Indoor Air Quality
Resolution of indoor air concerns is an art and a science requiring the
expertise of qualified, experienced and observant individuals. The
investigative process is never a routine sampling procedure, and every case
must be treated individually. OHC has assembled a team of experts to address
IAQ issues. The team consists of a Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH),
Architect (RA), mechanical engineer, and senior industrial hygienists with a
combined experienced of 62 years in indoor air quality investigation and
resolution.
OHC believes that the best approach to IAQ is a strong preventive measure
program. We have developed a training program, utilizing the EPA "tools
for schools" list and our own slide presentation, to train school
officials and maintenance personnel on preventive measures. The program can
be tailored to your county by taking pictures of your own county facilities.
This program has been very successful among school boards to properly
maintain school buildings and foresee potential problems. This program,
accompanied by a site visit to each school to identify potential problems,
has virtually eliminated IAQ problems in schools.
OHC has conducted extensive investigation for several school boards in
Florida including; Hillsborough, Manatee, Polk, Citrus and SCREMP. We have
learned from experience, especially in the very sensitive school
environment, that the best approach, is a very expedient response and
constant communication with parents and teachers to ease their fears and
gain their confidence. OHC has been involved in several highly publicized
IAQ surveys such as Prine Elementary, Pinellas County Courthouse, and
Inverness Middle School. Each of these projects gained extensive media
coverage on TV and newspaper. OHC was responsible for addressing the media,
parents and teachers and has been able to satisfy their concerns, and
sometimes hysteria, by acting in a professional and responsive manner,
listening to their complaints, and reacting accordingly. On many occasions,
OHC has been successful in the prevention of such occurrences by foreseeing
potential problems and reacting accordingly. OHC has also represented our
clients in litigation cases involving IAQ as expert witness.
Based on our field experience, technical background, and professional
seminars, OHC developed a logical approach for the investigation and
resolution of IAQ issues. The approach involves a thorough interview
process, inspection of mechanical systems and examination of building
envelope. Mr. Rizk has extensive experience in the evaluation of symptoms to
narrow down a common factor and determine the cause. He has been involved
with numerous types of IAQ problems, especially those caused by biological
agents involving fungus/mold, bacteria, Legionella, dust mites and animal
dander. A complete building investigation consists of the following items:
Administrative Staff Interview
Conduct meeting with the administrative staff involved in this study to
obtain as much information as possible about the history of the ailment
and the building. The interview informs our staff of the type of
management involved, their attitude and relationship toward their
employees and of any labor, union, or management disputes which may affect
our investigation.
Employee Interview
Based on experience we have found that one-on-one interviews are the most
effective type. Standard questionnaires are sometimes misleading and
impersonal. Asking the right questions reveal valuable information on the
history of the ailment and symptoms. On many occasions, from this
information we can narrow down whether the problem is caused by physical,
chemical or biological agents.
Understanding the Building
At this time we have a good understanding of the building occupants,
managerial staff and the indoor air complaint, the next step is to gain a
thorough understanding of the building structure and mechanical system.
This usually is a combined effort between the CIH, building maintenance,
and in many cases the mechanical engineer. OHC personnel will walk through
the facility to identify building products, or equipment, which may
release airborne contaminations, new construction and visually inspect the
mechanical system including the housing and fresh air intake. Some smoke
tubes are used at this time to examine airflow through the building. OHC
used the dräeger, non irritant type, smoke tubes. One of the engineers
will be involved in this phase.
Sampling Protocol
At this time the CIH has a good understanding of the building and its
occupants. The building is then divided into a problem area and a control
area, where no complaints are detected. The control area will serve as our
standard for comparative sampling in addition to the outside air
environment. OHC will then design a sampling protocol based on the
information collected concentrating on what we perceive to be the source
of contamination.
As a minimum, OHC will collect the following samples:
- Temperature and Relative Humidity Data
- Carbon Dioxide
- Formaldehyde
- Volatile Organic Compounds
- Airborne Lead
- Biological Agents
- Flammable Atmosphere (Lab Only)
Although some of these samples may not be related to the symptoms
observed, they serve as a good reference for documentation purpose for
future dissemination to county managers and their employees.
At the completion of sampling, OHC will consult with the Manatee County
Government on our findings as of this time and a preliminary
recommendation on how to improve the air quality in this building. No
final decision is made until all test results are available from the
laboratory and evaluated by the CIH. At this time, we will prepare a final
report with full documentation and recommendations. OHC will present the
report in person to the Manatee County Government, explain the findings
and follow-up with building occupants as necessary.
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