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Building
Investigation
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Building investigation protocol follows a logical
progression through three phases. All three phases may not be necessary for problem
resolution. Phase I: Qualitative Diagnostics - consultation and problem
definition. This phase involves
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- Occupant interviews
- Building plans review
- Inspection of affected building areas
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- Inspection of heating, ventilating, and air conditioning
(HVAC) systems
- Spot measurement of temperature, relative humidity, and
carbon dioxide (CO2)
- Report of phase 1 findings and recommendations - all reports
will document findings, report known and potential problems, and list recommendations
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Phase II: Semi-Quantitative Diagnostics
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The semi-quantitative diagnostics phase is entered if in the
first phase solutions are not evident, or more complete documentation is required. This
phase involves:
- Detailed building inspection and pollutant source inventory
to identify contaminate sources and potential pollutant pathways
- Systematic measurement of temperature, relative humidity,
airborne particles, CO2, and carbon monoxide (CO) - these are
important indicators of comfort, and air filtration and ventilation effectiveness. CO is
measured because of its ability to cause health effects at relatively low exposure levels
- Review HVAC system documentation
- Detailed HVAC system inspection
- Evaluate HVAC operation and HVAC maintenance and hygiene
programs
- Report phase II findings and recommendations
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Phase III - Quantitative Diagnostics |
| The third phase, if necessary, requires measuring building
performance and more complex environmental monitoring. The measurements are conducted on
the basis of hypotheses developed during the previous phases. These tests are to verify
contaminant sources, ventilation system deficiencies, pollutant pathways, or other
hypothesized factors regarding the reported health and comfort problems. |
- Environmental sampling - a comparative sampling strategy is
used
- Bulk material for microorganism analysis or voc emissions
testing
- Air sampling for volatile organic chemicals (voc) and
formaldehyde
- Airflow measurements - these may be made for comparison to
design specifications, codes, and standards
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Outdoor air
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