BAQ Action Plan

Page 2

An Overview of EPA’s Large Buildings IAQ Management Practices Guidance

Managing a building is a difficult and complex job. There are many competing demands -- health

and safety, building maintenance, housekeeping, and communications with occupants and tenants.

Building owners and managers are under pressure to contain or reduce operating costs and increase

revenues. Such fiscal pressures can easily draw attention and resources away from important elements of

building management such as indoor air quality (IAQ).

Over the past twenty years, indoor air quality has emerged as a major concern for building

owners and managers. As the public recognizes the importance of healthy, comfortable and productive

indoor environments, its awareness and demand for good IAQ increases. People spend about 90 percent

of their time indoors and air within homes and other buildings can be more polluted than the outside air,

even in the largest and most industrialized cities. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) studies

that compare risks of environmental threats to public health consistently rank indoor air pollution

(including secondhand smoke, radon, organic compounds and biological pollutants) among the top five.

Maintaining a healthy and comfortable indoor environment in any building requires integrating

many components of a complex system. Indoor air problems are preventable and solvable and practical

guidance on how to manage your building for good indoor air quality is available. 

The core of EPA’s large buildings IAQ management practices guidance is contained in Building

Air Quality: A Guide for Building Owners and Facility Managers (BAQ), widely recognized as one of

the best references of its type since publication in 1991 (see Appendix 1 for ordering information. This

publication is also available on the World Wide Web at www.epa.gov/iaq/largebldgs/baqtoc.html).

Much of what BAQ recommends you will recognize as common principles of good facility management.

It is organized as a comprehensive reference volume, by subject area. As such, BAQ is extremely useful

in learning the principles of IAQ and how to manage a building for good IAQ. It is also a helpful

resource if problems occur or if more detailed information is needed. However, despite BAQ’s wide

availability, EPA and other organizations continue to learn about indoor air problems that could have

been easily prevented or fixed by implementing good building management practices.

It is worth noting that the guidance emphasizes changing how you operate and maintain your

building, not increasing the amount of work or cost of maintaining your building. Good IAQ does not

have to compete with other building management priorities; in fact, it can enhance some. For example,

the efficiencies gained by keeping your HVAC system clean and better controlled both enhance IAQ and

reduce energy costs.

To promote the use of these straightforward practices to improve IAQ, EPA and other leaders in

the IAQ field developed this 8-step Building Air Quality Action Plan (BAQ Action Plan). This additional

resource meets the needs of building owners and managers who want an easy-to-understand path for

taking their building from current conditions and practices to the successful institutionalization of good

IAQ management practices. The BAQ Action Plan leads you through a logical set of steps to achieve the

goal of better indoor air quality in your building. There is broad agreement that both documents, BAQ

and the BAQ Action Plan, used together, can significantly improve IAQ and reduce the likelihood of IAQ

problems, thus lowering health risks, increasing comfort and productivity, and reducing exposure to

liability from IAQ problems.
BAQ Action Plan

EPA Publication No. 402-K-98-001 DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No. 98-123

DISCLAIMER

This document has been reviewed in accordance with policies at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the National

Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. Information provided is based upon current scientific and technical understanding

of the issues presented. Following the advice given will not necessarily provide complete protection in all situations or against all

health hazards that may be caused by indoor air pollution. Mention of any trade or company names or commercial products does

not constitute endorsement or recommendation for use. This document is in the public domain and may be reproduced either in

part or whole. EPA requests appropriate acknowledgment if the work is reproduced. In the event this EPA work is changed, EPA

requests that the acknowledgment include language about adaptation or revision.

Page 3

In order to use the Building Air Quality Action Plan effectively, one must have a thorough

understanding of the concepts and practice of managing indoor air quality, an understanding that can be

gained from a thorough reading of BAQ. In addition, there is extensive internal referencing in this BAQ

Action Plan to the original BAQ guide, making it helpful and easy to use both documents together.

If you do not currently own a copy of BAQ, please refer to Appendix 1 for ordering information

or visit EPA’s World Wide Web site, at www.epa.gov/iaq/pubs.

The Building Air Quality Action Plan is intended to be used in concert with

the more comprehensive Building Air Quality: A Guide for Building Owners

and Facility Managers (BAQ).

BAQ Action Plan

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Specific Activities:

þ Choose an IAQ Manager to meet crite ria

in the Building Air Quality guide.

þ Educate the IAQ Manager on the

Building Air Quality guide.

þ Have the IAQ Manager implement the

Action Plan using the Checklist as a final

check.

Step 1: Designate an IAQ Manager

Reference: Building Air Quality: Section 5, “Managing Buildings for Good IAQ: Select

an IAQ Manager,” Page 33; also Section 3, “Communicating with Building

Occupants,” Page 13.

Purpose: To designate someone who is responsible for IAQ activities within a

building.

The first step to good IAQ management is to assign

the job of IAQ Manager. The IAQ Manager should

be an employee of the building owner or manager

and may be responsible for indoor air quality in

more than one building. Once designated, the IAQ

Manager will be responsible for implementing the

rest of the Action Plan. The IAQ Manager may

choose to seek assistance from outside contractors or

consultants, but should retain primary responsibility. 

The IAQ Manager coordinates all indoor air quality

activities in the building. Having overall

responsibility makes it easier to manage the

building’s IAQ and keep occupants informed and involved.

An effective IAQ Manager can come from a variety of backgrounds. Indoor air quality is a field that

requires the application of many disciplines to prevent and solve problems, because no single field

encompasses all the needed principles and skills. The person selected could be the facility manager, the

building operating engineer, the health and safety director, or the employee-relations manager. Whatever

the job title, the IAQ manager should be given sufficient authority to make decisions and implement

improvements.

Keep in mind that the IAQ Manager will be working as a “team leader”. Where specific skills are

lacking, another team member may compensate. Nevertheless, it is critical that the IAQ Manager be

familiar with the building’s structure and function and sufficiently conversant with IAQ issues to

communicate effectively with occupants, facility personnel, and the building owner(s).

It is essential that the IAQ Manager be thoroughly familiar with the principles contained in Building Air

Quality: A Guide for Building Owners and Facility Managers (BAQ) (see Appendix 1 for ordering

information. This publication is also available on the World Wide Web at

www.epa.gov/largebldgs/baqtoc.html). Additionally, training may be helpful for both the IAQ Manager

and other staff. Both the EPA and commercial vendors sponsor training on Building Air Quality and IAQ

generally. Descriptions of EPA developed training materials are located in Appendix 2. EPA Regional

Headquarters IAQ coordinators can help you locate EPA-sponsored training in your area. See Appendix

3 for a listing of the EPA Regional IAQ Coordinators contact information.
BAQ Action Plan

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Specific Activities:

þ Identify, review, and familiarize yourself

with construction, operating and other

documents including:

n “As built” blueprints and building

specifications that have been up-dated

to indicate current conditions,

n Up-to-date list of control system setpoints and ranges for all HVAC

equipment, including variable air

volume (VAV) supply terminals and

exhaust systems,

n Up-to-date drawings of tenant

buildouts and interior building

renovations,

n Information on major space use

changes, 

n Up-to-date information on pressure

relationships (see Pollutant Pathway

Form , BAQ, page 175),

n Up-to-date schedules and procedures

for facility operations and

maintenance,

n Up-to-date manufacturers’ operating

instructions and maintenance records

for HVAC system components, and

n If available, historical complaint logs

relating to air quality and comfort (see

Step 8, page 18).

