Building biology recommendations for workplaces and other high-use areas
Based on numerous case studies and measurements, building biology professionals know that not only living spaces can be harmful to our health and the environment, but also workplaces, home offices and other high-use areas. In these areas, building biology criteria should therefore also be considered as much as possible.
Which workplaces and high-use areas are we talking about here?
We are talking about workplaces in indoor environments where activities do not involve hazardous substances and noise hazards. These are, for example, workplaces in offices or home offices, in schools, preschools, doctor’s offices or showrooms, and with restrictions also in vehicles.
High-use areas in indoor environments outside of workplaces in public, educational and commercial settings, where people regularly spend several hours learning, reading, using media, resting, and so on, belong here. This also includes schools, preschools, nursing homes, hospitals and other health care facilities.
In indoor environments where physically demanding activities are performed, stricter standards for pollutants and mold, for example, must apply in some cases because a user’s breathing frequency is higher. Exact classification or definition of each type of indoor space is not possible. Consequently, it is best to clarify the building biology requirements that can and should be met in every individual situation. A case-by-case approach is also recommended because every person has different sensitivities or may already suffer from a disease (or diseases).
Causes of building-related diseases
Common causes of diseases are harmful pollutants in building materials, interior furnishings, furniture and appliances such as computers or photocopiers, poor indoor climate, mold, electrosmog or radon. This can lead to health problems such as allergies, headaches, chronic fatigue, sleep problems, infections, depression or respiratory problems.
If we feel unwell or are ill, this not only limits our quality of life and, in the worst case, our lifespan, but it also reduces our performance. For this reason alone, every employer should have an interest in providing “healthy” and feel-good workplaces.
The guiding principle of building biology:
“Any effort to reduce health risks is worth it.”
The ideal workplace
Ideal workplaces or other high-use areas should meet the following criteria:
- Excellent indoor climate in terms of air, temperature and humidity …
- No harmful substances in building materials, interior furnishings, furniture and appliances
- No harmful molds and yeasts, dust, bacteria, viruses and allergens
- Natural materials such as solid wood, materials made from other renewable resources, clay and lime plasters, natural stone, mineral paints, tiles, oils and waxes …
- Building materials with low radioactivity and low radon concentration in the air
- Avoid electrosmog: e.g. use shielded electrical wiring and power cords, Ethernet cables instead of Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, corded telephones instead of cell phones, low-EMF computers and lighting; reduce the transmit power of Wi-Fi routers as much as possible …
- Quiet workplaces, good sound insulation both inside and out, excellent room acoustics
- Great interior design, e.g. regarding proportions, shapes and colors / consider individual needs regarding interior design, accessories, plants, etc.
- Lighting conditions with plenty of natural light, including adjustable glare or solar control (exterior roller shutters or interior blinds/pleated blinds) / good lighting (illumination level, color rendering, flicker-free …)
- Consider physiological and ergonomic findings: office swivel chair, dynamic sitting, desk surface area > 200 x 80 cm, desk height adjustable (also allows for working while standing), screen and desk at right angles to the window, distance to screen 50 – 120 cm depending on screen size, preferred screen size > 15 inches, rounded corners and edges to prevent injuries, taking breaks to move, etc.
- Minimize energy consumption for heating, cooling and appliances and use renewable energy sources
- Avoid negative effects on the environment when building, renovating and furnishing, also regarding the environmental performance and use of building materials, interior furnishings, furniture, equipment, office supplies, etc.
- Promote short distances to work and the use of bicycles and public transit
- Positive work environment, right to be heard, fixed working hours / daily structure, breaks, work-life balance and much more
Furthermore, it is necessary to observe the German Workplace Ordinance, which includes the “Measures for the Design of Display Screen Equipment (DSE) Workstations.”
Standard of Building Biology Testing Methods SBM
The Standard of Building Biology Testing Methods SBM is a successful and important assessment tool that “summarizes the physical, chemical, biological, indoor climate and other risk factors found in sleeping areas, living spaces, workplaces and properties and provides information on how to perform professional testing and assessments. All test results, measuring instruments and procedures are documented in writing. If potential problems are identified, effective remediation strategies are developed.”
Sleep is the time of physical and mental restoration. This is why the Building Biology Guidelines for Sleeping Areas are available as a supplement to the SBM. When designing workplaces and other high-use areas, it is important to use these as a guide, as we often spend a similar number of hours here as in bed. Building Biology Testing Specialists IBN are qualified to carry out health assessments. They investigate, measure and record health risk factors and use the results to create strategies for implementation and remediation within an individual’s framework of feasibility.
Conclusion
The primary goal everywhere should be to keep health and environmental effects as low as possible and to create a well-designed, pleasant work environment. Determining which requirements can and should be met should always be done on a case-by-case basis.
Additional information:
- 25 Guiding Principles of Building Biology
- Standard of Building Biology Testing Methods SBM incl. Building Biology Evaluation Guidelines for Sleeping Areas (these also contain information on workplaces on page 4)
This is a translation of “Baubiologische Empfehlungen für Arbeitsplätze und andere Daueraufenthaltsbereiche“
Translator
Katharina Gustavs is a Building Biology Professional in Victoria, Canada, who translated the Building Biology Online Course IBN.
info@katharinaconsulting.com | katharinaconsulting.com
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