Workplace Guides

Sick Building Syndrome (SBS) is a phrase which describes a malaise affecting some people working in office buildings. Current best practice is to avoid the use of the term ‘sick building syndrome’ as it is recognised that the range of symptoms can arise from many different factors. Current indoor air quality research, in combination with occupational health focuses on specific symptoms rather than the SBS as an entity.  

Swine flu is a contagious disease of animals caused by viruses that normally only infects pigs. Swine influenza viruses are specific to pig species but have, on rare occasions, crossed the species barrier to infect humans. Infection with swine influenza has been detected in humans since the 1950's, but they are occasional and until this outbreak, none have been reported in the UK for over 10 years. 

During the summer months we all enjoy the warm weather, but some people may not find their workplace comfortable. The purpose of this guide is to provide practical help with understanding the issues and actions that can be taken to alleviate problems.

The Control of Vibration at Work Regulations 2005 came into force on 6^th July 2005 under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974. This is the implementation of the European Physical Agents (Vibration) Directive 2002. Two distinct areas are dealt with in the regulations, Hand Arm Vibration (HAV) and Whole Body Vibration (WBV). The regulations introduce action and limit values for hand, arm and whole body vibration.

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are a group of carbon-based chemicals, many of which form the essential building blocks of life. However, a number of organic compounds we use today, although occurring naturally, are often synthesised. At room temperature vapours readily escape volatile chemicals.

Zinc whiskers originate from zinc-electroplated surfaces commonly used in a variety of building applications, including data centres and computer rooms. The zinc is used to coat metal fixtures to prevent rusting or oxidation occurring. Electrical pressures across the coating can cause the zinc to migrate and form thin spicules, that over time can grow out of the surface. These “whiskers” are typically only about 2 microns in diameter but can reach several millimeters in length over time.