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 & 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; p romotes condensation Increased temperature--air retains more moisture; p romotes 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

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

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  PATHWAYS  DUCTWORK  PATHWAYS  DUCTWORK  OCCUPANTS  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 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 EVER 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/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