Development of an indoor air quality checklist for risk assessment of indoor air pollutants by semiquantitative score in nonindustrial workplaces

Abstract

BackgroundTo meet the current diversified health needs in workplaces, especially in nonindustrial workplaces in developing countries, an indoor air quality (IAQ) component of a participatory occupational safety and health survey should be included.ObjectivesThe purpose of this study was to evaluate and suggest a multidisciplinary, integrated IAQ checklist for evaluating the health risk of building occupants. This IAQ checklist proposed to support employers, workers, and assessors in understanding a wide range of important elements in the indoor air environment to promote awareness in nonindustrial workplaces.MethodsThe general structure of and specific items in the IAQ checklist were discussed in a focus group meeting with IAQ assessors based upon the result of a literature review, previous industrial code of practice, and previous interviews with company employers and workers.ResultsFor practicality and validity, several sessions were held to elicit the opinions of company members, and, as a result, modifications were made. The newly developed IAQ checklist was finally formulated, consisting of seven core areas, nine technical areas, and 71 essential items. Each item was linked to a suitable section in the Industry Code of Practice on Indoor Air Quality published by the Department of Occupational Safety and Health.ConclusionCombined usage of an IAQ checklist with the information from the Industry Code of Practice on Indoor Air Quality would provide easily comprehensible information and practical support. Intervention and evaluation studies using this newly developed IAQ checklist will clarify the effectiveness of a new approach in evaluating the risk of indoor air pollutants in the workplace.

Analysis of indoor air pollutants checklist using environmetric technique for health risk assessment of sick building complaint in nonindustrial workplace

“…These factors are mainly due to poor response and maintenance by building owners/facilities managers, who are not making the health and safety of their occupants their main priority. This is supported by previous studies that showed poor response of facilities managers to IAQ, only responding once a problem had occurred 3,8,45. Therefore, a proactive and enhancement program is needed for owners/managers to understand the concept of IAQ and the effect of poor building management.…”

“…The spatial element of the data represents the condition of the building and is a major indicator for the IAQ analysis condition, ie, could predetermine IAQ-related symptoms in buildings. To evaluate the cluster, the data was computed to produce an index score as described by Syazwan 3,8…”

“…Insufficient evaluation by the previous owner of building usage and cleanliness leads to the high scoring of pollutants and complaints from occupants due to the health risk threat when working inside. Renovation also creates a possible link between health risk and comfort,3,8 which suggests that work permits and hazard identification prior to renovation or activities that pose a health risk should be conducted by OSH professionals. Another aspect influencing the HC group classification in VF1 was the intake of “fresh air.” Limited understanding of the IAQ and air handling unit (AHU) as the main source of fresh and clean air can lead to them being the major source of pollutants 38,39.…”

“…Congestion, high traffic, and poor positive pressure from inside the building can lead to the outdoor air being introduced into the indoor environment. VF2 shows moderate/weak loading on ventilation blockage, which is described as keeping the indoor air intact with no outdoor air seeping in 3,8,41. Outdoor air pollutants can seep into the indoor environment, as suggested by an epidemiologic study regarding IAQ in public transport 49…”

“…The new multidimensional IAQ checklist that was formulated consists of seven core areas, nine technical areas, and 71 essential items 8. In addition to the technical areas covered from the previous ICOP checklist, several new areas were suggested to improve the IAQ checklist.…”