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#1 Posted : 01 March 2001 14:02:00(UTC)
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Posted By Katarina As part of a programme of introducing new technology we are converting an office into a computer room. Employees time will be divided between three locations with 1/3rd of their time in each. I am aware of the legislation regarding VDU's but heard somewhere that the amount of space available also had to be considered. If this is the case would this apply in this instance?
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#2 Posted : 01 March 2001 15:01:00(UTC)
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Posted By Zyggy Turek Katarina, In essence, the answer is "yes", space is a consideration for several reasons: Firstly, the Workplace (Health, Safety & Welfare) Regs. 1992, Reg. 10, requires that "The total volume of a room when empty, divided by the number of people working in it should be at least 11 cubic metres" - but this doesn't apply if the room is being used for lectures, meetings and similar purposes. Secondly, The Royal Institute of Architects recommends measurements for suitable space in work areas, e.g. aisle widths ranging from 750mm to 1500mm depending on size, chair space, i.e. 900mm from desk edge, etc.(source :The Journal Metric Handbook) Last, but not least, the Fire Precautions Act 1971 requires that "the contents of any room ...in which persons are employed are so arranged that there is a free passageway for..a means of escape".This includes the provision of suitable door widths to facilitate safe egress, e.g. not less than 750mm for an occupancy of up to 100 persons. To summarise, you have to ensure sufficient unrestricted working space and be able to ensure escape in an emergency. I hope that this helps! Zyggy.
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#3 Posted : 01 March 2001 17:10:00(UTC)
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Posted By Vince McNeilly Katerina As a rule of thumb "40 square feet per person" You'll find the modern measurement in the Workplace(Health, Safety and Welfare) Regs (Reg.10) 11 cubic metres. Hope that helps. Vince
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