Indoor dry air problems in the workplace can have a serious
effect on the comfort, health and productivity of employees. Here we explore
why a workplace humidification
system offers an efficient solution to low indoor humidity.
What is a healthy
level of humidity?
Leading industry bodies such as CIBSE (Chartered Institution
of Building Services Engineers), BRE (Building Research Establishment) and
BSRIA (Building Services Research and Information Association) agree that the
ideal indoor humidity level for a comfortable working environment is between
40% and 60%. Unfortunately, many UK offices fall well outside this range. A
survey conducted by Volvic mineral water found that one in five UK workplaces
are as dry as the Sahara desert, and that most employees associated low
humidity with a stressful environment.
What are the
consequences of low workplace humidity?
The effects of low humidity on employees include headaches,
sore throats, itchy skin and eye irritation. Contact lens wearers are especially
prone, because below 30% relative humidity (RH), dust and dirt particles settle
on lenses which causes greater irritation. Persistent dryness in the nose and
throat increases susceptibility to colds and coughs, one of the reasons low
humidity is seen as a factor in sickness and absenteeism. In addition, staff
may be susceptible to electrostatic shock when RH drops below 40%.
How is humidity
regulated?
Most offices should have some form of humidification system
installed to maintain a comfortable RH of at least 40%. A humidifier can be
implemented as part of a new or existing HVAC system, but it’s
important that this is done by an experienced provider. That’s because there
are many considerations to be made including Legionnaires’ disease regulations,
water supply, humidifier location, control compatibility and maintenance
requirements.
Gibbons Humidification offer low-energy, fully-modulating humidification systems,
backed up by an outstanding service programme designed to make the most of your
installation. To enquire about Gibbons’ humidification systems, call Steve Rix
on 07966423165 or email steve.rix@gibbonsgroup.co.uk.
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