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Indoor Air Quality Compliance: Are You Compliant?
Good Air Quality is a legal obligation
Air Quality rules and regulations have long been in place, including the Health & Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 and the Occupiers Liability Act 1984, where an employer has a duty of care to ensure that a safe and healthy environment is provided for its employees and visitors.
The Approved Code of Practice accompanying the Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations states that;
"indoor air quality should be at least equal to, but ideally better than, the air outside your building"
Unfortunately, this is rarely the case. Internal air is generally between 5 and 50 times worse than external air - especially within our busy cities and commercial and industrial premises.
The Environment Act 2021 establishes a legally binding duty on the government to bring forward at least two new air quality targets in secondary legislation by 31 October 2022 – including stringent targets for PM2.5 reduction – which can be particularly harmful both internally and externally.
In May 23, the long awaited HSA Code of Practice for Indoor Air Quality was introduced and is now to be enforced.
This includes both an Internal Air Quality Assessment (IAQA) carried out and the use of Proactive 'Real-Time' Air Quality Monitoring devices installed within many buildings to give the Air Quality actual 'state of play'.
Are you compliant?
Why do you need to review your air quality?
Poor Internal Air Quality is a major issue. It adds to the external pollution and creates additional stress on the NHS. It leads to the spread of pathogens, including viruses, causes major long-term health issues, and is a nuisance to allergy sufferers. It considerably hinders the productivity of our companies and is a major concern for our students learning capability within schools and further education.
Most importantly, poor Air Quality is responsible for at least 36,000 deaths annually in the UK.
Following the recent pandemic, employers improving their Internal Air Quality to improve their employees’ health and mental well-being. They also realise the major difference it makes to productivity, including fewer sick days and increased employee efficiency.
How to Ensure Your Compliance
Health & Safety inspectors are checking businesses throughout the UK. Companies need to have proof that they have complied with Air Quality - HSA Code of Practice for Indoor Air Quality.
The steps for compliance should include the following:
- Have an Air Quality Assessment carried out of the property.
- Understand the content of the Air Quality Assessment.
- Understand the Low, Medium and High-Risk issues.
- Implement an Action Plan to comply with the Assessments findings.
- Implement the plan with the appropriate workable solutions.
- Provide a management plan for ongoing control.
- Maintain all Air Quality products for their optimum and required minimum performance levels.
- Review the Indoor Air Quality Assessment annually or the time scale recommended within the assessment.
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Why Do We Need To Improve Our Air Quality?
Indoor Air Quality affects a building's occupants' health, comfort, and well-being. Poor air quality levels have been linked to Sick Building Syndrome and other symptoms, reduced productivity, and impaired learning in schools.
We spend up to 92% of our time indoors, yet indoor pollutant sources are often overlooked.
Some indoor ‘pollution’ originates from outdoor/ambient sources (e.g. traffic emissions including fine particulates, nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and carbon monoxide (CO)). However, many aerosols can be generated indoors by cooking, solid-fuel burning, new furnishings, cleaning products, air fresheners (e.g. volatile organic compounds (VOCs)), people, and pets.
It’s worth remembering that the investment in Air Quality Products will not only improve people’s health, and protect the building fabric, it will also help the business's bottom line.
What are the benefits of improved indoor air quality?
Less sick days due to the removal of pathogens and viruses from the air
More attentive staff due to the removal of VOC's, Co2, NO2 etc
Less irritants due to removal of allergens and pollen
Happier workforce due to cleaner and fresher air
A safer and cleaner environment
We Specialise in Air Quality Assessments
Air quality testing is important to help ensure your buildings safety and compliance to the latest legal requirements.
Take a look at our Air Quality Products
Air Quality Solutions
✓ Proactive 'Real-Time' Air Quality Monitoring
✓ Air Purification
✓ Ventilation. (mechanical / natural)
✓ Heat Recovery
✓ Air Condition Cooling
✓ Systems Performance checks
✓ Ductwork cleaning
✓ Staff Awareness
✓ All Products Supplied & Installed
✓ Service Maintenance Contracts
Indoor Air Quality Compliance FAQs
What Assessments Are Available?
There are several assessment options for testing indoor air quality. These include internal air quality assessments, dust risk assessments, and odour assessments.
What Is Sick Building Syndrome?
Sick Building Syndrome is a term used to describe unwellness caused by prolonged exposure to a certain setting. It is used for symptoms of discomfort such as sore throat or eyes. Sick Building Syndrome can result from continued exposure to poor air quality.
Are Odours Covered By Air Quality Regulations?
The Environment Protection Act 1990 addresses requirements for specific types of pollution, including odours. You can meet compliance with these regulations with odour assessment and management.
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