indoor air quality office of risk management loss prevention unit
TRANSCRIPT
INDOOR AIR QUALITY
OFFICE OF RISK MANAGEMENTLOSS PREVENTION UNIT
PRE-TEST
• Name some building locations where mold can be seen.
• Smoke poses no Indoor Air Quality problem.
T / F
PRE-TEST
Ventilation systems can control and/or cause IAQ problems.
T / F
GOALS
• Understanding/Reducing Mold Growth
• Minimize/Prevent Mold & Poor Indoor Air Quality
• Education in Prevention & Recurrence
OBJECTIVES
• Educate State agencies on Indoor Air Quality Issues
• Provide control methods
• Assist in addressing issues
INTRODUCTION
Keeping your workplace healthy is good business for employees
&
CAN INCREASE PRODUCTIVITY&
CAN INCREASE PRODUCTIVITY
MOLDCauses & Routes of Exposure
ASBESTOSLocation & Health Hazards
MOLD
Definition: Organic substance that requires oxygen & water to grow.
Mold breaks down plant matter by digesting for food.
WITHOUT MOLD:
• We would be struggling w/large amounts of dead plant matter.
• We would not have penicillin
MOLD cont.
• All mold spores cannot, practically, be eliminated indoors
• Can be managed by controlling indoor moisture
MOLD cont.
Growth Factors:1. Moisture
2. ALL Surfaces
3. Temperature
MOLD cont.
1. Moisture:
– Leaks in pipes, roof, windows, etc.
– HVAC systems
MOLD cont.
2. Any Surfaces:Mold can exist on any surface!!!
Examples include• Wood• Paper• Carpet• Food• Plastic• Rock
MOLD cont.
3. Temperature:
• Decreased temperature--air holds less moisture; promotes condensation
• Increased temperature--air retains more moisture; promotes humidity
MOLD cont. ROUTES OF EXPOSURE
Sources that allow mold indoors:- Ventilation Systems- Papers & Books- Leaks
• Attics• Behind Walls• Ceilings• Under Carpeting• Behind Furnishings
MOLD--ROUTES OF EXPOSURE cont.
Routes of Indoor Exposure
MOLD
Preventing/Reducing Mold Growth:
1. Find/repair internal leaks ASAP
2. Watch for condensation & wet spots
3. Prevent moisture/ condensation - Increase temperature or reduce humidity (below 60%)
4. Roof/window inspections–repair leaks ASAP
MOLD Preventing/Reducing Mold Growth cont.
5. Regular building/HVAC
inspections & maintenance
6. Keep heating & HVAC drip
pans clean & flowing properly
7. Don’t let foundations stay wet
– provide drainage
If you only remember one thing:
NEVER IGNORE A COMPLAINT--
DO SOMETHING!
ASBESTOS
ASBESTOS
• Mineral fiber used in construction of insulation AND as a fire retardant
• Found in:
– Older buildings
– Pipe & furnace insulation
– Millboard
– Floor tiles
ASBESTOS cont.
DANGEROUS ASBESTOS FIBERS ARE TOO SMALL TO BE VISIBLE
If inhaled, can remain, accumulate in lungs & can cause:
Lung cancer
Mesothelioma
Asbestosis
ASBESTOS cont.• Do not cut, rip, or sand asbestos-containing
materials
• Inspect for damage or deterioration
• Repair or removal should be done by a professional
• Suspect asbestos, have professional check
POSSIBLE ASBESTOS/LEAD EXPOSURE
Identify aspects of projects:
• Redecorating, renovation, remodeling
• Relocation of personnel or functions
• New construction
ASBESTOS cont.
If you suspect presence of asbestos:
DO NOT DISTURB!!!!
ASTHMA
ASTHMA
Indoor environmental asthma may be triggered by:
- Secondhand smoke
- Dust Mites
- Mold
ASTHMA cont.
Environmental factors that stimulate asthmatic conditions:
• Air we breathe
• Surfaces we touch
INDOOR AIR QUALITY• IAQ Standards
• Good Indoor Air Quality
• Poor Indoor Air Quality
• Resolving/Correcting
IAQ STANDARDS
• Climate controlled environments can improve indoor air quality
GOOD INDOOR AIR QUALITY (IAQ)
• Introduce/distribute adequate air ventilation
• Control airborne contaminants
• Maintain acceptable temperature and relative humidity
VENTILATION
• HVAC systems typically mix outside air with recirculated indoor air.
• To conserve heat and a/c, offices typically use a mix of about 20% fresh and about 80% recirculated air.
POOR INDOOR AIR QUALITY
Indoor Sources of Poor IAQ:• Disturbances of asbestos and/or lead, and
formaldehyde (in pressed wood products)
• Carpet
• Copy machines
• Dirty ventilation systems
• Water-damaged walls
POOR INDOOR AIR QUALITY--Indoor Sources of
Poor IAQ (cont.)
