Environmental & Indoor Air Quality Management

Programs, guides, and procedures help you prepare and pass environmental audits. Environmental Policy and Procedure explanations, and environmental management programs provide explanation for workplace environmental audits and their compliance.

Environmental Management

Environmental management system refers to managing organization's environmental programs in comprehensive systematic, planning and documented manner. It includes organizational structure, planning and resources for developing and implementing and maintaining policy for environmental protection.

Environmental management is not, as the phrase could suggest, the management of the environment as such, but rather the management of human impact upon the environment. The three main issues that affect managers are those involving politics, programs, and resources. The need for environmental management can be viewed from a variety of perspectives. A more common philosophy and impetus behind environmental management is the concept of carrying capacity. Simply put, carrying capacity refers to the maximum number of organisms a particular resource can sustain. The concept of carrying capacity, whilst understood by many cultures over history, has its roots in Malthusian theory.

Environmental management involves the management of all components of the bio-physical environment, both living and non-living. This is due to the interconnected and network of relationships amongst all living species and their habitats. The environment also involves the relationships of the human environment, such as the social, cultural and economic environment with the bio-physical environment.

As with all management functions, effective management tools, standards and systems are required. An 'environmental management standard or system or protocol attempts to reduce environmental impact as measured by some objective criteria. The ISO 14001 standard is the most widely used standard for environmental risk management and is closely aligned to the European Eco Management & Audit Scheme. As a common auditing standard, the ISO 19011 standard explains how to combine this with quality management.

The ISO 14000 standards reflect different aspects of environmental management. The following list outlines the broad coverage of each:
• Environmental Management Systems: 14001-2004, 14002, 14004
• Environmental Auditing: 19011
• Environmental Labeling: 14020, 14021, 14022, 14023, 14024, 14025
• Life Cycle Assessment: 14040, 14041, 14042, 14043

Other strategies exist that rely on making simple distinctions rather than building top-down management "systems" using performance audits and full cost accounting. For instance, Ecological Intelligent Design divides products into consumables, service products or durables and un-saleable - toxic products that no one should buy, or in many cases, do not realize they are buying. By eliminating the un-saleable from the comprehensive outcome of any purchase, better environmental management is achieved without "systems".

Today's businesses must comply with many Federal, State and local environmental laws, rules, and regulations. It's vital to safeguard your company against compliance short-cuts. This approach leaves you vulnerable to violations of the law, in addition to missing important environmental liabilities

Financial Benefits of Environmental Management

Cost savings through the reduction of waste and more efficient use of natural resources (electricity, water, gas and fuels.) Avoiding fines and penalties from not meeting environmental legislation by identifying environmental risks and addressing weaknesses. Reduction in insurance costs by demonstrating better risk management.

Operational and Internal Benefits of Environmental Management

Improved overall performance and efficiency. Able to monitor and reflect (audit) your businesses and see which areas need intervention.

External Benefits of Environmental Management

Better public perception of the organization, leading to improved sales Reduction of the impact (e.g. noises, smells, dust) of your activities on the local residents, leading to more community support.

Many EPA programs encourage industries to make environmental management part of their regular operations. The Agency offers guidance and assistance in developing and maintaining Environmental Management Systems and Environmental Auditing and Accounting systems that enable managers to assess their environmental performance and determine actual costs involved in managing waste. EPA guidance also is available to assist manufacturers in pollution prevention efforts such as adopting more efficient manufacturing processes and recycling used materials

The need for environmental management can be viewed from a variety of perspectives. A more common philosophy and impetus behind environmental management is the concept of carrying capacity. Simply put, carrying capacity refers to the maximum number of organisms a particular resource can sustain. Environmental management is the conservation of the environment. Environmental management involves the management of all components of the bio-physical environment, both living and non-living. This is due to the interconnected and network of relationships amongst all living species and their habitats. The environment also involves the relationships of the human environment, such as the social, cultural and economic environment with the bio-physical environment.

As with all management functions, effective management tools, standards and systems are required. An 'environmental management standard or system or protocol attempts to reduce environmental impact as measured by some objective criteria. The ISO 14001 standard is the most widely used standard for environmental risk management and is closely aligned to the European Eco Management & Audit Scheme (EMAS). As a common auditing standard, the ISO 19011 standard explains how to combine this with quality management.

Concerns about indoor air quality (IAQ) increased when energy conservation measures instituted in office buildings during the 1970s, minimized the introduction of outside air and contributed to the buildup of indoor air contaminants. IAQ generally refers to the quality of the air in an office environment. Other terms related to IAQ include indoor environmental quality (IEQ) and "sick building syndrome" (SBS). Complaints about Indoor Air Quality range from simple complaints, such as the air smelling odd, to more complex, where the air quality causes illness and lost work time. It may not be easy to identify a single reason for Indoor air quality complaints because of the number and variety of possible sources, causes, and varying individual sensitivities.