þ Set up procedures to revise the above

records, as needed, but particularly with

any renovation/construction.

þ Request from supp liers and keep on file

Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs)

for products used in the building (see

also 29 CFR 1910.1200 Hazard

Comm unication Standard).

þ Dete rmine qu antity of outs ide air

entering building (see Ventilation

Worksheet, BAQ, page 179).

þ Com pare capacity of HV AC system with

current loads to make sure there are no

shortfalls in the a mount of outs ide air

provided.

Establishing a New IAQ Baseline:

Step 2: Develop an IAQ Profile of Your

Building

Reference: Building Air Quality: Section 4,

“Developing an IAQ Profile,”

Pages 19–29.

Purpose: To gain a comprehensive

understanding of the current

IAQ situation in your building,

including all of the factors that

could influence your building’s

IAQ.

The next step in the process is to document the current

IAQ situation and existing operation and maintenance

practices in your building. The Building Air Quality guide

refers to this step as developing an “IAQ Profile.” The

IAQ Profile describes the features of your building’s

structure, function, and occupancy that impact IAQ.

Completing the IAQ Profile gives you an understanding of

the current status of air quality in your building and

baseline information on the factors that may cause future

problems. If you do not have the information or expertise

to complete a certain part of the IAQ Profile, seek

assistance from other members of your IAQ team, such as

a building engineer or similarly trained professional (see

BAQ, page 20).

The IAQ Profile focuses on: 1) identifying and reviewing

records, such as blueprints and operating instructions; 2)

conducting a walkthrough inspection to document

information on IAQ-related Heating Ventilating and Air

Conditioning (HVAC) practices and conditions, and

possible pollutant sources throughout the building. 

Step 2, Part One: Identify and Review

Existing Records

Building Air Quality: Section 4, “Developing

an IAQ Profile: Collect and Review Existing

Records,” Pages 21–22; also, Ventilation

Worksheet, Zone/Room Record Form and

Pollutant Pathway Form, Pages 175-177.

The first part of developing the IAQ Profile focuses on

identifying and reviewing the documents that should
BAQ Action Plan

Page 8

Building Walkthrough Specific Activities:

þ Conduct a whole-building walkthrough

inspection.

þ During the walkthrough, complete a

pollutant/source inventory (see

Pollutant/Source Inventory Form,

Building Air Quality, pages 213-219).

þ Look for IAQ problem indicators

including odors, dirty or unsanitary

conditions, visib le fungal growth, mold

or mildew, moisture in inappropriate

locations, staining or discoloration of

building materials, smoke damage,

presence of toxic substances,

poorly-maintained filters, potential for

soil gas entry, unusual noises from

equipment, leaks, uneven

temperatures, overcrowding, personal

air cleaning devices (ion generators,

ozone generators or portable filtration

units), personal fans and blocked or redirected vents/diffusers.

þ Take notes on a floor plan during the

walkthrough and identify potential or

existing problems indicating a need for

either close monitoring or corrective

action.

þ Inspect HVAC condition and operations.

n List components that need to be

repaired, adjusted, cleaned or

replaced.

n Record actual control settings and

operating schedules for each air

handling unit.

þ Check to see if significant sources of

contam ination are directly exhausted to

the outside or can be moved close to an

exhaust fan.

Step 2, Part One: Continued

already exist at your building. These documents are

critical to the development and implementation of the

Action Plan. If you find that you cannot locate any of the

documents listed in the “Specific Activities” text box on

page 7, you should try to collect these from outside

sources if at all possible. The original architects,

engineers and/or equipment suppliers may be useful

sources for this information. If you are unable to obtain an

updated set of architectural and HVAC blueprints or the

set points and ranges under which the HVAC system

operates, you should create these documents either inhouse or through an outside contractor. These documents

are integral to efficient and effective diagnosing of IAQ

problems, if they occur. 

Make sure to revise the records mentioned in the text box

on page 7 as needed, but particularly at the conclusion of

any renovation/construction activities.

Step 2, Part Two: Conduct a Walkthrough to

Assess Current IAQ Situation

Building Air Quality: Section 4,

“Developing an IAQ Profile: Conduct a

Walkthrough Inspection of the Building,”

Pages 22–29.

Conducting a building walkthrough inspection helps you

acquire a good overview of occupant activities and

building functions that may impact IAQ. Even if you are

intimately familiar with the operations of your building,

the walkthrough allows you to view your building

specifically with IAQ in mind. You should consider

conducting the walkthrough with other staff familiar with

the building -- additional perspectives may help you

notice problem indicators otherwise missed. If you can

not conduct the walkthrough with others, at least talk to

other building staff both for help in identifying potential

or existing problems as well as to gain feedback on the

cause(s) and solution(s) to any problem(s) you identified.

As you walk through your building, pay careful attention to indicators of possible IAQ problems.

Seemingly inconsequential items could indicate IAQ problems. For example, discolored walls could

indicate mold growth, while fans on occupants’ desks could indicate inadequate ventilation or cooling. A

more detailed list of IAQ problem indicators is included in the “Specific Activities” text box on this

page.
BAQ Action Plan

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General Strategies to Correct IAQ

Problems:

þ Identify sources, then remove or

reduce the source, seal or cover

the source, or modify the

environment.

þ Improve ventilation in order to

provide outside air to occupants

and to dilute and/or exhaust

pollutants.

þ Imp rove air filtration to clean air

from outside and inside the

building.

þ Control occupant exposure to

pollutants through administrative

approaches such as scheduling

contaminant-producing activities

during unoccupied periods.

Step 3: Address Existing and Potential IAQ Problems

Reference: Building Air Quality: Section 6, “Diagnosing IAQ Problems,” Pages

45–79, Section 7, “Mitigating IAQ Problems,” Pages 81–104.

Purpose: To fix or mitigate all existing or potential IAQ problems in order to protect

the health, comfort, and productivity of a building’s occupants and staff.

Using the information from the IAQ Profile, the IAQ

Manager can identify current practices or conditions that

could, or already do, adversely affect indoor air quality.

By correcting these conditions and modifying these

practices, you will establish a good IAQ baseline in your

building.

Some IAQ problems are easy to diagnose, especially

using the knowledge gained from the Building Air

Quality guide and your building’s IAQ Profile. In other

cases, IAQ problems can be very complex, and

diagnosing them may require outside assistance by IAQ

professionals. Such expert resources should be

identified before problems occur so that you are ready to

solve a problem quickly if one should occur.

The flow chart on page 45 of the Building Air Quality

guide shows the general scheme of conducting an IAQ

investigation. It is impossible to prescribe one specific

set of steps that will work for every IAQ problem.

Instead, you should read the Building Air Quality guide,

Section 6, for a general understanding of the many tools

available for an IAQ investigation.

Some IAQ problems are related to uncontrolled pollutant sources. One pollutant source of concern is

biological growth. In order to control or prevent biological contamination, you must address the two

elements essential for biological growth: nutrients and moisture. You can greatly decrease the likelihood

of problems associated with biological growth by preventing, or promptly cleaning up, the buildup of

dirt, dust and standing water, and by controlling relative humidity (keep relative humidity between 30

and 60%; see American Society of Heating Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE)

Standard 55-1992 or latest publication; see Appendix 3 for ASHRAE contact information).

