Designated Person
Indoor Air Quality
Training Program
Public Employees
Occupational Safety and
Health (PEOSH) Program
Purpose of Designated Person
Training

Discuss role and responsibilities

Understand basic IAQ terminology

Explain a basic HVAC system

Review PEOSH IAQ standard

Discuss how to recognize and solve basic IAQ problems

Discuss necessary steps to respond to employee’s
complaints

When and how to obtain assistance
Recommended Skills and
Authority of Designated Person

Knowledgeable about NJ IAQ Standard

Familiar with basic issues regarding IAQ

Working knowledge of air handling system

Be in a position of authority

Effectively communicate with management, staff,
maintenance, contractors

Good problem solver

Available
Role of the Designated Person

Coordinate IAQ Activities
• Prepare Written IAQ Program
• Establish and follow preventive maintenance procedures
• Track unscheduled maintenance
• Establish control measures for pollutants
 Renovation and construction
 Specific facility operations
 Maintenance activities
• Recordkeeping
• Annual Written IAQ Program Review
Management of IAQ
A Coordinated Effort
Employee
Desig.
Person
Maint.
Employer
Management of IAQ
A Coordinated Effort
Employee
PEOSH
Remediation
Contractor
Employer
Desig.
Person
GC
Property
Manager
Maint.
IAQ
Consult
HVAC
Cont.
IAQ Basics
Problems occur in many types of buildings
 Problems reflect both comfort and health
related issues
 Primary sources of IAQ problems include:

• Ventilation
• Contaminants generated indoors
• Infiltration of outdoor contaminants
• Unidentified sources
IAQ Basics

Types of Air Contaminants
Vapors – Solid or liquid converted by heat to a gaseous
state (i.e., methylene chloride, mercury)
Gases – Formless fluid occupying an enclosure which
confines it (i.e., carbon dioxide, oxygen)
Fumes – Condensation of gas into particle <1 micrometers
(µm) (welding)
Dust – Particulate ranging in size from 0.1 to 25µm
Fibers – An elongated particle with aspect ratio of greater
than 3:1
Bioaerosols – Airborne particles that originate from living
organisms (i.e., pollen, spores, fragments, waste)
Acceptable IAQ
American Society of Heating, Refrigeration, and Air-Conditioning
Engineers (ASHRAE) defines acceptable IAQ as:
“air in which there are no known
contaminants at harmful concentrations
as determined by authorities and at which
a substantial majority (80% or more) of the
people exposed do not express
dissatisfaction”
IAQ Basics

Health Effects
• Varied and non-specific
• Reports of health related problems
and comfort issues
• Air monitoring does not always
support their existence
Sick Building Syndrome (SBS) vs.
Building-Related Illness (BRI)
SBS
 Symptoms:
• Do not fit the pattern of
any particular illness
• Difficult to trace to a
specific source
• Relief occurs upon
leaving the building
BRI
 Symptoms:
• Are often accompanied
by physical signs
identified by a
physician and/or
laboratory findings
• Relief from illness may
not occur upon leaving
the building
Sick Building Syndrome (SBS) vs.
Building-Related Illness (BRI)
SBS
 Symptoms:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Headaches
Eye, nose, throat
irritation
Dry or itchy skin
Fatigue
Dizziness
Nausea
Loss of concentration
BRI
 Symptoms:
•
•
•
•
Eye, nose, throat, and
upper respiratory tract
irritation
Skin irritation or rashes
Chills, fever, cough, chest
tightness, congestion,
sneezing, runny nose
Muscle aches
Building-Related Illnesses

Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis

Asthma

Chemical Sensitivity

Legionnaires’ Disease
IAQ Basics

Factors Affecting IAQ
• Building occupant activities
• Design and condition of HVAC
• Construction and renovation activities
• General outdoor sources
IAQ
Ventilation System

Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC)
• Purpose
Regulates the temperature and humidity
for comfort
Supplies general ventilation to decrease
indoor pollutants
IAQ
Basic Ventilation System
IAQ
Complex Ventilation System
IAQ
Ventilation System
IAQ
Ventilation System
IAQ
Ventilation System

Air Handling Unit (AHU)
• Air Filters
 Air filters should have a dust-spot rating
between 35% and 80% or a Minimum
Efficiency Rating Value (MERV) of
between 8 and 13
 Some filters are not efficient enough to
remove small fungal and bacterial spores
IAQ
Ventilation System
IAQ
Ventilation System

