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#1 Posted : 23 January 2002 16:29:00(UTC)
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Posted By John Young Would appreciate any assistance - has anybody had experience of staff who, work in an air-conditioned environment, complaining of dry eyes? If so, did any investigations suggest that the air-conditioning system was a contributory factor and what steps were taken? Any suggestions etc would be appreciated. John Young
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#2 Posted : 23 January 2002 16:43:00(UTC)
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Posted By Jack In my experience, often linked with low humidity, so that may be worth checking. Sore eyes (not necessarily dry)occasionally result of ozone from office equipment (eg photocopiers), but less likely with modern machines. If they are DSE users check out Annex B of HSEs Display Screen equipment work: guidance on regulations.
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#3 Posted : 23 January 2002 17:10:00(UTC)
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Posted By Jack If it is DSE work this quote from HSE "Hela" on call cetres may be helpful (see this weeks "Whats New" on HSE website): Blink rates: Blink rates have been shown to drop when using a VDU. Consequently, the eyes are less well lubricated, and this can lead to tired and sore eyes. The risk will be heightened if there is low relative humidity (paragraphs 30 and 31). Contact lens wearers are also at greater risk, as contact lenses prevent blinks from lubricating the eye properly. The risks due to low blink rates can be reduced by breaks or changes of activity, as described in paragraphs 44 to 47.
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#4 Posted : 24 January 2002 09:04:00(UTC)
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Posted By Ken Taylor One other thought is whether the AC system is distibuting an undue amount of dust. You could try a lamp by the outlets to see what's happening.
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#5 Posted : 24 January 2002 10:42:00(UTC)
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Posted By John Ridd You often find that the building services people will tell you that the system is operating to spec. i.e. that the humidity levels are correct. Usually though, their sensors monitor the plant output or at the ceiling outlets, whereas the problem is at desk level - there can be quite a difference in values between these positions.
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#6 Posted : 24 January 2002 20:03:00(UTC)
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Posted By Peter J Harvey I have been here before and found the problem to be opening windows, causing increased airflow through the ventilation system. We also had this problem in an area with a great deal of IT, radio equipment and office machinery. Did not take a great deal of thinking about as a static electricity problem was also highlighted. Peter Harvey
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#7 Posted : 25 January 2002 09:07:00(UTC)
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Posted By Laurie If you do isolate it to low humidity, the good old potted palnts provide a natural and green remedy Laurie
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