IAQ Building Education and Assessment Model (I-BEAM)

Remember...“Fans, heaters, air cleaners, purposely blocked vents or removed ceiling tiles are signs of occupant distress.”

(Hot Spot over space heater to the left of the person seated.)

• Sometimes occupants take matters into their own hands. In the picture, the woman in this office is cold and has brought in a space heater. If too warm, occupants may bring in their own fans, or if the air is stuffy, or they are concerned about the air quality, you may find air cleaners in the space. Some occupants may tape over supply registers to prevent drafts, or remove ceiling tiles to induce more air flow.
• All of these are signals that something is wrong and needs to be addressed.

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Remember...“Inadequate lighting, glare, and noise can cause sometimes generate sick building complaints.”

(Hot Spot over window and person seated.)

• Inadequate lighting, glare and noise may be stressful in themselves and may add to the stress caused by poor indoor air quality.
• Occupants may complain of headache and lethargy and other symptoms associated with poor IAQ. Sometimes these symptoms are relieved when noise or lighting problems are solved.

Remember...“All occupants should know how to register a complaint, and will they be assured of a timely response.”

(Hot Spot over person on phone.)

• Have a good complaint-response system that is responsive to occupant concerns. Every complaint should be recorded and addressed promptly. The occupant should be kept informed as to progress toward a permanent resolution of the complaint. Finally, records of the complaint, investigation, and resolution should be kept on file.
• Use I-BEAM to gather and record information, and to help diagnose the cause and find a solution.