Workplace Guides

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.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) identifies infectious diseases as being “caused by pathogenic microorganisms, such as bacteria, viruses, parasites or fungi; the diseases can be spread, directly or indirectly, from one person to another” 

ISO 14001 is an international standard for environmental management. The purpose of the standard is to provide a framework for organisations to implement and improve their management system to increase environmental performance. This standard follows a similar format to other standards, such as ISO 45001, so can be combined with existing certified management systems.

Legionella are the bacteria (not viruses) which cause infections in humans, such as Legionnaires’ disease, Pontiac fever and Lochgoilhead fever. Any infection caused by Legionella bacteria is known as a ‘legionellosis’.

To give it it’s full name, ACoP L8 is “Legionnaires' disease. The control of legionella bacteria in water systems. Approved Code of Practice and guidance on regulations” is published by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).

If you employ more than five people at any site, you are required by a number of health and safety regulations to carry out a risk assessment. For example, the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations requires you to carry out an assessment of the risk in your premises from exposure to Legionella bacteria from your water systems.

The Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations state that every workplace shall have suitable and sufficient lighting and that, so far as is reasonably practical, this lighting shall be by natural light. The Health and Safety (Display Screen Equipment) Regulations state that any room lighting or task lighting provided shall ensure satisfactory light conditions and an appropriate contrast between the screen and background, taking into account the type of work and the vision requirements of the user.