Other problems can be linked to deficiencies in the HVAC system, such as uncalibrated controls,

inoperable equipment, or inadequate maintenance and operating practices (look for indicators such as

torn or overloaded filters, dirty or damaged insulation and inoperable dampers/baffles). These

deficiencies can also make it difficult to provide an adequate volume of outside air to flush contaminants

from the building.
BAQ Action Plan

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Step 3: Continued

After diagnosing specific IAQ problems, seek solutions that will correct or mitigate the problems and

prevent them from recurring. General strategies to correct IAQ problems include: 

C Identifying sources, then removing or reducing the source, sealing or covering the source, or modifying

the environment;

C Improving ventilation to provide outside air to occupants and to dilute and/or exhaust pollutants;

C Improving air filtration to clean air from outside and inside the building; and

C Controlling occupant exposure through administrative approaches such as scheduling

contaminant-producing activities during unoccupied periods. 

Refer to the Building Air Quality guide, Section 6 and 7, pages 45-104, for a more complete discussion of

strategies to correct IAQ problems. In some cases, full mitigation of a problem may require working with

others outside of the building. For example, if the source of a problem is idling trucks in an adjacent

alley, you may need to educate the drivers about the hazards of unnecessary idling. As you take action to

address the issues identified in Step 2, keep records of your progress so you can refer to them later if

further questions or related issues arise.
BAQ Action Plan

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Specific Steps:

þ Identify in-house and contractor

personnel whose functions could

affect IAQ.

þ Provide training and information for

in-house personnel and

contractors.

þ Develop a flow of information from

building staff to IAQ Manager.

Maintaining and Improving Your IAQ Baseline:

Step 4: Educate Building Personnel About IAQ Management

Reference: Building Air Quality: Section 5, “Managing Buildings for Good IAQ: Assign

Responsibilities/Train Staff,” Pages 33–34.

Purpose: To identify and educate staff about IAQ issues so that they can become

valuable agents in identifying, preventing, and solving IAQ problems.

It is important that building staff are knowledgeable about

IAQ issues. Typically, facility personnel are not trained to

think about IAQ issues as they go about their work, even

though their perspective could be helpful. For example,

staff may observe unsanitary conditions, blocked vents,

evidence of leaks in tenant spaces or other indicators of

potential IAQ problems and fail to recognize their

importance. Educating building personnel about IAQ issues

will allow them to recognize potential problems before they

cause harm. 

The Action Plan asks that you identify in-house and

contractor personnel whose functions could affect IAQ,

such as pest control contractors, housekeeping personnel

and HVAC maintenance staff. It is important to create,

keep, and update a list of these personnel so the information can be used and referred to in the future.

The list will also help to identify who might benefit from IAQ training. Another way to help identify

which staff could benefit from IAQ training is by completing Steps 2 and 3, Establishing an IAQ

Baseline. The findings from Steps 2 and 3 will help the IAQ Manager identify areas where improvement

can be accomplished through additional training or information.

The Action Plan asks that you provide IAQ training or information to building staff and contractor

personnel whose responsibilities could affect your building’s IAQ. Both informal, in-house information

sharing and formal training courses are beneficial. You can choose the methods that are most effective:

structured training courses and materials, distribution of IAQ information and fact sheets to staff,

informal discussions, seminars, or self-training materials. However, it is required through the

Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA) Hazard Communication Standard (29 CFR

1910.1200) that you inform and train staff who use hazardous chemicals, even if infrequently, about the

health effects of the chemicals they use in their duties, how to read, understand and follow label

instructions and Material Safety Data Sheets, and what to do in case of emergency.

Descriptions of EPA developed training courses are located in Appendix 2. The EPA Regional IAQ

coordinators can help you locate EPA-sponsored training courses in your area. Please refer to Appendix

3 for a listing of the EPA Regional IAQ Coordinators contact information.
BAQ Action Plan

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HVAC Operations Specific Steps:

þ Operate the HVAC system during

periods of significant activity and confirm

that written operating schedules reflect

this.

þ Operate the HVAC system with as much

outside air as practical prior to

occupants’ arrival.

# Economizers and energy recovery

systems, when properly used, can

reduce en ergy costs while

increasing outdoor air su pply.

Step 5: Develop and Implement a Plan for Facility Operations and Maintenance

Reference: Building Air Quality: Section 5, “Managing Buildings for Good IAQ:

Facility Operation and Maintenance,” Pages 34–36; also Appendix B,

“HVAC Systems and Indoor Air Quality,” Pages 123–137.

Purpose: To maintain and operate your building to prevent IAQ problems.

IAQ can be affected both by the quality of maintenance and by the materials and procedures used in

operating and maintaining the building’s components. Keeping IAQ in mind when you plan for

operations and maintenance is a good way to prevent IAQ problems. 

1) HVAC Operations: A building operations

schedule is basically a daily/weekly/monthly

schedule of each individual HVAC component

compiled together in a comprehensive whole.

This allows for cross comparison of different

components schedules and synchronization. It is

imperative that your operations schedule reflect

the actual use of your building, ensuring that the

HVAC system is providing ventilation during all

periods of significant occupancy. It is important

that this schedule be written and comprehensive,

so that there is a “one-stop” reference that is

complete, easily updated and accessible to all

who need it.

In general, ventilate your building with the

maximum volume of outside air that is practical,

taking into account your HVAC system capacity and current climatic conditions–refer to the latest

publication of ASHRAE Standard 62 for the current ‘best practice’ in HVAC system design (see

Appendix 3 for ASHRAE contact information). 

Economizer operations can reduce cooling costs while increasing outdoor air ventilation. However,

malfunctioning economizer controls have been known to cause IAQ problems, such as dampers stuck in

the closed position. Make sure economizer controls are frequently maintained and recalibrated, especially

if you use enthalpy controls (ones that take into account both temperature and relative humidity).

Exercise care to ensure that on/off set points are adjusted to avoid indoor relative humidity problems.

Enthalpy controls can give the highest energy savings as well as help prevent the potential for excess

moisture to be delivered into the building, which is especially important in areas of the U.S. where humid

conditions are prevalent. However, the ASHRAE Standard 90.1 User’s Manual recommends that drybulb

(temperature only) controllers be used in dry and mild climates (e.g., southwestern U.S.) because they are

less expensive, require less maintenance and are more reliable than enthalpy sensors (ASHRAE/IES

Standard 90.1-1989, User’s Manual; see Appendix 3 for ASHRAE contact information).
BAQ Action Plan

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Housekeeping Specific Steps:

þ Prepare and follow written housekeeping

procedures that detail the proper use,

storage and purchase of cleaning materials.

þ Be aware of the housekeeping products and

equipment used in your building, particula rly

those that are potential irritants or have other

IAQ impacts.

þ Purchase the safest available housekeeping

products that meet your cleaning needs.

þ Educate housekeeping staff or contractors

about proper use of cleaning materials,

cleaning s chedules , purchasing, m aterials

storage and trash dispo sal.

Step 5: Continued

Energy recovery systems may make it feasible to increase outdoor air ventilation rates during temperature

extremes. The hotter the outside air, the more energy heat recovery saves. The same is true on the heating

side, but only to a point – make sure not to freeze the moisture in the outgoing air stream. Any time you

would normally use 100% outside air, turn the heat recovery off.

Finally, before building occupants arrive for the day, schedule the introduction of as much outside air as

practical to dilute pollutants that may have accumulated over night. Flushing can also provide precooling, or night cooling – another way to contain energy costs. However, make sure that the amount of

outside air used is consistent with the proper function

of the HVAC equipment (e.g., coil freezing during

extreme cold) and maintaining recommended relative

humidity levels (30-60%, ASHRAE Standard 55-1992

or latest publication; see Appendix 3 for ASHRAE

contact information). 

