It's Flu Time – How to protect your Credit Union from sick building syndrome!
When you think of a sick building what comes to mind? Possibly a contagious illness that an employee brought into work and is passing a “bug” around the office? Actually when a building is considered to be a sick building it can be from foreign particles such as mold or invisible gases. Mold particles could be from improper remediation and cleanup after a water leak or flooding. There is no specific illness directly linked to a sick building but symptoms can include but are not limited to: dizziness, headaches, eye irritation, nausea, fatigue, upper respiratory irritation.
A building can be considered to have SBS (sick building syndrome) when more than 20 percent of employees complain of symptoms and they continue for more than 2 weeks. Also, the symptoms decrease or disappear when employees are away from the building. Usually symptoms will get worse throughout the day while the employees are in the building.
Mitigation Measures:
- Indoor Air Quality is very important – control how pollutants enter the building
- Office upkeep, using proper cleaning agents, is critical in keeping pollutants from settling over time.
- Some pollutants only become a problem when they build up into excessive amounts. If they cannot be eliminated, such pollutants should be maintained at their minimal levels by ventilating with clean air and applying appropriate exhaust practices.
- HVAC systems should comply with ventilation standards and building codes.
- HVAC systems should be turned on before the workday starts and shut down after all employees leave to get rid of pollutants that may have accumulated during non-working hours. Keep systems clean to reduce the probability of bacteria or mold growth.
- Raise ventilation rates when there are activities being performed that will increase the amount of pollutants entering the building (e.g., carpeting installation, painting).
- Perform maintenance inspections of HVAC systems on a regular basis to make sure they are working properly. Keep a written record of any problems.
These are only a few mitigation measures and more can be found online.
When there are employee complaints concerning symptoms that could be considered or linked to Sick Building Syndrome the company must check into the issue. Possible evacuation of the building may be needed. Contact the local or state health departments or a private company who has expertise in evaluating indoor air quality.
The main concern should always be employee health and safety.
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