How Can You Protect Workers from IAQ Risks?

OSHA recommends a management approach to IAQ problems—the same systematic means that you might use to address other safety and health issues. The elements are familiar:

• Management commitment
• Training
• Employee involvement
• Hazard identification and control
• Program audits

According to OSHA, "Management needs to be receptive to potential concerns and complaints and train workers on how to identify and report air quality concerns." If employees have issues, it's the job of leaders to assess the situation and take corrective action.
Building owners and managers should develop and implement an IAQ management plan to address, prevent, and resolve problems. EPA recommends selecting an IAQ coordinator and policies, assessing the current status of indoor air quality through periodic inspections, performing necessary repairs and upgrades, and implementing follow-up assessments or other needed steps.
If you lease space, you should become familiar with the building management’s strategy for resolving IAQ problems. It's important to know whom to contact in buildings where there is mixed use and pollutants may come from a variety of sources. Leases should specify IAQ performance criteria, such as specific rates of ventilation.

OSHA recommends a team approach to solving problems and building consensus around indoor air. An IAQ team should include building occupants, administrative staff, facility operators, maintenance staff, healthcare staff, contract service providers, and other interested individuals.

Control Methods

There are four primary methods of reducing indoor air pollutants.

1. Source management. This is considered the most effective. It involves the removal, substitution, and enclosure of sources. An example is installing low-volatile organic compound (VOC) carpets. Another is establishing temporary barriers to contain pollutants during construction.
2. Engineering controls. An example is a local exhaust system such as a canopy hood that removes sources of pollutants before they can be dispersed into a building's indoor air. A well-designed and functioning HVAC system controls temperature and humidity levels.
3. Administrative controls. These are management activities that keep employees from IAQ hazards. Among these is scheduling work to eliminate or reduce the amount of time an employee is exposed. For example, maintenance or cleaning should be scheduled when fewer building occupants are present.
4. Good housekeeping. Keeping the workplace clean can also help. Recommended practices include using mat systems that prevent dirt from entering the environment, disposing of garbage promptly, storing food properly, and choosing cleaning products that minimize pollutants.