Indoor air quality
Indoor air quality (IAQ) has been defined as “the physical, chemical and biological characteristics of indoor air in non-residential workplaces with no internal processes or operations that can affect the comfort of the occupant.” (Indoor Air Quality in Office Buildings: A Technical Guide, Ministry of National Health and Welfare)
Many IAQ concerns can be prevented by ensuring ventilation is adequate, temperatures and humidity levels are comfortable and by minimizing airborne contaminants.
Training, educating and forewarning workers about events that could affect air quality may also minimize concerns.
For example, employers could:
- Provide hazard and scheduling information to workers in advance of renovation, repair or other activities;
- Educate workers about the effects scents or other sensitizers have on individuals and ask colleagues to avoid using scents; and
- Train workers to avoid running vehicles near fresh air intakes.
In Saskatchewan, the Occupational Health and Safety Regulations, 2020 include a number of requirements related to IAQ. Meeting these requirements on an ongoing basis will minimize IAQ concerns. These requirements should also be used to guide IAQ investigations, as they represent the minimum standards that must be met.
Poor IAQ can lead to a number of physical symptoms and concerns. The most common include:
- headaches
- fatigue
- shortness of breath
- sinus congestion
- coughs, sneezing
- eye, nose, and throat irritation
- skin irritation
- dizziness and nausea
People with colds, the flu or respiratory allergies are more likely to be affected by the air quality and to have these symptoms. In some cases noise, overcrowding, improper lighting, poor ergonomic conditions and job stress can also lead to these symptoms and concerns. Frequently a combination of factors is involved.
For more information on indoor air quality, see the WorkSafe publication, Indoor Air Quality Guide, below:
