Workplace Guides

Formaldehyde is a colourless, strong smelling gas. It is widely used in the manufacture of building materials and numerous household products. There are two types of formaldehyde resin; urea formaldehyde (UF) and phenol formaldehyde (PF). Products made from both types release formaldehyde gas, the urea formaldehyde generally emitting higher levels.

Giardia lamblia, also known as Giardia intestinalis or Giardia duodenalis, is a protozoan (single celled) parasite that colonises’ and reproduces in the small intestine. It is a common parasite in many domestic animals, but can also infect humans. Infection by this parasite causes giardiasis, which is the most common cause of gastrointestinal disease and “travellers’ diarrhoea”.

Health and Safety is a business function that together with the core business processes requires effective management. To assist businesses with this, the Health and Safety Executive have produced a guidance document, called 'Successful Health and Safety Management' (HSG65). This document aims to help leaders, owners and line managers.

Working at height continues to be one of the biggest causes of fatality or major injury. Working from height takes place in many varied environments and for a variety of reasons. The Work at Height Regulations state that "you must do all that is reasonably practicable to prevent anyone falling".

There are certain periods of the year when humidity can fall to very low levels. This can occur during winter periods when we experience cold, dry spells. The situation is exacerbated in today’s office by the amount of electronic equipment present and by heating the incoming fresh air as part of the building’s HVAC system. 

Under the Health & Safety at Work  etc. Act 1974 and the Occupiers Liability Act 1984, an employer has a duty of care to ensure that a safe and healthy environment is provided. The Approved Code of Practice accompanying the Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations, states that indoor air quality should be at least equal to, but ideally better than, the air outside your building.

Airborne particles are tiny solid or liquid particles suspended in the air that come in many shapes and sizes. They are also known as particulate matter, or PM for short. Fine particulates are those with a diameter of 10 micrometres (microns) or less (PM10).

Common indoor microbiological contaminants include bacteria, moulds, viruses and pollen. These contaminants can travel through the air and are often invisible to the naked eye. Two main factors are necessary to support microbiological growth - nutrients and moisture. Suitable conditions can be found in many locations, such as humidifiers, kitchens, carpets and furniture.