United Slates
Environmental Protection
jigency
National institute 0<
Ocupatiooal Safety Mfl
Health
Air and Radiai.on (6607J1
EPA 402- K 98 <
lS |M(>SH) Pub-ii
No 93-l?3
&EPA
TiOSH
Building Air Quality
Action Plan
June 1998
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To be used with Buildiri9 A1.• Quality: A Guid6
for Building Ownsrg and Facilrty Managers
(EPA'40a'1-91/033, DHHS (NIOSH} Pub. No. 91-114)
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BAQ Action Plan
An Overview of EPA's Large Buildings IAQ Management Practices Guidance
Managing a bull ding is a difficult and complex job. There are many competing demands - health
and safety, building maintenance, housekeeping, and communications with occupants and tenants.
Building owners and managers are under pressure to contain or reduce operating costs and increase
revenues. Such fiscal pressures can easily draw attention and resources away from important elements of
building management such as indoor air quality (IAQ).
Over the past twenty years, indoor air quality has emerged as a major concern for building
owners and managers. As the public recognizes the importance of healthy, comfortable and productive
indoor environments, its awareness and demand for good IAQ increases. People spend about 90 percent
of their time indoors and air within homes and other buildings can be more polluted than the outside air,
even in the largest and most industrialized cities. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) studies
that compare risks of environmental threats to public health consistently rank indoor air pollution
(including secondhand smoke, radon, organic compounds and biological pollutants) among the top five.
Maintaining a healthy and comfortable indoor environment in any building requires integrating
many components of a complex system. Indoor air problems are preventable and solvable and practical
guidance on how to manage your building for good indoor air quality is available.
The core of EPA's large buildings IAQ management practices guidance is contained in Building
Air Quality: A Guide for Building Owners and Facility Managers (BAQ), widely recognized as one of
the best references of its type since publication in 1991 (see Appendix 1 for ordering information This
publication is also available on the World Wide Web atwww.epa.gov/iaq/largebldgs/baqtoc.html).
Much of whatBAQ recommends you will recognize as common principles of good facility management
It is organized as a comprehensive reference volume, by subject area. As such, BAQ is extremely useful
in learning the principles of IAQ and how to manage a building for good IAQ. It is also a helpful
resource if problems occur or if more detailed information is needed. However, despite BAQ's wide
availability, EPA and other organizations continue to learn about indoor air problems that could have
been easily prevented or fixed by implementing good building management practices.
It is worth noting that the guidance emphasizes changing how you operate and maintain your
building, not increasing the amount of work or cost of maintaining your building. Good IAQ does not
have to compete with other building management priorities; in fact, it can enhance some. For example,
the efficiencies gained by keeping your HVAC system clean and better controlled both enhance IAQ and
reduce energy costs.
To promote the use of these straightforward practices to improve IAQ, EPA and other leaders in
the IAQ field developed this 8-step Building Air Quality Action Plan (BAQ Action Plan). This additional
resource meets the needs of building owners and managers who want an easy-to-understand path for
taking their building from current conditions and practices to the successful institutionalization of good
IAQ management practices. The BAQ Action Plan leads you through a logical set of steps to achieve the
goal of better indoor air quality in your building. There is broad agreement that both documents, BAQ
and the BAQ Action Plan, used together, can significantly improve IAQ and reduce the likelihood of IAQ
problems, thus lowering health risks, increasing comfort and productivity, and reducing exposure to
liability from IAQ problems.
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BAQ Action Plan
The Building Air Quality Action Plan is intended to be used in concert with
the more comprehensive Building Air Quality: A Guide for Building Owners
and Facility Managers (BAQ).
In order to use the Building Air Quality Action Plan effectively, one must have a thorough
understanding of the concepts and practice of managing indoor air quality, an understanding that can be
gained from a thorough reading of BAQ. In addition, there is extensive internal referencing in this BAQ
Action Plan to the original BAQ guide, making it helpful and easy to use both documents together.
If you do not currently own a copy of BAQ, please refer to Appendix 1 for ordering information
or visit EPA's World Wide Web site, at www.epa.gov/iaq/pubs.
EPA Publication No. 402-K-98-001
DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No. 98-123
DISCLAIMER
This document has been reviewed in accordance with policies at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the National
Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. Information provided is based upon current scientific and technical understanding
of the issues presented. Following the advice given will not necessarilyprovide complete protection in all situations or against all
health hazards that may be caused by indoor air pollution. Mention of any trade or company names or commercial products does
not constitute endorsement or recommendation for use. This document is in the public domain and maybe reproduced either in
part or whole. EPA requests appropriate acknowledgment if the work is reproduced. In the event this EPA work is changed, EPA
requests that the acknowledgment include language about adaptation or revision.
Page 3
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BAQ Action Plan
Indoor Air Quality Actions
Step 1 Designate an IAQ Manager
Establishing a new IAQ baseline:
Step 2 Develop an IAQ Profile of Your Building
• Identify and review existing records
•Conduct a walkthrough to assess the current IAQ situation
Step 3 Address Existing and Potential IAQ Problems
•Source-related
•Ventilation-related
Maintaining and improving IAQ baseline:
Step 4 Educate Building Personnel About IAQ
Step 5 Develop and Implement a Plan for Facility Operations
and Maintenance
• HVAC Operations
•Housekeeping
• Preventive Maintenance
• Unscheduled Maintenance
Step 6 Manage Processes with Potentially Significant Pollutant
Sources, including
• Remodeling and renovation
• Painting
•Pest control
•Shipping and receiving
•Smoking
Maintaining cooperative relations with tenants and occupants:
Step 7 Communicate with Tenants and Occupants About Their
Role in Maintaining Good IAQ
Step 8 Establish Procedures for Responding to IAQ
Complaints
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BAQ Action Plan
Step 1: Designate an IAQ Manager
Reference: Building Air Qualify: Section 5, "Managing Buildings for Good IAQ: Select
an IAQ Manager," Page 33; also Section 3, "Communicating with Building
Occupants," Page 13.
Purpose: To designate someone who is responsible for IAQ activities within a
building.
Specific Activities:
0
0
0
Choose an IAQ Manager to meet criteria
in the Building Air Quality guide.
Educate the IAQ Manager on the
Building Air Quality guide.
Have the IAQ Manager implement the
Action Plan using the Checklist as a final
check.
The first step to good IAQ management is to assign
the job of IAQ Manager. The IAQ Manager should
be an employee of the building owner or manager
and may be responsible for indoor air quality in
more than one building. Once designated, the IAQ
Manager will be responsible for implementing the
rest of the Action Plan. The IAQ Manager may
choose to seek assistance from outside contractors or
consultants, but should retain primary responsibility.
The IAQ Manager coordinates all indoor air quality
activities in the building. Having overall
responsibility makes it easier to manage the
building's IAQ and keep occupants informed and involved.
An effective IAQ Manager can come from a variety of backgrounds. Indoor air quality is a field that
requires the application of many disciplines to prevent and solve problems, because no single field
encompasses all the needed principles and skills. The person selected could be the facility manager, the
building operating engineer, the health and safety director, or the employee-relations manager. Whatever
the job title, the IAQ manager should be given sufficient authority to make decisions and implement
improvements.
Keep in mind that the IAQ Manager will be working as a "team leader". Where specific skills are
lacking, another team member may compensate. Nevertheless, it is critical that the IAQ Manager be
familiar with the building's structure and function and sufficiently conversant with IAQ issues to
communicate effectively with occupants, facility personnel, and the building owner(s).
