Sick Building Syndrome Report

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Report Date	Sunday 1 April 2001
Date Tabled	Sunday 1 April 2001
Ordered Printed	Sunday 1 April 2001
Context	Inquiry into Sick Building Syndrome, Public Works Committee

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RECOMMENDATIONS:
Coordinated Approach
1. THAT the Government establish an Inter-Agency Standing Committee (IASC) to provide a strategic approach to indoor air quality issues, including Sick Building Syndrome, in New South Wales. The Standing Committee should:
· include (but not be restricted to) the following agencies: Government Asset Management Committee (Premiers Department) EPA, DPWS, Dept of Health, WorkCover and SEDA;
· be responsible for implementing the recommendations of this report (including raising the issues at appropriate national forums); and
· Initially be funded with a seed grant from Treasury. It should then operate on agency budgets as these agencies have been identified because the issue forms part of the core business of each agency.

Research
2. THAT the IASC:

1. Identify sources of funding for a research project to precisely identify the extent of SBS in the public sector in New South Wales. The findings would be used to refine strategies identified in the recommendations below.

2. Consider ways to access all relevant data compiled in NSW on IAQ/SBS issues

Reducing SBS in New Buildings
Design
3. THAT the Building Code of Australia include specific measures to ensure IAQ which promotes occupant well-being

4. THAT Government agencies utilise the expertise of environmental architects and designers in the design phase of buildings in order to minimise possible IAQ problems by looking at the full range of design options.

5. THAT as part of the implementation of ESD principles the Government establish a review committee to vet proposals for significant capital works projects with respect to design elements to ensure high quality IAQ

6. THAT the optimisation of IAQ be part of the tendering process for relevant capital works projects as part of the implementation of ESD and life-cycle costing principles. New buildings should have clearer documentation and guidelines relating to SBS prevention.

7. THAT an SBS best practice guide for designers be produced

8. THAT SBS specific practice codes be developed for building construction.

9. THAT the IASC consider ways to implement the DPWS/ Education and Training model of ESD more broadly across the public sector.

HVAC systems
10. THAT new buildings be designed to:
· Minimise heating and cooling demands of ventilation
· Minimise the introduction of polluted ventilation air
· Minimise energy demands of supplying and removing air

11. THAT the use of new HVAC technologies, such as hybrid air conditioning, 100% fresh air systems and high quality air filters be considered on a case by case basis as part of the design of new buildings or as part of major renovations.

12. THAT the design of HVAC systems should, where feasible, provide occupants with individual control over their workspaces.

13. THAT, where possible HVAC systems should be designed with the final use and layout of the building in mind. Where this is not possible, building internal layouts should not conflict with existing HVAC systems.

14. THAT AS 1668.2 include provisions to specifically improve IAQ, particularly SBS.

Limiting Material Sources of Indoor Air Pollutants
15. THAT the interim national IAQ goals recommended by National Health and Medical Research Council be adopted.

16. THAT a database (along the lines developed in Europe) or best practice guide be established containing information on low emission building products, finishes and furnishings for use by architects, designers, developers and clients

17. THAT the Government implement a program to phase out the use of products, finishes and furnishings which contain toxic chemicals such as volatile organic compounds. For example, strategies to encourage the use of low emission products, such as preferential treatment as part of tenders and contracts and inclusion in industry codes and standards, could be developed.

18. THAT the sale of high emission appliances (photocopiers/ printers etc) be discouraged or phased out. Fuel burning appliances should be flued to the outside.

Commissioning
19. THAT new buildings be “cured” before occupation by being “flushed out” (extended period of ventilation).

20. THAT, where HVAC systems are installed, careful and correct commissioning of the system be carried out to ensure the system performs to the design.

Management of Existing Buildings
21. THAT a “compliance schedule” for mechanical ventilation and air-conditioning systems be included in the Building Code of Australia to ensure the systems are fit for health. (Such an approach was included in the New Zealand 1992 Building Regulations)

22. THAT the HVAC systems in buildings be monitored on an annual basis to ensure compliance with the “compliance schedule” recommended above.

23. THAT HVAC “compliance” requirements include techniques which ensure the control of microbiological material (such as slime) and fungi in the HVAC systems.

24. THAT the development of a graded building rating system (similar to the energy system on appliances) be investigated which would enable potential tenants and users to compare buildings.

25. THAT quantified conditions relating to air quality and thermal comfort be negotiated and documented in the contract as part of lease negotiations.

26. THAT cleaning protocols or standards need to be reviewed or established to guarantee that cleaning is carried out for the purpose of protecting health (and not just for appearance). For example, the process must ensure the proper cleaning of carpets to remove dust mites and must avoid the use of hazardous cleaning agents. Realistic timeframes for cleaning contractors to properly clean buildings need to be ensured.

27. THAT codes or guidelines be developed to encourage office fitouts to use non polluting materials and not to impact upon the operation of HVAC systems.

Education
28. THAT education programs on SBS and IAQ be implemented to raise awareness across all sectors of the community. Specific areas for action would be:
· Green Offices initiative;
· Information booklet for the public
· Resource information for architects, designers, owners, managers and maintenance staff, for example:
- DPWS to disseminate examples of leading environmental design for schools and other buildings for the benefit of the design and building industry. This could be done in collaboration with Royal Australian Institute of Architects

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Government Response

No Government response to this report was requested.

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