Air Handling Unit (AHU)
• Humidification and Dehumidification
 Humidification provides moisture
to the air and dehumidification
removes the moisture
 Maintain relative humidity below
60% in all occupied spaces and in
low air-velocity plenums
IAQ
Ventilation System

Air Handling Unit (AHU)
• Coils and Drain Pans
 Coils dehumidify the air forming
condensate water which is
released into drain pans and
removed from the AHU
IAQ
Ventilation System

Air Handling Unit (AHU)
• Return Air Plenum - Space above ceiling tiles
is often used as return air plenum
 Maintain all exhaust systems that pass
through plenum
 No exhaust should be released into the
plenum
 Prevent contamination of the area and ensure
air flow is not blocked
IAQ
Ventilation System

Ducts
• Move the filtered and conditioned air to
occupied areas of the building
IAQ
Ventilation System

Fans
• Ensure fan belts are operating properly
• Rotation
IAQ
Ventilation System

Local Exhaust System
• Buildings should remain under slightly
positive pressure to avoid bringing in
unfiltered air
IAQ
Ventilation System

Dampers
• Check condition of dampers and controls
• Ensure dampers are operable and meet
the design specifications for bringing in
outdoor air
• Clean screens and grilles and prevent
obstructions in this area
IAQ Basics
Building Conditions and Effects

Problem: Poorly regulated temperature and
humidity levels

Effects:

•
•
•
Temperature complaints
Condensation, microbial contamination
Dryness, upper respiratory irritation, nosebleeds
Solutions:
•
•
•
Check system sizing
Adjust dampers
Location of controls
IAQ Basics
Building Conditions and Effects

Problem: Disruption of air circulation

Effects:

Solutions:
• Stagnant air
• Temperature extremes
• Ensure sizing of HVAC system
• Balancing
• Inspect for blocked supply diffusers
IAQ Basics
Building Conditions and Effects



Problem: Lack of Fresh Air
Effects:
•
•
•
Stagnant air
Odors
Increased contaminant concentrations
Solutions:
•
•
•
Develop and follow preventive maintenance schedule
Ensure dampers are open and operational
Inspect filters for condition and compatibility
IAQ
Ventilation System
PEOSH IAQ Standard
N.J.A.C. 12:100-13 et seq.

Adopted in 1998

First IAQ Standard in U.S.

Revised in 2007, PEOSH Advisory
Board, IAQ Subcommittee

Effective date: May 21, 2007
PEOSH IAQ Standard
N.J.A.C. 12:100-13 et seq.

13.1 Scope

13.2 Definitions

13.3 Compliance Program

13.4 Control of Specific Contaminant Sources

13.5 Air Quality During Renovation & Remodeling

13.6 Recordkeeping

13.7 Employer’s Response to Complaints

13.8 IAQ Compliance Documents
PEOSH IAQ Standard
N.J.A.C. 12:100-13.1
Scope:
This subchapter shall apply to matters
relating to indoor air quality in buildings
occupied by public employees during
regular work hours.
PEOSH IAQ Standard
N.J.A.C. 12:100-13.2
Definitions (selected):

"Designated person" means a person who has
been given the responsibility by the employer to take
necessary measures to assure compliance with this
subchapter.

"Office building" means a building in which
administrative, clerical or educational activities are
conducted. Examples of facilities and/or operations,
which are not office buildings, include repair shops,
garages, print shops and warehouses.
PEOSH IAQ Standard
N.J.A.C. 12:100-13.2
Definitions (selected):

"HVAC system" means the collective components of the
heating, ventilation and air-conditioning system including, but
not limited to, filters and frames, cooling coil condensate drip
pans and drainage piping, outside air dampers and actuators,
humidifiers, air distribution ductwork, automatic temperature
controls, and cooling towers.