It is essential that the IAQ Manager be thoroughly familiar with the principles contained in Building Air
Quality: A Guide for Building Owners and Facility Managers (BAQ) (see Appendix 1 for ordering
information. This publication is also available on the World Wide Web at
www.epa.gov/largebldgs/baqtoc.html). Additionally, training maybe helpful for both the IAQ Manager
and other staff. Both the EPA and commercial vendors sponsor training on Building Air Quality and IAQ
generally. Descriptions of EPA developed training materials are located in Appendix 2. EPA Regional
Headquarters IAQ coordinators can help you locate EPA-sponsored training in your area. See Appendix
3 for a listing of the EPA Regional IAQ Coordinators contact information.
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BAQ Action Plan
Establishing a New IAQ Baseline:
Step 2: Develop an IAQ Profile of Your
Building
Reference: Building Air Quality: Section 4,
"Developing an IAQ Profile,"
Pages 19-29.
Purpose: To gain a comprehensive
understanding of the current
IAQ situation in your building,
including all of the factors that
could influence your building's
IAQ.
The next step in the process is to document the current
IAQ situation and existing operation and maintenance
practices in your building. The Building Air Quality guide
refers to this step as developing an "IAQ Profile." The
IAQ Profile describes the features of your building's
structure, function, and occupancy that impact IAQ.
Completing the IAQ Profile gives you an understanding of
the current status of air quality in your building and
baseline information on the factors that may cause future
problems. If you do not have the information or expertise
to complete a certain part of the IAQ Profile, seek
assistance from other members of your IAQ team, such as
a building engineer or similarly trained professional (see
BAQ, page 20).
The IAQ Profile focuses on: 1) identifying and reviewing
records, such as blueprints and operating instructions; 2)
conducting a walkthrough inspection to document
information on lAQ-related Heating Ventilating and Air
Conditioning (HVAC) practices and conditions, and
possible pollutant sources throughout the building.
Step 2, Part One: Identify and Review
Existing Records
Building Air Quality: Section 4, "Developing
an IAQ Profile: Collect and Review Existing
Records," Pages 21-22; also, Ventilation
Worksheet, Zone/Room Record Form and
Pollutant Pathway Form, Pages 175-177.
The first part of developing the IAQ Profile focuses on
identifying and reviewing the documents that should
Specific Activities:
0 Identify, review, and familiarize yourself
with construction, operating and other
documents including:
• "As builf blueprints and building
specifications that have been up-dated
to indicate current conditions,
• Up-to-date list of control system set-
points and ranges for all HVAC
equipment, including variable air
volume (VAV) supplyterminals and
exhaust systems,
• Up-to-date drawings of tenant
buildouts and interior building
renovations,
• Information on major space use
changes,
• Up-to-date information on pressure
relatbnships (see Pollutant Pathway
Form, BAQ, page 175),
• Up-to-date schedules and procedures
for facility operations and
maintenance,
• Up-to-date manufacturers' operating
instructions and maintenance records
for HVAC system components, and
• If available, historical complaint logs
relating to airquality and comfort (see
Step 8, page 18).
0 Set up procedures to revise the above
records, as needed, but particularly with
any renovation/construction.
0 Request from suppliers and keep on file
Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs)
for products used in the building (see
also 29 CFR 1910.1200 Hazard
Communication Standard).
0 Determine quantity of outside air
entering building (see Ventilation
Worksheet, BAQ, page 179).
0 Compare capacity of HVAC system with
current loads to make sure there are no
shortfalls in the amount of outside air
provided.
Page 7
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BAQ Action Plan
Step 2, Part One: Continued
already exist at your building. These documents are
critical to the development and implementation of the
Action Plan. If you find that you cannot locate any of the
documents listed in the "Specific Activities" text box on
page 7, you should try to collect these from outside
sources if at all possible. The original architects,
engineers and/or equipment suppliers may be useful
sources for this information. If you are unable to obtain an
updated set of architectural and HVAC blueprints or the
set points and ranges under which the HVAC system
operates, you should create these documents either in-
house or through an outside contractor. These documents
are integral to efficient and effective diagnosing of IAQ
problems, if they occur.
Make sure to revise the records mentioned in the text box
on page 7 as needed, but particularly at the conclusion of
any renovation/construction activities.
Step 2, Part Two: Conduct a Walkthrough to
Assess Current IAQ Situation
Building Air Quality: Section 4,
"Developing an IAQ Profile: Conduct a
Walkthrough Inspection of the Building,"
Pages 22-29.
Conducting a building walkthrough inspection helps you
acquire a good overview of occupant activities and
building functions that may impact IAQ. Even ifyou are
intimately familiar with the operations of your building,
the walkthrough allows you to view your building
specifically with IAQ in mind. You should consider
conducting the walkthrough with other staff familiar with
the building — additional perspectives may help you
notice problem indicators otherwise missed. Ifyou can
not conduct the walkthrough with others, at least talk to
other building staff both for help in identifying potential
or existing problems as well as to gain feedback on the
cause(s) and solution(s) to any problem(s) you identified.
As you walk through your building, pay careful attention to indicators of possible IAQ problems.
Seemingly inconsequential items could indicate IAQ problems. For example, discolored walls could
indicate mold growth, while fans on occupants' desks could indicate inadequate ventilation or cooling. A
more detailed list of IAQ problem indicators is included in the "Specific Activities" text box on this
page.
Building Walkthrough Specific Activities:
0 Conduct a whole-building walkthrough
inspection.
0 During the walkthrough, complete a
pollutant/source inventory (see
Pollutant/Source Inventory Form,
Building Air Quality, pages 213-219).
0 Look for IAQ problem indicators
including odors, dirty or unsanitary
con dition s, visib le fun gal growth, mo Id
or mildew, moisture in inappropriate
locations, staining or discoloratbn of
building materials, smoke damage,
presence of toxic substances,
poorly-maintained filters, potential for
soil gas entry, unusual noises from
equipment, leaks, uneven
temperatures, overcrowding, personal
air cleaning devices (ion generators,
ozone generators or portable filtration
units), personal fans and blocked or re-
directed vents/diffusers.
0 Take notes on a floor plan during the
walkthrough and identify potential or
existing problems indicating a need for
either close monitoring or corrective
action.
0 Inspect HVAC condition and operations.
• List components that need to be
repaired, adjusted, cleaned or
replaced.
• Record actual control settings and
operating schedules for each air
handling unit.
0 Check to see if significant sources of
contamination are directly exhausted to
the outside or can be moved close to an
exhaust fan.
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BAQ Action Plan
Step 3: Address Existing and Potential IAQ Problems
Reference: Building Air Quality: Section 6, "Diagnosing IAQ Problems," Pages
45-79, Section 7, "Mitigating IAQ Problems," Pages 81-104.
Purpose: To fix or mitigate all existing or potential IAQ problems in order to protect
the health, comfort, and productivity of a building's occupants and staff.
Using the information from the IAQ Profile, the IAQ
Manager can identify current practices or conditions that
could, or already do, adversely affect indoor air quality.
By correcting these conditions and modifying these
practices, you will establish a good IAQ baseline in your
building.
Some IAQ problems are easy to diagnose, especially
using the knowledge gained from the Building Air
Quality guide and your building's IAQ Profile. In other
cases, IAQ problems can be very complex, and
diagnosing them may require outside assistance by IAQ
professionals. Such expert resources should be
identified before problems occur so that you are ready to
solve a problem quickly if one should occur.
