INDOOR AIR QUALITY
OFFICE OF RISK MANAGEMENT
LOSS 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
MOLD
Causes & Routes of Exposure
ASBESTOS
Location & 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 inspectionsrepair leaks
ASAP
MOLD Preventing/Reducing
Mold Growth cont.
5. Regular building/HVAC
inspections & maintenance
6. Keep heating & HVAC drip
pans clean & flowing properly
7. Dont 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
QUALITY--Indoor Sources of
Poor IAQ (cont.)
Ventilation Systems:
Poorly designed, operated or maintained
Not being used to conserve energy
Spreading contaminants through building
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
SOURCES OF CONTAMINANTS
HVAC UNIT
PATHWAYS
DUCTWORK
OCCUPANTS
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 into
Purchasing 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 EVER
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/individuals 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 managements 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
