Central Michigan University Indoor Air Quality Response Procedure

Size: px

Start display at page:

Download "Central Michigan University Indoor Air Quality Response Procedure"

Erik Parsons
6 years ago
Views:

1 Central Michigan University Indoor Air Quality Response Procedure This procedure has been developed for the purpose of preventing or reducing the incidence of indoor air quality concerns by providing an organized approach to address indoor air quality (IAQ) concerns. Objectives: Proactive guidance in responding to issues that relate to indoor environments Reduce employee complaints, illness, and lost-time incidents attributed to IAQ Provide instructions on alerting the proper CMU staff of IAQ concerns Increase confidence on campus that IAQ concerns will be handled professionally The Risk Management Environmental, Health & Safety (RMEH&S) staff and Facilities Management staff will use this process to ensure a consistent response to IAQ concerns and understands that IAQ issues may have multiple contributory causes and may not have a simple solution. IAQ Investigation reported by CMU employee to supervisor 1. Initial Response Immediate supervisor documents reported issue and attempts to find cause 2. Supervisor takes corrective action by initiating request for repair or maintenance services; OR If the cause of IAQ issue is UNKNOWN or cannot be confirmed by visual inspection, the supervisor contacts RMEH&S THEN 3. RMEH&S will initiate IAQ Investigation within 3 business days utilizing a step by step approach. Supervisors and affected occupants will be kept informed of progress and/or results throughout the investigation process. Phase I Preliminary Assessment Interview occupants using the Employee Questionnaire (see appendix) and perform a walk-through inspection of the area of complaint. The questionnaire is used to obtain information about the nature of the employee complaint(s) and symptoms, and to determine the magnitude of the problem. pg. 1

2 During the walk-through, building ventilation systems are evaluated and potential sources of contamination are identified. If the immediate cause or source cannot be found, a Phase II assessment is required. Phase II Basic Air Analysis Common indoor air quality parameters including temperature, relative humidity, and carbon dioxide levels are measured. During this phase if any of the above parameters are out of acceptable levels, RMEH&S will contact & work in conjunction with Facilities Management. The most commonly cited quantitative measurements of indoor air quality are provided by the American Society of Heating Refrigerating and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) standard Phase III Detailed Air Analysis (only when a definitive cause is not determined in Phase I or II) Consists of extensive and specific monitoring and sampling for chemical and/or microbial contaminants depending on the nature of the complaint and the results of Phase I and II. Before a Phase III assessment is performed there must be a completed Accidental Personal Injury Report (APIR) through either Workers Compensation or Risk Management (in the case of a visitor or student) with a consulting recommendation from the appropriate physician. RMEH&S may contract Phase III assessments to professional indoor air quality consultants or may conduct them in house. Several factors are recognized as being important towards contributing to an acceptable indoor environment. In general, an indoor environment is expected to be free of any noxious odors and dust and to be maintained at a comfortable temperature and humidity. More specific factors that must be present to assure an acceptable indoor environment include adherence to applicable ventilation guidelines and standards designed to maintain comfort factors acceptable to most occupants. Any significant sources of contaminant emissions must be kept isolated from occupied spaces and any major sources of contamination must be promptly controlled. pg. 2

3 IAQ Flowchart Employee has health issues they suspect are attributed to the work environment Employee informs Supervisor Supervisor attempts to determine cause and abate Supervisor contacts RMEH&S Phase I Preliminary Assessment Interviews (Questionaire) Walkthrough End of IAQ Phase II Monitoring of tempereature, humidity, carbon monoxide and dioxide Phase III APIR Generated Doctor recommended sampling parameters Sampling conducted Facilities Management contacted if sampling results are outside of normal parameters Results and resoutions communicated to all affected parties pg. 3

4 Employee Questionnaire Employee Name: Supervisor's Name: Date: Symptom Patterns What kind of symptoms or discomfort is the employee experiencing? Is the employee aware of other people with similar symptoms or concerns? Yes No If so, what are their names and locations: Does the employee have any health conditions they wish to disclose that may make them susceptible to indoor air quality problems? Timing When did the symptoms start? Do they go away? If so, when? pg. 4

5 Spatial Patterns Where is the employee when they experience symptoms or discomfort? Where does the employee spend most of their time in the building or lab? Additional information: Does the employee have any observations about the building conditions that might need attention or might help explain their symptoms (e.g. temperature, humidity, drafts, stagnant air, odors)? Has the employee s supervisor filed an APIR? Yes (Date: ) No Has the employee sought medical attention for their symptoms/discomfort? Yes No Name Date pg. 5

Indoor Air Quality Program

Environmental Health and Safety Office Indoor Air Quality Program The purpose of this program is to inform the University community about indoor air quality (IAQ). Adopted: May 28, 2008 Revised: April