The flow chart on page 45 of the Building Air Quality
guide shows the general scheme of conducting an IAQ
investigation. It is impossible to prescribe one specific
set of steps that will work for every IAQ problem.
Instead, you should read the Building Air Quality guide,
Section 6, fora general understanding of the many tools
available for an IAQ investigation.
General Strategies to Correct IAQ
Problems:
0 Identify sources, then remove or
reduce the source, seal or cover
the source, or modify the
environment.
0 Improve ventilation in order to
provide outside air to occupants
and to dilute and/or exhaust
pollutants.
0 Improve air filtration to clean air
from outside and inside the
building.
0 Control occupant exposure to
pollutants through administrative
approaches such as scheduling
contaminant-producing activities
during unoccupied periods.
Some IAQ problems are related to uncontrolled pollutant sources. One pollutant source of concern is
biological growth. In order to control or prevent biological contamination, you must address the two
elements essential for biological growth: nutrients and moisture. You can greatly decrease the likelihood
of problems associated with biological growth by preventing, or promptly cleaning up, the buildup of
dirt, dust and standing water, and by controlling relative humidity (keep relative humidity between 30
and 60%; see American Society of Heating Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE)
Standard 55-1992 or latest publication; see Appendix 3 for ASHRAE contact information).
Other problems can be linked to deficiencies in the HVAC system, such as uncalibrated controls,
inoperable equipment, or inadequate maintenance and operating practices (look for indicators such as
torn or overloaded filters, dirty or damaged insulation and inoperable dampers/baffles). These
deficiencies can also make it difficult to provide an adequate volume of outside air to flush contaminants
from the building.
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BAQ Action Plan
Step 3: Continued
After diagnosing specific IAQ problems, seek solutions that will correct or mitigate the problems and
prevent them from recurring. General strategies to correct IAQ problems include:
• Identifying sources, then removing or reducing the source, sealing or covering the source, or modifying
the environment;
• Improving ventilation to provide outside air to occupants and to dilute and/or exhaust pollutants;
• Improving air filtration to clean air from outside and inside the building; and
• Controlling occupant exposure through administrative approaches such as scheduling
contaminant-producing activities during unoccupied periods.
Refer to the Building Air Quality guide, Section 6 and 7, pages 45-104, for a more complete discussion of
strategies to correct IAQ problems. In some cases, full mitigation of a problem may require working with
others outside of the building. For example, if the source of a problem is idling trucks in an adjacent
alley, you may need to educate the drivers about the hazards of unnecessary idling. As you take action to
address the issues identified in Step 2, keep records of your progress so you can refer to them later if
further questions or related issues arise.
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BAQ Action Plan
Maintaining and Improving Your IAQ Baseline:
Step 4: Educate Building Personnel About IAQ Management
Reference: Building Air Quality'. Section 5, "Managing Buildings for Good IAQ: Assign
Responsibilities/Train Staff," Pages 33-34.
Purpose: To identify and educate staff about IAQ issues so that they can become
valuable agents in identifying, preventing, and solving IAQ problems.
Specific Steps:
Identify in-house and contractor
personnel whose functions could
affect IAQ.
Provide training and information for
in-house personnel and
contractors.
Develop a flow of information from
building staff to IAQ Manager.
It is important that building staff are knowledgeable about
IAQ issues. Typically, facility personnel are not trained to
think about IAQ issues as they go about their work, even
though their perspective could be helpful. For example,
staff may observe unsanitary conditions, blocked vents,
evidence of leaks in tenant spaces or other indicators of
potential IAQ problems and fail to recognize their
importance. Educating building personnel about IAQ issues
will allow them to recognize potential problems before they
cause harm.
The Action Plan asks that you identify in-house and
contractor personnel whose functions could affect IAQ,
such as pest control contractors, housekeeping personnel
and HVAC maintenance staff. It is important to create,
keep, and update a list of these personnel so the information can be used and referred to in the future.
The list will also help to identify who might benefit from IAQ training. Another way to help identify
which staff could benefit from IAQ training is by completing Steps 2 and 3, Establishing an IAQ
Baseline. The findings from Steps 2 and 3 will help the IAQ Manager identify areas where improvement
can be accomplished through additional training or information.
The Action Plan asks that you provide IAQ training or information to building staff and contractor
personnel whose responsibilities could affect your building's IAQ. Both informal, in-house information
sharing and formal training courses are beneficial. You can choose the methods that are most effective:
structured training courses and materials, distribution of IAQ information and fact sheets to staff,
informal discussions, seminars, or self-training materials. However, it is required through the
Occupational Safety and Health Administration's (OSHA) Hazard Communication Standard (29 CFR
1910.1200) that you inform and train staff who use hazardous chemicals, even if infrequently, about the
health effects of the chemicals they use in their duties, how to read, understand and follow label
instructions and Material Safety Data Sheets, and what to do in case of emergency.
Descriptions of EPA developed training courses are located in Appendix 2. The EPA Regional IAQ
coordinators can help you locate EPA-sponsored training courses in your area Please refer to Appendix
3 for a listing of the EPA Regional IAQ Coordinators contact information.
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BAQ Action Plan
Step 5: Develop and Implement a Plan for Facility Operations and Maintenance
Reference: Building Air Quality: Section 5, "Managing Buildings for Good IAQ:
Facility Operation and Maintenance," Pages 34-36; also Appendix B,
"HVAC Systems and Indoor Air Quality," Pages 123-137.
Purpose: To maintain and operate your building to prevent IAQ problems.
IAQ can be affected both by the quality of maintenance and by the materials and procedures used in
operating and maintaining the building's components. Keeping IAQ in mind when you plan for
operations and maintenance is a good way to prevent IAQ problems.
1) HVAC Operations: A building operations
schedule is basically a daily/weekly/monthly
schedule of each individual HVAC component
compiled together in a comprehensive whole.
This allows for cross comparison of different
components schedules and synchronization. It is
imperative that your operations schedule reflect
the actual use of your building, ensuring that the
HVAC system is providing ventilation during all
periods of significant occupancy. It is important
that this schedule be written and comprehensive,
so that there is a "one-stop" reference that is
complete, easily updated and accessible to all
who need it.
HVAC Operations Specific Steps:
0 Operate the HVAC system during
periods of significant activity and confirm
that written operating schedules reflect
this.
0 Operate the HVAC system with as much
outside air as practical prior to
occupants' arrival.
• Economizers and energy recovery
systems, when properly used, can
reduce energy costs while
increasing outdoor air supply.
In general, ventilate your building with the
maximum volume of outside air that is practical,
taking into account your HVAC system capacity and current climatic conditions-refer to the latest
publication of ASHRAE Standard 62 for the current 'best practice' in HVAC system design (see
Appendix 3 for ASHRAE contact information).
Economizer operations can reduce cooling costs while increasing outdoor air ventilation. However,
malfunctioning economizer controls have been known to cause IAQ problems, such as dampers stuck in
the closed position. Make sure economizer controls are frequently maintained and recalibrated, especially
if you use enthalpy controls (ones that take into account both temperature and relative humidity).
Exercise care to ensure that on/off set points are adjusted to avoid indoor relative humidity problems.
Enthalpy controls can give the highest energy savings as well as help prevent the potential for excess
moisture to be delivered into the building, which is especially important in areas of the U.S. where humid
conditions are prevalent. However, the ASHRAE Standard 90.1 User's Manual recommends that drybulb
(temperature only) controllers be used in dry and mild climates (e.g., southwestern U.S.) because they are
less expensive, require less maintenance and are more reliable than enthalpy sensors (ASHRAE/IES
Standard 90.1-1989, User's Manual; see Appendix 3 for ASHRAE contact information).
