Issue link: https://hi.iaq.net/i/630729
Diagnosing IAQ Problems 47 Results of the Investigation Analysis of the information collected during your IAQ investigation could produce any of the following results: The apparent cause(s) of the complaint(s) are identified. Remedial action and follow-up evaluation will confirm whether the hypothesis is correct. Other IAQ problems are identified that are not related to the original complaints. These problems (e.g., HVAC malfunc- tions, strong pollutant sources) should be corrected when appropriate. A better understanding of potential IAQ problems is needed in order to develop a plan for corrective action. It may be necessary to collect more detailed information and/or to expand the scope of the investigation to include building areas that were previously overlooked. Outside assistance may be needed. The cause of the original complaint cannot be identified. A thorough investigation has found no deficiencies in HVAC design or operation or in the control of pollutant sources, and there have been no further complaints. In the absence of new complaints, the original complaint may have been due to a single, unrepeated event or to causes not directly related to IAQ. Using Outside Assistance Some indoor air quality problems may be difficult or impossible for in-house investigators to resolve. Special skills or instruments may be needed. Other factors can also be important, such as the benefit of having an impartial outside opinion or the need to reduce potential liability from a serious IAQ problem. You are best able to make the judgment of when to bring in an outside consultant. See Section 8 for a discussion of hiring professional assistance to solve an IAQ problem. INITIAL WALKTHROUGH An investigation may require one or many visits to the complaint area. The amount of preparatory work needed before the initial walkthrough varies with the nature and scope of the complaint and the expertise of the investigator, among other factors. For example, an in-house investi- gator who is already familiar with the layout and mechanical system in the building may begin responding to a complaint about discomfort by going directly to the complaint area to check the thermostat setting and see whether air is flowing from the supply outlets. If the investigator is not familiar with the building or is responding to complaints that suggest a serious health problem, more preparation may be needed before the initial walkthrough. The activities listed below can be directed at a localized "problem area" or extended to include the entire building: Collect easily-available information about the history of the building and of the complaints. Identify known HVAC zones and com- plaint areas. Begin to identify potential sources and pollutants (e.g., special use areas near the complaint location). Having a copy of mechanical and floor plans can be helpful at this stage, especially if they are reasonably up-to-date. Notify the building occupants of the upcoming investigation. Tell them what it means and what to expect.