ECS has provided Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) consulting and assessment services since 1988. 

The current trend in constructing energy efficient buildings creates challenges for building owners and/or managers must also consider maintaining an adequate air exchange to minimize the build up of particulates or gases to levels of occupant concern. ECS understands the need to achieve common ground between these two seemingly apposing requirements, and works with clients to identify problem areas and develop creative and cost effective solutions.

The ECS approach to IAQ assessment consists of three phases:

1) Site inspection and inquiry concerning nationally recognized indicators of IAQ
2) Air monitoring and sample analysis, if needed based on Phase 1 findings
3) Presentation of findings, conclusions and recommendations in a summary report

ECS incorporates state of the art regulations and/or guidance where applicable, such as:

• American Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Engineers, Inc. (ASHRAE) Standard 62 and subsequent addenda
• American Conference of Government Industrial Hygienists (AGCIH) publication “Bioaerosols Assessment and Control”
• Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Indoor Air Quality Building Education and Assessment Model (I-BEAM)
• American Society of Testing and Materials (ASTM) Standard Guide for Readily Observable Mold and Conditions Conducive to Mold in Commercial Buildings (Standard Guide E-2418)

• Evaluating IAQ conditions to determine potential sources of IAQ complaints
• Adjusting Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) Systems
• Complementing abatement contractors by providing pre and post-testing services
• Designing, installing and maintaining remedial systems at sites impacted by vapor (chemical solvents) intrusion into occupied spaces, originating from exterior source(s)

ECS provides IAQ services to a wide range of clients including:

• Elementary, Middle and High Schools
• College and Universities
• Municipal Buildings
• Military enclaves
• Commercial Facilities
• Single and Multifamily Residential Housing

ECS offers the support of several licensed and certified individuals including the following personnel:

• Certified Asbestos Inspectors
• Certified Asbestos Management Planners
• Certified Asbestos Designers
• Certified Asbestos Project Monitors
• Certified Industrial Hygienists
• Certified Environmental Trainers

• Experience in performing nationwide and local surveys
• Asbestos survey database development
• Compliance experience with the OSHA asbestos standards
• Air monitoring and abatement oversight
• Operations and maintenance (O&M) plan development
• Employee training programs
• Satellite phase contrast microscopy laboratory set-up

Based on information gathered during an asbestos survey, ECS has extensive experience performing asbestos management services prior to or during asbestos abatement operations. These asbestos management services include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Preparation of specifications for asbestos abatement
• Bid walk and contractor selection
• Monitoring of asbestos abatement contractor activities for the project duration
• Conducting area and final clearance air sampling for the project duration
• Final inspection upon abatement completion
• Preparation of a final closure report
• Preparation and review of asbestos Operation and Maintenance Plans

ECS also offers a full spectrum of initial and refresher training courses in the asbestos field.

Our licensed lead personnel write technical specifications for residential, commercial, industrial, and municipal renovation projects concerning the abatement of LBP and lead in soil.  Additionally, ECS assists contractors in complying with OSHA’s Lead in Construction regulations under 1926.62 and other applicable health and safety regulations.  With our regional geographical coverage, ECS is in an excellent position to perform surveys at minimum cost to our clients.

ECS provides accurate and cost-effective LBP assessments.  Risk assessments focus primarily on deteriorated LBP and other LBP hazards, while the paint inspection provides answers to the following three questions:

• Is there LBP in the interior or exterior of the building?
• If LBP is present, where is it located?
• How should lead hazards be managed to minimize the potential exposure to employees or building occupants?

The types of LBP inspections ECS is capable of conducting include:

• Portable X-ray Fluorescence (XRF) testing
• Wipe sampling for settled lead-contaminated dust
• Paint chip sampling

ECS’ Health and Safety training professionals also offer a full spectrum of initial and refresher training courses in the lead field, including initial and refresher training for Deleader Workers, Supervisors/Contractors, Construction, and Awareness.