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BAQ Action Plan
Step 5: Continued
Energy recovery systems may make it feasible to increase outdoor air ventilation rates during temperature
extremes. The hotter the outside air, the more energy heat recovery saves. The same is true on the heating
side, but only to a point - make sure not to freeze the moisture in the outgoing air stream. Any time you
would normally use 100% outside air, turn the heat recovery off.
Finally, before building occupants arrive for the day, schedule the introduction of as much outside air as
practical to dilute pollutants that may have accumulated over night. Flushing can also provide pre-
cooling, or night cooling - another way to contain energy costs. However, make sure that the amount of
outside air used is consistent with the proper function
of the HVAC equipment (e.g., coil freezing during
extreme cold) and maintaining recommended relative
humidity levels (30-60%, ASHRAE Standard 55-1992
or latest publication; see Appendix 3 for ASHRAE
contact information).
0
0
2) Housekeeping: Inadequate housekeeping can cause
IAQ problems - keep your building clean. Also,
cleaning materials themselves may be pollutant
sources that produce odors and emit a variety of
chemicals. Select cleaning methods that are effective
for the given need. Read product labels and Material
Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) on all cleaning products
in use in your building. Remember, your
housekeeping staff will be the most highly exposed to
the chemicals in your cleaning products. Buy products
with the least adverse impact on human health.
It is important that the housekeeping staff, whether
they are in-house staffer contractors, be trained on
how your housekeeping procedures and products may
affect IAQ. In fact, OSHA's Hazard Communication
Standard (29 CFR 1910.1200) requires employers to explain the labels and MSDSs of all hazardous
chemicals used, even infrequently, by an employee, and to train those employees in how to protect
themselves from emergencies.
Other issues regarding housekeeping that are important to maintaining and improving your building's
IAQ include: having written procedures; knowing what equipment and products are used in your
building; and purchasing safer products.
Housekeeping Specific Steps:
Prepare and follow written housekeeping
procedures thatdetailthe proper use,
storage and purchase of cleaning materials.
Be aware of the housekeeping products and
equipment used in your building, particularly
those that are potential irritants or have other
IAQ impacts.
Purchase the safest available housekeeping
products that meet your cleaning needs.
Educate housekeeping staff or contractors
about proper use of cleaning materials,
cleaning schedules, purchasing, materials
storage and trash disposal.
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BAQ Action Plan
Step 5: Continued
3) Preventive Maintenance: A written preventive
maintenance program is an effective tool for
improving IAQ. The plan should include
monitoring, inspecting and cleaning HVAC
components such as outside air intakes, outside
air dampers, air filters, drain pans, heating and
cooling coils, the interior of air handling units,
fan motors and belts, air humidification, controls
and cooling towers. Pages 34-36 of the Building
Air Quality guide contain general information on
maintenance activities while pages 123-137 detail
specific HVAC components, their role in IAQ,
and instructions for preventive maintenance.
The frequency of maintenance activities may vary
from building to building. It is important that you
develop a maintenance schedule based on the
needs of your equipment and building. However,
your schedule should ensure that all equipment is
in good, sanitary condition and is operating as
close to design set points as possible.
4) Unscheduled Maintenance: When unscheduled
maintenance events (e.g., equipment failures)
require the prolonged deactivation or
modification of building HVAC equipment,
maintenance personnel should be instructed to
immediately notify the IAQ Manager. The IAQ
Manager should review the situation carefully and
provide recommendations to maintenance and
administrative personnel on how to proceed
without compromising the building's IAQ. The
IAQ Manager should also communicate with
building occupants and tenants to inform them
how their air quality is being protected.
Preventive Maintenance SpecificSteps:
0 Develop and follow a preventive maintenance
plan that includes maintenance schedules.
Activities in the plan should include:
• Inspect outside airdampers for nearby
sources of contamination,
• Ensure that air dampers are clear of
obstruction and operating properly,
• Regularly replace or clean air filters,
• Clean and inspectdrain pans,
• Inspect and clean heating and cooling
coils,
• Inspect and clean, as warranted, the
interbr of airhandling units,
• Inspect fan motors and belts,
• Regularly inspect and clean air
humidification equipment and controls,
• Inspect, clean and treat cooling towers,
and
• Inspect and clean, as needed, air
distribution pathways and variable air
volume (VAV) boxes.
0 Update your maintenance plan when
equipment is added, removed or replaced.
Unscheduled Maintenance Specific Steps:
Immediately notify the IAQ Manager.
Ensure that the building's IAQ is not
compromised.
Notify tena nts a nd/o r occ upa nts h ow th eir air
quality is being protected.
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BAQ Action Plan
Step 6: Manage Processes with Potentially Significant Pollutant Sources, Including
Remodeling and Renovation, Painting, Pest Control, Shipping and Receiving,
and Smoking.
Reference: Building Air Qualify: Section 5, "Managing Buildings for Good IAQ,"
Pages 37-41.
Purpose: To control potential contaminant sources within a building during special
activities.
Indoor contaminants can be drawn in from outside or can originate within a building. If contaminant
sources are not controlled, IAQ problems can arise, even if the HVAC system is well-maintained and
running properly. Step 6 involves managing
some of the major sources of indoor pollutants
in your building, including: 1) remodeling and
Specific Steps:
0
0
Request information from product suppliers on
contaminant emissions.
Discuss IAQ concerns with architects, engineers
and contractors.
Remodeling and Renovation:
0
Use and/or require contractors to follow the
special procedures described in Building Air
Quality, pages 40 and 99, to minimize
contaminants and odors during buildouts.
Painting:
0
Minimize exposure to paintvapors through the use
of low-emitting products, scheduling or ventilation.
renovation; 2) painting; 3) pest control; 4)
shipping and receiving; and 5) smoking.
1) Unless remodeling and renovation are
planned with IAQ in mind, these activities can
create indoor air quality problems by emitting
dust, odors, microorganisms and their spores,
and VOCs. Take steps to prevent IAQ problems
by isolating work areas. These steps include:
•Ensuring that the IAQ Manager reviews the
designs and construction activities for all
proposed remodeling or renovation activities
prior to their initiation (see Step 7, page 17, for
communication responsibility oftenants and the
IAQ manager regarding remodeling projects),
•Scheduling work during periods of low
occupancy,
•Isolate work areas by blocking return vents in the work area and/or installing temporary barriers,
•Pressurizing spaces that adjoin the workspace in order to prevent transportation of pollutants,
•Using specialized cleaning procedures (e.g., HEPA vacuums),
•Changing filters more frequently, especially after work is completed,
•Minimizing emissions from materials processes (e.g., wet sanding dry wall), and
•Buying safer products (e.g., formaldehyde-free cabinetry).
2) Painting of interior spaces can also produce irritating or harmful vapors. Methods to prevent problems
include using low VOC-emitting paint (now commercially available — ask your product supplier),
performing work during periods of low occupancy and arranging ventilation to isolate work areas.
Page 15
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BAQ Action Plan
Step 6: Continued
Use Integrated Pest Management to the extent
possible:
0
3) Pest Control: Pest control methods often depend on the use of pesticides, whose storage, application,
and handling can have serious health effects if label instructions are not followed. Chemical pesticides
must be dealt with carefully to avoid indoor air quality problems. For example, mixing of pesticides
should occur either outdoors or under a
mixing hood specifically designed for
pesticide mixing. One way to minimize the
risk of IAQ problems from pest control is
Integrated Pest Management (IPM) which
emphasizes the use of non-chemical pest
management practices wherever practical.
