When undertaking demolition projects, ensuring safety and environmental protection is necessary. The USEPA’s Pre-Demolition NESHAP (National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants)...
When dealing with asbestos in various settings, understanding the definitions and requirements set by the EPA and OSHA is crucial for ensuring safety and compliance. Both agencies address asbestos,...
Environmental consultants are important tools in navigating the complexities of asbestos management, ensuring safety and compliance with regulatory standards. Asbestos, a hazardous material, requires...
Mold growth varies across different building environments and is influenced by specific conditions and uses. Understanding the environment in which different molds thrive not only aids in identifying...
Mold exposure can lead to a variety of health symptoms, depending on the specific mold type and the person’s sensitivity. While mold is often found in damp or humid environments, the health effects...
Improving Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) and Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ) is a main focus of modern architecture and engineering. By integrating proactive measures into building design, architects...
Mold and its musty odor can be more than just a nuisance—it’s often a sign of underlying moisture issues that could threaten the health of any occupants. When mold appears, it’s not just about...
When it comes to mold, not all varieties are created equal. The distinction between toxic and non-toxic mold types is crucial for understanding their impact on health and safety. Mold can...
Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ) is crucial in ensuring the health and well-being of building occupants. Proactive and sustainable measures in IEQ practices can significantly enhance comfort,...
Indoor air quality (IAQ) is a crucial aspect of our health and well-being, yet it often goes unnoticed until problems arise. Poor IAQ can lead to a variety of stressors, impacting both physical...
Environmental consultants are essential in ensuring safety and sustainability within building projects by collaborating closely with contractors. Their expertise lies in testing for and addressing a...
Invisible pollutants and unseen threats lurk within the built environment, demanding proactive measures to mitigate risks. Environmental consultant companies play a crucial role in testing for,...
The warmer months bring with them a host of environmental factors that exacerbate existing IEQ issues, posing significant obstacles for healthcare facilities. From heightened humidity levels to...
Mechanical engineers are necessary for implementing ASHRAE Standard 241 within schools and healthcare buildings, specifically ventilation systems and disease prevention strategies. The ASHRAE...
ASHRAE Standard 241, established by the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers, serves as a comprehensive framework for optimizing the environmental efficiency of...
In the pursuit of creating healthier interior environments, architects are increasingly turning to standards like ASHRAE Standard 241 as a blueprint for design and construction, particularly in...
The launch of ASHRAE Standard 241 marks a shift in approaching large facility projects. With a focus on energy efficiency, sustainability, and occupant comfort, this standard reshapes the landscape...
ASHRAE Standard 241 represents a significant shift in healthcare ventilation, prioritizing customized indoor air quality (IAQ) management. Unlike previous guidelines, it doesn’t solely...
Ozone is a double-edged sword. In our atmosphere, it acts as a protective layer; however, it is a harmful pollutant at ground level. To tackle its detrimental effects, various ozone remediation...
Ambient air pollutants originate from various sources including industrial activities, transportation, and natural processes, and pose significant threats to both human health and the environment....
Environmental consultants play an essential role in ensuring the safety of indoor environments by conducting radon testing. Using specialized equipment, these professionals measure radon levels in...
Healthcare environmental consultants serve as guides for architects and engineers, bridging the gap between design intent and real-world application in healthcare facilities. Their expertise...
In healthcare, where infection prevention is a top priority, discerning between indoor environmental quality (IEQ) and indoor air quality (IAQ) is crucial for creating proactive defenses against...
Healthcare environmental consultants are indispensable in
ensuring optimal Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ) in hospitals. Their
expertise is instrumental in navigating the complexities of building...
Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ) stands at the forefront of ensuring that healthcare facilities provide spaces that are not just functional but conducive to healing and productivity. However, the...
Designing a healthcare facility requires an environment conducive to healing while prioritizing safety and infection control. Among the array of considerations, the incorporation of bio-aerosol...
Hexavalent chromium, often referred to as chromium-6, is a chemical compound that has gained notoriety due to its potential health risks and environmental impact. It’s a byproduct of industrial...
In healthcare, a safe and sterile environment is paramount. Hospitals, in particular, demand rigorous protocols to maintain cleanliness and minimize the spread of pathogens. Traditional environmental...
What if you had made up your mind to buy an old property? Of course, at the end of the day, the idea is to rent out the property. Once you have bought the house, there are a few things you need to...
Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), once widely used in refrigeration, aerosols, and insulation, have left a lasting mark on our environment. These synthetic compounds are notorious for their role in...
