Indoor Air Quality

Montana Department of Labor & Industry

Indoor air quality (IAQ) refers to the quality of air in non-industrial workplaces, such as office buildings, governmental institutions, libraries, and schools. Indoor Air Quality may involve odor sensitive personnel or Mold.

There are no OSHA standards regarding exposure to odors/fragrances or mold. Odor/fragrance sensitivity cases should be solved by your Human Resources Department and/or the Employees Physician.

If you have mold in your workplace, the best course of action is to have it removed. While the Department can take a complaint, it is up to your employer/building manager to have it mitigated.

What to expect from Montana Department of Labor & Industry (DLI)

The Department of Labor & Industry receives many inquiries from employees and employers concerning air quality. Before contacting us, complete the steps below to assist us in helping you resolve the condition. This flowchart will walk you through the process.
    • Must notify their supervisor/ manager and report the condition
    • If condition is not resolved, complete the DLI online Safety Concern Form @ http://erd.dli.mt.gov/safety-health/report-workplace-safety-hazard
  • •    Due to the confidentiality of medical conditions, if this is a workers compensation claim please contact your carrier for assistance.
    •    Determine the ownership of the facility. If your facility is leased, the employer must work with the landlord to resolve the condition. Including hiring HVAC, plumbing and industrial hygiene contractors if necessary.
    •    Complete a facility walkthrough with the Safety Officer or Safety Committee.
    •    Identify any water intrusion or condensation issues and repair/ resolve them.
    •    Remediate any visible mold.
    •    Verify that the facility has adequate fresh air intake, 15 cfm of fresh air per occupant.
    •    Verify fresh air intake vents are inspected to ensure that the facility is pulling quality fresh air and not obstructed.
    •    Verify HVAC systems are properly maintained.  Quality filters are being utilized and being replaced frequently. All humidifiers are cleaned on a weekly basis.
    •    Verify all HVAC vents are open and unobstructed.
    •    Verify ventilation fans are operational.
    •    If sewage smells are present, contact a licensed plumbing contractor to inspect roof vents and plumbing fixtures.
    •    Inspect plants within the area for visible mold. Mold is commonly found on the plant, in the planting media or on the base of the pot. Additionally any humidifiers within the area shall be inspected for mold.
    •    We recommend non-ionizing air purifiers if they are used.
    •    Properly ventilate facilities with fresh air that have:
                  - Recently been remodeled/ constructed- new flooring, furniture, paint, etc.
                  - Recently had a pesticide application.

    Please contact us at 406-444-6401 if you have any questions regarding the above steps. If the condition persists DLI may perform an onsite inspection of your facility.

Indoor air Quality Scenarios:

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some tips that may help you improve your indoor air quality:

Back To Top