Identifying IAQ Concerns during Commercial Property Inspections

Back in October, we took a look at some of the Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) concerns associated with residential property inspections. This month we’re exploring some of the important IAQ concerns associated with commercial property inspections.

As you can imagine, the costs associated with replacing or repairing a major element on a commercial building, such as HVAC or roofing, can be very costly, and often far more so than on a residential building.

Here are some helpful tips to help you and your commercial clients identify potential indoor air quality concerns related to a commercial or industrial purchase before they commit to their investment!

First, get informed and up-to-date on American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers, Inc. (ASHRAE) standards, which may apply to your mechanical and building systems equipment.

Here are few questions to ask or consider:

• Does the current installed system comply with ASHRAE standards? Does the building comply with ASHRAE standards in terms of ventilation for acceptable indoor air quality?

• Are the minimum distances between any discharges from the building in question and neighbouring buildings and any windows, doors or other openings in compliance?

• Are there any abnormal noises, activities or odours from any of the building’s mechanical systems, whether at rest or during operation?

• If the building includes a humidifier, are the fans free of water deposits and are the ducts free of mold? Are chemicals or other solutions containing volatile organic compounds (VOCs) used in their maintenance?

Assess the quality and condition of the building’s existing ventilation.

Here are few questions to ask or consider:

• Is there dust, dirt, mold or other build-up around the diffusers in the ceilings?

• Are the air exhaust louvers unobstructed? Is there dust, dirt, mold or other build-up around them?

• Are there any outdoor exhaust outlets that could result in a potential fire hazard or public nuisance as a result of gases, vapours, grease, smoke or other odours?

• Are the visible sections of the exhaust ducts connected to any ancillary systems?

Assess the quality and condition of the building’s existing flooring.

Here are few questions to ask or consider:

• What is the age, condition and history of the current carpet?

• Are there any deficiencies in the existing tile, linoleum or laminate flooring?

• Does the flooring contain VOC-emitting materials?

Assess the quality and condition of the building’s existing windows.

Here are few questions to ask or consider:

• Is there any apparent condensation, fogging or other evidence of broken seals on the windows?

• Is the flashing above the windows and exterior doors properly installed?

• Are there any apparent issues or evidence of air, water or moisture penetration?

Assess the quality and condition of the building’s sources for chemical pollutants.

Here are few questions to ask or consider:

• Are smoking polices and regulations properly enforced inside and outside the building?

• Is there a chemical storage/handling area and if so, what practices and/or regulations apply to its maintenance?

• Is there a paper storage/handling area and if so, what maintenance practices and/or regulations apply to its maintenance?

Now that you have some ideas about what to look for regarding commercial and industrial indoor air quality (IAQ) concerns, what should you do?

Contact our Toronto and GTA-based indoor air quality testing company and we’ll be pleased to provide a free quote on auditing your commercial or industrial building to ensure the air is safe for you, your clients, their employees and everyone else hard at work inside!