How can humidity affect the workplace?

While workplaces can generally manage most of their health and safety concerns by themselves, most technology systems require an expert touch to ensure they are operating as intended.

In fact, some features of a work environment might be taken for granted, such as the indoor air quality, temperature and humidity. In most major businesses, complex HVAC installations will keep this under control, but how can you be sure they are doing their job properly?

Performing a routine service on the machine is one thing, but trained technicians should also be monitoring the effects of this inside the building in question, a process that is made significantly easier through the use of Testo multi-function instruments.

What are the dangers of humidity?

Humidity is not always perceived as dangerous thanks to the often more obvious effects of temperature. While extreme temperatures still pose a threat to any workplace environment, humidity can exacerbate these or simply make normal temperatures dangerous.

As with temperature, the effect of humidity is seen over a range of values, not just one number. Relative humidity levels that drop below 20 per cent can begin to negatively affect people as it creates dry air that removes moisture from mucous membranes and skin.

These risks don’t only apply to people either. Low humidity can encourage the build-up of static electricity or reduce the operating effectiveness of some office equipment – both of which can result in a hazardous work environment,

High humidity, on the other hand, can be considered anything above 70 per cent. If you’re noticing a lot of condensation residue inside your workplace then it is definitely time to check the humidity levels. This can also result in the spread of mould or fungi throughout your building, creating a dirty environment for staff, clients and customers.

Along with mould and mildew, dust mites are also bred by these conditions, which will make the environment more difficult to handle for people with asthma or allergies.

How can humidity be managed?

The first step toward fighting humidity issues is to inspect the indoor air quality of your work environment. To do this, you need a capable measuring device such as the Testo 435-2 Multi Function IAQ Instrument.

This option offers the ability to carry out a range of measurements related to indoor air quality. Humidity, temperature and pressure can all be monitored thanks to an array from probes and sensors that output to a crystal-clear digital screen. This ensures that you get the information you need as quickly and as accurately as possible.