Investigation of indoor air quality in bank offices

• Published in: 16th Conference of the International Society of Indoor Air Quality and Climate: Creative and Smart Solutions for Better Built Environments, Indoor Air 2020
• Main Author: Saidin H.; Razak A.A.; Mohammad M.F.; Japeri A.Z.U.-S.M.
• Format: Conference paper
• Language: English
• Published: International Society of Indoor Air Quality and Climate 2020
• Online Access: https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85101617184&partnerID=40&md5=79b8a4fa731240b83c2d4c05a686d341

Enclosed workplace environment and work activities may influence indoor air quality (IAQ). Good IAQ is important to improve workers ' performance, productivity and health. This study aimed to characterize physical, chemical and environmental factors affecting IAQ in bank offices. Six bank office buildings were chosen in Klang Valley, Malaysia. Measurement of the IAQ parameter was conducted in all six operations division and vault bank offices over 8 hours to represent the duration of the banking operation. The parameters measured were carbon dioxide (CO2), carbon monoxide (CO), total volatile organic compounds (TVOCs), particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10), temperature, relative humidity and air movement. The air was measured using the equipment with a calibration certificate that is valid for the quality assurance and control of results. IAQ symptoms survey was used to collect employee information about their symptom experiences. Higher indoor CO2 levels were measured than the 1000 ppm standard at the bank with split air conditioner. The mean concentration of CO2 was ranged from 620.53 ± 26.85 ppm to 1742.85 ± 179.95 ppm at operation division and 640.90 ± 18.35 ppm to 1560.31 ± 205.55 ppm at the vault room, respectively. The indoor mean concentration of TVOCs was ranged from 22.32 ± 3.37 ppb to 538.78 ± 23.74 pbb at operation division area and 113.22 ± 16.46 to 607.69 ± 38.76 at vault room, respectively. Recommended human exposure value is 500 pbb. The data collected can be used to assess the effectiveness of the current bank building to achieve good IAQ. Poor IAQ was associated with employee-experienced sick building syndrome, inadequate ventilation, concentration indoor PM and TVOCs. © 2020 16th Conference of the International Society of Indoor Air Quality and Climate: Creative and Smart Solutions for Better Built Environments, Indoor Air 2020. All rights reserved.