Going up in smoke

A Policy is certainly needed

Leading-edge air-conditioning systems complemented by appropriate air filtration equipment can go a long way to creating a happy medium. The issue of air quality with regard to human safety is far larger than just ‘smell’ cigarette smoke. Many other pollutants in the office environment are considered dangerous to health and air-conditioning. Ventilation systems must achieve dilution of these pollutants as well as cooling or heating the space.

The failure to make proper provision for smokers within the premises leaves them no alternative but to smoke at, or nearby, the entrance to premises. This reflects badly on the employer, since it illustrates an inconsiderate attitude towards staff who smoke and makes a poor impression on clients approaching the building. People will inevitably try to smoke within the premises, generally in places where it is inadvisable. A fire risk can therefore be created where none had previously existed.

Finding the missing staff

As sole distributor in the UK for the Hiross FlexibleSpace underfloor air-conditioning system, AET (are able to provide individual zones of air control and a completely variable volume system. The company’s success is coming in the wake not only of more tolerant attitudes to smoking in the workplace but increased awareness of Sick Building Syndrome and the pollutants like formaldehyde that arise from synthetic furnishings, and ozone from electrical equipment found in modern offices. AET recognizes that each office building is as different as the people who work in it and it is the flexibility of the Hiross system of underfloor air-conditioning which is attracting considerable interest. AET solutions can make smoking areas into working areas not relaxation rooms. Ventilation can be rationalised with appropriate, easily maintained walls, floors and ceilings.

Smoke Removal may be just the answer

Glan Blake Thomas comments: "At AET we advocate that in smoking areas the Hiross system should be used to introduce higher than normal levels of fresh air in order to achieve greater dilution of cigarette smoke. Because the fresh and cooling air is introduced from a low level, high ventilation efficiency and good dilution of all pollutants can be easily achieved. While we see one of our roles as helping facilities managers to introduce an effective smoking policy, the issues are wider and our concerns include ‘Sick Building Syndrome’ and off-gassing.

Partitions may also help

The ability to keep smokers integrated with the rest of the workforce without causing discomfort for either group is a facet of AET’s ability to integrate air-conditioning, partitioning and other office equipment into truly flexible solutions. While there has been little research on the loss of productivity resulting from staff leaving the building to smoke, it is likely that the figures are significant.

Not just a worker's problem

As a modular underfloor system, the Hiross FlexibleSpace system uses individually controlled floor terminal units allowing occupants personalized control of their workspace, a vital consideration in creating a healthy building. Extensive independent testing has shown that the Hiross system produces excellent air quality environments which meet or exceed ASHRAE and other norms for air quality and indoor working conditions.

Or a personal EWS

AET does not support or condone the production of any type of pollution in the environment. AET works to reduce the effects of such pollution where it exists by tried and tested ventilation techniques and has had much success in this field.