RCRA, or the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, identifies hazardous waste characteristics to ensure proper handling, treatment, and disposal, safeguarding public health and the environment....
Amidst the flurry of facility management responsibilities, carbon monoxide (CO) testing often slips under the radar. Yet, this seemingly minor oversight can have dire consequences, impacting not only...
In building maintenance and construction, effectively overseeing air parameters within confined spaces is essential to uphold the safety of workers and maintain the structural integrity of the...
A healthy indoor climate is vital for well-being and productivity, yet many workplaces experience issues like inadequate ventilation, temperature fluctuations, and excessive noise. These indicators...
Combustible gases like methane, carbon monoxide, and hydrogen sulfide pose several health hazards to both humans and the environment:
Asphyxiation: Certain combustible gases, such as methane and...
Particulate matter pollution, consisting of microscopic particles suspended in the air, is a significant environmental and public health concern. These particles vary in size and composition, ranging...
A recent study from the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has shed light on the complex behavior of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in residential environments (1). This...
Invisible to the naked eye yet potent in their impact, volatile organic compounds (VOCs) lurk within indoor environments, posing potential threats to human health and wellbeing. These compounds...
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have gained notoriety as “forever chemicals” because of their persistence in the environment and potential health risks. These synthetic...
In the aftermath of a fire, what lingers is not solely charred remnants but also the often unseen aftermath of smoke and fire residue. These lingering elements, frequently overlooked, can harbor...
Over-exposure to chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) can lead to severe health consequences for humans. Inhalation of CFCs can irritate the respiratory tract, causing symptoms such as coughing, chest...
Ventilation and indoor carbon dioxide (CO2) testing stand at the forefront of efforts to ensure indoor environments are healthy, sustainable, and conducive to well-being. Environmental consultants...
In July of 2023, OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) introduced comprehensive updates to Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) standards, aimed at enhancing workplace safety across...
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a group of man-made chemicals that have been widely used in various industrial and consumer products due to their water and oil-resistance properties....
Water sampling conducted by environmental consultants is a fundamental practice crucial for ensuring the safety, health, and sustainability of water resources. Here’s why it’s crucial:...
LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification is a globally recognized symbol of sustainability in construction. However, achieving this certification requires meeting specific...
In many workplaces, dust might seem like a mere nuisance, easily swept away or ignored. However, certain types of dust, known as respirable dust, pose serious health risks to workers. Respirable dust...
In the world of unseen hazards, hydrogen sulfide, also known as sewer gas, presents a significant danger. While its foul odor is unmistakable, its potential harm often goes unnoticed until it’s too...
A mobile dust containment unit is a mobile work area that traps dust generated by renovation and maintenance activities above ceilings in sensitive environments, like hospitals.
Mobile containment...
OMAHA, Neb. – May 7, 2018 – PRLog — Daniel L. Taylor has been awarded the Council-certified Microbial Consultant (CMC) designation by the American Council for Accredited Certification (ACAC). This...
Pipe bursts and roof leaks can be dramatic, but some of the most serious moisture problems develop out of sight. Moisture can accumulate behind walls or underneath building materials, leading to...
Bacteria and viruses have ruled our lives lately.
First there was the Ebola epidemic.
Then came the measles outbreak.
Most recently, we’ve seen an escalating number of deadly hospital-acquired...
Everyone loves being greeted by that “new” smell when you walk into a recently built or renovated facility. Ah yes, there’s nothing quite like the sweet scent of…formaldehyde?
Not a lot of people...
In the past few years The Joint Commission (TJC) has placed new emphasis on the importance of building management systems in improving patient safety, and has started to incorporate these systems...
We often think of a hospital as one of the safest places to be–but what about for hospital employees? Healthcare professionals face an increased risk of injury and illness every day while at work....
A significant danger in the workplace today is welding fumes. Welding exposure is so common that up to two percent of the world’s population in industrialized nations have been affected in some way....
OSHA has revised its Hazardous Communication Standard (HCS) to help protect workers and to ensure that American businesses can remain competitive in the global marketplace.
Why did the Hazard...
OSHA set a December 1, 2013 deadline for employers to train employees on the new Globally Harmonized System (GHS) system requirements, but if you haven’t already, that doesn’t mean it’s too late....
Architects and designers have transformed hospitals into welcoming environments designed to promote health and healing. But when it comes to great hospital design, it’s important to remember that...
