Duke University
OP-3: Indoor Air Quality

Duke’s Occupation & Environmental Safety Office, Division of Occupational Hygiene and Safety is responsible for monitoring and responding to indoor air quality concerns across campus and the health system. This office coordinates the programs for evaluating, controlling, or eliminating both health and safety hazards in the workplace. They respond to IAQ concerns and mobilize to address emergent events that may result in a decrement in air quality such as building flooding, construction activites, etc. Excerpt from OESO Standard Operating Procedures - Phase 1 investigations are the initial step in evaluating whether a reported IAQ concern is significantly affecting the health of the occupants in the area. In the majority of cases, IAQ evaluations will be resolved in this phase. Process Step 1 – Initiation: When contacted about an IAQ problem, the complainant is referred to http://www.safety.duke.edu/OHS/IAQ.htm for self help. This page links the complainant to information and other resources, including the appropriate maintenance dept. In the case that self-help does not work or is not considered suitable, the complainant may choose to request an investigation through the link to TMS. Step 2 – Scheduling of investigation. Upon receipt of the TMS work request, OESO will assign staff (and copy the appropriate territory person) to conduct the initial investigation. The assigned staff member will schedule the investigation directly with the area supervisor. Step 3 – Investigation – the surveyor will visit the area, conduct an initial investigation consisting of basic measurements and observations to ascertain the cause of concern. OESO's investigation procedure provides guidance on what to look for and also serves as documentation of the visit.