A good rule of thumb for personal space is to allocate 6.25 square metres per individual workstation, including furniture and fittings, but excluding passageways and amenities. Check with your local occupational health and safety authority for more information.
Smoking
Environmental tobacco smoke is an indoor contaminant and there is growing recognition that non-smokers may suffer adverse health effects through inhaling tobacco smoke. Organisations are increasingly expected to limit passive smoking risks in offices in the interest of their employees and clients.
A number of employers have fulfilled their legal obligations to provide a safe and healthy work environment by implementing no-smoking policies in their workplaces. Procedures such as consultation, education programs and the allocation of designated smoking areas are recommended for the development of an effective no-smoking policy.
Air contaminants in the office can include bacteria, viruses, mould spores and dusts, solvent vapours or chemicals generated or used in the building. Air conditioning units that do not provide adequate amounts of fresh air can cause high levels of C02. Stale air due to poor ventilation and excessive heat build-up or humidity can also contribute to air contamination. Appropriate control measures for the reduction of air contamination include:
Effective air filtration
Ensuring that adequate amounts of fresh air enter the building.
Maintenance of air conditioning units, including regular cleaning.
Preventing the obstruction of vents.
Locating equipment using solvents in areas with substantial air movement and/or installing local exhaust ventilation.