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Indoor Air Quality Studies

Indoor Air Quality Studies. Bill Dreibelbis Connie Brumgard. Introduction. IAQ issues involve occupants perception of environmental conditions Resolution of issues involves OPP, EHS, and Management Today we will look at case studies and how to respond to all types of complaints.

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Indoor Air Quality Studies

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  1. Indoor Air QualityStudies Bill Dreibelbis Connie Brumgard

  2. Introduction • IAQ issues involve occupants perception of environmental conditions • Resolution of issues involves OPP, EHS, and Management • Today we will look at case studies and how to respond to all types of complaints

  3. Occupant Concerns • Occupants report health concerns triggered by discomfort • At issues first discussed among the employees • Then are communicated to Unit Management Area Maintenance, Management, or EHS • Occupants concerns may escalate rapidly

  4. Technical Evaluation • Walk thru survey to assess occupant concerns/complaints • Evaluate intangibles • Odors, lighting, work stressors • Appropriate measurements to assess conditions

  5. Solutions • System fixes • System maintenance, System Modification, system upgrade, System replacement • Temporary system adjustments for specific conditions • Process changes / modification of internal practices

  6. Case One Employees concerns of asthma and dust Observations: Employees responded by installing electronic filters. Electronic (electrostatic) filters are less efficient and can generate ozone

  7. Solution Ozone is a respiratory irritant that is ineffective in purifying the air The purifiers were removed per EHS and replaced by High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filters

  8. Case Two EHS contacted about office odor complaints - bothered by perfumes and potpourri scents Observations: • Potpourri and odorants found at many desks can be irritating to sensitive individuals • Odors adsorbed onto carpeting can enhance this effect

  9. Solution Testing found poor fresh air input Plugged HVAC filter systems replaced System maintenance performed Odors adsorbed into carpeting removed Potpourri and odorants removed

  10. Case Three Renovations impact occupied areas Observations Odors impact adjacent office areas Dust infiltrates into offices causing irritation Employees concern for health implications

  11. Solution • Isolate construction area • Physical isolation • Ventilation isolation • Use low emission Materials • Paint • Glues • carpets • Site Hygiene • Prevent accumulation of dirt • Protect HVAC from dirt accumulation

  12. Case Four • Extensive roof work on multilevel roof • Replace roofing material and insulation • Extensive use of hot asphalt tar creates odors • Observations: • Odor complaints& respiratory complaints from sensitive individuals • Smell does not indicate health hazard • Tar application near HVAC units on roof & open windows

  13. Solution • Preplan tar pot location • Immediate response to complaints • Close and seal affected windows • Wrap affected HVAC units • Schedule application during off hours

  14. Conclusions • Indoor air quality issues can be generated by a variety of causes • Prompt response to complaints essential • Coordination of response between EHS, OPP, Safety Officer and Unit Management

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