IAQ Manager
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Indoor air quality management is best facilitated when one individual is given overall responsibility for IAQ.  North Dakota State University has designated the Office of Safety and Environmental Health as the location for the IAQ Coordinator for all North Dakota State University buildings.  His/her responsibilities will include:

Coordinating staff IAQ training.
Maintain North Dakota State University's IAQ occupant concern reporting and response system.
Investigate employee IAQ concerns.
Facilitate effective communicate with employees staff and other affected persons about building activities, and responsibilities for IAQ.

The following procedures assist the IAQ Coordinator to accomplish her/his responsibilities:

Determine if IAQ Concern is an Emergency

Emergencies are situations in which a limited time is available to avert or deal with serious health problems or property damage. Examples include:

Hazardous material spills
Flooding on porous materials
Gray water (e.g., sewer) spills
Gas leak
Sudden onset of headaches, dizziness, drowsiness, nausea, and/or combustion odors (could be carbon monoxide poisoning)
Widespread breathing difficulties, chest tightness, or respiratory irritation (potential serious infectious or allergenic agent)
Diagnosed Legionnaires disease or tuberculosis

If deemed an emergency - take actions according to North Dakota State University policies. 

Note: In emergency situations the focus is to deal with the situation creating the hazardous conditions first, including getting people out of harm’s way.  Suggested actions include.

Immediately notify and seek assistance from an appropriate authority (e.g. health department, hazardous waste office, fire department, gas utility etc.)
Evacuate the area if needed
Obtain medical assistance
Ventilate affected areas with large quantities of outdoor air using temporary fans if necessary
Inform building occupants of problem, what is being done, and maintain clear communications

IAQ Coordinator Response to IAQ Concern(s)

In accordance with North Dakota State University Standard Operating Procedure (SOP), IAQ Coordinators involvement will include conducting an initial response when your office receives of one or more completed "IAQ Concern Form(s)", Supervisor Initial Response Form and Supervisor Questionnaire.  If informed of an IAQ concern by some other means (unless it is an emergency), please ask that they follow North Dakota State UniversityIAQ Standard Operating Procedure (SOP).

Initial Investigation

  1. Determine if IAQ Concern is an Emergency
  2. Read North Dakota State University IAQ Standard Operating Procedure (SOP)
  3. Conduct initial walk-through of area/building and complete IAQ Coordinator Initial Investigation Form
  4. If IAQ Coordinator Initial Investigation Form identifies cause of IAQ concern, initiate corrective action(s) by initiating request for repair or maintenance services and communicate action(s) with employees/occupants
  5. IAQ Coordinator records results of Initial IAQ Investigation and begins Phase I IAQ Investigation if determined appropriate
  6. Maintain file for all records and actions
  7. Communicate actions with employees/occupants.

Phase I IAQ Investigation 

The Phase I IAQ Investigation is a three step process which is completed by, or under the supervision of the North Dakota State University IAQ Coordinator. The steps include:

  1. Interview ALL building/area occupants using the "Employee IAQ Questionnaire"
  2. When completed Employee IAQ Questionnaire(s)are returned, complete "Questionnaire Evaluation Form" 
  3. Complete IAQ Hypothesis Form using Diagnosis Information and completed "Questionnaire Evaluation  Form" 
  4. Conduct additional walk-through inspection of the building/area as if warranted by completed  IAQ Hypothesis Form
  5. If completed  IAQ Hypothesis Form identifies cause of IAQ concern, initiate corrective action(s) by initiating request for repair or maintenance services and communicate action(s) with employees/occupants
  6. IAQ Coordinator records results of Phase I IAQ Investigation and begins Phase II and or Phase III IAQ Investigation if determined appropriate
  7. Maintain file for all records and actions
  8. Communicate actions with employees/occupants.

 

Phase II IAQ Investigation

During a Phase II IAQ Investigation, common indoor air quality parameters including temperature, humidity, carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide levels may be measured.   North Dakota State University may seek outside assistance to conduct these activities.

The most commonly cited quantitative measurements of indoor air quality are provided by ASHRAE, American Society of Heating and Air Conditioning Engineers, as presented in standard 62-1989. 

 

Phase III IAQ Investigation

A Phase III IAQ Investigation is performed when a definitive cause for the symptoms cannot be determined from previous investigations. Phase III IAQ Investigations consist of extensive and more specific monitoring and sampling for chemical and /or microbial contaminants in accordance with Building Air Quality – A guide for Building Owners and Facility Managers methodologies, standard and customary industrial hygiene practices and NIOSH and OSHA sampling and analytical procedures.  North Dakota State University may seek outside assistance to conduct these activities.

Responding to Information Request Form

Data from Information Request Forms are currently saved to a private file within the website structure.  CLICK HERE to access the form data.  

 

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