scope:

Description of Driving Event:

Due to overall dwindling budgets and severe cutbacks in operational budgets, onsite space is being used whenever possible to house personnel and operations to avoid renting offsite space. In this instance, personnel were located in sections of two buildings designed for main frame type computers. People began to complain about headaches and other ailments as well as the conditioning of the air in these locations. Carbon dioxide concentrations in these areas were evaluated and found to exceed the 1000 ppm recommended by the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air Conditioning Engineers, Inc. (ASHRAE). ASHRAE 62-1989, "Ventilation for Acceptable Indoor Air Quality". Carbon dioxide concentrations exceeding 1000 ppm indicate insufficient make-up air and the possibility of build up of other indoor contaminants.