Thames Valley Indoor Air Quality Policy
 

The Thames Valley District School Board of London, Ontario approved a new Indoor Air Quality Investigative Procedure effective June, 2000. The procedure is available as a downloadable ".pdf" file through the primary reference listed below. Some of the key components of the sub-procedure for handling indoor are quality concerns are listed below as an example.


1.1 Air quality complaints are to be reported directly and immediately to the principal or building manager. A record is to be kept of each complaint listing persons name, location within the building, symptoms, plus medical information such as known allergies or sensitivities.

2.1 Prior to air quality concerns being forwarded to the Safety Department, the Principal/Building Manager should have determined the scope of the concern. The concern(s) will be classified as follows:
- Individual
- Localized - Room or Quad
- Zonal - Floor, Corridor, air handling zone
- Building
- Community
(The text of the policy details specific responsibilities for response to each of these classifications.)

2.2 The Principal/Building Manager with the Charge Custodian should also determine whether the ventilation system is working, filters have been changed and that there are no outstanding work orders.

2.3 The Principal/Building Manager and the Charge Custodian will ensure that occupancy standards are being met. Rooms are designed with a specific airflow to accommodate their occupancy. Science/Art and Technology areas require a greater airflow than general occupancy rooms.

2.4 Not only is the number of occupants important, it is important that the occupants are empathetic to the allergies and sensitivities of others. The Principal/Building Manager and Charge Custodian should also ensure that lighting and nosie levels are comfortable.

The effect of individual lifestyles and conditions on the workplace should not be taken for granted. We have established through past surveys that approximately 30% of those responding have allergic conditions. Many of these allergies are to substances which may be used in personal hygiene products, medications and food stuffs. It is important when attempting to accommodate allergic conditions that we are sensitive to the rights of the non-allergic occupancy.

2.5 The Principal/Building Manager and Charge Custodian will check to ensure that Regulatory, Board and Housekeeping Standards are being maintained (see list in source).

2.6 If the concern remains unresolved after it has been confirmed that there are no outstanding requests for service on the ventilation system, filters are being changed and Occupancy Standards are being enforced, the Principal/Building Manager will notify the Health and Safety Department and Facility Services for assistance.

2.7 If it has been determined by the Principal/Building Manager that a significant portion of the population has air quality concerns, the Air Quality Survey (Staff) and Validation may be issued to provide guidance for continuation of the investigation.

Illustration:
  Record #68, revised 1/10/2001


 

Related Topics (click for further information)

 

Related Case Studies

Primary Sources

1. Investigative Procedure for Indoor Air Quality

 

Related Resources


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