INDOOR AIR QUALITY

Click on any of the following links for detailed information.

· OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE LIMITS

· WORKPLACE MONITORING

· EXPOSURE CONTROL PLAN

· VENTILATION

Ø Local exhaust

Ø Inspection, design and maintenance

Ø Make-up air

OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE LIMITS

Worker exposure to a hazardous substance must not exceed the current exposure guidelines published by the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists. Exposure values for common hazardous substances are listed below

Chemical name	8-hour exposure limit	15-minute exposure limit	Ceiling
Acetic acid	10 ppm	15 ppm	--
Acetone	500 ppm	750 ppm	--
Ammonia	25 ppm	35 ppm	--
Carbon black	3.5 mg/m3	--	--
Carbon dioxide	5,000 ppm	30,000 ppm	--
Carbon monoxide	25 ppm	--	--
Ethyl acetate	400 ppm	--	--
Formaldehyde	--	--	0.3
Hydrogen sulfide	10 ppm	15 ppm	--
Isopropyl alcohol	400 ppm	500 ppm	--
Sulfur dioxide	2 ppm	5 ppm	--

(Occupational Health Regulations 112/76, 4)

WORKPLACE MONITORING

Every employer must maintain a healthy occupational environment at the workplace in accordance with applicable occupational health standards. (Occupational Health Regulations 112/76, 6)

EXPOSURE CONTROL PLAN

If an employer receives a compliance order due to workplace chemical exposure, the minister may require the employer to adopt a code of practice to control exposures. (Occupational Health Regulations 112/76, 9)

VENTILATION

Provide mechanical ventilation where there’s an inhalation risk from process contaminants such as vapors, gases, and dust. Provide a supply of fresh air into and the removal of air from the workplace, to keep the air reasonably pure.

Ensure that all ventilation systems are designed, installed, operated, maintained and repaired adequately. (Occupational Health Regulations 112/76, 15)

Local exhaust

Provide mechanical ventilation where there’s an inhalation risk from process contaminants such as vapors, gases, and dust. (Occupational Health Regulations 112/76, 15)

Inspection, design and maintenance

Ensure that all ventilation systems are designed, installed, operated, maintained and repaired adequately. (Occupational Health Regulations 112/76, 15)

Make-up air

Provide a supply of fresh air into and the removal of air from the workplace, to keep the air reasonably pure. (Occupational Health Regulations 112/76, 15)

Back to top

Continue by clicking any item on the menu bar on the left.