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Sick Building Syndrome
Sick Building
Syndrome (SBS) is a term used to describe a building in
which the occupants experience a range of symptoms causing
discomfort and a sense of being unwell, rather than a
specific illness. It is characterised by a significant
proportion of those working in a particular building complaining
of a range of cold or flu type symptoms which lessen or
disappear when they are away from the building. The exact
cause of SBS is not yet clearly known. However, it is
commonly accepted that in many cases a combination of
factors including office environmental conditions (high
or variable temperature, inappropriate ventilation, low/high
humidity, inappropriate lighting etc.), atmospheric pollutants
(e.g. formaldehyde, volatile organic compounds, dust etc.),
personal susceptibility, office design and general housekeeping
is to blame.
ACS are able to offer a full Sick Building
Assessment Service. This phased approach examines a combination
of factors affecting the workplace. Initially, ACS technical
staff undertake a general appraisal of the workplace which
typically comprises a visual inspection of the working
conditions and ventilation systems. This is supplemented
by discussions with staff members to assess their own
individual situations. This first phase identifies possible
sources and reasons why these problems are occurring and
makes recommendations for appropriate measuring programmes
where necessary. By undertaking a suitable measuring programme,
this allows data to be collected on factors such as temperature,
carbon monoxide and air pollutants. Once this data has
been collected and analysed, a full written report is
provided presenting the findings of the assessment and
suggesting suitable methods for remediation.
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