Welcome Guest! The IOSH forums are a free resource to both members and non-members. Login or register to use them

Postings made by forum users are personal opinions. IOSH is not responsible for the content or accuracy of any of the information contained in forum postings. Please carefully consider any advice you receive.

Notification

Icon
Error

Options
Go to last post Go to first unread
sean  
#1 Posted : 08 December 2009 12:31:39(UTC)
Rank: Guest
Guest

The building i work in has an air flow system that is not fit for purpose, it has taken many years to get our employer (government) to agree that it is not acceptable for staff to work in such high temperatures and humidity during the summer months, we have had all the arguements no upper level in law etc...
Earlier this year an environmental report highlighted that air-conditioning and an up grade of the electrical supply was needed to bring the building up to standard, if work started tomorrow it would take at least 2 years to complete.
In the mean time i have heard that they might trial some "Foggers" which apparently spray a fine mist, my question is as follows, as my floor is approximately 1/4 mile in length and open plan, how manty Foggers would it take to make a difference and what type of maintenance etc.. do these Foggers need? Obviously the position of them would be important, but i just cant see them making much difference.
Any help would be appreciated.
Sean
colinreeves  
#2 Posted : 08 December 2009 14:07:06(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
colinreeves

Interesting idea. Having worked in hot climates, it easier to work in a hot dry atmosphere than a hot wet one so these foggers would seem to be likely to make the situation worse not better??
sean  
#3 Posted : 08 December 2009 14:40:39(UTC)
Rank: Guest
Guest

i have been looking Foggers up on Google, and have come to the same conclusion as Colin, they will be of no use at all, its seems its just another excuse to keep us in the workplace sweating, hot and fustrated, the problem is that it wont be to long before somebody collapses, then and maybe only then our building management will do something constructive to remedy the situation.
Sean
User is suspended until 03/02/2041 16:43:28(UTC) IanBlenkharn  
#4 Posted : 08 December 2009 14:52:50(UTC)
Rank: Forum user
IanBlenkharn

Schoolboy physics reminds me that it would be a good way of rapidly cooling the atmostphere but as others have suggested it would surely worsen the conditions overall due to humidity levels that will escalate still further.

My own thoughts would focus on the vastly increased risks of respiratory and eye infections that would have to be managed by an awful lot of management control and laboratry checks, not to mention fungal outgowth on walls, carpets, paper etc that may predispose to allergic respiratory conditions.

Ian
David Bannister  
#5 Posted : 08 December 2009 17:38:51(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
David Bannister

If the employer (HMG) has opted to go for the small size variety would this be a petty fogging excuse to avoid tackling the problem?

Sorry, couldn't help myself.
pete48  
#6 Posted : 08 December 2009 19:01:39(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
pete48

Sean, I would do a little more research before condemning your facilities managers.
See these two sites for an indication that this is a well known and efficient means to control a working environment.
http://www.magicmist.co.za/
http://www.truefog.com/

I have no connection to either site, I simply wanted to make sure the idea was recognised as an acceptable technical solution despite the fears expressed in this thread and maybe avoid you airing your comments to your employers about the motives for their suggestion?
JARL Solutions  
#7 Posted : 09 December 2009 08:45:52(UTC)
Rank: Forum user
JARL Solutions

Why don't you just get one for a trial and see if your employees like it ?

It is only an interim measure.

There are portable AC units that can be hired also, but they all do add load to the electrical system.

Instead of giving up before you start you have a chance to be seen trying to improve conditions, at the very least.
Users browsing this topic
Guest (2)
You cannot post new topics in this forum.
You cannot reply to topics in this forum.
You cannot delete your posts in this forum.
You cannot edit your posts in this forum.
You cannot create polls in this forum.
You cannot vote in polls in this forum.