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Indoor Air Quality Building Education and Assessment Model (I-BEAM)

The Visual Reference module contains pictures of IAQ problems and solutions. Learn about the IAQ issues contained in each picture by referring to alt-text contained on the pictures. You may find explanations in text, or in other visual guides which show air movement flows, or pollutant flows as various elements in the building are changed.

Table of Contents

Picture Series

Chapter 1 - Controlling Common Outdoor Sources

  1. Proper Arrangement of Rooftop
  2. Nearby Outdoor Sources
  3. Consider All Potential Wind Directions
  4. Rooftop Maintenance Strategies
  5. Loading Dock Protocols for IAQ
  6. Manage Pressure Differentials for Major Sources
  7. Keep Dirt Out of Building

Chapter 2 - Controlling Common Indoor Sources

  1. Develop a Painting Protocol
  2. Develop a Pesticide Protocol
  3. Develop a Smoking Policy - Smoking Ban
  4. Develop a Smoking Policy - Smoking Lounge
  5. Develop a Housekeeping Plan
  6. Exhaust for Local Stationary Sources
  7. Exhaust Hoods for Major Indoor Sources

Chapter 3 - Controlling Pollution Pathways

  1. Pollutants Travel Through Plumbing Chases
  2. Pollutants Travel Through Wire Chases
  3. Stairwells and Elevators are Common Pathways
  4. Plan the Flow Path of Pollutants Correctly
  5. The HVAC System Transports Air Pollution
  6. Dust Accumulation and Air Movement

Chapter 4 - Control Moisture and Mold

  1. Control Water Accumulation and Leaks
  2. Remove Excess Water Quickly
  3. Thoroughly Dry Wet Materials
  4. Numerous Sources of Moisture Promote Mold Growth

Chapter 5 - Special Issues in Construction and Renovation

  1. In Partitioning a Space, There's More Than Meets the Eye
  2. Room Layout Should Preserve Ventilation
  3. Room Layout Must Consider Thermostat Location
  4. Avoid Pollution Adsorption by Porous Materials
  5. Seek Out Low Emitting Sources
  6. Pre-ventilate Materials with High Pollution Emission

Chapter 6 - Preventive Maintenance Sustains Good IAQ

  1. Maintain Up-to-Date Building Records
  2. Establish an Effective PM Program
  3. Train Your Key Maintenance Employees on IAQ
  4. Maintain All Equipment on Time
  5. Keep a Clean Mechanical Room
  6. Periodically Check Exhaust Air Flows
  7. Periodically Check Pressure Relationships
  8. Periodically Check Temperature, Humidity, and CO2
  9. Periodically Check Supply Air and Outdoor Air Flows
  10. Make Use of I-BEAM Forms in Your Maintenance Program
  11. Monitoring IAQ in Occupied Spaces
  12. Monitoring PM Throughout Building

Chapter 7 - Be Responsive to Occupant Needs

  1. Notice Signs of Occupant Distress
  2. Poor IAQ May Not Be The Whole Story
  3. Be Responsive to Occupant Complaints

Animation Series

Please note, the animated series modules use animated GIF files which are about 2MB in file size.  If you have dial-up access to the internet, it may be a moment before the graphics load.

Series 1 - Controlling Ventilation Air Flows

  1. Desired Ventilation Flows
  2. Overcrowded Offices
  3. Air Handling Unit Contaminated
  4. Outdoor Air Damper Opening Reduced
  5. Exhaust Not Operating Properly
  6. Supply Air to Office Shut Off or Pinched Down
  7. Economizer Operating
  8. Contaminated Outdoor Air

Series 2 - Pressure Relationships

  1. Balanced Flows are Precarious
  2. Unbalanced Flows Pollutes Office

Series 3 - Containing Construction Contaminants

  1. Construction Area Contained
  2. Poor Containment Strategy
  3. Temporary Exhaust is OK
  4. Incorrect Ventilation Concept

Series 4 - Pollution Flows in Underground Garages

  1. Normal Flows with Exhaust Fan
  2. Inadequate Pressure Control

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Order a Copy of I-BEAM

I-BEAM is available on CD ROM (EPA 402-C-01-001). To obtain your free CD ROM copy contact EPA's National Service Center for Environmental Publications (NSCEP) at:

P.O. Box 42419
Cincinnati, OH 45242-0419
Website: www.epa.gov/nscep
Phone:  1-800-490-9198
Fax:  (301) 604-3408
E-mail:  nscep@bps-lmit.com

NSCEP operates a Toll-free phone service for EPA Publication Assistance with live customer service representative assistance Monday through Friday from 9:00am-5:30pm eastern time.  Voice Mail is available after operating hours.  You can fax or e-mail your publication requests.  For technical assistance with NSCEP web pages, write to: nscep_nepis.tech@epa.gov

Please use the EPA Document Number EPA 402-C-01-001 when ordering from NSCEP.  See our list of publications at www.epa.gov/iaq/pubs

How Do I Order Other EPA Publications?  Click Here

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