2) Housekeeping: Inadequate housekeeping can cause

IAQ problems -- keep your building clean. Also,

cleaning materials themselves may be pollutant

sources that produce odors and emit a variety of

chemicals. Select cleaning methods that are effective

for the given need. Read product labels and Material

Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) on all cleaning products

in use in your building. Remember, your

housekeeping staff will be the most highly exposed to

the chemicals in your cleaning products. Buy products

with the least adverse impact on human health.

It is important that the housekeeping staff, whether

they are in-house staff or contractors, be trained on

how your housekeeping procedures and products may

affect IAQ. In fact, OSHA’s Hazard Communication

Standard (29 CFR 1910.1200) requires employers to explain the labels and MSDSs of all hazardous

chemicals used, even infrequently, by an employee, and to train those employees in how to protect

themselves from emergencies. 

Other issues regarding housekeeping that are important to maintaining and improving your building’s

IAQ include: having written procedures; knowing what equipment and products are used in your

building; and purchasing safer products. 
BAQ Action Plan

Page 14

Preventive Maintenance Specific Steps:

þ Develop and follow a preventive maintenance

plan that includes maintenance schedules.

Activities in the plan should include:

n Inspect outside air dampers for nearby

sources of contamination,

n Ensure that air dampers are clear of

obstruction an d ope rating properly,

n Regularly replace or clean air filters,

n Clean and inspect drain pans,

n Inspect and clean heating and cooling

coils,

n Inspect and clean, as warranted, the

interior of air handling units,

n Inspect fan motors and belts,

n Regularly inspect and clea n air

humidification equipment and controls,

n Inspect, clean and treat cooling towers,

and

n Inspect and cle an, as nee ded, air

distrib ution pathways and variable air

volume (VAV) boxes.

þ Update your maintenance plan when

equipment is added, removed or replaced.

Unscheduled Maintenance Specific Steps:

þ Imm ediately notify the IAQ Manag er.

þ Ensure that the building’s IAQ is not

compromised.

þ Notify tenants and/or occupants how their air

quality is being protected.

Step 5: Continued

3) Preventive Maintenance: A written preventive

maintenance program is an effective tool for

improving IAQ. The plan should include

monitoring, inspecting and cleaning HVAC

components such as outside air intakes, outside

air dampers, air filters, drain pans, heating and

cooling coils, the interior of air handling units,

fan motors and belts, air humidification, controls

and cooling towers. Pages 34–36 of the Building

Air Quality guide contain general information on

maintenance activities while pages 123–137 detail

specific HVAC components, their role in IAQ,

and instructions for preventive maintenance.

The frequency of maintenance activities may vary

from building to building. It is important that you

develop a maintenance schedule based on the

needs of your equipment and building. However,

your schedule should ensure that all equipment is

in good, sanitary condition and is operating as

close to design set points as possible.

4) Unscheduled Maintenance: When unscheduled

maintenance events (e.g., equipment failures)

require the prolonged deactivation or

modification of building HVAC equipment,

maintenance personnel should be instructed to

immediately notify the IAQ Manager. The IAQ

Manager should review the situation carefully and

provide recommendations to maintenance and

administrative personnel on how to proceed

without compromising the building’s IAQ. The

IAQ Manager should also communicate with

building occupants and tenants to inform them

how their air quality is being protected.
BAQ Action Plan

Page 15

Specific Steps:

þ Request information from product suppliers on

contaminant emissions.

þ Discuss IAQ concerns with architects, engineers

and contractors.

Remodeling and Renovation:

þ Use and/or require contractors to follow the

special procedures described in Building Air

Quality , pages 40 and 99, to minimize

contaminants and odors during buildouts.

Painting:

þ Minimize exposure to paint vapors through the use

of low-emitting products, scheduling or ventilation.

Step 6: Manage Processes with Potentially Significant Pollutant Sources, Including

Remodeling and Renovation, Painting, Pest Control, Shipping and Receiving,

and Smoking.

Reference: Building Air Quality: Section 5, “Managing Buildings for Good IAQ,”

Pages 37–41.

Purpose: To control potential contaminant sources within a building during special

activities.

Indoor contaminants can be drawn in from outside or can originate within a building. If contaminant

sources are not controlled, IAQ problems can arise, even if the HVAC system is well-maintained and

running properly. Step 6 involves managing

some of the major sources of indoor pollutants

in your building, including: 1) remodeling and

renovation; 2) painting; 3) pest control; 4)

shipping and receiving; and 5) smoking.

1) Unless remodeling and renovation are

planned with IAQ in mind, these activities can

create indoor air quality problems by emitting

dust, odors, microorganisms and their spores,

and VOCs. Take steps to prevent IAQ problems

by isolating work areas. These steps include:

CEnsuring that the IAQ Manager reviews the

designs and construction activities for all

proposed remodeling or renovation activities

prior to their initiation (see Step 7, page 17, for

communication responsibility of tenants and the

IAQ manager regarding remodeling projects),

CScheduling work during periods of low

occupancy, 

CIsolate work areas by blocking return vents in the work area and/or installing temporary barriers, 

CPressurizing spaces that adjoin the work space in order to prevent transportation of pollutants,

CUsing specialized cleaning procedures (e.g., HEPA vacuums),

CChanging filters more frequently, especially after work is completed, 

CMinimizing emissions from materials processes (e.g., wet sanding dry wall), and

CBuying safer products (e.g., formaldehyde-free cabinetry).

2) Painting of interior spaces can also produce irritating or harmful vapors. Methods to prevent problems

include using low VOC-emitting paint (now commercially available -- ask your product supplier),

performing work during periods of low occupancy and arranging ventilation to isolate work areas.
BAQ Action Plan

Page 16

Use Integrated Pest Management to the extent

possible:

þ Know what pest control products are used in

your building.

þ Prepare written pest contract procedures that

detail the proper purchase, use, mixing,

storage and disposal of pesticides according

to label directions.

þ Use non-chemical pest control strategies

where possible.

þ Purchase the safest available pest control

products that meet your needs.

Shipping and Receiving:

þ Take steps to prevent vehicle exhaust from

entering your building.

Smoking:

þ Institute a sm oking policy that prohibits

smoking or provides direct exhaust and

adequate ventilation to areas where smoking

is permitted. Refer to the latest publication

of ASHRAE Standard 62 (see Appendix 3 for

ASHRAE contact information) and the EPA

Brochure, “What You Can Do About

Secondhand Smoke.”

Step 6: Continued

3) Pest Control: Pest control methods often depend on the use of pesticides, whose storage, application,

and handling can have serious health effects if label instructions are not followed. Chemical pesticides

must be dealt with carefully to avoid indoor air quality problems. For example, mixing of pesticides

should occur either outdoors or under a

mixing hood specifically designed for

pesticide mixing. One way to minimize the

risk of IAQ problems from pest control is

Integrated Pest Management (IPM) which

emphasizes the use of non-chemical pest

management practices wherever practical.

The EPA brochure, “Pest Control in the

School Environment: Adopting Integrated

Pest Management,” (EPA# 735F93012) may

provide useful information on IPM

practices. You can obtain this document

through the National Center for

Environmental Publications and Information

(NCEPI) by calling 1-800-490-9198.

