PE Board Accredited: 7 PDUs

COURSE BACKGROUND

Complaints about discomfort and health problems in offices and homes have been investigated as far back as two decades ago in US and Europe, and more recently in Singapore. These complaints ranging from fatigue, blocked nose, dry throat, headaches and difficulties in breathing appear to have temporal correlation with being in a building and were labelled ‘Sick Building Syndrome’ or SBS.

Studies have shown that SBS symptoms were mainly due to poor Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) caused by factors such as emissions from building and maintenance work and the materials used in connection, inefficient operation and maintenance of MVAC systems and contamination from activities and equipment used by occupants. SBS symptoms were also found to be associated with occupational and social factors such as work organisation, job category and gender. Failure to mitigate and respond effectively to IAQ problems can be detrimental to occupant health and workplace productivity and, create negative publicity and liability problems.

In Singapore, the BCA has launched a Green Mark for Buildings Scheme; among the assessment criteria is Indoor Environmental Quality embracing IAQ. A Code of Practice on Indoor Air Quality for Air-Conditioned Premises spearheaded by MOM and NEA is in the public comment stage. These national efforts will no doubt increase awareness of Sick Buildings and promote IAQ Management.

COURSE OBJECTIVES

The course will provide knowledge in the following aspects of IAQ Management:

• Diverse Building and Non-Building IAQ Related Issues in the Building Life Cycle
• Sources of Biological and Chemical IAQ Contamination and Control Strategies
• Toxicology of Building Materials, Judicious Selection and Installation Procedures
• Thermal Comfort and Maintenance of MVAC systems for IAQ Assurance
• Protocol for Sick Buildings and IAQ Evaluation.

COURSE PROGRAMME (8.30 am – 5.30 pm)

1. SBS-IAQ Building Related Issues

• Epidemiology of Sick Buildings
• Design-Construction/Refurbishment-Maintenance Link
• Code of Practice and Related Legal Issues

2. Biological Contamination in Buildings

• Sources of Biogenic Contamination
• Legionella and Mould Problems
• Control Strategies

3. Chemical Contamination in Buildings

• Sources of Inorganic/Organic Contamination
• Volatile Organic Compounds/Pesticides/Cleaners
• Control Strategies

4. Toxicology of Building Materials

• Pollutant Behaviour of Building Materials
• Selecting/Conditioning/Specification of Building Materials
• Installation and Maintenance Procedures

5. Thermal Comfort and MVAC System Maintenance

• Comfort, Temperature and Humidity
• Air Movement, Circulation and Filtration
• Operation and Maintenance of Building Services

6. Protocol for the Evaluation of Sick Buildings and IAQ

• Background Information
• Walkthroughs and Questionnaire
• Surveys Assessment Equipments and Aids

COURSE LEADERS

Elizabeth Lee Sweet Choong
Ms Lee is the Divisional Director of the Biological and Chemical Technology Division in SETSCO. The organisation provides assessment and consultancy services in the fields of science and engineering through testing, inspection, applied research and the application of technology for companies from the USA, UK, UAE, China, Sri Lanka, Mauritius and Australia. Ms Lee is a certified IPEA (Institute of Professional Environmental Practice, USA) Qualified Environmental Professional and has been involved in numerous SBS and IAQ investigations in buildings ranging from medical facilities to commercial and residential buildings, factories and public transport facilities.

Dr Quah Lee Kiang
Dr Quah is the Director of the Real Estate and Construction Centre in Singapore and Malaysia. She has extensive regional and international experience in Project and Facilities Management & Maintenance research, advice and academia. Dr Quah led the EU funded project BE4213 Condition Assessment and Maintenance Strategies for Buildings and Building Components, which among other things, sought to develop an objective building condition assessment system. This project formed part of ongoing research over the last 20 years which culminated in Dutch Standard NEN 2767 on Condition Assessment of Buildings, believed to be a ‘world first’. Her professional and research affiliations include being Coordinator of the International Council for Research and Innovation in Building and Construction (CIB) Working Commission 70 on Facilities Management and Maintenance from 1990-2000 and past President of the Chartered Institute of Building Singapore Centre for two terms.

COURSE FEES

The course fee of $595.00 includes course documentation and refreshments at breaks. A group discount of 10% will apply for three or more delegates from the same organisation. SDF applications can be made on a case-by-case basis; please call SDF for details.

COURSE ACCREDITATION AND CERTIFICATE OF ATTENDENCE

The course has been approved for 8 PDU units under the PE Board Continuing Professional Development programme. Attendance certificates will be issued; they may also be suitable for meeting the CPD requirements of other relevant professional bodies not operating a CPD course accreditation system.

WHO SHOULD ATTEND

The course will benefit those who have a vested interest in buildings including:

• Developers
• Building Owners
• Government Officials
• Architects
• Engineers
• Project Managers
• Quantity Surveyors
• Contractors/Sub-Contractors/Suppliers
• Property Managers
• Facilities Managers
• Maintenance Managers
• Management Corporations
• Town Councils
• and Others

COURSE SCHEDULE, ENQUIRIES AND REGISTRATIONS

Mr Ken Chew
Tel:  6474 7442   Fax: 6474 7443   E-mail: recc@pacific.net.sg

PLEASE NOTE

It may be necessary for reasons beyond RECC’s control, to change the content and timing of the programme and the identity of the course leader/s.