Airborne viable microorganisms in office environments: sampling protocol and analytical procedures.

Details

• Personal Author:
  Morey PR
• Description:
  The sampling protocol and analytical procedures for airborne viable microorganisms in office environments are presented. Sampling strategy is outlined. The primary objective of sampling is to identify the sources of microorganisms so that corrective action may be taken. Sampling times, culture media, sample selection, calibration, and disinfection are discussed. Steps in the handling and processing of collected samples are described. These should have the input of a microbiologist or consultant experienced in microbiological techniques. Data interpretation is considered. Recommended remedial actions in cases where the total microorganism count exceeds 10,000 per cubic meter are given. These include removing stagnant water and slime from mechanical systems in the building, eliminating water spray systems in air handling units, substituting steam for cold water in humidifiers, eliminating the use of cold mist evaporators, maintaining the relative humidity below 70 percent, replacing heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system filters at scheduled intervals, providing adequate amounts of suitable outdoor air to reduce concentrations of microorganisms that may be shed by occupants, and reassigning affected or sensitized personnel to other work environments if necessary.
• Subjects:
  Accidents, Occupational Cardiovascular Diseases Cardiovascular System Mental Health Occupational Health Safety Workplace
• Keywords:
  Air-sampling Health-hazards Inhalants Microbiology Monitoring-systems NIOSH-Author Occupational-medicine Pulmonary-function Respiratory-irritants Workplace-studies;
• Document Type:
  Text
• Place as Subject:
  Ohio ; OSHA Region 5
• CIO:
  National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)
• Topic:
  Workplace Safety & Health
• Location:
  North America
• Pages in Document:
  1-15
• NIOSHTIC Number:
  nn:00159081
• Citation:
  NIOSH 1985 Sep; :1-15
• Federal Fiscal Year:
  1985
• Peer Reviewed:
  False
• Source Full Name:
  Environmental Investigations Branch, NIOSH, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Cincinnati, Ohio, 15 pages, 23 references
• Collection(s):
  National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
• Main Document Checksum:
  urn:sha-512:a1f3a495f20d19f491cd0ea7b82268c0ce9620ba0ce21292d9516397220792254b354fdef2ef2e883e8dc42f878c75d28031c4838032ac85b259227bbb99de1c
• Download URL:
  https://stacks.cdc.gov/view/cdc/179808/cdc_179808_DS1.pdf
• File Type:
  [PDF - 418.30 KB ]