4) Shipping and receiving areas have the

potential to create indoor air quality

problems regardless of the types of materials

being handled. Provide adequate ventilation

for activities or materials that produce odors,

dust or contaminants. Also, building

managers should take steps to ensure that

vehicle exhaust from loading docks does not

enter the building. For a typical vehicle area

that is predominantly open to the

atmosphere, you can prevent engine exhaust

from migrating into surrounding building

areas by maintaining the rooms surrounding

loading docks under substantial positive

pressure (relative to the vehicle areas). Alternatively, for vehicle areas that are predominantly enclosed,

you could maintain the vehicle area at a substantial negative pressure (relative to the surrounding

building areas). In either case, this task is made easier through the use of vestibules or air locks.

5) Environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) can be a source of irritation and is known to cause cancer.

Establishing a smoking policy that protects occupants and visitors from exposure to ETS is essential to

maintaining good IAQ in your building. To accomplish this, you should institute a smoking policy that

prohibits smoking or restricts smoking to areas that are separately ventilated, maintained under negative

pressure and directly exhausted to the outside. Refer to the latest publication of ASHRAE Standard 62

(see Appendix 3) and the EPA Brochure, “What You Can Do About Secondhand Smoke.”
BAQ Action Plan

Page 17

Specific Steps:

þ Inform tenants and occupants about building

conditions and policies that may have a

significant adverse IAQ im pact.

þ Notify tenants and occupants when major

renovation, remodeling, maintenance or pest

control activities are planned.

Maintaining cooperative relations with tenants and occupants:

Step 7: Communicate with Tenants/Occupants About Their Role in Maintaining Good

IAQ

Reference: Building Air Quality: Section 3, “Effective Communication,” Page 13-17;

also, Building Air Quality: Section 5, “Managing Buildings for Good IAQ:

Occupant Relations,” Page 40.

Purpose: To open communication lines between building owners and

tenants/occupants so that tenants/occupants can become part of the

solution to IAQ problems.

Early and frequent communication with

occupants is important both to prevent IAQ

problems from occurring and to secure their

cooperation when solving existing problems. It

is important for building occupants to

understand that their activities can create indoor

air quality problems and that their cooperation is

critical for maintaining good IAQ in their

building. To help educate building

occupants/tenants about the effect of their

actions on IAQ, the EPA has published a

publication entitled, “An Office Building

Occupants’ Guide to Indoor Air Quality.” It

explains the roles and responsibilities of both building occupants and owners/managers and can be freely

copied. We recommend that you make this publication available to all tenants/occupants. Contact the

EPA’s IAQ Information Clearinghouse (1-800-438-4318) or visit EPA’s World Wide Web site

(www.epa.gov/iaq/pubs/occupgd.html) to obtain a copy.

Building management is responsible for notifying building tenants, and, where applicable, building

occupants, about building conditions, policies, or activities, such as unscheduled maintenance events,

that may have a significant adverse IAQ impact. Building occupants and/or tenants are responsible for

notifying the IAQ manager when activities are planned that could affect the building’s IAQ (e.g.,

construction or other pollutant releasing activities) and promptly bringing unusual conditions to the

attention of the IAQ manager. An example of this communication comes when tenants are planning

construction, remodeling or renovation activities; the IAQ Manager should be made aware of these plans

in order to review them with the whole building’s IAQ in mind. Both parties should use chemicals and

materials in accordance with their label instructions and MSD sheets.
BAQ Action Plan

Page 18

Specific Steps:

þ Prepare and follow clear procedures for

recording and responding to IAQ

complaints, including:

n Logging entries into your existing

work-order system,

n Collecting information from the

complainant,

n Ensuring the confidentiality of

information and records obtained

from complainants,

n Determ ining the response capability

of in-house staff,

n Identifying appropriate outside

sources of assistance,

n Applying remedial action,

n Providing feedback to the

complainant, and

n Following-up to ensure that

remedial action has been effective.

þ Inform building staff of these procedures.

þ Inform building occupants and/or tenants

of these procedures and periodically

rem ind them how to locate responsible

staff and where to obtain complaint

forms.

Step 8: Establish Procedures for Responding to IAQ Complaints

Reference: Building Air Quality: Section 3, “Effective Communication: Establish a

System for Responding to Complaints,” Pages 13–17.

Purpose: To ensure adequate and timely response to occupant complaints and to

prevent small complaints from becoming major health or comfort

problems.

Occupant complaints about IAQ may be vague

or specific, but they should always be taken

seriously and investigated fully. In many cases,

the IAQ Manager may be first alerted to

potential IAQ problems by occupants.

Establishing procedures for responding to and

resolving complaints will ensure that all

complaints are handled in a consistent and fair

manner. If building occupants know that they

will get a response, they will be more likely to

provide prompt, helpful input about building

conditions.

Examples of complaint forms, incident log

forms, occupant interview forms and occupant

diary forms can be found in the Building Air

Quality guide on pages 181 through 187.
BAQ Action Plan

Page 19

Record keeping

One important element underlying the actions described in this guidance is the development and

maintenance of a comprehensive, easy-to-use record keeping system. In fact, the Action Plan contains

many activities regarding the availability and location of records. The IAQ Manager may want to

designate a file cabinet, bookshelves, or notebooks to store information on the IAQ program, including

steps taken to complete the Action Plan. Alternatively, the IAQ Manager may wish to develop a single

list of all pertinent IAQ records and their locations. These records will be a valuable tool to help the IAQ

Manager coordinate day-to-day IAQ activities as well as respond efficiently and effectively to IAQ

problems. These records will also serve as documentation of program implementation.

Checklist

To assist building management in verifying implementation of the Action Plan, EPA provides a

Checklist. The Checklist is designed to highlight the guidance presented in Building Air Quality: A Guide

for Building Owners and Facility Managers and closely matches the recommendations contained in the

eight steps described here in the BAQ Action Plan. Answering these questions will help you determine

whether you have taken all of the steps EPA recommends to implement good IAQ management practices

or whether additional actions should be taken to bring your building up to the level described in the

guidance. As you address the issues discussed in the Checklist, keep records of your progress so you can

refer to them later if questions or related issues arise.
Page 1 of 6

 Building Air Quality Pilot Intervention Study Building Air Quality Action Plan

 Verification Checklist

STEP 1: DESIGNATE AN IAQ MANAGER For Guidance, refer to:

q (1) An IAQ Manager has been designated. Building Air Quality, Page 33

 Name:

 Title:

q (2) The IAQ Manager has been educated on the contents of Building Air Quality: A Guide 

for Building Owners and Facility Managers by reading it carefully and possibly receiving 

training on the fundamentals of IAQ.

Some training courses and materials are 

listed in Appendix 2 of this publication, 

Page 28

Notes:

STEP 2: DEVELOP AN IAQ PROFILE OF YOUR BUILDING For Guidance, refer to:

1. Identify and Review Existing Records Building Air Quality, Pages 19–22

q (3) Up-to-date manufacturers' operating instructions and maintenance records for HVAC 

system components have been reviewed and filed.

Building Air Quality , Page 21 (note-box)

q (4) Up-to-date schedules and procedures for facility operations and maintenance have been 

reviewed and filed.

Building Air Quality , Page 21

q (5) HVAC “as built” blueprints have been updated to indicate current HVAC configuration 

and filed.

