Plant Manager’s Guide to Indoor Air Quality (IAQ)
You can’t see poor air quality — but its effects could be threatening your facility’s success and safety.
This guide breaks down what IAQ means for manufacturing operations, how to spot warning signs, regulations you need to know, and most importantly, practical solutions that can dramatically improve your facility’s Indoor Air Quality.
What is Indoor Air Quality (IAQ)?
Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) is a set of measurements that represent the quality of air indoors.
IAQ is determined by building conditions and the concentration of pollutants. This metric is used in many industries including pharmaceuticals, hospitality, residential construction and more. In the case of manufacturing, IAQ is important for protecting worker’s health and equipment performance.
What Are Signs of Poor IAQ?
You can measure IAQ by completing an air quality inspection with specialized equipment. However, there are many signs that can tip you off to poor IAQ.
Physical symptoms experienced by occupants:
- Headaches, fatigue, or dizziness
- Irritation of eyes, nose, throat, or skin
- Coughing, sneezing, or congestion
- Respiratory issues or worsening of existing conditions like asthma
- Allergic reactions
People often notice these issues most clearly when symptoms consistently improve after leaving the building (sometimes called “sick building syndrome”) or when multiple occupants experience similar symptoms in the same space.
Observable conditions in the environment:
- Visible mold growth
- Unusual or persistent odors
- Excessive dust accumulation
- Condensation on windows or walls
- Poor airflow or stuffiness
- Temperature discomfort (too hot or cold)
Building-related indicators:
- Inadequate ventilation systems
- Water damage or staining
- Blocked vents or air returns
- Dirty HVAC filters or ductwork
- Recent renovations or new furnishings releasing chemicals
If you’ve noticed any of these signs in your facility, it’s time for indoor air quality testing. If left unchecked, poor IAQ can lead to serious health issues and equipment malfunctions.
What Are Compliance Requirements for IAQ?
There is no single comprehensive standard in the United States that governs all aspects of indoor air quality. Depending on your industry and location, you may have to adhere to different indoor air quality standards. However, a great place for plant managers to start is OSHA Permissible Exposure Limits (PELs).
OSHA establishes legally enforceable exposure limits for hundreds of specific chemicals and particulates that may be present in manufacturing environments. These PELs specify the maximum airborne concentration of substances workers can be exposed to during an 8-hour workday.
How Can You Improve IAQ?
Like IAQ compliance requirements, IAQ improvement methods vary based on your industry and operation. However, these are three major ways to improve indoor air quality that apply to most situations.
Install air filtration systems
The right air filtration systems can capture particulates, VOCs, and other contaminants before they circulate throughout your workspace. This might include HEPA filters, electrostatic precipitators, or other technologies depending on your specific contaminants.
Require respiration PPE
When engineering controls aren’t enough, appropriate respirators provide an essential defense layer for your workers. Make sure they’re properly fitted and appropriate for your specific workplace hazards.
Use BFM® fittings to contain dust at the source
These specialized connectors create dust-tight seals between machinery components, preventing particulates from escaping in the first place — often the most effective approach to maintaining good IAQ.
More Safety Resources for Plant Managers
Maintaining a safe facility is a complex task. Whether it’s improving IAQ, managing dangerous equipment, or minimizing explosion risks, there’s a lot to consider. Explore our library of safety resources for more ways to run a safe and productive operation.
