1. Purpose.
This Order establishes Public Buildings Service (PBS) nationwide requirements for effectively managing and overseeing indoor air quality (IAQ) to help ensure the well-being of building occupants, contractors, and visitors.
2. Cancellation.
Indoor Air Quality Management PBS 1000.8, dated October 3, 2016
3. Authority.
a. Code of Federal Regulation 41 CFR Part 102.80 & 41 CFR 102.74.185
b. United States (U.S.) Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA): 29 CFR 1960, 29 CFR 1910 Subpart G, 29 CFR 1926, & General Duty Clause (Section 5(a)(1) of the Occupational Safety and Health Act)
4. Organizations, Consensus Standards, and Guidelines Used in the Development of the Order.
a. U.S. OSHA: Indoor Air Quality in Commercial and Institutional Buildings & Sampling and Analytical Methods
b. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA): Clean Air in Buildings Challenge, Energy Star, & various website resources
c. National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH): Manual of Analytical Methods
d. ASHRAE: Standards 55 & 62.1
e. U.S. Green Building Council: Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED)
f. International WELL Building Institute: The WELL Building Standard
g. American National Standards Institute (ANSI) / Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC): S500 & S520
h. Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors’ National Association, Inc. (SMACNA): IAQ Guidelines for Occupied Buildings Under Construction
5. Background.
PBS is committed to providing safe and healthy spaces for building occupants. IAQ refers to the condition of the air inside buildings and structures, particularly in enclosed spaces where people work or spend a significant amount of time. It encompasses various factors that can affect the quality of the air we breathe, including pollutants, temperature, humidity, ventilation, and the presence of allergens or irritants. Poor IAQ can impact human health, leading to symptoms such as respiratory problems, allergies, headaches, fatigue, and reduced cognitive function. Adequate ventilation and filtration systems, regular maintenance, implementation of best practices during construction, and the use of low-emission materials are among the key components of maintaining good IAQ. By addressing these factors, efforts can be made to help ensure healthy and comfortable indoor environments for occupants, contributing to their well-being and productivity.
6. Scope and applicability.
This Order, and the companion desk guide, apply to federally owned facilities under the jurisdiction, custody, and control of the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA), including facilities operating under a GSA delegation of authority. Limited aspects of this Order also apply to facilities leased by GSA and are dictated by the provisions of the lease.
U.S. General Services Administration