Building Air Quality, Page 21

q (6) Drawings of tenant build-out and interior building renovations have been updated and Building Air Quality , Page 21

q (7) Information on major space use changes (e.g., office space to kitchen or laboratory, 

significant increases or decreases in occupant density) has been updated and filed.

Building Air Quality , Page 22

q (8) The HVAC system was designed to deliver ______ CFM of outside air which translates 

into ______ CFM of outside air per occupant.

Building Air Quality , Pages 8, 136, and 

137

q (9) The HVAC system is actually delivering ______ CFM of outside air which translates into 

______ CFM of outside air per occupant.

Building Air Quality , Pages 8, 136-7 and 

Ventilation Worksheet, Pages 169 and 

179 (to be used in conjunction with 

Zone/Room Record Form, Page 177)

q (10) A review of occupant thermal comfort complaints and indoor temperature and relative 

humidity readings indicates that current peak heating and cooling loads do not exceed 

HVAC system capacity.

Building Air Quality , Page 122

q (11) Information on pressure relationships between areas and/or zones within the building 

has been examined, updated, and filed.

Building Air Quality, Pages 8–10 and 

Pollutant Pathway Record Form, Pages 

169 and 175

q (12) The building's most recent test and balancing report has been filed. Date of report: Building Air Quality , Pages 21 and 123

q (13) Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) for products used in the building are requested 

from suppliers and kept on file. 

Building Air Quality, Pages 28, 35, and 

39; 29 CFR 1910.1200 Hazardous 

Communication Standard, OSHA

q (14) Documentation of HVAC control system set points and ranges has been reviewed and 

filed.

Building Air Quality, Pages 21 (text-box)

q (15) The building records (items #3-14) listed above are revised as needed, particularly at the 

conclusion of any renovation/construction activities. Building Air Quality, Pages 21-22

VERIFICATION CHECKLIST

Page 21
Page 2 of 6

 Building Air Quality Pilot Intervention Study Building Air Quality Action Plan

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STEP 2: DEVELOP AN IAQ PROFILE OF YOUR BUILDING (continued) For Guidance, refer to:

2. Conduct a Walkthrough to Assess the Current IAQ Situation

q (16) A building walkthrough inspection has been conducted, including both occupied areas 

and mechanical rooms.

Building Air Quality, Pages 22–29

q (17) During the walkthrough, a pollutant/source inventory has been completed. Building Air Quality , Pollutant Source 

Inventory Form, Page 26, and Pages 

213–219

During the walkthrough, IAQ problem indicators have been checked for and noted on a 

floor plan or comparable drawing, including: Building Air Quality, Pages 23–25

q (18) • Odors Building Air Quality, Pages 23–25

q (19) • Dirty or unsanitary conditions "

q (20) • Visible fungal growth or moldy odors "

q (21) • Evident moisture in inappropriate locations (e.g., moisture on walls, floors, or "

q (22) • Staining or discoloration of building material(s) "

q (23) • Smoke damage "

q (24) • Presence of hazardous substances Building Air Quality , Pages 23-25 and 

Chemical Inventory Form, Pages 169 

and 221

q (25) • Potential for soil gas entry (e.g., cracks or holes in building surfaces adjacent to Building Air Quality , Pages 23–25

q (26) • Unusual noises from light fixtures or equipment "

q (27) • Poorly-maintained filters "

q (28) • Uneven temperatures "

q (29) • Overcrowding "

q (30) • Personal air cleaners (e.g., ozone generators, portable filtration units) or fans "

q (31) • Inadequate ventilation "

q (32) • Inadequate exhaust air flow "

q (33) • Blocked vents "

q (34) • Other conditions that could impact IAQ, especially risk factors that need regular "

 inspection to prevent IAQ problems from occurring (e.g., drain pans that do not fully 

 drain).

The condition and operations of the HVAC system have been inspected, including: Building Air Quality, Page 25 and HVAC 

Checklist - Long Form, Pages 169 and 

195

q (35) • Components that need to be repaired, adjusted, cleaned, or replaced have been Building Air Quality, Pages 23–25

 and work orders prepared.

q (36) • Actual control settings and operating schedules for each air handling unit have been "

 recorded and filed, and checked against the design intent.

q (37) Areas with significant sources of contaminants (e.g., copy rooms, food service areas, 

printing/photographic areas) are provided with adequate exhaust. Other sources are 

moved as close to exhaust as possible.

Building Air Quality, Page 25

Notes:

VERIFICATION CHECKLIST

Page 22
Page 3 of 6

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STEP 3: ADDRESS EXISTING AND POTENTIAL IAQ PROBLEMS For Guidance, refer to:

Identified IAQ problems have either been corrected or steps have been taken to control 

them, including:

Building Air Quality, Pages 45–108

q (38) • Source-related IAQ problems Building Air Quality, Pages 45–108

q (39) • Ventilation-related IAQ problems. Building Air Quality, Pages 45–108

q (40) Weaknesses have been identified and steps taken to prevent them from becoming 

problems.

Building Air Quality, Pages 45–108

Notes:

STEP 4: EDUCATE BUILDING PERSONNEL ABOUT IAQ MANAGEMENT For Guidance, refer to:

q (41) In-house and contractor personnel whose functions could impact IAQ (e.g., 

housekeeping staff, maintenance contractors) have been identified. 

Building Air Quality, Pages 23 and 

32–34

q (42) IAQ training or information has been provided to in-house personnel and contractors -- 

especially regarding use of hazardous chemicals. Additional training or information is 

provided periodically, and plans for continual improvement have been established.

Building Air Quality, Pages 33–34 and 

167; 29 CFR 1910.1200 Hazard 

Communication Standard, OSHA.

Notes:

STEP 5: DEVELOP AND IMPLEMENT A PLAN FOR FACILITY OPERATIONS AND MAINTENANCEFor Guidance, refer to:

1. HVAC Operations

q (43) Operating schedules for HVAC equipment, ensuring that the HVAC system is operating 

during significant occupancy periods, have been written and are updated as needed. 

Building Air Quality , Page 34

q (44) The HVAC operating schedule provides for an adequate flush of the building, with as 

much outside air as is feasible, prior to occupants' arrival.

Building Air Quality , Page 34 and 

ASHRAE Standard 62-1989, or latest 

publication (see Appendix 3, Page 30)

Notes:

VERIFICATION CHECKLIST

Page 23
Page 4 of 6

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 Verification Checklist

STEP 5: DEVELOP AND IMPLEMENT A PLAN FOR FACILITY OPERATIONS AND MAINTENANCEFor Guidance, refer to:

(continued)

2. Housekeeping

q (45) All housekeeping equipment and products used in the building are known to the IAQ 

Manager.

Building Air Quality , Pages 36-37

q (46) The products used in this building that may produce strong odors, are potential irritants, 

or may have other IAQ impacts have been determined and, where possible, have been 

replaced by products without such impacts.

See Material Safety Data Sheets

q (47) Housekeeping procedures that detail proper use, storage, and purchase of cleaning 

materials have been written and are updated as needed.

Building Air Quality , Pages 36-37

The housekeeping staff or contractors have been educated about the IAQ implications, 

appropriate use, and application of the following to improve IAQ: Building Air Quality , Pages 36-37

q (48) • Proper cleaning methods "

q (49) • Cleaning schedules "

q (50) • Purchasing "

q (51) • Proper materials storage and use "

q (52) • Proper trash disposal. "

3. HVAC Preventive Maintenance

q (53) A preventive maintenance plan that includes equipment maintenance schedules has 

been written or computerized and is followed and updated as needed. 

