6 - Target levels

Abstract

This chapter outlines the role of target levels in the systematic design methodology, the scientific and technical grounds for assessing target levels for key parameters of industrial air technology, and the hierarchy of different target levels, as well as some examples of quantitative targets. Fulfillment of the target levels should be validated or measured by the individuals or organizations responsible at the end of the construction process. Occupational exposure limits (OELs) identifies the highest level of exposure concentration and the corresponding reference time period for which we can be confident that there will be no adverse effects on health. The need for the implementation of target levels for air quality in industrial workrooms stems from different concerns. The requirements on target levels due to type of premises can be divided in two parts: the effect of the different parameters and their target levels on the building, and the building's effect on the different parameters and their target levels. Requirements on parameters that may influence the building and its performance and target levels to be determined for occupational zones and nonoccupational zones are: temperature, humidity, air velocity, contaminant concentration, odors, biocontamination, fire/explosion risk, noise, vibrations, radiation, sunshine, loading on floors, and pressure differences. In industrial premises it is also important that the target level values are guaranteed and that the ventilation system operation can be secured so that the process is not violated because of the ventilation.