Indoor Air Quality Good indoor air quality will enhance the health and comfort condition of the people who live or work within a given building. Failure to respond to indoor air quality issues may result in the following:
- Recurring health problems.
- Increased absenteeism resulting in reduced workplace productivity.
- Damage to surrounding furnishings and the premature failing of electrical items.
- Increased tension between staff, management and/or maintenance personnel.
Clearwater’s typical Indoor Air Quality Assessment will consist of the following: - Measurement of thermal comfort, which incorporates air temperature, relative humidity, and air velocities within the occupied areas. These are compared with established acceptable levels.
- Carbon dioxide levels within the working environment which would give an indication as to whether the fresh air rate supplied is in sufficient quantity to remove unpleasant odours and other internally generated pollutants.
- Noxious gases such as carbon monoxide, ozone and formaldehyde.
- Measurement of airborne particulate levels within the workplace. Comparison with acceptable levels and between various locations within the same building.
- Airborne bacteria and fungal contamination levels within the office areas. These are compared to recognised guidelines within CIBSE TM26:2000. The data also helps to locate the source of the problem.
 Clearwater’s ’spot check’ assessment, longer term or indoor air quality monitoring programmes can be used to confirm that the ventilation plant is being maintained at an acceptable hygienic and mechanical standard as well as ensuring that the building complies with current legislation.
Legislation / References: - Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992.
- General Ventilation in the Workplace HS (G) 202.
- How to deal with Sick Building Syndrome HSG 132.
- BSRIA building-related Sickness. Technical note TN 2/2002.
- CIBSE TM26 : 2000 Hygienic Maintenance of office ventilation ductwork.
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