Building Air Quality

A Building Air Quality Action Plan

Recently the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Indoor Environment Division completed its latest document titled, A Building Air Quality Action Plan (EPA publication number 402-K-98-001). According to the EPA, the Action Plan has drawn on years of experiences of EPA research and the National Institute of Occupation Safety and Health (NIOSH) in investigating and correcting indoor air quality (IAQ) problems in commercial buildings.

Although many articles regarding indoor air quality and case studies of specific occurrences have been written, very little information has been directed specifically to owners and managers of commercial properties. And these are the people who are in the best position to prevent or resolve indoor air quality problems.

The Action Plan is developed as a management tool for the building owner or manager. In addition, it allows those who are managing a building to have a step-by-step process to follow to improve IAQ. The Action Plan includes a checklist which details how to handle many IAQ problems. In addition, EPA representatives suggest that this plan will provide a layer of liability protection because it is a consensus document that is endorsed by EPA, NIOSH, and a host of leading indoor air quality organizations.

The Building Air Quality Action Plan (BAQ Action Plan) asks you to perform the following steps:
1 - Designate an IAQ manager.
2 - Develop an IAQ profile of your building.
3 - Address existing and potential problems.
4 - Educate building personnel about IAQ.
5 - Develop and implement an IAQ plan for operations and. maintenance
6 - Manage potential pollutant sources (remodeling, pest control, smoking, etc.).
7 - Advise occupants about their role in maintaining good IAQ.
8 - Establish procedures for responding to IAQ complaints.

Those of you who have already implemented a pro-active program in your buildings are well on your way to completing the EPA's Action Plan.

[DISCLAIMER: The term "building air quality" used in the EPA's Action Plan is a coincidence. It in no way endorses our company, its processes, or opinions. Building Air Quality's staff was involved in the preliminary review process for the US EPA.]

If you have questions or would like more information about implementing the remainder of the program on your properties, please contact us at IAQSolutions@baq1.com.