"Renovation and remodeling" means building modification
involving activities that include but are not limited to: removal or
replacement of walls, roofing, ceilings, floors, carpet, and
components such as moldings, cabinets, doors, and windows;
painting; decorating; demolition; surface refinishing; and
removal or cleaning of ventilation ducts.
PEOSH IAQ Standard
N.J.A.C. 12:100-13.3

Compliance Program
• Employer shall identify and train a Designated Person
• Employer’s designated person shall:
 Establish and follow a preventative maintenance
schedule
 Ensure that damaged or inoperable components are
replaced or repaired promptly, ensure no microbial
growth
 Implement the use of general or local exhaust ventilation
 Check the HVAC system when carbon dioxide levels
exceed 1,000 ppm
PEOSH IAQ Standard
N.J.A.C. 12:100-13.3

Compliance Program
• Employer’s designated person shall:
 Check HVAC system if temperature range is
outside 68°F-79°F
 Prevent contamination of fresh air supply
 Check natural ventilation portals are maintained
 Promptly investigate all employee complaints about
BRI or SBS
 Prepare written plan (including required
components)
 Review and update written plan annually
PEOSH IAQ Standard
N.J.A.C. 12:100-13.4

Control Specific Indoor Contaminants
• Microbial Contaminants
 Promptly repair water intrusion that can
promote growth of biological
 Remediate damp/wet material by drying or
removal within 48hrs of discovery and
continue until water intrusion is eliminated
 Remove visible microbial contamination
PEOSH IAQ Standard
N.J.A.C. 12:100-13.5

Renovation and Remodeling:
• Evaluate chemical hazards
• Notify employees 24 hours prior to any construction
• Utilize local exhaust ventilation
• Isolate construction areas (scheduling, physical
barriers, pressure differentials)
• Construction areas required to be cleaned and aired
out as necessary prior to re-occupancy
PEOSH IAQ Standard
N.J.A.C. 12:100-13.6

Recordkeeping
• Required Records
 Written IAQ Program
 Documentation of Designated Person
Training
 Written Preventive Maintenance Program
 Preventive Maintenance Log
PEOSH IAQ Standard
N.J.A.C. 12:100-13.6

Recordkeeping
• Requirements:
 Maintained for 3 years
 Available to employees and representatives
for examination and copying ASAP or within
10 working days
 Available immediately during PEOSH inspection
PEOSH IAQ Standard
N.J.A.C. 12:100-13.7

Employer’s Response to Signed PEOSH
Complaint: Not currently used.
PEOSH IAQ Standard
N.J.A.C. 12:100-13.8
 IAQ
Compliance Documents
 As-built construction documents
 HVAC System Commissioning Report
 HVAC Systems Testing, Adjusting, and Balancing
Reports
 Operations and Maintenance Manuals
 Water Treatment Logs
 Operator Training Materials
Must be provided to PEOSH, upon request (if available)
Other Standards Related to IAQ
(Overview)

PEOSH General Industry (29 CFR 1910.1001) and
Construction (29 CFR 1926.1101) Asbestos Standards
•
•
•
•

Identification of asbestos-containing materials in all
buildings (pre-1980)
Labeling and signage requirements
Annual awareness training
Notification of outside contractors
Other Federal and State Asbestos Standards
•
•
Schools (AHERA)-U.S. EPA/NJDHSS
NJ Uniform Construction Code-Subchapter 8,
NJ Dept. of Community Affairs (NJDCA)
Other Standards Related to IAQ
(Overview)

Air Contaminants Standard
(29 CFR 1910.1000, Tables Z-1, Z-2)

Access to Employee Exposure and
Medical Records Standard
(29 CFR 1910.1020)
PEOSH Program Response to
Unacceptable IAQ

Conduct Employee Interviews

Review Building Operations &
Maintenance Procedures

Walk-through Inspection

Inspect HVAC System

Review As-builts

Conduct Sampling, if necessary

Complete PEOSH IAQ Checklist
IAQ
Preventive Maintenance (PM)

Equipment List

Master Schedule

Documentation
IAQ
Recommended Inspection Protocol

Fan belts operate properly and in good condition

Filters are installed properly and replaced as scheduled

Dampers are open as designed and not blocked

Motor functions properly

Diffusers are opened

Condensate pans drained

Supply and exhaust system are properly balanced
IAQ
PM Documentation


Name of person and date work performed
shown on maintenance schedule
Specify activity performed on a work order
• Reason for inspection
• Observations
• Item repaired/replaced
• Time spent on activity
IAQ
Scenario 1 Mold
IAQ
Scenario 1 Discussion

Visible mold

Remove porous materials – (follow
Mold Guidelines)

