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Concerns about health and well-being, particularly in the workplace has become centre stage for very many occupants and users that spend time in an indoor environment.
Over the last few years there have been number of guidelines that have either been revised or newly developed that are all aimed at creating a better workplace for us all.
Green Air Monitoring has looked at many of these that are utilised in the UK and completed a quick 'high level' study on what they do and where they sit. Available as a download on our website, this looks at a legal start point, and then a selection of twelve other publications by organisations such as the HSE, WHO, CIBSE, BESA, BRE and BSRIA. One of the most notable new publications is by the BSI. Released in 2023; BS40102-1:2023 'Health and well-being and indoor environmental quality in buildings' is a document that takes the form of recommendations and guidance and is predominantly aimed at general use buildings. The HSE EH40 'Workplace Exposure Limits' lists the set limits for hazardous substances and intended for the protection of employees in any workplace.
The BS40102-1:2023 Code of practice sets out a number of parameters not just for indoor air quality, but also thermal comfort and lighting levels with assessments on measured exposures and comfort levels. In its fullest form, the BS40102 assessment includes an occupant assessment survey (for both occupants and visitors), evidence-based information on the building services maintenance regime all wrapped up in an evaluation process that incorporates a weighted scoring methodology. The time required to cover the extent of sampling, measurements and assessment should be considered when adopting as a routine activity.
While our guidance study is not intended to be either definitive or exhaustive, it does demonstrate that all in all, there is now a myriad of sources to refer to when looking at implementing a workplace environmental monitoring regime. Green Air Monitoring has been providing indoor environmental services for 25 years and, in that time have witnessed and addressed a number of changes. We will continue to offer assistance in finding suitable solutions to either routine or reactive environmental monitoring plans.
