An excerpt
from Guidelines for Good Indoor Air Quality in Office Premises (1996) by
Ministry of the Environment, explains how air quality can be better by maintaining
the design and construction of the office buildings. On top of the existing air conditioning, mechanical
ventilation system should be designed to reduce air pollution. Building
materials should not produce any chemicals that will contaminate the air.
Installations should be constructed in a way that reduces the risk of leakage.
The outdoor air intakes should not be surrounded by sources of air pollution. Windows
should be within reach so that cleaning can be done effectively. During
construction, only professionals should examine the area. Building should be
constructed such that contaminants would not enter. Air ducts should be accessible
for inspection and cleaning. Outdoor and indoor air should be filtered to
remove pollutants.
Thesis: While, the excerpt provides essential details on
what could be done to improve good air indoor quality, it fails to discuss more
elaborate about the heating ventilation system, health problems of the building
workers and educating workers to play their part to improve the air quality.
Firstly, the author(guideline) should have stated on how
heating ventilation air conditioning (HVAC) system helps to maintain good air
quality such as layout of space and pollutant source management. This system
plays great importance in spreading and removing the pollutants. Also HVAC has
to deliver enough air to workers situated places. This was stated under
“Ventilation system design” (An Office Building Occupants Guide 1997) book.
Secondly, concerning with the health effects, workers with
illness should be taken care of carefully as they can get affected easily by
harmful pollutants. It is a must to control the moisture and humidity levels.
Dirt and moisture can cause bacteria to grow. The humidity level should not be
too high or too low as they would spread pollutants that cause dry eyes and
sinus discomfort. There should be no smoking inside the building to prevent
spread of toxins. This was mentioned in the IAQ consultant website.
Lastly, educating building staffs to do their part. The
workers could help to prevent blocking the air vents and grilles as it would
help in the balance of HVAC system. Clearing the rubbish regularly and store
food to prevent smell and pests. In my opinion staffs should be well-trained to
have the ready mindset so they would know how to solve the air quality problems.
This was explained in the EPA guidelines under “Things Everyone in the Building
Can Do”.
In conclusion, though the excerpt explains about the design
and construction to improve air quality it does not emphasis the other significant
reasons behind the poor air quality. In order to have a good indoor air
quality, a good working relationship with building management, keeping a record
of health issues of the workers needed. Moreover IAQ should be checked and
solved using the given guidelines so as to provide a conducive indoor working
environment. Most importantly green mark certification should be attained to
have safer and healthier environment.
References
Environmental Research and Public Health (2018). Assessment of
Indoor Air Quality Problems in Office-Like Environments: Role of Occupational
Health Services.
United States Environmental Protection Agency.(October
1997). An Office Building Occupant's Guide to Indoor Air Quality
IAQ Consultants. How to Achieve Good
Indoor Air Quality for Your Workplace.
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