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INDOOR AIR QUALITY

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.

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INDOOR AIR QUALITY

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  1. INDOOR AIR QUALITY OFFICE OF RISK MANAGEMENT LOSS PREVENTION UNIT

  2. PRE-TEST • Name some building locations where mold can be seen. • Smoke poses no Indoor Air Quality problem. T / F

  3. PRE-TEST • Ventilation systems can control and/or cause IAQ problems. • T / F

  4. GOALS • Understanding/Reducing Mold Growth • Minimize/Prevent Mold & Poor Indoor Air Quality • Education in Prevention & Recurrence

  5. OBJECTIVES • Educate State agencies on Indoor Air Quality Issues • Provide control methods • Assist in addressing issues

  6. INTRODUCTION Keeping your workplace healthy is good business for employees • & • CAN INCREASE PRODUCTIVITY

  7. MOLD Causes & Routes of Exposure ASBESTOS Location & Health Hazards

  8. MOLD Definition: Organic substance that requires oxygen & water to grow. Mold breaks down plant matter by digesting for food.

  9. WITHOUT MOLD: • We would be struggling w/large amounts of dead plant matter. • We would not have penicillin

  10. MOLD cont. • All mold spores cannot, practically, be eliminated indoors • Can be managed by controlling indoor moisture

  11. MOLD cont. Growth Factors: • Moisture • ALL Surfaces • Temperature

  12. MOLD cont. • Moisture: • Leaks in pipes, roof, windows, etc. • HVAC systems

  13. MOLD cont. 2.Any Surfaces: Mold can exist on any surface!!! Examples include • Wood • Paper • Carpet • Food • Plastic • Rock

  14. MOLD cont. 3. Temperature: • Decreased temperature--air holds less moisture; promotes condensation • Increased temperature--air retains more moisture; promotes humidity

  15. MOLD cont.ROUTES OF EXPOSURE Sources that allow mold indoors: - Ventilation Systems - Papers & Books - Leaks • Attics • Behind Walls • Ceilings • Under Carpeting • Behind Furnishings

  16. MOLD--ROUTES OF EXPOSURE cont. Routes of Indoor Exposure

  17. MOLD Preventing/Reducing Mold Growth: • Find/repair internal leaks ASAP • Watch for condensation & wet spots • Prevent moisture/ condensation - Increase temperature or reduce humidity (below 60%) • Roof/window inspections–repair leaks ASAP

  18. 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

  19. If you only remember one thing: NEVER IGNORE A COMPLAINT-- DO SOMETHING!

  20. ASBESTOS

  21. ASBESTOS • Mineral fiber used in construction of insulation AND as a fire retardant • Found in: • Older buildings • Pipe & furnace insulation • Millboard • Floor tiles

  22. ASBESTOS cont. DANGEROUS ASBESTOS FIBERS ARE TOO SMALL TO BE VISIBLE If inhaled, can remain, accumulate in lungs & can cause: Lung cancer Mesothelioma Asbestosis

  23. 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

  24. POSSIBLE ASBESTOS/LEAD EXPOSURE Identify aspects of projects: • Redecorating, renovation, remodeling • Relocation of personnel or functions • New construction

  25. ASBESTOS cont. If you suspect presence of asbestos: DO NOT DISTURB!!!!

  26. ASTHMA

  27. ASTHMA Indoor environmental asthma may be triggered by: - Secondhand smoke - Dust Mites - Mold

  28. ASTHMA cont. Environmental factors that stimulate asthmatic conditions: • Air we breathe • Surfaces we touch

  29. INDOOR AIR QUALITY IAQ Standards Good Indoor Air Quality Poor Indoor Air Quality Resolving/Correcting

  30. IAQ STANDARDS • Climate controlled environments can improve indoor air quality

  31. GOOD INDOOR AIR QUALITY (IAQ) • Introduce/distribute adequate air ventilation • Control airborne contaminants • Maintain acceptable temperature and relative humidity

  32. 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.

  33. 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

  34. 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

  35. POOR INDOOR AIR QUALITY--Indoor Sources of Poor IAQ (cont.) Use of Building: Portions used for specialized purposes - Restaurants - Print Shops - Dry Cleaning

  36. POOR INDOOR AIR QUALITY cont. • Neglect of Maintenance -Basic custodial duties -Reports of Hazards -Basic maintenance duties

  37. EQUIPMENT -HVAC Dust/dirt in ductwork Microbiological growth Improper use of cleaning compounds Improper venting Refrigerant leakage POOR INDOOR AIR QUALITY

  38. POOR INDOOR AIR QUALITY External Sources : • Pollen, dust, fungal spores • Industrial pollutants • General vehicular contamination • vehicle exhaust • fumes and gases

  39. POOR INDOOR AIR QUALITY External Sources (cont.) • Emissions from nearby sources: • Dumpsters • Parking areas or garages • Loading docks • Roads

  40. RESOLVING, CORRECTING, & REMEDIATION

  41. RESOLVING INDOOR AIR QUALITY PROBLEMS • SOURCES OF CONTAMINANTS • HVAC UNIT • PATHWAYS • DUCTWORK • OCCUPANTS

  42. 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

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