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Air Quality Survey

Poor indoor air quality contributes towards poor performance of all building occupants causing lost time, loss of focus and reduced productivity.

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On the other hand, good indoor air quality in your building improves the overall experience of the visitors and occupants in whatever activity they are engaged, contributing towards a more productive working environment.

 

Occupants may not be aware of poor indoor air quality but may indeed be suffering the consequences.

 

Some of the symptoms that may be associated with poor indoor air quality are:

  • Tiredness

  • Lack of Concentration

  • Headache

  • Dizziness

  • Nausea

  • Irritation to eyes, nose or throat.

 

Unpleasant Odours associated with poor air quality can affect morale and have a negative impact on visitors.

 

It should be noted that symptoms are often subjective or nonspecific and may therefore not have been reported to building management by the occupants.

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A recent review of over 500 investigations by the USA Department of Labour indicated that the main reasons for poor indoor air quality within buildings are:

  • 52%     Poor ventilation

  • 16%     Contamination within the building

  • 10%     Contamination outside of the building

  • 5%       Microbial Contamination

  • 4%       Contamination from the fabric of the building

  • 13%     Unknown

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Forsspac recommends that buildings should be tested at least once per year for indoor air quality. However, given that building conditions can change relatively quickly it may be prudent to conduct an air quality test every 6 months.

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Forsspac Air Quality Survey

The Forsspac standard air quality survey covers the following activities:

  • Fresh air ventilation rate

  • Temperature

  • Humidity

  • Air flow distribution

  • Air make (Check for harmful gas levels: CO2, CO, NO1, Radon, VOC's)

  • Visual inspection of the building, ducting and plant rooms

  • Visual inspection of building air inlets and outlets

 

The above activities address most of the known factors that contribute to poor indoor air quality.

 

Having carried out the Forsspac standard indoor air quality survey a report will be issued that summaries the findings and sets out recommendations for remedial actions.

 

Should the occupants of the building complain about on-going symptoms post remedial action then it would be advisable to ask Forsspac to conduct two further surveys:

  • Air sampling to capture evidence of organic (microbial or molds/fungal) contamination

  • Air sampling to capture evidence of non-organic (dust, fibres, etc.) contamination

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