Indoor Air Quality Management

Indoor air pollution poses many challenges to the health professional. This material offers an overview of those challenges, focusing on acute conditions, with patterns that point to particular agents and suggestions for appropriate remedial action.

The individual presenting with environmentally associated symptoms is apt to have been exposed to airborne substances originating not outdoors, but indoors. Studies from the United States and Europe show that persons in industrialized nations spend more than 90 percent of their time indoors. For infants, the elderly, persons with chronic diseases, and most urban residents of any age, the proportion is probably higher. In addition, the concentrations of many pollutants indoors exceed those outdoors. The locations of highest concern are those involving prolonged, continuing exposure - that is, the home, school, and workplace.

The lung is the most common site of injury by airborne pollutants. Acute effects, however, may also include non-respiratory signs and symptoms, which may depend upon toxicological characteristics of the substances and host-related factors.

Heavy industry-related occupational hazards are generally regulated and likely to be dealt with by an on-site or company physician or other health personnel. This material addresses the indoor air pollution problems that may be caused by contaminants encountered in the daily lives of persons in their homes and offices. These are the problems more likely to be encountered by the primary health care provider.

Etiology can be difficult to establish because many signs and symptoms are nonspecific, making differential diagnosis a distinct challenge. Indeed, multiple pollutants may be involved. The challenge is further compounded by the similar manifestations of many of the pollutants and by the similarity of those effects, in turn, to those that may be associated with allergies, influenza, and the common cold. Many effects may also be associated, independently or in combination with, stress, work pressures, and seasonal discomforts.

Because a few prominent aspects of indoor air pollution, notably environmental tobacco smoke and "sick building syndrome," have been brought to public attention, individuals may volunteer suggestions of a connection between respiratory or other symptoms and conditions in the home or, especially, the workplace. Such suggestions should be seriously considered and pursued, with the caution that such attention could also lead to inaccurate attribution of effects. Questions listed in the diagnostic leads sections will help determine the cause of the health problem. The probability of an etiological association increases if the individual can convincingly relate the disappearance or lessening of symptoms to being away from the home or workplace.

All materials in the members area for this topic index

Air Quality

Program Material

Programs (written)
(1)
 Air Contaminant   Download  MS-WORD
Program Development
(1)
 Wood Dust Hazards   Download  MS-WORD
Fact Sheets
(23)
 01 Intro To Air Quality Control   Download  MS-WORD
 02 Health Diagnostic Quick Reference   Download  MS-WORD
 04 Health Tobacco Smoke   Download  MS-WORD
 05 Health Combustion Products   Download  MS-WORD
 06 Health CO   Download  MS-WORD
 07 Health NO2 SO2   Download  MS-WORD
 08 Health Biologicals   Download  MS-WORD
 09 Health TB   Download  MS-WORD
 10 Health Legionnaires   Download  MS-WORD
 11 Health VOC   Download  MS-WORD
 12 Health Heavy Metals   Download  MS-WORD
 13 Health Sick Building   Download  MS-WORD
 14 Health Asbestos Radon   Download  MS-WORD
 15 Qanda   Download  MS-WORD
 Fume Hoods Safety Topic   Download  MS-WORD
 Indoor Air Quality Home   Download  MS-WORD
 Indoor Air Quality Iaq Safety Topic   Download  MS-WORD
 Mold And Moisture Safety Topic   Download  MS-WORD
 Mold In Workplace   Download  MS-WORD
 Terrorism Building Protection 1   Download  MS-WORD
 Terrorism Building Protection 2   Download  MS-WORD
 Terrorism Building Protection 3   Download  MS-WORD
 Terrorism Building Ventilation   Download  MS-WORD

Forms & Documents

Audits
(1)
 EPA Air Quality Audit Guide   Download  MS-WORD
Checklists
(2)
 03 Symptom Diagnostic   Download  MS-WORD
 Office Air Quality And Cleanliness Checklist   Download  MS-WORD
Forms
(1)
 Air Sample Survey   Download  MS-WORD

Training Material

Articles
(1)
 Indoor Environmental Quality Safety Article   Download  MS-WORD
Pamphlets
(1)
 Indoor Air Quality Information Pamphlet   Download  MS-WORD
PowerPoints
(3)
 Mold Control   Download  MS-PPT
 Mold Control   Download  MS-PPT
 Sick Building Syndrome   Download  MS-PPT

