University of Maryland • Safety Fact Sheet • Department of Environmental Safety

Indoor Air Quality

Introduction

The quality of indoor air directly impacts the health of employees and students. Consensus standards have been developed and revised over the last several decades to satisfy the changing technology that controls air quality parameters in homes and workplaces. On March 25, 1994, OSHA published an Advanced Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (ANPR) concerning a standard for regulating Indoor Air Quality (IAQ). The ANPR generated a record number of official comments to OSHA. If accepted as proposed, the regulation will address inspections, training, recordkeeping, written programs, renovation activities, smoking and other issues that would have a significant impact on operations at the University of Maryland. This fact sheet will not detail provisions of the proposed regulation, but will cover existing campus policies, procedures and potential IAQ problems.

Applicable University Policy

X-5.00(A) - UM Smoking Policy and Guideline

Applicable Regulations

ASHRAE Standard 62-2001 - Ventilation for Acceptable Indoor Air Quality
ANSI/AIHA Standard Z9.5-2003 -Laboratory Ventilation

Summary of Requirements

Smoking in University of Maryland facilities or within 15 feet of any building entrance, air intake duct or window is prohibited.
All construction and major renovation work must comply with current building codes and adopted standards addressing adequate ventilation for the type and amount of occupancy planned.

Training

None required at this time

Inspections

By request, the Department of Environmental Safety (DES) will investigate any problem reported concerning the quality of indoor air. Investigations follow methodology proscribed by the EPA, and reports are sent to complainants and the Chair of the Indoor Air Quality Committee. The department responsible for facility maintenance is requested to repair or remediate any deficiencies discovered during the course of investigation.

Recordkeeping

Building inspection and maintenance records
Employee complaints of building-related illness and actions taken for resolution
IAQ investigation results and reports

Written Program

None at this time

University Resources

Department of Environmental Safety 301-405-3960
DES Fax No. 301-314-9294
Office of Facilities Management Work Control Center 301-405-2222
Department of Residential Facilities - 301-314-9675
Indoor Air Quality Committee - 301-405-3205
J. Frank Brewer, Chair
DES Web Site: http://www.des.umd.edu

Written 5/98
Revised 6/03
Reviewed 3/04

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