Building Air Quality, Pages 34, 35, 36, 

43, and 121–139

A preventive maintenance plan or contract includes at least the following maintenance Building Air Quality , Page 36

q (54) • Outside air intakes (inspected for nearby sources of contaminants) Building Air Quality, Pages 124–125

q (55) • Air distribution dampers (cleared of obstruction and operating properly) Building Air Quality, Pages 125–126

q (56) • Air filters (pressure drops monitored, replacement or cleaning performed regularly) Building Air Quality, Pages 126–128

q (57) • Drain pans (inspected and cleaned to ensure proper drainage) Building Air Quality , Page 128

q (58) • Heating and cooling coils (inspected and cleaned) Building Air Quality , Page 128

q (59) • Interior of air handling units (inspected and cleaned, as warranted) Building Air Quality , Pages 25, 26, 35, 

q (60) • Fan motor and belts (inspected) Building Air Quality , Page 130

q (61) • Air humidification and controls (inspected and regularly cleaned) Building Air Quality, Pages 129–130

q (62) • Cooling tower (inspected, cleaned, and water treated according to schedule) Building Air Quality , Page 135

q (63) • Air distribution pathways and VAV boxes (inspected and cleaned as needed). Building Air Quality , Pages 25-26, 36, 

123-126, and 130-133

q (64) The preventive maintenance plan and operations manuals are updated when equipment 

is added, removed, or replaced. Building Air Quality , Page 35

4. Unscheduled Maintenance

q (65) Procedures for unscheduled maintenance events (e.g., equipment failure) have been 

written and communicated to building staff. They include: Building Air Quality , Page 32-35, 67

q (66) • Building maintenance personnel immediately tell the IAQ Manager that an "

 maintenance event has occurred.

q (67) • Notification to occupants/tenants is provided in a timely manner, addressing how "

 quality is being protected.

q (68) • Necessary remedial action is taken.

"

Notes:

VERIFICATION CHECKLIST

Page 24
Page 5 of 6

 Building Air Quality Pilot Intervention Study Building Air Quality Action Plan

 Verification Checklist

STEP 6: MANAGE PROCESSES WITH POTENTIAL SIGNIFICANT POLLUTANT SOURCES For Guidance, refer to:

General

q (69) When new products are purchased, information on potential indoor air contaminant 

emissions is requested from product suppliers. Building Air Quality , Page 37

[Note: Emission information may not be readily available for many products at this time, 

however information that is available should be collected.]

q (70) When the services of architects, engineers, contractors, and other professionals are 

used, IAQ concerns, such as special exhaust needs, are discussed. Building Air Quality , Page 40

1. Remodeling and Renovation

q (71) Special procedures to minimize the generation and migration of contaminants or odors 

to occupied areas of the building are used (or required of contractors). Building Air Quality , Pages 6,40, and 99

The special procedures used in this building are:

q (72) • The IAQ Manager reviews designs and construction activities for all proposed Building Air Quality , Pages 6,40, & 99

 remodeling and renovation activities prior to their initiation

q (73) • Work is scheduled during periods of minimum occupancy "

q (74) • Ventilation is provided in order to isolate work areas "

q (75) • Lower-emitting work processes are used (e.g., wet-sanding dry wall) "

q (76) • Specialized cleaning procedures are used (e.g., use of HEPA vacuums) "

q (77) • Filters are changed more frequently, especially after work is completed "

q (78) • Emissions from new furnishings are minimized (e.g., buying lower-emitting products, "

 airing out furnishings before installation, increased amount and duration of 

 after installation)

q (79) • Ventilation and distribution equipment are protected. "

2. Painting

q (80) Occupants' exposure to paint vapors is minimized by using low-emitting products, 

scheduling work during periods of minimum occupancy, or increasing ventilation.

Building Air Quality , Pages 6,40, & 99

3. Pest Control

q (81) Integrated Pest Management procedures are used to the extent possible:

q (82) • The pest control products being used in the building are known. Building Air Quality , Page 38

q (83) • Either by written procedures or contract language, it is ensured that all people who "

 use pest control products read and follow all label directions for proper use, mixing, 

 storage and disposal.

q (84) • Non-chemical pest control strategies are used where possible. "

q (85) • The safest available pest control products that meet the building's needs are "

 or reviewed with pest control contractor. 

4. Shipping or Receiving

q (86) Vehicle exhaust has been prevented from entering the building (including through air 

intakes and building openings) by installing barriers to airflow from loading dock areas 

(e.g., doors, curtains, etc.) and using pressurization.

Building Air Quality , Page 37

Notes:

VERIFICATION CHECKLIST

Page 25
Page 6 of 6

 Building Air Quality Pilot Intervention Study Building Air Quality Action Plan

 Verification Checklist

STEP 6: MANAGE PROCESSES WITH POTENTIAL SIGNIFICANT POLLUTANT SOURCES For Guidance, refer to:

(continued)

5. Smoking

q (87) A. Smoking is prohibited in all portions of this building, including tenant occupied space. "What You Can Do About Secondhand 

Smoke", EPA 1993

OR

q (88) B. If smoking is permitted in the building, all smoking areas are exhausted directly to the 

outside, are maintained under negative pressure relative to adjacent space, and are 

ASHRAE Standard 62–1989 (see 

Appendix 3, Page 30), and "What You 

with 60 CFM per occupant of make-up air (can be supplied by transfer air). Do About Secondhand Smoke," EPA 

Notes:

STEP 7: COMMUNICATE APPROPRIATELY WITH TENANTS/OCCUPANTS ABOUT For Guidance, refer to:

 THEIR ROLE IN MAINTAINING GOOD IAQ

q (89) Tenants or occupants are routinely informed about building conditions and policies that 

may impact IAQ (e.g., practices that attract insects or smoking policy clarifications).

Building Air Quality , Pages 14 and 40

q (90) Tenants or occupants are notified in advance of major renovation, remodeling, 

maintenance or pest control activities.

Building Air Quality , Page 14

Notes:

STEP 8: ESTABLISH PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO IAQ COMPLAINTS For Guidance, refer to:

Clear procedures for responding to IAQ complaints have been written and are followed, 

including:

Building Air Quality , Pages 15–17

q (91) • Entries such as IAQ problems are logged into the existing work-order system. "

q (92) • Information is collected from complainants. "

q (93) • Information and records obtained from complainants are kept confidential. "

q (94) • The capability of in-house staff to respond to complaints is assessed. "

q (95) • Appropriate outside sources of assistance are identified. "

q (96) • Feedback is provided in a timely manner to complainant. "

q (97) • Remedial actions are taken. "

q (98) • Remedial actions are followed-up to determine if the action has been effective. "

q (99) Building staff have been informed of these procedures. Building Air Quality , Page 13

q (100) Building occupants and/or tenants have been informed of these procedures and are 

periodically reminded of how to locate responsible staff and where to obtain complaint 

forms.

