Good indoor air quality is essential to ensure the health and comfort of building occupants. There are many parameters that effect the air quality of a building such as contaminants, pollutants, air movement, temperature, and humidity. When the acceptable parameters of any of these are out with the desired range then building occupants can experience symptoms such as headaches, dry throats, sore eyes or encounter unpleasant odours. Poor air quality can be attributed to one or more sources.
Blue Turtle takes a systematic approach to air quality monitoring to help identify common sources of contaminants and pollutants in the workplace along with checking levels of carbon dioxide, temperature and humidity, and air movement throughout the building.
Indoor Air Quality Monitoring
Indoor Air Quality Measurements
Where mechanical ventilation is used, there should be a minimum airflow of 8 liters of fresh air for each person. carbon dioxide levels may be investigated to indicate whether adequate fresh air is available and where levels are below 1000ppm so it may be assumed that ventilation is adequate.
Air movement throughout the building is also required to prevent stagnation. Typically, air should flow at 0.1 – 0.15m/s and up to 0.25m/s in the summer months.
Temperature is another important factor in providing a comfortable working environment. The typical range of temperature that will provide a comfortable working environment is between 13 and 30 degrees celsius but this is dependent on the activity level of the occupants. It is important that temperatures do not fluctuate greatly and the difference between floor and head-height temperatures should not be greater than 3 degrees.
Relative humidity should also be maintained between 40 and 70%.
Issues with indoor air quality resulting in staff sickness can have a huge impact on morale and productivity which in turn leads to a drop in profits. The term often used to describe this scenario is “Sick Building Syndrome” when occupants complain of symptoms associated with acute discomfort such as headaches.
When we carry out indoor air quality monitoring, we also look at the fabric of the building and the equipment used within it to ascertain possible causes of ill health as poor ventilation, mold, and even outdated display screen equipment can contribute to occupants symptoms. A review of cleaning regimes and the products used is also undertaken to assess if any of these maybe contributing to the environment. Typical contaminants that we sample for include, Carbon Monoxide, Volatile Organic Compounds, Formaldehyde, Ozone, Benzene, and vehicle exhaust emissions.
By having air quality testing/monitoring done, the source or sources causing the acute symptoms can be identified and remedial action taken to improve the air quality returning the environment to a suitable and pleasant place to work, increasing morale and productivity.
Workplace Air Quality Monitoring Report
Following any workplace air quality monitoring, we will provide you with a detailed, easy-to-understand report that clearly explains the findings along with recommendations to improve the quality of the air.
Blue Turtle Ltd follows up all issued reports with further consultation allowing for questions to ensure that the content is fully understood. This can be done virtually or face to face to suit your requirements.
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Inverurie Office
Unit 8A, Netherton Business Centre, Kemnay, Inverurie, AB51 5LX
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126 West Regent Street Glasgow, G2 2RQ
Nottingham Office
Northgate Business Centre 38 Northgate, Newark Nottinghamshire, NG24 1EZ
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