University of Minnesota, Duluth
OP-5: Indoor Air Quality

A 5-step process is used to identify and address indoor air quality concerns. The following is taken from the UMD INDOOR AIR QUALITY (IAQ) RESPONSE PROCESS (MARCH 2010) 1. Occupant identifies IAQ concern. Information about the situation is collected and is referred to Facilities Management at x8262 or by email. 2.The FM IAQ Coordinator will: * Gather details from the occupant. * E-mail concern to IAQ Team and designate the IAQ Team Leader for the project. * Determine need for immediate response by DEHS or Facilities Management which may include a site visit and/or work order for appropriate personnel to evaluate the ventilation system. 3.In a worker’s compensation or disabilities case, the UReturn Coordinator will compile information on the scope of IAQ investigation and testing that may be needed. The coordinator will assure HIPPA compliance with survey questionnaires. The UReturn Coordinator will: * Contact the occupant as soon as possible and meet to fill out the Occupant Interview Form. * Encourage occupant to complete the work-related Employee Incident Report at http://www.d.umn.edu/umdhr/WorkComp, as required by University policy and filed with Cathy Rackliffe in UMD Human Resources, 255 DAdB. * Request that the EHS IAQ Specialist complete a Pollutant & Source Inventory Form. * Based on initial medical screening and site visit information, work with the EHS IAQ Specialist to determine the timing and scope of any environmental testing and further investigation needed. 4. If the problem is not readily identified: * The FM IAQ Coordinator will initiate a work order for Facilities Management ventilation specialists to complete a UMD HVAC IAQ Quick Form, HVAC Short Form or Long Form. * IAQ Team Leader will distribute IAQ Diary Forms to concerned occupants. * IAQ Team Leader will arrange a meeting(s) for the IAQ Team to analyze all information obtained on case to date and, if possible, develop an action plan. * IAQ Team Leader will notify Human Resources, appropriate Department Head, supervisor and occupant and all concerned parties of action plan. * EHS IAQ Specialist will complete and test a Hypothesis Form. * If physical problems are identified, FM IAQ Coordinator will bring scope to appropriate FM management to determine course of action and report findings to team. 5. If problem still not identified, set IAQ process in motion: * IAQ Team Leader will gather team to further analyze additional information. * The IAQ Team will determine whether case is an IAQ problem. If more information is needed, decision will be made whether to perform additional in-house testing or to hire an outside consultant. * IAQ Team Leader will notify and update Human Resources, Department head, supervisor and occupant(s). * IAQ Team Leader will follow up on corrective actions to ensure they have been effective.