Issue link: https://hi.iaq.net/i/630729
14 Section 3 projected ranges of occupants. If the occupancy rate becomes a problem, it may be helpful to refer to a standard reference such as ASHRAE Standard 62-1989 to show occupants that keeping occupancy within the ventilation capacity serves the goal of providing a quality work environ- ment and is not an arbitrary decision by building management. Modifications: Review plans that may involve increases in the number of occu- pants, relocation of walls or partitions, installation of new equipment, or changes in the use of space. Building owners, facility managers, and occupants share responsibility for monitoring new equip- ment installation and changes in the use of space. The review process allows potential indoor air quality problems to be identified so that the HVAC system can be modified as needed. Only authorized maintenance personnel should adjust air supply or exhaust vents; however, if occupants are expected to follow such a "hands-off" policy, facility management must respond promptly to IAQ complaints. Notification of planned activities: Establish a procedure for informing tenants before the start of activities that produce odors or contaminants (e.g., maintenance, pest control, repair, remodeling, redecorating). Establish a System for Responding to Complaints Many organizations have established procedures for responding to occupant complaints that can be modified to include indoor air quality concerns. To avoid frustrating delays, building occupants need to know how to express their complaints about IAQ. More importantly, they need to know how to locate responsible staff and where to obtain complaint forms. This information can be posted on bulletin boards, circulated in memos or newsletters, or publicized by some other means. Use of Space: Educate occupants about the permitted uses and maximum occupancy of different areas within the building and make sure that appropriate ventilation is provided for the activities that are permit- ted. Indoor air quality complaints often arise in mixed-use buildings. For example, kitchen staff expect food odors as part of their work, but nearby office workers may find cooking odors distracting and unpleas- ant. Problems can also arise when old tenants leave and new arrivals introduce new uses of the building. Occupancy Rate: Inform occupants about the importance of keeping the building management informed about significant changes in the number of people regularly using particular areas of the building. The ventilation systems in buildings are designed and operated to supply air to MANAGEMENT AND OCCUPANT COOPERATION ON INDOOR AIR QUALITY The State of Wisconsin's "Quality Building Management" system has helped to unite the diverse interests involved in operating and using State office buildings. Tenants and facility personnel volunteers to serve on teams, working cooperatively to improve the quality of the indoor environment. Each team was assigned a specific area for which it drafted "Ideal Building Standards." Air quality was one such area; others included elevators, rest rooms, and work spaces. The IAQ teams were trained in conducting research; toured mechanical rooms to achieve a better understanding of building operations; read articles; and listened to presentations on IAQ, ventilation, and related topics. The proposed "Ideal Building Standards" were reviewed with other tenants and then used as a basis for Quality Improvement Plans. Some elements of the Quality Improvement Plans identify responsi- bilities of the tenants, such as adopting good housekeeping practices to improve the work environment and facilitate cleaning. Responsi- bilities identified as belonging to building management are reflected in work plans and budget decisions. Since implementation of this management system, interactions between building management and tenants have improved. Tenants actively seek out management staff to discuss concerns. However, they are also more willing to review their own actions when looking for potential causes of IAQ problems.