Title: Improving Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) in Construction Trailers: Lessons learned

IAQ in a Construction Office

INDOOR AIR QUALITY

Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) is a pivotal aspect of occupational health and safety, particularly in construction trailers. This construction office consisted of 14 relocatable trailers positioned to make 10,000 square foot office space, that house a construction management team of 80-90 staff at any given time.  These office trailers were serviced by 14 independently operated HVAC system that operated in demand mode.  Meaning air was only delivered to the space when there was a demand for either heat or cool air.  The only consistently operating fans were the 2 bathroom exhaust fans of approximately 200 cfm each.  Each perimeter room had windows that would open but the occupants didn’t appreciate all the surfaces being covered with dust.
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The Stuffy Construction Office

​The case of The Stuffy Construction Office is a striking example, where high carbon dioxide (CO2) levels, close to 3,000 parts per million (PPM), signal a significant air quality concern. These levels, while not posing immediate health risks, indicate insufficient ventilation, leading to dissatisfaction and potential health issues. This situation also highlights a lack of compliance with ASHRAE standards, underlining the need for effective air quality improvement strategies in such environments.
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UNDERSTANDING THE PROBLEM

CO2 levels are critical indicators of air quality in workplaces. In Stuffy Construction Office, CO2 concentrations far exceeded the ASHRAE guidelines for air quality, pointing to inadequate ventilation in the construction site. Elevated CO2, along with other indicators of indoor air pollution in workplaces, can reduce cognitive function and overall comfort, making carbon dioxide monitoring an essential aspect of workplace environmental health.
Short-term Solutions: To immediately address the construction trailers air quality, opening windows can offer a quick fix, enhancing natural ventilation and reducing CO2 levels. This step, while simple, is a crucial part of air quality improvement strategies in such confined spaces.
Long-term Solutions: Long-term solutions focus on HVAC system upgrades and ensuring proper ventilation in construction sites. Conducting a comprehensive air quality assessment, particularly by certified industrial hygienists and registered occupational hygienists, can identify necessary upgrades to the HVAC system. These upgrades are vital to ensure compliance with occupational health and safety standards and to maintain optimal IAQ solutions for construction.
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HOW WESTERN HEALTH & SAFETY CAN HELP

Western Health & Safety, is backed by expertise in occupational hygiene consulting, can offer substantial assistance in tackling IAQ challenges. Our team, equipped with certified industrial hygienists, can provide thorough air quality assessments, develop customized solutions, and ensure WorkSafeBC compliance. Our approach includes HVAC system evaluations, implementation of carbon dioxide monitoring systems, and ongoing support to maintain a healthy indoor environment in construction trailers.
Conclusion The high CO2 levels in The Stuffy Construction Office emphasize the importance of maintaining robust indoor air quality in construction workplaces. Tackling these challenges requires immediate actions, such as improving natural ventilation, and strategic long-term solutions, including HVAC upgrades and regular air quality assessments. Adhering to WorkSafeBC compliance and ASHRAE guidelines ensures not only a safe but also a productive working environment. Western Health & Safety's commitment to providing effective IAQ solutions underscores the essential role of proactive measures in safeguarding employee health and indoor air quality in construction settings.