Identify deficiencies that may impact IEQ and/or sources of odor concerns. Typically includes the following depending on the nature of concern, but not limited to:
- interview/questionnaire of concern individual(s)
- inspection above drop ceiling (condition of roof deck, pipe insulation, return air plenum)
- inspection of ventilation system (operation of variable air volume box and outdoor air dampers, check controls, measurements of carbon dioxide, temperature and relative humidity, sources near outdoor air intake, measure return and supply air volume, cleanliness of coils, liner and condensate pan)
- inspection of exterior
- inspection below drop ceiling (housekeeping, sink and floor drain traps, signs of past and present moisture concern via visual and/or moisture meter, mold growth, ensure connection of current and capping of abandoned sanitary vents, odorizers, excessive plants and fabric items, identify potential pathways, and measure volatile organic compounds, carbon monoxide, and lighting)
Date(s) of Assessment: March 18, 2019
The Office of the Environment contacted the manufacturer and the distributor of the laminate. A Safety Data Sheet (SDS) was not available for the laminate. The lack of an SDS indicates that the product is not hazardous.
Additionally, laminate is considered an "Article" under the Occupational Health & Safety Administration (OSHA) Hazard Communication Standard. The definition of an article is a manufactured item other that a fluid or particle (i.e. the laminate).
Per the distributor, "products that are manufactured or fabricated into an article typically are whole units that do not and cannot pose a risk in that they cannot be ingested, inhaled, or absorbed into the body through the skin, eyes, or mucous membranes under normal conditions of use."
"By definition, this means that they are not classified as dangerous products and that there is also no intended release of dangerous substances during normal conditions of use.
During the assessment it was noted that there was no exhaust located in the room the laminator was in (a media office).
Based on the information above, the odor is considered a nuisance that can be diluted via general ventilation.
Administration should consider moving the laminator into a room that contains an exhaust, such as the copy room. Additionally, Administration is to ensure that the individuals utilizing the laminator are operating it according to the manufactures specifications (proper temperature, etc.).