Indoor Air Quality - Work Practices ALL EMPLOYEES Safety Regulations and Procedures Practice HAZCOM Know Yourself CUSTODIANS Filters Understand and apply the Hazard Communication (HAZCOM) Standard (see Safety Regulations and Procedures Section S80.60 through S80.64) which addresses hazardous chemicals in the workplace. Consider and advise others around you when you are beginning to use chemicals---they may be sensitive or allergic--- and, besides, it is best to avoid unnecessary exposure even if not sensitive. See S70.21.4 for examples. Understand your own sensitivities to substances or events which may cause ill health and discomfort. Educate those around you as to what sensitivities you have so they can understand and help you keep a healthy work environment. Incorporate the following work practices to promote good IAQ: Check filter condition at least monthly in all systems; replace as needed. Use standard evaluation procedures to evaluate when filters should be changed. High efficiency filters and regular changes are one of the keys to good IAQ. However, replace filters with the same type as being removed unless otherwise instructed. Using a high efficiency filter in place of a standard filter may decrease air flow and create ventilation betters Dusting Wet mop as needed. Dust mop all hard surfaces at least once each day and more frequently as needed. Use a dust suppressant. Be aware that mop oil, sweeping compound, and other such dust suppressants can be irritants to many people. Therefore, strictly follow standard practices that reduce potential irritation such as using a light application in the evening and letting the mop dry overnight. Dust cabinets, shelves, tables, and other surfaces with a damp cloth or dust suppressant to reduce dust in the air. Carpets Vacuum carpets daily. When feasible, shampoo on Friday evenings to avoid having irritating chemicals adversely affect the staff and student body. Page 1 of 6
When feasible, shampoo carpets at least three times per year. Dry carpets as fast as possible (less than 24 hours) by using a second or third vacuuming, using carpet fans, opening windows, and/or keeping the ventilation system on (dampers open) until the carpet is completely dry. Indoor Air Quality - Work Practices In between shampoos, spot clean soiled carpet areas immediately with an approved cleaning agent and bactericide. Dry as fast as possible. Use the minimum amount of carpet shampoo and use a hypoallergenic type without deodorizers. Remove as much of the shampoo as is possible. Ceilings Annually clean ceiling tiles. Advise room occupants prior to the cleaning. Control the dust and vacuum afterwards. Annually clean ceiling ventilation diffusers and grills. Temperature Control Water Damage Respond immediately to room occupant temperature concerns. Evaluate and take corrective action. If the problem can't be remedied that day file a work order or advise the room occupant to submit a Physical and Environmental Hazard Notification Form (see section 70.15.3) and begin using the Employee's Log of IAQ Concerns (see section 70.15.4). The site office manager should have the forms or call Safety Services. Clean the water damaged area and begin the drying process immediately. Take action to accomplish the drying within a 24 hour period. Submit an emergency work order to correct any situation involving water damage. If left uncorrected beyond 24 hours, the damp conditions can promote bacteria and mold growth. Bacteria and mold can cause disease and mold is a common allergen for many people. MAINTENANCE Planned Maintenance Establish and make known schedules to inspect, clean, and maintain the HVAC components to reduce pollutants, optimize air quality and ventilation flow, and maintain temperature control. Components include: Supply intake areas Filters Heating and cooling coils Page 2 of 6
Duct systems Diffusers and grills Notice of HVAC System Startup Provide employees a one week written notice when the heating and, or air conditioning systems will be activated for the first time in a new season. Activate these systems on a holiday weekend or late on Fridays to allow a good flushing of air, dust, moisture, etc. Air Exchange Outside Air Mixed Air Temperature Sensors Carbon Dioxide/IAQ Sensors Temperature Set Points After work hours ensure HVAC system remains on long enough to achieve a thorough air exchange (flushing). Use carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) and, or IAQ sensors to monitor and achieve ambient outside levels. During the cooling season, air flush buildings without air conditioning early in the morning (e.g., 5 AM) and monitor to switch over to recirculated air when the outside air temperature equals the inside air temperature. This will keep the building cooler longer. Optimize outside air ventilation to achieve at least 15 cfm per person or higher in special use areas (e.g., gyms, art rooms, and professional/technical areas). Use to optimize outside air ventilation. Use to monitor for adequate ventilation and pollutant reduction. Set to function within the following ranges: Winter: 68 to 72 degrees Summer 73 to 77 degrees Thermostat dead bands active. Set moderate range of two or three degrees. Active Exhaust Systems TEACHERS / STAFF Activities and locations that involve frequent use of hazardous chemicals or hazardous particles should be provided active ventilation and exhaust systems. The exhaust systems could take the form of ceiling exhaust, tool exhaust, and/or hooded exhaust systems. Specific examples include chemical storage areas, chemical mixing areas, kiln rooms, solvent stations, copier rooms, photochemical use areas, sanding and sawing areas, and combustion engine exhaust areas. Teachers and staff should incorporate the following work practices to promote good indoor air quality: Page 3 of 6
Open windows and, or doors five minutes each hour to increase fresh air flow and air exchange. However, remember your sensitivities as the air which enters through the window is not filtered and may contain dust, pollen, etc. Maintain good housekeeping practices to reduce the amount of dust, pollen, and other particulate irritants that build up on horizontal surfaces such as books, papers, artwork, and etc. Keep room clutter to a minimum. This will help the custodian vacuum, dust, and clean more thoroughly. Use cabinets that have doors for storage. Keep access to chalkboards open so custodians can clean thoroughly. Page 4 of 6
Indoor Air Quality - Work Practices Safety Regulations and Procedures Temperature Control Contact your custodian for training and tools to adjust your thermostat. Set thermostats as follows to maintain consistency in the building: Winter: 68-72 degrees Summer: 73-77 degrees Keep thermostat area clear and uncluttered. Keep vents and diffusers clear and uncluttered. Do not permit students to access or adjust thermostats. Start cooling your room early during hot weather...once you get behind you will not recover the comfort zone until late evening. Consider your co-workers and students in other rooms before you adjust a thermostat with multi-room affects. Use layered clothing. This is especially important during seasonal temperature extremes. It is during these extreme conditions that the mechanical systems are under the greatest stress and are limited by original design specifications and construction peculiarities. Drink plenty of water to keep hydrated...you'll feel better. Be aware that medications and coffee affect your response to room temperatures. Remember, others may not feel uncomfortable. Fans have an excellent cooling affect up to at least 81 degrees. Keep your desk away from drafts. Ground floors are usually cooler. During winter, keep your feet and legs warm to help your body feel warmer. PURCHASING (All Departments) Many products used today have chemical ingredients that are irritating or cause allergic reactions. To help eliminate or reduce such chemicals in our buildings. Develop purchasing protocols that promote health. Practice this protocol in daily activities as Page 5 of 6
well as in new construction, renovations, remodeling, or redecorating. Examples include: Indoor Air Quality - Work Practices Eliminate or reduce use of deodorizers. Avoid purchasing chemicals that contain deodorizers. Buy and use hypoallergenic products, if available. Buy and use chemicals or materials with low emission characteristics (i.e., low volatility). Eliminate or reduce use of carpet and fabric wall coverings. These frequently off-gas chemicals and are applied using chemical adhesives. They may also collect dust, pollen, etc. Purchase air filters that provide maximum filtration and are compatible with the mechanical systems so as to not reduce air flow. Page 6 of 6