WSH Guidelines- Management of Indoor Air Quality

What is WSH Guidelines 

WSH Guidelines showcased workplace safety and health best practices and WSH program for controlling workplace hazards and improving occupational health for various industry and program 

Check out the free WSH Guideline -Management of Indoor Air Quality to improve your organization WSH practices. For the latest WSH Guidelines update, refer to Singapore Workplace Safety and Health Council Website.

Introduction

Indoor air quality (IAQ) is an important subject in our daily life as we spend a substantial amount of our time indoors. Most people spend their working hours in indoor spaces such as offices, factories and other buildings. In Singapore, where the climate is hot and humid, we rely heavily on air conditioning and mechanical ventilation (ACMV) system to provide thermal comfort in sealed indoor environments. The subject of IAQ becomes more pertinent since the potential for indoor air contamination is increased. Sources of contamination can include carpets, rugs, laser printers and photocopiers. The air quality in these tightly sealed environments is hence affected by gases (including volatile organic compounds),particulates, and microbial contaminants such as mould and bacteria.

Poor air quality in indoor air-conditioned workplaces can result in potential health and comfort problems for occupants. Some acute health effects associated with poor IAQ include coughs, headaches and eye irritation or connotatively referred to as sick building syndrome. This can then lead to the consequential decline in work productivity when sickness-absenteeism prevails. Good IAQ is therefore essential to ensure the health and wellbeing of all people in indoor environments such as buildings and offices.

Recognising the need for practical guidance in the management of IAQ in buildings and/or workplaces, this set of guidelines was developed. It will also supplement the Singapore Standard SS 554: 2009, Code of Practice for Indoor air quality for air-conditioned buildings,in the effective establishment and on the-ground implementation of the IAQ Management Programme.

This set of guidelines is primarily aimed at building owners or occupiers of workplace who have direct control over the risks associated with poor IAQ, as well as the responsible person who is appointed as the IAQ Manager (e.g., facility manager) for the premises in which he or she owes a duty of care.

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