Air Quality Control Report

As part of our facility renewal program, the College is working through multi-phased roofing replacement projects across campus. This year’s project is Shuniah building section of roof over the computer labs and testing centre. 

The roofing project began in mid September, and adhesive began being applied the week of October 10^th 2022.  Complaints were received on Monday October 17^th, 2022 from various areas of the College.  A review of the concerns determined that the odour was coming from the roofing adhesive.  The roofers noted a change in wind direction that could have caused the odour to enter the building through the air intake. Facilities made HVAC changes to reduce the air being pulled in from the area where the work was occurring to prevent the odour from entering the building.

The following actions were taken to address the issue:

• The air handling system was left running overnight to ensure multiple air changes for the building. 
• The JHSC Co-chairs were informed
• The HVAC systems were adjusted to minimize the odour
• Stantec Consulting Engineers were engaged to complete indoor air quality (IAQ) testing. 
• The JHSC Co-chairs were advised of the plan for testing; including where and when the testing was occurring. 

Air sampling was completed on October 20, 2022, which was the soonest time that the required equipment was available. The values were well below the 20,000 ppb of the most conservative restrictive value for Toluene.

It was also noted by the consultant that for many compounds the odour threshold (i.e. the concentration that can be detected by the sense of smell) is much lower than exposure limits and IAQ guidelines.

The results of sampling for total airborne volatile organic compounds (VOC) before and during glue application on the roof are considered to be acceptable in terms of both Ontario occupational exposure limits and reasonable IAQ guidelines.  The consultant provided the following recommendations:

• Continue to protect the HVAC system during application of the roofing glue.
• Consider accommodations for individuals reporting discomfort based on odour perception.

We are continuing work today with the HVAC system modifications in place.  Overall, the work on the roofing is expected to be completed within the next two weeks but is highly weather dependent.  They are working this weekend to minimize the impact of the odour to the occupants of the college and to take advantage of the anticipated good weather.