Guidelines:
Air-conditioning units are to be set at 24°C and 30°C and relative humidity is to be maintained between 40-70%.
Problems are caused when the humidity levels are not right
1. Employee Health and Comfort:
- Employee health is affected by humidity when the office space is poorly humidified, causing dry throat, and itchy and dry skin, when low and increased risk of allergies and asthma attacks, when high.
- High humidity is generally caused due to poor ventilation and faulty air conditioning systems.
2. Safety Risks and Equipment Damage:
- The efficiency of humidity and temperature control is imperative as it influences the effectiveness of dust suppression and electrostatic discharge mitigation.
- Proper humidity control safeguards both the equipment and employees.
- Dust-laden and statically-charged equipment can cause data loss due to short-circuiting, de-soldering, overheating, and brittleness.
- It can also cause allergic reactions in employees and risks injury from electrostatic shocks.
How can the problems associated with low or high humidity be overcome?
To ensure the building’s humidity stays within a comfortable range, consider the following measures:
- Encourage staff to stay hydrated, especially when humidity levels drop.
- Spray carpets with water in the morning to create a more humid environment if needed.
- Place a small bowl of water next to the radiator (if available) to help increase humidity.
- Use potted plants to naturally boost humidity levels, making sure to water them regularly.
- If humidity levels are too high, install a dehumidifier to reduce moisture and prevent dampness, mold, and unwanted bacteria growth.
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