Environmental

Program Material

Programs (written)
(1)
 Universal Waste Safety Program   Download  MS-WORD
Fact Sheets
(21)
 01 Intro To Air Quality Control   Download  MS-WORD
 02 Health Diagnostic Quick Reference   Download  MS-WORD
 04 Health Tobacco Smoke   Download  MS-WORD
 05 Health Combustion Products   Download  MS-WORD
 06 Health CO   Download  MS-WORD
 07 Health NO2 SO2   Download  MS-WORD
 08 Health Biologicals   Download  MS-WORD
 09 Health TB   Download  MS-WORD
 10 Health Legionnaires   Download  MS-WORD
 11 Health VOC   Download  MS-WORD
 12 Health Heavy Metals   Download  MS-WORD
 13 Health Sick Building   Download  MS-WORD
 14 Health Asbestos Radon   Download  MS-WORD
 15 Qanda   Download  MS-WORD
 Environmental Laws Overview Safety Topic Fact Sheet   Download  MS-WORD
 Mold And Moisture Safety Topic   Download  MS-WORD
 Mold In Workplace   Download  MS-WORD
 Terrorism Building Protection 1   Download  MS-WORD
 Terrorism Building Protection 2   Download  MS-WORD
 Terrorism Building Protection 3   Download  MS-WORD
 Terrorism Building Ventilation   Download  MS-WORD

Forms & Documents

Audits
(21)
 EPA Air Quality Audit Guide   Download  MS-WORD
 EPA Cercla Audit Protocol   Download  MS-WORD
 EPA Environmental Audit Appendix A   Download  MS-WORD
 EPA Environmental Audit Appendix B   Download  MS-WORD
 EPA Environmental Audit Appendix C   Download  MS-WORD
 EPA Environmental Audit Appendix D   Download  MS-WORD
 EPA Environmental Audit Appendix E   Download  MS-WORD
 EPA Environmental Audit Appendix F   Download  MS-WORD
 EPA Environmental Audit Appendix G   Download  MS-WORD
 EPA Environmental Compliance Audit   Download  MS-WORD
 EPA Environmental Policy Audit   Download  MS-WORD
 EPA Environmental Program Audit   Download  MS-WORD
 EPA Environmental Release And Corrective Actions Audit   Download  MS-WORD
 EPA Environmental Treatment Storage Disposal Facility Protocal Audit   Download  MS-WORD
 EPA Spill Prevention Cc Strom Water Plan Audit   Download  MS-WORD
 EPA Storm Water Sampling Instructions Audit   Download  MS-WORD
 EPA Waste Determination Audit   Download  MS-WORD
 EPA Waste Management Audit   Download  MS-WORD
 EPA Waste Water Manual Audit   Download  MS-WORD
 EPA Wastewater Audit   Download  MS-WORD
 On Site Tanks Audit   Download  MS-WORD
Checklists
(6)
 03 Symptom Diagnostic   Download  MS-WORD
 EPA Audit Emergency Planning And Right To Know Checklist   Download  MS-WORD
 EPA Audit For Small Quantity Generators Checklist   Download  MS-WORD
 EPA Audit Monthly Environmental Checklist   Download  MS-WORD
 Environmental Controls Checklist   Download  MS-WORD
 General Environmental Housekeeping Checklist Audit   Download  MS-WORD
Forms
(4)
 Air Sample Survey   Download  MS-WORD
 EPA Oil Spill And Chem Release Form   Download  MS-WORD
 EPA Storm Water Sampling Form   Download  MS-WORD
 Environmental Release And Corrective Actions Form   Download  MS-WORD
Inspections
(1)
 Environmental Conditions Inspection General Form   Download  MS-WORD

Training Material

Accident Reports
(2)
 Bag Stackers Dust Control Accident   Download  MS-WORD
 Molten Metal Spill Accident   Download  MS-WORD
Articles
(2)
 Indoor Environmental Quality Safety Article   Download  MS-WORD
 Medical Waste Safety Article   Download  MS-WORD
PowerPoints
(11)
 40 Hour HAZWOPER PowerPoint Spanish   Download  MS-PPT
 40 hour HAZWOPER PowerPoint   Download  MS-PPT
 Environmental Regulations PowerPoint Spanish   Download  MS-PPT
 Federal Environmental Regulations PowerPoint   Download  MS-PPT
 HAZWOPER 8Hr Operations PowerPoint Spanish   Download  MS-PPT
 HAZWOPER 8Hr Operations PowerPoint   Download  MS-PPT
 Hazardous Waste Management Training PowerPoint Spanish   Download  MS-PPT
 Hazardous Waste Management Training PowerPoint   Download  MS-PPT
 Mold Control   Download  MS-PPT
 Mold Control   Download  MS-PPT
 Sick Building Syndrome   Download  MS-PPT