Building Air Quality , Page 14

Notes:

VERIFICATION CHECKLIST

Page 26
BAQ Action Plan

Page 28

Appendix 2

Training Resources

Training for IAQ Managers:

Building Air Quality: An Introduction to Building Air Quality is a four-hour introductory course on

Building Air Quality: A Guide for Building Owners and Facility Managers. It is highly interactive,

introducing the causes of indoor air quality (IAQ) problems, providing suggestions on diagnosing and

mitigating IAQ problems, and showing how to prevent them from occurring in the first place. The course

is specifically designed to meet the training needs of building owners and facility managers. The

instructor’s guide, slides and student manual can be purchased through the Department of Commerce,

Technology Administration, National Technology Information Service (NTIS). The order number for the

kit is AVA19188SS00, and the number for NTIS is 1-703-605-6900 (for two-day “rush” orders only, call

1-800-553-6847). The World Wide Web site for NTIS, www.ntis.gov/ordering, contains other ordering

information, including email and FAX ordering forms and information, but you cannot order directly at

their web-site. Please note that this document is not listed in their web-accessed, searchable database.

Other Available EPA Training:

Orientation to Indoor Air Quality (OIAQ) is an overview course that addresses the needs of personnel

who are working to resolve indoor air pollution problems. It provides information about indoor air

pollution sources and their health effects; how buildings operate; what guidelines are available to identify

indoor air quality hazard levels (and their limitations) and, recommended approaches to indoor quality

problem prevention, diagnosis and mitigation and prevention for residential, commercial and institutional

buildings. Check with the EPA Regional IAQ coordinators (Appendix 3) to determine whether this

training course is being presented in your area. The Orientation to Indoor Air Quality (OIAQ) course is

available for purchase from the NTIS. The order number for the OIAQ Instructor Kit is AVA19276SS00.

To obtain additional copies of the OIAQ Student Manual (in units of 10) use order number

AVA19277BB00. The toll free number and World Wide Web site for the NTIS is listed above, though,

again, these documents are not listed in their web-accessed database.

Basic IAQ Hands On Measurements and Diagnostics: Basic Tools for Evaluating the Indoor Air

Environment is a one-day training course that provides hands-on awareness in IAQ measurements,

instrumentation and the limitations of data interpretation. It is directed toward health and building

professionals with little background in the design and evaluation of non-industrial ventilation systems.

Check with EPA Regional IAQ coordinators (Appendix 3) to determine if this training course is being

offered in your area.

Introduction to Indoor Air Quality is a two-volume home-study course produced under a cooperative

agreement between the National Environmental Health Association, the U. S. Public Health Service and

the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency. Its primary focus is residential indoor air quality. The course

may be purchased for $47.00 through the National Environmental Health Association, 720 South

Colorado Boulevard, #970 South Tower, Denver, Colorado 80246-1925. This document contains nine

lessons with review questions and a final examination. Environmental Health professionals may receive

continuing education credits from the National Environmental Health Association by passing the final

examination with an acceptable score. The second volume contains reference data and useful tools for

practical applications and problem solving.
BAQ Action Plan

Page 29

Appendix 3

Useful Contacts

There are many sources of additional information on indoor air quality in office, homes and schools

which provide guidance on healthy indoor environment. To obtain a list of available EPA publications,

see www.epa.gov/iaq/pubs/index.html

The Building Air Quality Action Plan, Building Air Quality: A Guide for Building Owners and Facility

Managers and An Office Building Occupants’ Guide to Indoor Air Quality, plus many other EPA

documents, may be downloaded from:

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Indoor Air Quality Home Page on the

World Wide Web:

http://www.epa.gov/iaq

Copies of the Building Air Quality Action Plan and other NIOSH documents are available from:

National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health

1-800-35-NIOSH (1-800-356-4674)

Education and Information Division

Publications Dissemination

4676 Columbia Parkway

Cincinnati, OH 45226-1988

Fax Number: (513)533-8573

E-mail: pubstaft@niosdt1.em.cdc.gov

To receive other information about occupational safety and health problems, call:

1-800-35-NIOSH (1-800-356-4674) 

or visit the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health World Wide Web Home Page at:

http://www.cdc.gov/niosh
BAQ Action Plan

Page 30

Appendix 3: continued

Useful Contacts

International Facility Management Association

IFMA is the professional association for facility management with approximately 15,500

members in 126 chapters worldwide. The organization spots trends, conducts

research, provides educational programs and assists facility managers worldwide in

developing strategies to manage the human, facility and real estate assets of an

organization. 

International Facility Management Association

1 E. Greenway Plaza, Suite 1100

Houston, TX 77046-0194

1-713-623-4362

http://www.ifma.org

American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers

(ASHRAE):

ASHRAE/IES Standard 90.1 (1989) Energy Efficient Design of New Buildings Except Low-Rise

Residential Buildings; and ASHRAE 90.1 i-1993, “Addenda to ASHRAE 90.1-1989" (1993)

ASHRAE Standard 62 (1989) Ventilation for Acceptable Indoor Air Quality

ASHRAE Standard 55 (1992) Thermal Environmental Conditions for Human Occupancy

ASHRAE Guideline 1 (1989) Guideline for the Commissioning of HVAC Systems

Available from: 

ASHRAE

(404) 636-8400

Publications Sales Department

1791 Tullie Circle NE

Atlanta, GA 30329

FAX (404) 321-5478

www.ashrae.org
Page 31

Appendix 3: continued

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Regional Offices

Region 1

Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts,

New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont

J.F. Kennedy Federal Bldg. (CPT)

Boston, MA 02203-2211

Indoor Air Contact - Mary Beth Smuts

(617)565-3232

Fax #(617)565-4940

Region 2

New York, New Jersey, Puerto Rico,

Virgin Islands

290 Broadway, 28th Floor (R2DEPDIV)

New York, NY 10007-1866

Indoor Air Contact - Larainne Koehler

(212)637-4005

Fax #(212)637-4942

Region 3

Delaware, District Of Columbia, Maryland,

Pennsylvania, Virginia, W est Virginia

1650 Arch Street

Philadelphia, PA 19103-2029

Indoor Air Contacts - 

Fran Dougherty 

Cristina Schulingkamp

(877)352-5999 

Fax #(215)566-2134

Region 4

 Alabama, Florida, G eorgia, Kentucky,

Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina,

Tennessee

61 Forsyth St, SW 

Atlanta, GA 30303-3104

Indoor Air Program Manager - Henry Slack

(404)562-9143

Fax #(404)562-9095

Region 5

Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio,

W isconsin

77 West Jackson Boulevard (AE-17J)

Chicago, IL 60604-3590

Indoor Air Contact - Sheila Batka

(312)886-6053

Fax # (312)353-8289

Region 6

Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma,

Texas

1445 Ross Avenue (6PD-T)

Dallas, TX 75202-2733

Indoor Air Contact - Michael Miller

(214)665-7550

Fax #(214)665-6762

Region 7

Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska

726 Minnesota Avenue (ART/ARBR-RAID)

Kansas City, KS 66101

Indoor Air Contact - M ichael Marshall

(913)551-7604

Fax #(913)551-7065

Region 8

Colorado, Montana, North Dakota,

South Dakota, Wyoming, Utah

999 18th Street, Suite 500 (8P2-TX)

Denver, CO 80202-2466

Indoor Air Contact - Megan Williams

(303)312-6431

Fax #(303)312-6044

Region 9

Arizona, California, Guam, Hawaii, Nevada

75 Hawthorne Street (Air-6)

San Francisco, CA 94105

Indoor Air Contact - Barbara Spark

(415)744-1132

Fax #(415)744-1073

Region 10

Alaska, Idaho, Oregon, Washington

1200 Sixth Avenue (OAQ-107) 

Seattle, WA 98101-9797

Indoor Air Contact - Brooke Madrone

(206)553-2589

Fax # (206)553-0110