Architects and designers have transformed hospitals into welcoming environments designed to promote health and healing. But when it comes to great hospital design, it’s important to remember that...
Patients’ health and safety is at the forefront of healthcare goals, but oftentimes risks for hospital-acquired infections are not addressed until construction on a facility has already started, or...
Legionella bacterium is water-based organism that can cause a deadly infection called Legionnaire’s Disease if inhaled. Legionella Pneumophila (Legionella bacterium) is known to prosper in...
An effective Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Plan is an essential step to protect workers from workplace hazards. According to OSHA, PPE are “designed to protect workers from serious workplace...
The 2014 FGI Guidelines for Design and Construction of Hospitals and Outpatient Facilities are undergoing final reviews and will be available January 2014.
Recently, the topic of preventing infection...
An Infection Control Risk Assessment (ICRA) is an essential step in limiting the acquisition and transmission of infections in a healthcare environment. According to The Joint Commission, an ICRA...
The first step in determining whether there are industrial hygiene risks in your workplace is to have an experienced industrial hygienist conduct a qualitative risk assessment. They will take into...
According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), “indoor air quality describes how inside air can affect a person’s health, comfort, and ability to work.” One of the best ways...
What is MRSA Infection?
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infection is caused by an antibiotic-resistant strain of staph. This most common type of this infection is known as...
What is OSHA’s Occupational Noise Standard?
OSHA regulations stipulate that if “any employee’s exposure equals or exceeds an 8-hour time-weighted average of 85 decibels, the employer shall develop...
Many building owners have turned to renovation as a budget-friendly alternative to new construction. Starting renovations on an existing structure, however, means that asbestos regulations need to be...
ASHRAE‘s proposed standard 188P for the Prevention of Legionellosis Associated with Building Water Systems, went through its third and final public review this spring and is likely to become an...
Noise-induced hearing loss is the most common occupational hazard for American workers, and yet many of us are not very concerned about the effect noise can have on our hearing. We assume that we...
In today’s healthcare reality, there is improved sanitation and public health, greater access to preventative care and vaccinations, and increased life expectancy for patients. New technology and...
We all look forward to enjoying newly improved facilities after construction and renovation. But before the work can begin, we must consider how it will affect building occupants, especially when it...
Lockout/Tagout. Sounds like a game, right? But it’s really serious business. Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) procedures ensure that employees who are servicing or maintaining machines and equipment are not...
During hospital construction/renovation and maintenance work, the presence of dust, mold and bacteria can create serious problems. Since many people visit and spend time in hospitals every day...
Frequent discussions regarding the applicability of the EPA’s Lead Renovation, Repair & Painting (RRP) Rule, of April, 2010, are centered around defining a “Child Occupied Facility”. Such a...
When guards or devices cannot be used, there are some other methods that are effective for keeping the employee safe. Some other methods such as: safe opening, safe holding, and safe position of...
Every healthcare facility faces risks associated with dissemination of fungal, bacterial, viral and chemical contaminants on a daily basis. While daily operations present many risks; the potential...
The medical surveillance provisions are part of the lead standard’s comprehensive approach to prevent lead-related disease. The lead standards goal is to supplement the primary agents of disease...
The purpose of machine guarding is to protect the machine operator and employees in the work area. Machine guards prevent hazards created by rotating parts, sparks, in-going nip points and flying...
Most interpret the OSHA Standards to apply only to structures constructed prior to 1981. In fact, OSHA’s regulations also include language pertaining to all structures, regardless of the construction...
Severed fingers, crushed hands and arms and blindness are some possibilities of machinery-related injuries. It seems there are as many hazards created by moving machine parts as there are types of...
Mold and fungus are a normal part of the environment we live in. So normal that mold has been around for more than 400 million years with one main purpose: to break down nature’s trash.
And while...
What is silicosis?Silicosis is a disease of the lungs due to breathing dust that contains crystalline silica particles. This dust can cause fibrosis or scar tissue formations in the lungs that reduce...
Do you know if asbestos is present in your building? Dan Taylor explains how to test for asbestos and what to do if it is present. Call 800-828-8487 for a free consultation.
To view in YouTube click...
Exposure to fine particles of silica has been shown to cause silicosis, a serious and sometimes fatal lung disease. Employees who inhale fine particles of silica may be at risk of developing...
You can also view the video here at YouTube.
If you would like a free informative seminar on testing for asbestos or would like to have your building tested for asbestos, please call Daniel Taylor at...
