An important goal of an indoor air quality program is to minimize occupants’ exposure to pollutants that are harmful to their health. Maintaining a good indoor air quality requires attention to the building’s heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system; the design and layout of the space; and the pollutant source management.–
Christopher Blessing
MD, CAERE Pvt Ltd
Solutions
Maintaining good indoor air quality requires attention to the building’s heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system; the design and layout of the space; and the pollutant source management. Components of HVAC systems may also serve as reservoirs or sites of microbial amplification and distribution. Because of the HVAC system’s importance, good indoor air quality management includes attention to:
Ventilation system design: When areas in a building are used differently than their original purpose, the HVAC system may require modification to accommodate these changes
Outdoor air supply: Adequate supply of outside air is necessary in any office environment to dilute pollutants that are released by equipment, building materials, furnishings, products, and people
Outdoor air quality: When present (as in the case of most cities), outdoor air pollutants such as carbon monoxide, pollen, and dust affect indoor conditions. Properly installed and maintained filters can trap many of the particles in this outdoor supply air. Controlling gaseous and chemical pollutants require more specialized filtration equipment.
Equipment maintenance: Diligent maintenance of HVAC equipment is essential for the adequate delivery and quality of building air
Controlling other pollutant pathways: Pollutants can spread throughout a building by moving through stairwells, elevator shafts, wall spaces, and utility chases
Things which everyone in the Building can do:
1 Do not block air vents or grills
2 Comply with the office and building smoking policy
3 Clean up all water spills promptly, water and maintain office plants properly and report water leaks right away
4 Dispose off garbage promptly and properly
5 Store food properly
6 Notify your building or facility manager immediately if you suspect an IAQ problem
What the Office Manager/Tenant can do:
1 Maintain a good working relationship with building management on indoor environmental issues
2 Place office furniture, partitions and equipment in conjunction with the air circulation directions, temperature control, and pollutant removal functions of the HVAC system
3 Coordinate with building management in instances where responsibility for design, operation, and maintenance of the HVAC system is shared
4 Establish an effective smoking policy
5 Avoid procedures and products that can cause problems
6 Integrate indoor air quality concerns into your purchasing decisions