Ventilation Systems:
• Poorly designed, operated or maintained
• Not being used to conserve energy
• Spreading contaminants through building
POOR INDOOR AIR QUALITY--Indoor Sources of
Poor IAQ (cont.)
Use of Building:
Portions used for specialized purposes
- Restaurants
- Print Shops
- Dry Cleaning
POOR INDOOR AIR QUALITY cont.
• Neglect of Maintenance
-Basic custodial duties
-Reports of Hazards
-Basic maintenance duties
POOR INDOOR AIR QUALITY
EQUIPMENT -HVAC• Dust/dirt in ductwork
• Microbiological growth
• Improper use of cleaning compounds
• Improper venting
• Refrigerant leakage
POOR INDOOR AIR QUALITY
External Sources :
– Pollen, dust, fungal spores
– Industrial pollutants
– General vehicular contamination
• vehicle exhaust
• fumes and gases
POOR INDOOR AIR QUALITY External Sources (cont.)
• Emissions from nearby sources:– Dumpsters
– Parking areas or garages
– Loading docks
– Roads
RESOLVING, CORRECTING, &
REMEDIATION
RESOLVING INDOOR AIR QUALITY PROBLEMS
HVAC UNIT HVAC UNIT
PATHWAYS DUCTWORK PATHWAYS DUCTWORK
OCCUPANTS OCCUPANTS
SOURCES OF CONTAMINANTS SOURCES OF CONTAMINANTS
Resolving Air Quality Problems
HVAC System Operation & Maintenance• Operate system in manner consistent w/design• Maintenance & inspections on regular basis
Record Keeping• All HVAC problems & routine maintenance &
inspections• Document complaints & remedies
Resolving Air Quality Problems
Pollution Control• Identify sources• Implement removal and/or remedy
Occupant Activities• Eliminate activities that restrict air movement
Building Maintenance Activities• Increase # of air exchanges per hr/per day based on
daily operation.
Resolving Air Quality Problems
Ventilation Standards & Codes• Keep abreast of revisions to standards & building
codes
Energy Conservation• Re-examine practices w/regard to IAQ, employee
health, & productivity costs
OCCUPANTS
Employees, clients, visitors
– Groups possibly more susceptible:
• Allergic or asthmatic individuals
• Individuals with respiratory disease
• Individuals w/suppressed immune systems
WHAT ALL EMPLOYEES CAN DO TO PROVIDE GOOD IAQ
• Do not block air vents or grilles
• Comply with no smoking policy
• Clean up water spills promptly
• Report water leaks immediately
• Store & dispose of food properly
WHAT MANAGEMENT CAN DO TO PROVIDE GOOD IAQ
1. Maintain good working relationship w/Maintenance Dept.
2. Ensure allocation of funds for repair/maintenance
3. Coordinate design, operation & maintenance of HVAC
WHAT MANAGEMENT CAN DO TO PROVIDE GOOD IAQ
4. Integrate IAQ concerns intoPurchasing Policies
5. Work w/contractors & maintenance BEFORE remodeling and/or renovations
6. Support employee concerns
WHAT IF I HAVE A PROBLEM?
MOST IMPORTANTLY
DO NOT IGNORE A REPORTED COMPLAINT – EVEREVER
WHAT IF I HAVE A PROBLEM?
4 steps to Combating Poor Indoor Air Quality:
– Solve water problem
– Get suspected area tested
– Vacate people near area suspected
– Get professional remediation help
WHAT IF I HAVE A PROBLEM?
If has not been corrected within 30 days,
Report to the Office of Risk Management
HIRING A PROFESSIONAL
• CHECK- Company/individual’s experience
- Knowledge of local codes and regional climate conditions
REMEMBER:
• A perceived hazard can create as many problems (with employees) as a real hazard
• Report all suspicions of possible mold and/or asbestos
QUESTIONS
POST-TEST
• Mold can be managed through controlling ________________
• Name some sources of Indoor Mold Exposure.
POST-TEST
• New furniture or carpeting can give off irritating gases. T / F
• Name some office equipment that can contribute to poor IAQ.
POST-TEST
• Which of the following are some preventative measures for mold growth:– Watch for condensation & wet spots– Roof inspections– Keep HVAC & heating drip pans clean
& flowing properly– None of the above– All of the above
POST-TEST
• IAQ is solely management’s responsibility. T / F
• It is OK to ignore IAQ complaints. T / F
POST-TEST
• Circle all of the applicable methods to combat mold:
– Solve water problem
– Get mold tested
– Remediation
– Burn building
POST-TEST
• If carpet is wet due to a leak, you can let it dry for 72 hrs. & then determine if more action is needed. T / F