiety or the perception of poor indoor air quality. Some examples:   

VOC (volatile organic compounds - Many building maintenance activities are the cause or source of VOC’s such as emissions from waxed floors, consumer products including potpourri, perfumes and air fresheners. Dust – from outdoor activities or shop activities. Biological - Mold, bacteria and pollen which are found at varying levels in the outdoor air year round. These levels are typically lower inside buildings and rarely are at levels high enough to be a health concern to sensitive individuals.