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.