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.