As we watch the final patches of snow melt away and feel the temperatures rising, we can’t forget Springtime’s faithful companion: pollen! Spring and Fall tend to bring in more calls regarding Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) testing, as the symptoms caused by the increase in outdoor allergens are similar to those indicative of poor IAQ inside buildings. Among other things, a well-designed and implemented IAQ Management Program can help distinguish between building-related health issues and the natural cycle of allergens we get to enjoy in the Northeast.
In our 45 years of health and safety experience, we’ve seen first-hand the benefits that these types of programs can have, but none is more prominent than the reduction of internal IAQ concerns. With the ability to also provide earlier identification of building disrepair; reduction in costs associated with unplanned renovations like water damage restoration, mold remediation, and asbestos abatement; informed and efficient budgeting and project planning; improved occupant comfort and rapport; and even improved cognitive performance, an IAQ Management Program can be an invaluable aid for any organization.
We recommend that the program incorporates the components of OSHA’s Safety and Health Program Management Guidelines—one of the most practical guidance documents we feel OSHA has published as it provides the fundamentals for managing just about any program. By integrating the IAQ and Management fundamentals we’ve come up with the following list of components that should be included in your IAQ Management Program.
- Procedures for reporting, documenting, and responding to IAQ issues
- Methods for developing IAQ awareness among staff
- Training schedules for building maintenance personnel
Inspection protocols to guide and document building system inspections
- Policies for baseline monitoring, periodic monitoring, and monitoring during construction
- Pre-renovation procedures
- Acquisition due diligence procedure
- Documentation of construction/renovation projects
- Periodic program evaluation and improvement
A program like this might not be something that you can build overnight. What you can do rather quickly, however, is evaluate where you currently stand. You might find that you already do some or many of these things—even if informally. Regardless, a quick evaluation to identify your opportunities for improvement will set you on the right track and you’ll soon find your IAQ Management Program to be a well-oiled machine.