The EPA brochure, "Pest Control in the
School Environment: Adopting Integrated
Pest Management," (EPA# 735F93012) may
provide useful information on PM
practices. You can obtain this document
through the National Center for
Environmental Publications and Information
(NCEPI) by calling 1-800-490-9198.
0
Know what pest control products are used in
your building.
Prepare written pest contract procedures that
detail the proper purchase, use, mixing,
storage and disposal of pesticides according
to label directbns.
0 Use non-chemical pest control strategies
where possible.
0 Purchase the safest available pest control
products that meet your needs.
Shipping and Receiving:
0 Take steps to prevent vehicle exhaust from
entering your building.
Smoking:
0
Institute a smoking policy that prohibits
smoking or provides direct exhaust and
adequate ventilation to areas where smoking
is permitted. Refer to the latest publication
of ASHRAE Standard 62 (see Appendix 3 for
ASHRAE contact information) and the EPA
Brochure, "What You Can Do About
Secondhand Smoke."
4) Shipping and receiving areas have the
potential to create indoor air quality
problems regardless of the types of materials
being handled. Provide adequate ventilation
for activities or materials that produce odors,
dust or contaminants. Also, building
managers should take steps to ensure that
vehicle exhaust from loading docks does not
enter the building. For a typical vehicle area
that is predominantly open to the
atmosphere, you can prevent engine exhaust
from migrating into surrounding building
areas by maintaining the rooms surrounding
loading docks under substantial positive
pressure (relative to the vehicle areas). Alternatively, for vehicle areas that are predominantly enclosed,
you could maintain the vehicle area at a substantial negative pressure (relative to the surrounding
building areas). In either case, this task is made easier through the use of vestibules or air locks.
5) Environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) can be a source of irritation and is known to cause cancer.
Establishing a smoking policy that protects occupants and visitors from exposure to ETS is essential to
maintaining good IAQ in your building. To accomplish this, you should institute a smoking policy that
prohibits smoking or restricts smoking to areas that are separately ventilated, maintained under negative
pressure and directly exhausted to the outside. Refer to the latest publication of ASHRAE Standard 62
(see Appendix 3) and the EPA Brochure, "What You Can Do About Secondhand Smoke."
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BAQ Action Plan
Maintaining cooperative relations with tenants and occupants:
Step 7: Communicate with Tenants/Occupants About Their Role in Maintaining Good
IAQ
Reference: Building Air Quality'. Section 3, "Effective Communication," Page 13-17;
also, Building Air Quality: Section 5, "Managing Buildings for Good IAQ:
Occupant Relations," Page 40.
Purpose: To open communication lines between building owners and
tenants/occupants so that tenants/occupants can become part of the
solution to IAQ problems.
Specific Steps:
Inform tenants and occupants about building
conditions and policies that may have a
significant adverse IAQ impact.
Notify tenants and occupants when major
renovation, remodeling, maintenance or pest
control activities are planned.
Early and frequent communication with
occupants is important both to prevent IAQ
problems from occurring and to secure their
cooperation when solving existing problems. It
is important for building occupants to
understand that their activities can create indoor
air quality problems and that their cooperation is
critical for maintaining good IAQ in their
building. To help educate building
occupants/tenants about the effect of their
actions on IAQ, the EPA has published a
publication entitled, "An Office Building
Occupants' Guide to Indoor Air Quality." It
explains the roles and responsibilities of both building occupants and owners/managers and can be freely
copied. We recommend that you make this publication available to all tenants/occupants. Contact the
EPA's IAQ Information Clearinghouse (1-800-438-4318) or visit EPA's World Wide Web site
(www.epa.gov/iaq/pubs/occupgd.html) to obtain a copy.
Building management is responsible for notifying building tenants, and, where applicable, building
occupants, about building conditions, policies, or activities, such as unscheduled maintenance events,
that may have a significant adverse IAQ impact. Building occupants and/or tenants are responsible for
notifying the IAQ manager when activities are planned that could affect the building's IAQ (e.g.,
construction or other pollutant releasing activities) and promptly bringing unusual conditions to the
attention of the IAQ manager. An example of this communication comes when tenants are planning
construction, remodeling or renovation activities; the IAQ Manager should be made aware of these plans
in order to review them with the whole building's IAQ in mind. Both parties should use chemicals and
materials in accordance with their label instructions and MSD sheets.
Page 17
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BAQ Action Plan
Step 8: Establish Procedures for Responding to IAQ Complaints
Reference: Building Air Qualify: Section 3, "Effective Communication: Establish a
System for Responding to Complaints," Pages 13-17.
Purpose: To ensure adequate and timely response to occupant complaints and to
prevent small complaints from becoming major health or comfort
problems.
Occupant complaints about IAQ may be vague
or specific, but they should always be taken
seriously and investigated fully. In many cases,
the IAQ Manager may be first alerted to
potential IAQ problems by occupants.
Establishing procedures for responding to and
resolving complaints will ensure that all
complaints are handled in a consistent and fair
manner. If building occupants know that they
will get a response, they will be more likely to
provide prompt, helpful input about building
conditions.
Examples of complaint forms, incident log
forms, occupant interview forms and occupant
diary forms can be found in the Building Air
Quality guide on pages 181 through 187.
Specific Steps:
Prepare and follow clear procedures for
recording and responding to IAQ
complaints, including:
• Logging entries into your existing
work-order system,
• Collecting information from the
complainant,
• Ensuring the confidentiality of
information and records obtained
from complainants,
• Determining the response capability
of in-house staff,
• Identifying appropriate outside
sources of assistance,
• Applying remedial actbn,
• Providing feedback to the
complainant, and
• Following-up to ensure that
remedial action has been effective.
Inform building staff of these procedures.
Inform building occupants and/or tenants
of these procedures and periodically
remind them how to locate responsible
staff and where to obtain complaint
forms.
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BAQ Action Plan
Record keeping
One important element underlying the actions described in this guidance is the development and
maintenance of a comprehensive, easy-to-use record keeping system. In fact, the Action Plan contains
many activities regarding the availability and location of records. The IAQ Manager may want to
designate a file cabinet, bookshelves, or notebooks to store information on the IAQ program, including
steps taken to complete the Action Plan Alternatively, the IAQ Manager may wish to develop a single
list of all pertinent IAQ records and their locations. These records will be a valuable tool to help the IAQ
Manager coordinate day-to-day IAQ activities as well as respond efficiently and effectively to IAQ
problems. These records will also serve as documentation of program implementation.
Checklist
To assist building management in verifying implementation of the Action Plan, EPA provides a
Checklist. The Checklist is designed to highlight the guidance presented in Building Air Quality: A Guide
for Building Owners and Facility Managers and closely matches the recommendations contained in the
eight steps described here in the BAQ Action Plan. Answering these questions will help you determine
whether you have taken all of the steps EPA recommends to implement good IAQ management practices
or whether additional actions should be taken to bring your building up to the level described in the
guidance. As you address the issues discussed in the Checklist, keep records of your progress so you can
refer to them later if questions or related issues arise.
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Building Air Quality Action Plan
Verification Checklist
Page 1 of 6
STEP 1: DESIGNATE AN IAQ MANAGER
(1) An IAQ Manager has been designated.
