-
Categories CloudThis will be shown to users with no Flash or Javascript.
-
Directory Statistics
- Active Links: 84568
- Todays Links: 240
- Active Articles: 2544
- Todays Articles: 8
Free Directory SubmitArticle Details
Ventilators for Industrial Buildings |
|
| Date Added: July 15, 2011 10:07:32 PM | |
| Author: Susann Terli | |
| Category: Health: Environmental Health | |
Indoor Air Quality is an increasingly important issue in the work environment. The study of indoor air quality and pollutant levels within office environments is a complex problem. The complexity of studying and measuring the quality of office environments arises from various factors including: - Building floor plans are frequently changing to accommodate increasingly more employees and reorganization. - Office buildings frequently undergo building renovations such as installation of new carpet, modular office partitions and free-standing offices, and painting. Many of the apparent health symptoms are vague and common to both the office and home environment. Guidelines or standards for permissible personal exposure limits to pollutants within office buildings are very limited. Many times odors are associated with chemical contaminants from inside or outside the office space, or from the building fabric. This is particularly noticeable following building renovation or installation of new carpeting. Out-gassing from such things as paints, adhesives, sealants, office furniture, carpeting, and vinyl wall coverings is the source of a variety of irritant compounds. In most cases, these chemical contaminants can be measured at levels above ambient (normal background) but far below any existing occupational evaluation criteria. A ventilation system should provide for a comfortable environment with respect to humidity and temperature. The overall goal of climate control is to provide an environment that is not too cold, hot, dry or humid, and that is free from drafts and odors. Humidity refers to the amount of moisture in the air and extremes in humidification levels can influence how comfortable you may be. When the air is too humid, it makes people feel uncomfortable (wet, clammy) and can promote mold growth. Excessively high or low temperatures in an office area can also lead to symptoms in building occupants and reduce productivity. High temperatures have been associated with fatigue, lassitude, irritability, headache and decrease in performance, coordination and alertness. A number of factors interact to determine whether people are comfortable with the temperature of the indoor air. The activity level, age, and physiology of each person affect the thermal comfort requirements of that individual. Extreme heat, which is unlikely to be found in an office environment, can result in heat rash, exhaustion, and fainting. Workers who may be less alert or fatigued from a high temperature environment may be more prone to accidents. An inadequately ventilated office environment or a poorly designed ventilation system can lead to the build up of a variety of indoor air pollutants. Air pollutants can originate within the building or be drawn in from outdoors. Examples of sources that originate outside a building include: - pollen, dust and fungal spores - general vehicle exhaust - odors from dumpsters - re-entrained exhaust from the building itself or from neighboring buildings Examples of sources that originate from within the building include: - building components and furnishings - smoking - maintenance or remodeling activities (painting, etc.) - housekeeping activities - unsanitary conditions (standing water from clogged drains or dry traps) and water damage - emissions from office equipment or special use areas, like print shops, laboratories, or food preparation areas The following recommendations and guidelines are useful in preventing indoor air quality problems: * HVAC systems should receive periodic cleaning and filters should be changed on a regular basis on all ventilation systems. * The ventilation system should introduce an adequate supply of fresh outside air into the office and capture and vent point air pollutant sources to the outside. * Office machinery should be operated in well-ventilated areas. Most office machinery does not require local exhaust ventilation in areas that are already provided with 7-10 air changes per hour. Photocopiers should be placed away from workstations. Workers should vary work tasks to avoid using machines excessively. * Office equipment should be cleaned/maintained according to the manufacturer's recommendations. Properly maintained equipment will not generate unhealthy levels of pollutants. * Special attention should be given to operations that may generate air contaminants (such as painting, pesticide spraying, and heavy cleaning). Provisions for adequate ventilation must be made during these operations or other procedures, such as performing work off-hours or removing employees from the immediate area, utilized. Additional information can be found at the Blowers Depot Company web site http://nybblower.com/MakeUpAirFans.html. Susann Terlitski Industrial Process Designer Blowers Depot Co. http://nybblower.com/upblastfans.html http://nybblower.com/hoodedfans.html |
|
|
|
|
-
Featured Website
-
-
Twitter Ticker
My tweets
-
Latest Links
-
Latest ArticlesIndustrial Ventilation Systems
VOCs, or volatile organic compounds are emitted by a wide array of products and processes.
Meneghetti Award 2013
Néo presents an initiative promoted by the Antonio Meneghetti Scientific and Humanistic Research Foundation.