Address water infiltration

Replace materials

Other regulatory requirements?
IAQ
Scenario 2 Construction/Renovation

Carpet replacement in 2nd fl. office area

Adjoining areas occupied

Performed during regular work hours
IAQ
Scenario 2 Construction/Renovation

Inspect area for asbestos floor tiles/mastic

Prepare bid specs

Review materials with contractor, MSDS

Notify employees (less than 24 hrs.)
IAQ
Scenario 2 Construction/Renovation

Isolate work area, secure HVAC

Maintain negative pressure

Exercise good housekeeping

Air-out room prior to re-occupancy

Recordkeeping
IAQ
Isolate Construction/Occupied Areas
IAQ
Employee Complaints

Follow Up on Employees Complaints
• Conduct interviews
• Review building operations and maintenance
procedures
• Complete PEOSH IAQ Inspection Checklist
• Involve employees through L/MH&SC*
• Communicate outcome and corrective action
• Report all complaints to one person
*Labor-Management Health & Safety Committee
Ask for Help

PEOSH Health Consultation Project

Local/County Health Departments

Private Consultants
• American Industrial Hygiene
Association (AIHA) - www.aiha.org
Additional IAQ Resources
 PEOSH
Publications
www.nj.gov/health/peosh
• Public Employer’s Guide and Model Written Program for the
Revised Indoor Air Quality Standard
• PEOSH Policy on Building Renovations Information Bulletin
• Renovation & Construction in Schools-Controlling Health
and Safety Hazards Information Bulletin
• Bioaerosols Information Bulletin
• Mold in The Workplace, Prevention and Control Information
Bulletin
PEOSH IAQ Standard Web Page
Additional IAQ Resources

Tools for Schools (TfS) Kit
•
•
•
•
www.epa.gov/iaq/schools/toolkit.html
Shows schools how to carry out a practical plan of action to
improve indoor air problems at little or no cost using
straightforward activities and in-house staff.
Provides best practices, industry guidelines, sample
policies, and a sample IAQ management plan.
The voluntary guidance can save schools time and money
so that resources can be directed toward educating
children.
Co-sponsored by the National Parent Teacher Association,
National Education Association, Association of School
Business Officials, American Federation of Teachers, and
the American Lung Association.
Additional IAQ Resources

Healthy SEAT – Healthy School
Environments Assessment Tool
www.epa.gov/schools
• Free software tool to help school systems more
effectively manage all of their environmental issues.
• HealthySEAT is designed to be customized by
school systems to conduct and manage selfassessments of their school facilities for a wide
range of environmental, health, and safety issues.
Additional IAQ Resources

IAQ Building Education and Assessment
Model (I-BEAM)
www.epa.gov/iaq/largebldgs/i-beam_html/ibeami.htm
• The I-BEAM is a guidance tool designed for use by
building professionals and others interested in indoor
air quality in commercial buildings.
Additional IAQ Resources

Building Air Quality: A Guide for Building Owners and Facility
Managers (BAQ Guide) and the Building Air Quality Action Plan
www.epa.gov/iaq/largebldgs/baq_page.htm
•
•
•
•
•
•
Developed by the EPA and NIOSH
Provides practical suggestions on preventing, identifying, and
resolving indoor air quality (IAQ) problems in public and commercial
buildings
Provides information on factors affecting indoor air quality
Describes how to develop an IAQ profile of building conditions and
create an IAQ management plan
Describes investigative strategies to identify causes of IAQ problems
Provides criteria for assessing alternative mitigation strategies,
determining whether a problem has been resolved, and deciding
whether to consult outside technical specialists
Additional IAQ Resources

Mold Remediation in Schools and
Commercial Buildings
www.epa.gov/mold/mold_remediation.html
•
•
•
Presents guidelines for the remediation/cleanup of mold and
moisture problems in schools and commercial buildings
Includes measures designed to protect the health of
building occupants and remediators
Designed primarily for building managers, custodians, and
others who are responsible for commercial building and
school maintenance
Additional IAQ Resources

NJ Department of Health and Senior
Services – Healthy Schools Web Site
http://nj.gov/health/healthyschools
The Healthy School Facility Environments Web site
was developed for parents, students, school staff,
administrators, architects, engineers, and contractors.
It contains important information about preventing,
identifying, and controlling health and safety hazards
in school buildings.