The case for cleaner workplace air is clear
Recently, the threat of airborne virus transmission in the workplace has increased the focus on making our workplaces cleaner and safer environments for our employees. Never before has the need to clean and protect the air we share felt quite as important. Solutions to workplace clean air have been available for many years. In this article, we focus on the real issue and the solution as we all begin to return to the workplace.
Air quality in work environments can have a direct impact on the health, comfort, wellbeing and even the productivity of your employees. Sick days caused by illness resulting from poor air quality is a significant challenge for many businesses. Indeed, in their most recent report on the subject, Defra estimated that poor workplace air quality cost the economy £2.7 billion through its impact on productivity*1.
So, as businesses now start to return their employees to the workplace, it is important that they do not ignore the need to continue to provide clean air, health and hygiene.
At Franking Sense®, we believe that workplace air quality should be a major consideration to all businesses, all of the time. The solution may be simpler and more cost-effective than you imagine.
The problem
As modern workplaces become more focused on reducing energy consumption and particularly energy waste, the buildings we work in become more insulated. As a result, airflow becomes reduced and our working environments become practically air tight with very little fresh air available.
The result is recycled air containing air pollutants circulating among the workforce - one of the major causes of Sick Building Syndrome (SBS).
The NHS describes SBS as follows*2:
“Sick building syndrome is the name for symptoms you get while you're in a particular building. It usually happens in an office, but you can get it in any building. Symptoms of sick building syndrome get worse the longer you're in a particular building and get better after you leave.”
Possible symptoms of SBS include:
- Headaches
- blocked or runny nose
- dry, itchy skin
- dry, sore eyes or throat
- cough or wheezing
- rashes
One of the main causes of SBS, according to the NHS, is the quality of the air inside buildings.
Indoor air pollutants that detrimentally affect air quality typically fall into three categories: biological, chemical, and particulate (non-biological).
Biological
Typical biological indoor air pollutants include bacteria, viruses, fungi, dust mites and pollen.
Excessive concentrations of these air pollutants, which can result from inadequate building maintenance, lack of fresh air, poor humidity control, condensation or water leaks, can be incredibly harmful to employees.
Chemical
Chemical air pollutants in the form of gases and vapours can emit from certain office equipment, wall and floor coverings, common cleaning products, adhesives and paints.
Particulate (non-biological)
Non biological particles, such as dust and dirt, naturally occur in any workplace. Our regular day-to-day activities, including simple tasks like printing, copying and document processing automatically lead to the creation of these substances that are light enough to be suspended and circulated in the air we breathe.
The solution
Along with our premier partner, Fellowes, Franking Sense® is pro-actively advocating the move to cleaner workplace air through simple technology solutions. Fellowes has refreshed its range of workplace air purification products and has seen substantial worldwide growth of sales in this area.
Their AeraMax Professional range of office air purifiers, features a unique four-stage air filtration process to effectively clean the air, capturing 99.97% of all airborne particles, including 99.9% certified effectiveness against both Sars-CoV-2 and H1N1 viruses.
Want to find out more?
We can offer a cost-effective and straight-forward turnkey solution, from survey, assessment and proposal, through to wall mounted installation by qualified technicians. For larger, multi-room installations, fixed term rental plans can be offered including service and filter replenishment as a managed service.
Take care of your air with a professional solution from Franking Sense®. Click here for more details.
*1 Defra
*2 https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/sick-building-syndrome/
