Ever since the noticeable deterioration of air quality in Thailand mainly caused by PM 2.5 several years ago, Mahidol University International College (MUIC) has implemented measures to ensure that the health and well-being of its community members (executives, faculty members, students and staff) are protected. They are as follows:
- Air Quality Monitoring Devices (2nd Floor, MUIC Building 1) These devices provide real-time outdoor air quality data based on international standards (i.e. U.S. Department of State and Environmental Protection Agency or EPA). The U.S. EPA’s Air Quality Index (AQI), is also displayed via AirVisual app, a popular mobile application, allowing MUIC personnel and students to access precise air quality data.
- Getting Updates MUIC’s building team checks the air quality every morning and duly notifies the MUIC community by raising a flag in front of both buildings. A red flag represents an AQI value of 151-200 (Unhealthy) and a purple flag represents an AQI value of 201-300 (Very Unhealthy). This information is also shared in various communication channels of MUIC, such as email, plasma TV, and posters.
- Adapting Work Procedures If AQI reaches 201-300 (Very Unhealthy), security guards and other employees performing outdoor duties will be rotated to work inside the building every 30 minutes. N95 masks are provided to outdoor staff when the air is very unhealthy. Both staff and students are also discouraged from engaging in outdoor activities.
- Air Purifiers MUIC has made a major investment to protect the health condition of its community members by providing air purifiers in every classroom and office. Maintenance work is performed every semester, including filter replacement.
Dr. Laddawan Jianvittayakit, Associate Dean for Environment and Sustainable Development, whose department is responsible for work safety among others, said, “As the increase in PM 2.5 has become increasingly recognized as a global crisis, we might not be able to solve this problem at the macro level, but we want to, at least, help our MUIC personnel and students to breathe clean air while they are at the MUIC campus.”
As 3rd Trimester classes begin next week, students can rest assured that MUIC is looking after their health.
MUIC does its best in providing a safe work environment. To learn more about the college’s policy on workplace safety, please click this link: https://muic.mahidol.ac.th/eco/muic-policy/
