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OFFICE WORKERS H&S GUIDANCE
Many perceive offices as safe places to work
and while they are undoubtedly safer than some other workplaces,
which are not to say they are hazard free. Concerns such as ventilation,
temperatures, personal space and lighting are covered by the Workplace
(Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992.
- Ventilation where possible be provided by
fresh or purified air;
- Temperature should be a minimum of 16°C:
there is no legal maximum but temperatures should be reasonable
at all times;
- Everyone is entitled to 11 cubic metres of
space with the amount of furniture also being taken into consideration;
- Lighting should be suitable and sufficient
to carry out any tasks without eyestrain.
Other areas to be considered obviously include
working with visual display units (VDU's). This is covered by the
Health and Safety (Display Screen Equipment) Regulations 1992.
A competent person should undertake an analysis
of the workstation: they should look at the keyboard, the computer
itself, and the adjustability of the furniture and the layout of
the workstation.
The use of machinery might not be immediately
obvious but photocopiers and laser printers can give off chemicals
into the atmosphere due to their reaction with light. Ozone can
be produced this way.
Carbon black in toner also needs to be handled
very carefully: older and badly maintained machines should be kept
separate in a ventilated room or at least 3 metres from the nearest
worker.
Other hazards include electricity and possible
manual handling hazards. Management have responsibilities under
the law, and where the GMB is recognised, GMB Health and Safety
representatives can intercede on your behalf.
For further information on this subject
or any other Health, Safety and Welfare matter, contact your Regional
Organiser or your RHSO.
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