Administrative Procedure 542: Indoor Environmental Quality

Education Act: Section 265 Duties of Principal: Care of Pupils and Property; Education Act: Section 286 Duties of Supervisory Officers

Administrative Procedure (AP) 170 School Emergency Procedures; AP 410 Environmental Health and Safety; AP 570 Maintenance, Repair and Care of Property; Form 542A Indoor Environmental Quality: Request for Investigation; Form 542B Indoor Environmental Quality: Optional Occupant Interview Form

This administrative procedure provides a means for successful resolution of indoor environmental quality (IEQ) complaints, in which complaints are handled promptly, responsibilities are clearly defined, and lines of communication are maintained.

 

2.1 Stage 1: is a fact-finding exercise to document the IEQ complaint.

 

2.1.1 All staff members should report any IEQ concerns to their principal/supervisor.
2.1.2 Upon receipt of any IEQ concern, the principal/supervisor shall conduct an initial assessment, as soon as possible.

 

Note: In the event of an emergency, refer to Administrative Procedure 170 School Emergency Procedures, which includes a discussion of evacuation of the building.

2.1.3 The principal/supervisor shall use Form 542A Indoor Environmental Quality: Request for Investigation, and may use Form 542B Indoor Environmental Quality: Optional Occupant Interview Form, to complete this assessment.
2.1.4 The principal shall rectify items within their ability to correct (i.e., administrative, custodial, maintenance requisition).
2.1.5 The principal/supervisor shall contact the environmental health and safety advisor if the IEQ complaint is not resolved after the steps noted above.

 

2.2 Stage 2: is a detailed assessment. Air quality indicators and pollutant sources are investigated and measured. A visual inspection of the heating, ventilation and cooling (HVAC) system will be conducted.

 

2.2.1 The environmental health and safety advisor may initiate a detailed assessment upon receipt of Form 542A Indoor Environmental Quality: Request for Investigation.
2.2.2 The environmental health and safety advisor shall provide the results of this assessment, in writing, to the principal/supervisor and facilities administrator.
2.2.3 Investigative results shall be posted on the Health and Safety Board in the school/board site.

 

2.3.1 Minor corrective measures that can be completed by school staff will be addressed by the principal/supervisor through consultation with the applicable facilities staff.
2.3.2 Major corrective measures will be addressed by the facilities management team in consultation with the principal/supervisor.

 

Updated February 2019