The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health received a technical assistance request from the Duval County Health Department in Florida. The request asked that we assess the heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning systems and make recommendations to improve overall environmental controls at Trinity Rescue Mission, a local homeless shelter with epidemiological links to an ongoing tuberculosis outbreak.

NIOSH investigators conducted an assessment of environmental controls in Community Rehabilitation Center, a social assistance facility linked to an ongoing tuberculosis outbreak. The investigation revealed problems with the existing environmental controls, along with needed improvements in administrative controls and respiratory protection. Detailed recommendations are provided in this report to improve the shelter environment and reduce the likelihood of disease transmission.