Indoor Air Quality - Tools for Schools Action Kit for Canadian Schools

Chapter 4: How To Get Started (Continued)

Coordinator Forms (continued)

Problem Solving Checklist

Use this Checklist to assist you in resolving a single IAQ Complaint, or several complaints occurring at the same time that seem related. Mark a copy of the fire escape floorplan or use other means of recording and reviewing information. Since this Checklist becomes a record of your activities in resolving an IAQ complaint(s), date it and file it for future reference. Involve additional staff, such as engineers, during the problem solving process.

IAQ Coordinator
School

Complaint Data. Record complaints below at the beginning of your problem solving process. Interview the complainant(s) to get a complete and accurate description of the complaint symptoms, times and locations.

Complainant Name
Date Received
Description of Complain (symptoms or explanation)
Location(s) or Room Number(s)
Is Problem Ongoing? Yes/No
Occurrence Date(s) & Time(s)

Problem Solving Steps

These steps will help you investigate potential causes of the symptoms recorded above. Use the steps to help keep your Investigation organized and documented.

Step

1. Relate the symptoms from the complaints data box to a group of symptoms in the problems Notes column to the right
   • Notes
     • Odors
     • Temperatures or humidity problems (occupant discomfort)
     • Headaches, lethargy, nausea drowsiness, and dizziness
     • Swelling, itching, or irritated eyes, nose, or throat; congestion
     • Cough; congestion; chest tightness; shortness of breath; fever; chills and/or fatigue
     • Diagnosed infection or clusters of serious health problems
   • Date Completed
     • Date Completed (for each location if more than one location or piece of equipment is involved)
   • Local Exhaust
     • Does exhaust turn on?
     • Is the exhaust used when needed?
     • Is air flowing out the exhaust vent?
     • Is exhaust duct work blocked?
     • Is a sufficient amount of air being exhausted?
     • If everything works, but not enough air is
       being exhausted, can make up air easily enter the room (e.g., through spaces under doors)?
   • Biological Sources
     • Are animals or fungi (mold) present?
     • Is there an odor of mold or mildew in or near the complaint area?
     • Is there standing water near the complaint area or in the air handling unit?
     • Is condensation often present on window or cold surfaces?
     • Is indoor relative humidity above 60%?
     • Are contagious occupants present?
   • Housekeeping Sources
     • Do complaints occur during or just after housekeeping activities?
     • Do housekeeping activities take place near the complainants?
     • Are any ne w products in use?
     • Are housekeeping products being used according to directions?
     • Are products stored in sealed containers or in a vented room(s)?
   • Outdoor Sources
     • Are sources of odor or pollutants (e.g., vehicles, stored chemicals, trash, plumbing vents) located
       near outdoor air intakes?
     • Are there sources nearby or upwind:
       - Combustion by products from traffic, loading ducts, or flue exhaust?
       - Industrial, agricultural, or lawn care activity?
       - Construction activity?
     • Are pollen levels high?
       Building Sources
     • Has there been recent painting, roofing, or Other remodelling or construction?
     • Were pesticides applied recently near the Complaint area?
     • Are new furnishings or equipment in place?
     • Are drain traps dry?
     • Are chemicals stored in poorly sealed containers?
     • Is it overly dusty?
2. Repeat all diagnostics for each potential cause in All affected locations.
3. If the diagnostics for the recommended potential Causes did not identify the problem(s), Investigate remaining potential causes in Step 4 Until the cause(s) of the complaint(s) are Identified and corrected.
4. If problem remains unidentified or uncorrected, Obtain professions assistance.
   • Company
   • Person
   • Phone
5. Provide notice if problem is not quickly resolved.
   • Notice to Occupants
   • Notice to parents of minors
6. Problem resolved and preventive measures taken.
   • Describe solution
   • Preventive measures taken
7. Provide a final report.
   • Final report to occupants
   • Final report to parents of minors
8. To prevent future problems implement an IAQ Management Plan.
9. File this Checklist and related information.
   • Done

Comments Form

Indoor Air Quality Tools for Schools Action Kit for Canadian Schools

We anticipate revising the Tools for Schools Action Kit in the future. To help us ensure that the Kit meets the needs of those who are using it, please send us your comments about how easy or difficult you found the Kit to use. Suggestions for how to make the Kit more useful are especially welcome. If
a reply is requested, please provide your name, address and phone number along with the completed sheet and mail it to:

• Health Canada
  Healthy Environments and Consumer Safety Branch
  Indoor Environments Division
  Room 120, Environmental Health Centre (P.L. 0801D)
  Tunney's Pasture, Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0L2

Comments or Suggestions:

Your role at the school (e.g., custodial staff, teacher, etc.):

Checklist (s) used:

Optional for correspondence purposes:

Name:
Address:
Telephone:
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