Policies & Procedures
Universal Waste Program
Environmental Management Policy (Template)
Environmental Management Program
Waste Water Manual
This manual provides up-to-date information on onsite wastewater treatment system (OWTS) siting, design, installation, maintenance, and replacement. It reflects significant advances that the expert community has identified to help OWTSs become more cost-effective and environmentally protective, particularly in small suburban and rural areas. This document is 1.4M Adobe Acrobat
Environmental Audits / Forms
Waste Management
Air Quality
Small Quantity Generator Checklist
Oil Spill & Chemical Release
On site Tank Audit
EP CRA Audit
General Audit
Hazardous Waste Audit
Waste Determination Audit
SPCC Audit
Waste Water Audit
Environmental Checklist (Monthly)
Release and Corrective Actions Form
Environmental Regulatory References
1. Environmental Compliance Audits of Hazardous Waste Generators under the RCRA
- Appendix A: Identification and Listing of Hazardous Waste
- Appendix B: Commercial Chemical Products or Manufacturing Chemical Intermediates Identified as Toxic Wastes
- Appendix C: Toxicity Characteristics Constituents and Regulatory Levels
- Appendix D: Identification of Hazardous Waste Hazardous Constituents
- Appendix E: Commercial Chemical Products or Manufacturing Chemical Intermediates Identified as Acute Hazardous Waste
- Appendix F: Potentially Incompatible Hazardous Wastes
- Appendix G: Land Disposal Restricted Wastes and Their Effective Dates
2. Environmental Compliance Audits under the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act
3. Environmental Compliance Audits under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act
4. Environmental Compliance Audits of Treatment, Storage and Disposal Facilities under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act
Indoor Air Quality Resources
Written Program
Indoor Air Quality Contaminant Safety
Form
Air Sample Survey
Indoor Air Quality References
Introduction
Diagnostic Quick Reference
Diagnostic Checklist
Environmental Tobacco Smoke
Combustion Products
Carbon Monoxide
Nitrogen Dioxide and Sulfur Dioxide
Biologicals
Tuberculosis
Legionnaires' Disease
Volatile Organic Compounds
Mercury and Lead
Sick Building Syndrome
Asbestos & Radon
Frequently Asked Questions
Air Sample Survey
PowerPoint
Sick Building Syndrome
Mold Control
40 Hour Hazwoper Course
8 Hour Hazwoper Course
Hazardous Waste Training
Technical Papers
Guide to Mold in the Workplace
Mold & Moisture Control
Building Protection
NBC Recommendations - Building Ventilation

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Topic Index

Accident Prevention
Air Quality
Asbestos
Bloodborne Pathogens
Boilers
Chemical Safety
Compressed Gas
Confined Space
Construction
Construction Worksite
Cranes & Slings
Driver / Fleet Safety
Drug Free Workplace
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Material Handling
MSDS (SDS)
Medical & First Aid
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Off the Job Safety
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Record Keeping
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Silica Safety
Rules & Policies
Signs & Labels
Slips, Trips & Fall
Training
Terrorism Programs
Tool Safety
Vehicle & Driver
Violence Programs
Welding & Hot Work

Training Videos

Back Safety
Chemical Corrosive
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Chemical Harmful
Chemical Irritant
Chemical Risk
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Confined Space Death
Confined Space Hazards & Response
Driving & Medication
Drowsy Driving
Electrical Arc Flash Hazards
Emergency Planning
Ergonomics
Eye Protection
Fall Prevention
Fall Protection - Tie Off
Forklift Carbon Monoxide Hazard
Forklift Tipover Accidents
Forklifts & Pedestrians
Healthcare Worker Safety
Hearing Conservation
Hot Work Dangers
Ladder Safety
Lockout - Tagout
Office Safety
Reactive Chemical Hazards - Process
Safety
Safety For Small Business
Substance Abuse
Trenching Basics
Understanding Job Stress - for Managers
Young Worker Safety


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Talks
Articles
PowerPoint
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Training Overheads
Quizzes
Supervisor Briefs
Management Briefs
Safety Sessions
2 Minute OSHA Safety Talks
Pamphlets
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Supervisor Training
Hazardous Materials
Bomb Threat
Crossword Puzzles
Biological Agents

Forms & Documents

Forms
Checklists
Audit Guides
Inspections Guides
Signs & Labels
Environmental Audit Guides
Recordkeeping - OSHA 300
Sign & Label Maker

Safety Management Resources

Safety Manuals/Written Programs
Ergonomic Programs
Emergency Plans
Process Safety Management
Construction Safety
Occupational Health
Environmental
Topic Sheets
DOT Fleet-Driver
Hazardous Materials
Chemical Safety
Drug Free Workplace
Terrorism Programs
Development Guides

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10. Safety Committee
11. Industrial Hygiene
12. IR Calculator
13. Respirator Schedule
14. Protective Equipment
15. Chemical Exposure
16. Event Planner
17. Expense Tracker
18. Job Safety Analysis
19. Chemical Data
20. Training Planner
21. Contractors
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23. Chemical Labels

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