Name:
Title:
(2) The IAQ Manager has been educated on the contents of Building Air Quality: A Guide
for Building Owners and Facility Managers by reading it carefully and possibly receiving
NotesL
For Guidance, refer to:
Building Air Quality, Page 33
Some training courses and materials are
listed in Appendix 2 of this publication,
Paae 28
STEP 2: DEVELOP AN IAQ PROFILE OF YOUR BUILDING
1. Identify and Review Existing Records
(3) Up-to-date manufacturers' operating instructions and maintenance records for HVAC
system comrjonents have been reviewed and filed.
(4) Up-to-date schedules and procedures for facility operations and maintenance have been
reviewed and filed
(5) HVAC "as built" blueprints have been updated to indicate current HVAC configuration
anH flloH
(6) Drawings of tenant build-out and interior building renovations have been updated and
(7) Information on major space use changes (e.g., office space to kitchen or laboratory,
sianificant increases or decreases in occupant density) has been undated and filed.
(8) The HVAC system was designed to deliver
into CFM of outside air per occupant.
(9) The HVAC system is actually delivering _
CFM of outside air per occupant.
CFM of outside air which translates
CFM of outside air which translates into
(10) A review of occupant thermal comfort complaints and indoor temperature and relative
humidity readings indicates that current peak heating and cooling loads do not exceed
HVAC system capacity.
(11) Information on pressure relationships between areas and/or zones within the building
has been examined, updated, and filed.
(12) The building's most recent test and balancing report has been filed. Date of report:
(13) Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) for products used in the building are requested
from suppliers and kept on file.
(14) Documentation of HVAC control system set points and ranges has been reviewed and
(15) The building records (items #3-14) listed above are revised as needed, particularly at the
conclusion of any renovation/construction activities.
For Guidance, refer to:
Building Air Quality, Pages 19-22
Building Air Quality, Page 21 (note-box)
Building Air Quality, Page 21
Building Air Quality, Page 21
Building Air Quality, Page 21
Building Air Quality, Page 22
Building Air Quality, Pages 8, 136, and
137
Building Air Quality, Pages 8, 136-7 and
Ventilation Worksheet, Pages 169 and
179 (to be used in conjunction with
Zone/Room Record Form, Page 177)
Building Air Quality, Page 122
Building Air Quality, Pages 8-10 and
Pollutant Pathway Record Form, Pages
169 and 175
Building Air Quality, Pages 21 and 123
Building Air Quality, Pages 28, 35, and
39; 29 CFR 1910.1200 Hazardous
Communication Standard, OSHA
Building Air Quality, Pages 21 (text-box)
Building Air Quality, Pages 21-22
VERIFICATION CHECKLIST
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Building Air Quality Action Plan
Verification Checklist
Page 2 of 6
STEP 2: DEVELOP AN IAQ PROFILE OF YOUR BUILDING (continued)
2. Conduct a Walkthrough to Assess the Current IAQ Situation
(16) A building walkthrough inspection has been conducted, including both occupied areas
and mechanical rooms.
(17) During the walkthrough, a pollutant/source inventory has been completed.
During the walkthrough, IAQ problem indicators have been checked for and noted on a
floor plan or comparable drawing, including:
(18) -Odors
(19) • Dirty or unsanitary conditions
(20) • Visible fungal growth or moldy odors
(21) • Evident moisture in inappropriate locations (e.g., moisture on walls, floors, or
(22) • Staining or discoloration of building material(s)
(23) • Smoke damage
(24) • Presence of hazardous substances
(25) • Potential for soil gas entry (e.g., cracks or holes in building surfaces adiacent to
(26) • Unusual noises from light fixtures or eguipment
(27) • Poorly-maintained filters
(28) • Uneven temperatures
(29) • Overcrowding
(30) • Personal air cleaners (e.g., ozone generators, portable filtration units) or fans
(31) • Inadeguate ventilation
(32) • Inadeguate exhaust air flow
(33) • Blocked vents
(34) • Other conditions that could impact IAQ, especially risk factors that need regular
inspection to prevent IAQ problems from occurring (e.g., drain pans that do not fully
drain).
The condition and operations of the HVAC system have been inspected, including:
(35) • Components that need to be repaired, adjusted, cleaned, or replaced have been
and work orders prepared.
(36) • Actual control settings and operating schedules for each air handling unit have been
recorded and filed, and checked against the design intent.
(37) Areas with significant sources of contaminants (e.g., copy rooms, food service areas,
printing/photographic areas) are provided with adequate exhaust. Other sources are
moved as close to exhaust as oossible.
For Guidance, refer to:
Building Air Quality, Pages 22-29
Building Air Quality, Pollutant Source
Inventory Form, Page 26, and Pages
213-219
Building Air Quality, Pages 23-25
Building Air Quality, Pages 23-25
Building Air Quality, Pages 23-25 and
Chemical Inventory Form, Pages 169
and 221
Building Air Quality, Pages 23-25
Notes i.
Dunuiny Mil
Checklist - Long Form, Pages 169 and
Building Air Quality, Pages 23-25
Building Air Quality, Page 25
VERIFICATION CHECKLIST
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Building Air Quality Action Plan
Verification Checklist
Page 3 of 6
STEP 3: ADDRESS EXISTING AND POTENTIAL IAQ PROBLEMS
Identified IAQ problems have either been corrected or steps have been taken to control
them, includinci:
(38) • Source-related IAQ problems
(39) • Ventilation-related IAQ problems.
(40) Weaknesses have been identified and steps taken to prevent them from becoming
Notes;
For Guidance, refer to:
Building Air Quality, Pages 45-108
Building Air Quality, Pages 45-108
Building Air Quality, Pages 45-108
Building Air Quality, Pages 45-108
STEP 4: EDUCATE BUILDING PERSONNEL ABOUT IAQ MANAGEMENT
(41) In-house and contractor personnel whose functions could impact IAQ (e.g.,
housekeeoina staff, maintenance contractors) have been identified.
(42) IAQ training or information has been provided to in-house personnel and contractors -
especially regarding use of hazardous chemicals. Additional training or information is
provided periodically, and plans for continual improvement have been established.
NotesL.
For Guidance, refer to:
Building Air Quality, Pages 23 and
32-34
Building Air Quality, Pages 33-34 and
167; 29 CFR 1910.1200 Hazard
Communication Standard, OSHA.
1. HVAC Operations
(43) Operating schedules for HVAC equipment, ensuring that the HVAC system is operating
durina sianificant occupancy periods, have been written and are undated as needed.
(44) The HVAC operating schedule provides for an adequate flush of the building, with as
much outside air as is feasible, prior to occupants' arrival.
NotesL.
Building Air Quality, Page 34
Building Air Quality, Page 34 and
ASHRAE Standard 62-1989, or latest
publication (see Appendix 3, Paqe 30)
VERIFICATION CHECKLIST
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Building Air Quality Action Plan
Verification Checklist
Page 4 of 6
STEP 5: DEVELOP AND IMPLEMENT A PLAN FOR FACILITY OPERATIONS AND MAINTENAN For Guidance, refer to:
(continued)
2. Housekeeping
(45) All housekeeping equipment and products used in the building are known to the IAQ
Manaaer.
(46) The products used in this building that may produce strong odors, are potential irritants,
or may have other IAQ impacts have been determined and, where possible, have been
replaced bv products without such impacts.
(47) Housekeeping procedures that detail proper use, storage, and purchase of cleaning
materials have been written and are updated as needed.