Fluorescent bulbs contain small amounts of mercury, in common four-foot tubes it normally contains between 2 and 5 milligrams. When subjected to an electrical field, mercury generates ultraviolet...
https://youtu.be/OZJEbIgxwxA?si=iJeJzkvOG0f4IKUh
Why is HACCP Planning important for building owners? Jamie at AMI Environmental provides answers. Call 800-828-8487 for a free consultation.
You can...
Fluorescent light bulbs may be a great alternative for protecting the environment and cost effective for companies and people. When they are crushed or broken they can pose serious health risks to...
Silica dust exposure is very dangerous. It remains a serious threat to nearly two million U.S. workers. Those affected the most by silica dust work in high risk jobs that deal with abrasive...
Compact and tubular fluorescent bulbs contain hazardous metal mercury. Metallic mercury at room temperature is in a liquid form that can easily evaporate from liquid to a vapor. Mercury vapor is...
Welding is such a common industrial process that up to two percent of the working population in industrialized nations has engaged in some form of welding. Welding is a hazardous process. Flash...
Glutaraldehyde is widely used as a disinfectant for a variety of heat-sensitive instruments, such as endoscopes, bronchoscopes, and dialysis equipment. Health care employees may be exposed to...
Ten percent of all manufacturing jobs in America are welding related. 700,000 workers employed in the United States have been exposed to dangerous welding fumes. In welding fumes alone there are...
Interpretation and compliance with the OSHA “multi-employer” construction work site standard often varies depending on the jurisdiction. The presence of asbestos containing building materials (ACBM)...
A significant danger in the workplace today is welding fumes. Welding exposure is common that up to two percent of the world’s population in industrialized nations have been affected in some way....
OSHA began to regulate asbestos in the workplace in the 1970’s, adopting the permissible exposure limit (PEL) to regulate workplace exposure. The PEL has been reduced over the years as the health...
In 2011, the United States National Toxicology Program name formaldehyde a known human carcinogen. Due to its many uses and toxicity and volatility it needs to be thought of a danger for human...
Occupational hearing loss is defined as a hearing impairment of one or both ears, either partial or complete, that result from a person’s employment. Even though many states do not have compensation...
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral found in certain rocks. It separates into strong, thin fibers that are invisible to the naked eye. Asbestos is strong, fire and corrosion resistant, and a...
Legionella bacteria are found naturally in the environment and thrive in warm water habitats. Problems can occur when building water systems are contaminated with Legionella bacteria. Exposure to...
For 25 years, noise-related hearing loss has been one of the most prevalent occupational health concerns for Americans. However, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has been...
Which Style Fits Best?The style options or characteristics of a safety glove may produce optimal work performance and enhance comfort, which cannot be overlooked when users repeat motions for several...
From disposable surgical gloves to reflective road crew gloves, safety gloves have distinct personalities and purposes in the workplace. Primarily, they serve to protect hands (and sometimes arms)...
With the summer heat comes an important question: how do you determine if you are providing enough outdoor (dilution) air for the optimum performance, comfort and health of building occupants,...
The OSHA Act contains a part referred to as the “General Duty Clause”
The ClauseIn order to include the consideration of air sampling and airborne exposure levels in normal work place inspections...
Noise exposure is one of the most common physical hazards in the occupational environment. Simple hearing protection such as ear plugs or muffs help to reduce workers’ noise exposure but may not...
The EPA sent out a statement outlining steps and precautions that building owners and school administrators should take to reduce occupant exposures to PCBs that might be found in caulking. The EPA...
May 31, 2010 was the compliance deadline for having engineering controls in place to keep hexavalent chromium exposures below the established 8-hour permissible exposure limit. OSHA inspections...
Crystalline silica, a basic component of soil, sand, granite and other rock materials, is commonly used in occupations which perform such tasks as sand blasting, foundry work, cement mixing, stone...
The silent component in welding fumes is manganese. Most material safety data sheets (MSDS) won’t list it as a component of welding filler wire or rod because the amount is typically less than one...
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has established substance specific standards for 32 substances (mostly carcinogens) that they have identified as unique and in need of...
OSHA regulations stipulate that if “any employee’s exposure equals or exceeds an 8-hour time-weighted average of 85 decibels, the employer shall develop and implement a noise monitoring program.”...
The health of your workforce is a vital constant in today’s working environment. Increasing costs and a constant barrage of changing information can make maintaining a safe and healthy workplace...