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Indoor Air Quality Investigations: -
General Office AQ Survey - Residential
Inspections and Testing
General Office AQ Survey
 A
general survey includes an investigation to determine the air
quality of the office environment in your building. The
investigation includes a comprehensive report to you with all of
our findings and specific recommendations for actions to correct
any problems found.
There are many
factors, which can cause health symptoms in an office ranging
from sensitivity to perfumes to problems resulting from improper
lighting and non-ergonomic furniture. The average ventilated
office can have hundreds of pollutants in the air. If they are
kept at very low concentration by a well-balanced mechanical
system, which delivers fresh air at accepted norms, then most
workers will not exhibit symptoms. Unfortunately, some workers
have become extremely sensitive to even trace levels of many
contaminants and they may need to have specially-designed air
delivery systems. If the problem, then, comes from trace
contaminants, they will be very difficult to find and even to
correlate to the complaints. However, if unusual levels of one or
more contaminants cause the health complaints, we should be able
to identify them and propose solutions.
We
begin the survey by questioning (if you agree) the people who
have expressed health complaints. Their responses will influence
the course of the investigation and whether any further testing
will be necessary. Although we are not doctors or health
professionals, our experience and training have shown that, their
responses and symptoms are often closely associated with
particular pollutants.
We will then do
a thorough visual examination of the office areas, materials in
furnishings, the operation of air grilles for supply and return
to individual office areas. We will carefully examine any carpets
(if present) to see if there are indications of mould
growth.
Next, we will examine the
mechanical systems to check for cleanliness, that all components
are operating properly and the design and location of outside
fresh air intakes and also exhaust outlets. We will check the
condition of air filters and also the humidification system for
standing water or other operational problems.
As
part of the general survey, we will take measurements of
temperature, relative humidity, carbon monoxide and carbon
dioxide. These measurements will indicate the comfort level of
the air in the office areas, will indicate whether ventilation is
adequate and may indicate if any fumes from vehicles or faulty
heating equipment, are entering the office.
Other pollutants that are often tested for
as part of the general survey include airborne fungal spores,
surface microbial contamination including of carpets, total
volatile organic compounds, ventilation rates and airborne
particulate matter (dust).
Problem-solving Investigations- When we
are determining the source or cause of particular problems, for
example work place health and safety compliance, odour problems,
worker health complaints, we develop a logical, scientific yet
practical approach to resolving the problem. Thus we often need
to test for lead, formaldehyde, ozone, lighting levels at work
areas, unsafe emf fields, high noise levels, asbestos, legionella
bacteria, nicotine, and hundreds of other potential pollutants.
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