The housekeeping staff or contractors have been educated about the IAQ implications,
appropriate use, and application of the following to improve IAQ:
(48) • Proper cleaning methods
(49) • Cleaning schedules
(50) • Purchasing
(51) • Proper materials storage and use
(52) • Proper trash disposal.
3. HVAC Preventive Maintenance
(53) A preventive maintenance plan that includes equipment maintenance schedules has
been written or computerized and is followed and updated as needed.
A preventive maintenance plan or contract includes at least the following maintenance
(54) • Outside air intakes (inspected for nearby sources of contaminants)
(55) • Air distribution dampers (cleared of obstruction and operating properly)
(56) • Air filters (pressure drops monitored, replacement or cleaning performed regularly)
(57) • Drain pans (inspected and cleaned to ensure proper drainage)
(58) • Heating and cooling coils (inspected and cleaned)
(59) • Interior of air handling units (inspected and cleaned, as warranted)
(60) • Fan motor and belts (inspected)
(61) • Air humidification and controls (inspected and regularly cleaned)
(62) • Cooling tower (inspected, cleaned, and watertreated according to schedule)
(63) • Air distribution pathways and VAV boxes (inspected and cleaned as needed).
(64) The preventive maintenance plan and operations manuals are updated when equipment
is added, removed, or replaced.
4. Unscheduled Maintenance
(65) Procedures for unscheduled maintenance events (e.g., equipment failure) have been
written and communicated to building staff. They include:
(66) • Building maintenance personnel immediately tell the IAQ Manager that an
maintenance event has occurred.
(67) • Notification to occupants/tenants is provided in a timely manner, addressing how
quality is being protected.
(68) • Necessary remedial action is taken.
Notes:
Building Air Quality, Pages 36-37
See Material Safety Data Sheets
Building Air Quality, Pages 36-37
Building Air Quality, Pages 36-37
••
Building Air Quality, Pages 34, 35, 36,
43, and 121-139
Building Air Quality, Page 36
Building Air Quality, Pages 124-125
Building Air Quality, Pages 125-126
Building Air Quality, Pages 126-128
Building Air Quality , Page 128
Building Air Quality , Page 128
Building Air Quality, Pages 25, 26, 35,
Building Air Quality, Page 130
Building Air Quality, Pages 129-130
Building Air Quality, Page 135
Building Air Quality, Pages 25-26, 36,
123-126, and 130-133
Building Air Quality, Page 35
Building Air Quality, Page 32-35, 67
••
VERIFICATION CHECKLIST
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Building Air Quality Action Plan
Verification Checklist
Page 5 of 6
STEP 6: MANAGE PROCESSES WITH POTENTIAL SIGNIFICANT POLLUTANT SOURCES For Guidance, refer to:
General
(69) When new products are purchased, information on potential indoor air contaminant
emissions is requested from product suppliers.
[Note: Emission information may not be readily available for many products at this time,
however information that is available should be collected. 1
(70) When the services of architects, engineers, contractors, and other professionals are
used, IAQ concerns, such as special exhaust needs, are discussed.
1. Remodeling and Renovation
(71) Special procedures to minimize the generation and migration of contaminants or odors
to occupied areas of the building are used (or required of contractors).
The special procedures used in this building are:
(72) • The IAQ Manager reviews designs and construction activities for all proposed
remodeling and renovation activities prior to their initiation
(73) • Work is scheduled during periods of minimum occupancy
(74) • Ventilation is provided in order to isolate work areas
(75) • Lower-emitting work processes are used (e.g., wet-sanding dry wall)
(76) • Specialized cleaning procedures are used (e.g., use of HEPA vacuums)
(77) • Filters are changed more freguentlv, especially after work is completed
(78) • Emissions from new furnishings are minimized (e.g., buying lower-emitting products,
airing out furnishings before installation, increased amount and duration of
after installation)
(79) • Ventilation and distribution eguipment are protected.
2. Painting
(80) Occupants' exposure to paint vapors is minimized by using low-emitting products,
schedulina work durina periods of minimum occupancy, or increasina ventilation.
3. Pest Control
(81) Integrated Pest Management procedures are used to the extent possible:
(82) • The pest control products being used in the building are known.
(83) • Either by written procedures or contract language, it is ensured that all people who
use pest control products read and follow all label directions for proper use, mixing,
storage and disposal.
(84) • Non-chemical pest control strategies are used where possible.
(85) • The safest available pest control products that meet the building's needs are
or reviewed with pest control contractor.
4. Shipping or Receiving
(86) Vehicle exhaust has been prevented from entering the building (including through air
intakes and building openings) by installing barriers to airflow from loading dock areas
(e.g., doors, curtains, etc.) and using pressurization.
Notes:
Building Air Quality, Page 37
Building Air Quality, Page 40
Building Air Quality, Pages 6,40, and 99
Building Air Quality, Pages 6,40, & 99
Building Air Quality, Pages 6,40, & 99
Building Air Quality, Page 38
Building Air Quality, Page 37
VERIFICATION CHECKLIST
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Building Air Quality Action Plan
Verification Checklist
Page 6 of 6
STEP 6: MANAGE PROCESSES WITH POTENTIAL SIGNIFICANT POLLUTANT SOURCES
(continued)
5. Smoking
(87) A. Smoking is prohibited in all portions of this building, including tenant occupied space.
OR
(88) B. If smoking is permitted in the building, all smoking areas are exhausted directly to the
outside, are maintained under negative pressure relative to adjacent space, and are
with 60 CFM per occupant of make-up air (can be supplied by transfer air).
NotesL.
For Guidance, refer to:
"What You Can Do About Secondhand
Smoke", EPA 1993
ASHRAE Standard 62-1989 (see
Appendix 3, Page 30), and "What You
Do About Secondhand Smoke," EPA
STEP 7: COMMUNICATE APPROPRIATELY WITH TENANTS/OCCUPANTS ABOUT
THEIR ROLE IN MAINTAINING GOOD IAQ
(89) Tenants or occupants are routinely informed about building conditions and policies that
mav impact IAQ (e.g.. practices that attract insects or smoking oolicv clarifications!
(90) Tenants or occupants are notified in advance of major renovation, remodeling,
maintenance or Best control activities.
Notes:
For Guidance, refer to:
Building Air Quality, Pages 14 and 40
Building Air Quality, Page 14
STEP 8: ESTABLISH PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO IAQ COMPLAINTS
Clear procedures for responding to IAQ complaints have been written and are followed,
including:
For Guidance, refer to:
Building Air Quality, Pages 15-17
(91) • Entries such as IAQ problems are logged into the existing work-order system.
(92) • Information is collected from complainants.
(93) • Information and records obtained from complainants are kept confidential.
(94) • The capability of in-house staff to respond to complaints is assessed.
(95) • Appropriate outside sources of assistance are identified.
(96) • Feedback is provided in a timely manner to complainant.
(97) • Remedial actions are taken.
(98) • Remedial actions are followed-up to determine if the action has been effective.
(99) Building staff have been informed of these procedures.
(100) Building occupants and/or tenants have been informed of these procedures and are
periodically reminded of how to locate responsible staff and where to obtain complaint
forms.
Notes!
