Alongside tobacco smoke, everyday heating and cooking appliances are the most prevalent sources of indoor pollution in the UK. As a result, the need to improve and maintain indoor air quality has never been so urgent.
Good indoor air quality is essential to maintaining good health. Most employees spend much of their working day indoors, making it vital to improve air quality and limit pollutants. Read on to learn the golden rules for achieving high indoor air quality.
Know your air pollutants
Although the extent of the damage caused by indoor air pollutants is under-investigated, it is well established that air pollution is harmful. The process of keeping air pollution at bay and preserving the health of workers is therefore an important responsibility for employers across the country.
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) provides some guidance on workplace exposure limits (WELs). However, advice is limited to around 500 hazardous substances, with many thousands of substances used within UK workplaces not covered. Whether you are an industrial firm looking to introduce control measures under the EH40 workplace exposure limits or an office based company wishing to boost comfort, efficiency and productivity, indoor air quality improvements are within reach.
Focus on ventilation and humidity control
Ventilation and humidity both have a major impact on air quality indoors. Opening your windows as much as possible is a great way to encourage the flow of cool air to ventilate a work space. Whilst you may not want to open your office windows during the autumn and winter months, just a few minutes of ventilation can make a huge difference.
Fine-tuning your humidity levels is also recommended, but striking the right balance is more difficult than you think. In the UK, humidity levels should be between 50% and 55%. Anything below this figure means the air is too dry. Humidity levels above this recommended figure encourage mould growth, which is another serious health hazard.
Maintain your air conditioning system
Air conditioners are staples in workplaces across the UK, and for good reason. The correct use of air conditioning can unlock numerous advantages, including better efficiency, controllable comfort, reduced humidity and lower energy bills. An air conditioner’s purifying capabilities can harness more positive effects for office workers, with the bacteria and mould so easily bred in busy working environments kept at bay.
An air conditioner’s ability to clean and filter air can be reduced without the right care, though. PURE Rooms explain:
“Air conditioners are beneficial insomuch as they help circulate and filter indoor air. Almost all air conditioners contain a filter that will remove allergens and other pollutants as it pulls air from inside the room. This can actually help reduce indoor air pollution, especially when the air quality outside is poor. It is important, however, that you regularly clean and maintain your air conditioner so that it works properly. Air conditioners that are not correctly maintained can create problems for people with asthma and allergies.”
We supply high-quality office air conditioning systems that will ensure your employees are breathing in healthy air. To find out more about our air conditioning services, please call our helpline today on 01992 478 100.
