Evaluation of the Indoor Environmental Quality in Training Workshops

This study is to evaluate the Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ) of vocational training workshops, particularly welding, fabrication, foundry and machine shops. The study was conducted in 28 workshops at Institute Kemahiran Mara (IKM) Kuala Lumpur, Lumut Perak and Tan Sri Yahya Ahmed (TSYA) Pekan Pahang. The measurements collected include temperature, relative humidity, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, dust, air velocity, sound pressure and lighting level. Results showed the temperatures measured were between 30.3°C and 31°C. The relative humidity for 24 workshops was between 63.7% and 64.3%, while the carbon dioxide levels of two workshops were 538.45 ppm and 601.0 ppm. 26 workshops had air velocities below 0.25 m/s—the recommended level of the World Health Organization (WHO). Finally, the lighting levels of twelve workshops were below 160 Lux—the Australian Standard (AS) recommended level. From this study, it was concluded that the IEQ in IKM Vocational training workshops is unhealthy and comfortable for occupancy.