Building Air Quality, Page 13
Building Air Quality, Page 14
VERIFICATION CHECKLIST
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BAQ Action Plan
Appendix 2
Training Resources
Training for IAQ Managers:
Building Air Quality: An Introduction to Building Air Quality is a four-hour introductory course on
Building Air Quality: A Guide for Building Owners and Facility Managers. It is highly interactive,
introducing the causes of indoor air quality (IAQ) problems, providing suggestions on diagnosing and
mitigating IAQ problems, and showing how to prevent them from occurring in the first place. The course
is specifically designed to meet the training needs of building owners and facility managers. The
instructor's guide, slides and student manual can be purchased through the Department of Commerce,
Technology Administration, National Technology Information Service (NTIS). The order number for the
kit is AVA19188SSOO, and the number for NTIS is 1-703-605-6900 (for two-day "rush" orders only, call
1-800-553-6847). The World Wide Web site for NTIS, www.ntis.gov/ordering, contains other ordering
information, including email and FAX ordering forms and information, but you cannot order directly at
their web-site. Please note that this document is not listed in their web-accessed, searchable database.
Other Available EPA Training:
Orientation to Indoor Air Quality (OIAQ) is an overview course that addresses the needs of personnel
who are working to resolve indoor air pollution problems. It provides information about indoor air
pollution sources and their health effects; how buildings operate; what guidelines are available to identify
indoor air quality hazard levels (and their limitations) and, recommended approaches to indoor quality
problem prevention, diagnosis and mitigation and prevention for residential, commercial and institutional
buildings. Check with the EPA Regional IAQ coordinators (Appendix 3) to determine whether this
training course is being presented in your area. The Orientation to Indoor Air Quality (OIAQ) course is
available for purchase from the NTIS. The order number for the OIAQ Instructor Kit is AVA19276SSOO.
To obtain additional copies of the OIAQ Student Manual (in units of 10) use order number
AVA19277BBOO. The toll free number and World Wide Web site for the NTIS is listed above, though,
again, these documents are not listed in their web-accessed database.
Basic IAQ Hands On Measurements and Diagnostics: Basic Tools for Evaluating the Indoor Air
Environment is a one-day training course that provides hands-on awareness in IAQ measurements,
instrumentation and the limitations of data interpretation. It is directed toward health and building
professionals with little background in the design and evaluation of non-industrial ventilation systems.
Check with EPA Regional IAQ coordinators (Appendix 3) to determine if this training course is being
offered in your area.
Introduction to Indoor Air Quality is a two-volume home-study course produced under a cooperative
agreement between the National Environmental Health Association, theU. S. Public Health Service and
the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency. Its primary focus is residential indoor air quality. The course
may be purchased for $47.00 through the National Environmental Health Association, 720 South
Colorado Boulevard, #970 South Tower, Denver, Colorado 80246-1925. This document contains nine
lessons with review questions and a final examination. Environmental Health professionals may receive
continuing education credits from the National Environmental Health Association by passing the final
examination with an acceptable score. The second volume contains reference data and useful tools for
practical applications and problem solving.
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BAQ Action Plan
Appendix 3
Useful Contacts
There are many sources of additional information on indoor air quality in office, homes and schools
which provide guidance on healthy indoor environment. To obtain a list of available EPA publications,
see www.epa.gov/iaq/pubs/index.html
The Building Air Quality Action Plan, Building Air Quality: A Guide for Building Owners and Facility
Managers and An Office Building Occupants' Guide to Indoor Air Quality, plus many other EPA
documents, may be downloaded from:
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Indoor Air Quality Home Page on the
World Wide Web:
http://www.epa.gov/iaq
Copies of the Building Air Quality Action Plan and otherNIOSH documents are available from:
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
1-800-35-NIOSH (1-800-356-4674)
Education and Information Division
Publications Dissemination
4676 Columbia Parkway
Cincinnati, OH 45226-1988
Fax Number: (513)533-8573
E-mail: pubstaft@niosdt1 .em.cdc.gov
To receive other information about occupational safety and health problems, call:
1-800-35-NIOSH (1-800-356-4674)
or visit the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health World Wide Web Home Page at:
http://www.cdc.gov/niosh
Page 29
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BAQ Action Plan
Appendix 3: continued
Useful Contacts
International Facility Management Association
IFMA is the professional association for facility management with approximately 15,500
members in 126 chapters worldwide. The organization spots trends, conducts
research, provides educational programs and assists facility managers worldwide in
developing strategies to manage the human, facility and real estate assets of an
organization.
International Facility Management Association
1 E. Greenway Plaza, Suite 1100
Houston, TX 77046-0194
1-713-623-4362
http://www.ifma.org
American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers
(ASHRAE):
ASHRAE/IES Standard 90.1 (1989) Energy Efficient Design of New Buildings Except Low-Rise
Residential Buildings; and ASHRAE 90.1 i-1993, "Addenda to ASHRAE 90.1-1989" (1993)
ASHRAE Standard 62 (1989) Ventilation for Acceptable Indoor Air Quality
ASHRAE Standard 55 (1992) Thermal Environmental Conditions for Human Occupancy
ASHRAE Guideline 1 (1989) Guideline for the Commissioning of HVAC Systems
Available from:
ASHRAE
(404) 636-8400
Publications Sales Department
1791 Tullie Circle NE
Atlanta, GA 30329
FAX (404) 321-5478
www.ashrae.org
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Appendix 3: continued
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Regional Offices
Region 1
Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts,
New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont
J.F. Kennedy Federal Bldg. (CRT)
Boston, MA 02203-2211
Indoor Air Contact - Mary Beth Sm uts
(617)565-3232
Fax #(617)565-4940
Region 2
New York, New Jersey, Puerto Rico,
Virgin Islands
290 Broadway, 28th Floor (R2DEPDIV)
New York, NY 10007-1866
Indoor Air Contact - Larainne Koehler
(212)637-4005
Fax #(212)637-4942
Region 3
Delaware, District Of Columbia, Maryland,
Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia
1650 Arch Street
Philadelphia, PA 19103-2029
Indoor Air Contacts -
Fran Dougherty
Cristina Schulingkamp
(877)352-5999
Fax #(215)566-2134
Region 4
Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky,
Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina,
Tennessee
61 Forsyth St, SW
Atlanta, GA 30303-3104
Indoor Air Program Manager - Henry Slack
(404)562-9143
Fax #(404)562-9095
Region 5
Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio,
Wisconsin
77 West Jackson Boulevard (AE-17J)
Chicago, IL 60604-3590
IndoorAir Contact- Sheila Batka
(312)886-6053
Fax# (312)353-8289
Region 6
Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma,
Texas
1445 Ross Avenue (6PD-T)
Dallas, TX 75202-2733
Indoor AirContact - Michael Miller
(214)665-7550
Fax #(214)665-6762
Region 7
Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska
726 Minnesota Avenue (ART/ARBR-RAID)
Kansas City, KS 66101
IndoorAir Contact - Michael Marshall
(913)551-7604
Fax #(913)551-7065
Region 8
Colorado, Montana, North Dakota,
South Dakota, Wyoming, Utah
999 18th Street, Suite 500 (8P2-TX)
Denver, CO 80202-2466
Indoor AirContact - Megan Williams
(303)312-6431
Fax #(303)312-6044
Region 9
Arizona, California, Guam, Hawaii, Nevada
75 Hawthorne Street (Air-6)
San Francisco, CA 94105
Indoor Air Contact - Barbara Spark
(415)744-1132
Fax #(415)744-1073
Region 10
Alaska, Idaho, Oregon, Washington
1200 Sixth Avenue (OAQ-107)
Seattle, WA 98101-9797
Indoor Air Contact - Brooke Madrone
(206)553-2589
Fax# (206)553-0110
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