INDOOR AIR QUALITY SURVEY & ASSESSMENT
Indoor air quality (IAQ) refers to the condition of air within workplaces and buildings and its effect on employee health, comfort, and performance. Poor indoor air quality is commonly caused by inadequate ventilation, temperature and humidity imbalances, and the accumulation of chemical or biological contaminants.
In offices and enclosed workplaces, poor indoor air quality may result in “sick building syndrome”, where employees experience health and comfort symptoms linked to the indoor environment rather than a specific illness.
WHY IS POOR INDOOR AIR QUALITY A RISK?
Inadequate indoor air quality may result in headaches, dizziness, and fatigue; eye, nose, and throat irritation; respiratory discomfort and allergic reactions; reduced concentration and cognitive performance; increased absenteeism and reduced morale. Poor indoor air quality can negatively affect employee wellbeing and productivity, particularly in enclosed or mechanically ventilated buildings.
Employers are legally required to assess and control factors affecting indoor air quality and ventilation in terms of the Occupational Health and Safety Act (85 of 1993); Physical Agents Regulations, 2024; Mine Health and Safety Act (29 of 1996), where applicable.
Mechanical ventilation must be tested by a competent person at intervals set by the manufacturer but not exceeding 24 months, and the exposure risk assessment repeated at least every 24 months.
LEGAL REQUIREMENTS
OUR SOLUTION
Qualitas Occupational Consulting is a Department of Employment and Labour Approved Inspection Authority (AIA) and a SANAS-accredited (ISO/IEC 17020) inspection body for asbestos, lead, noise and hazardous chemical agents, and applies the same quality system to all its assessments.
We conduct professional indoor air quality surveys using recognised methodologies and appropriate instrumentation to evaluate ventilation effectiveness and indoor environmental conditions against statutory requirements. Clear, practical recommendations are provided to improve air quality and compliance.
- Assessment of ventilation effectiveness and air movement; Measurement of indoor environmental parameters such as temperature, humidity, and carbon dioxide,
Identification of potential chemical or biological contributors to poor air quality; Comparison of results against applicable standards and requirements; Practical recommendations to improve indoor air quality and ventilation performance; Clients receive a professional, audit-ready indoor air quality survey report to support compliance, employee wellbeing, and productivity.
WHAT THE SURVEY INCLUDES
- How often is it required?
The Physical Agents Regulations, 2024 require mechanical ventilation to be tested by a competent person at the manufacturer's intervals but at least every 24 months (regulation 12), and the exposure risk assessment repeated within 24 months.
What does the report contain?
Temperature, humidity, carbon dioxide and other measured parameters per area, a ventilation assessment against SANS 10400-O, and recommendations.
What must we prepare?
A floor plan, HVAC details, and normal occupancy on the day.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Free online tool: Compliance Gap Assessment. See what is due at your workplace
Occupational hygiene for hospitals, clinics and laboratories
Occupational hygiene for warehousing, logistics and distribution
Indoor air quality: what must be tested, and how often?
What must a physical agent risk assessment cover?
What do the Physical Agents Regulations, 2024 require?
What is an AIA inspection in South Africa, and which AIA do you need?
FREE TOOL AND ARTICLES
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Improve employee comfort, health, and productivity through effective indoor air quality management.
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