Planning and Resources Committee. Workplace Thermal Comfort Guideline. Muyesser Durur Executive Director people and Culture

Transcription

1 Report to: Report title: Commissioned by: Planning and Resources Committee Tony Inglis Executive Director, Infrastructure and Operations Muyesser Durur Executive Director people and Culture Prepared by: Kamaljit Singh Manager, Mechanical Projects and Energy Management Gary Nolan Manager Occupational Health and Safety Reviewed by: Barry Inglis Director, Buildings and Grounds Date: 9 February 2010 Status: Working draft

2 Executive summary This Guideline provides a framework for assessing and implementing thermal comfort measures within University buildings Recommendations That the Planning and Resources Committee review and endorse this Guideline for submission to SMC. Buildings and Grounds 9 February i -

3 Table of contents 1. Purpose Overview Scope Background Definitions Roles and Responsibilities Guideline Statement Further Information... 4 Appendices: A. Management of Thermal Comfort Guidelines Buildings and Grounds 9 February ii -

4 1. Purpose This guideline establishes the approach of La Trobe University to the thermal comfort of staff and students, with the aim of optimising the built environment in ways which are energy efficient and cost effective, environmentally sustainable and legally and technically appropriate, 2. Overview The majority of buildings at La Trobe were built in the 1960s and many are not fully climate controlled. The La Trobe Strategic Plan commits the University to reducing its carbon footprint, as well as providing students and staff with satisfactory built infrastructure and amenity. Resolving the need to provide students and staff with adequate built space to work, learn and research by installing air conditioning, heating and ventilation in all areas will have high capital and operational cost impacts. It also has significant environmental costs, with air conditioning typically accounting for a significant proportion of an organisations greenhouse gas emission. However, thermal comfort is an issue in a significant proportion of workplaces in the University, particularly during summer. This guideline provides a framework for addressing these issues. 3. Scope This guideline is applicable to new and existing buildings and facilities at all campuses of La Trobe University. Special provisions apply to certain areas which may have a need for strict control of the environment within a confined space (see section 8 below on Special Provisions) 4. Background This guideline should be read in conjunction with the Sustainability Policy P (17 April 2009) and the guideline: Working Indoors in Hot Conditions (November 2009). 5. Definitions Air conditioning, heating and ventilation means a mechanical system or item of equipment that treats air in buildings to assure temperature, humidity, particulate concentration and air movement at levels most conducive to personal comfort, manufacturing processes or preservation of items. Manager, Mechanical Projects and Energy Management means the La Trobe University staff member with appropriate responsibilities and qualifications to assess thermal comfort and devise air conditioning solutions. Mixed Mode air conditioning refers to the complementary use of mechanical cooling or natural ventilation depending on the particular external climatic conditions that results in lower energy use. Natural ventilation means the use of windows, ventilators and shafts to supply and remove air using the natural forces of wind and temperature/pressure differentials Buildings and Grounds 9 February

5 Space Occupier means an individual person and their associated School, Faculty, Centre, Division or tenant occupying a La Trobe owned asset. Treatment means action taken to achieve a level of thermal comfort consistent with this guideline. 6. Roles and Responsibilities 6.1 La Trobe University As an employer, La Trobe University recognises a legal requirement to provide and maintain, so far as practicable, for the employees a working environment that is safe and without risks to health, in accordance with the Victorian Occupational Health and Safety Act (2004). 6.2 Line Managers Managers have a responsibility to ensure that staff members under their management and students are not placed at risk of heat discomfort arising from their work or from the working environment, particularly during the summer months. Accordingly, the responsibility to respond to and resolve thermal comfort issues raised by staff and students rests primarily with the manager in accordance with this guideline and in liaison with senior management, OHS Section and the Energy Manager. 6.3 Manager, Mechanical Projects and Energy Management The Manager, Mechanical Projects and Energy Management has overall responsibility for assessing the heating, ventilation and air conditioning needs, plant and equipment at La Trobe University. Manager, Mechanical Projects and Energy Management may evaluate: (i) (ii) (iii) Whether a La Trobe University workspace occupied by staff under their management or students falls within the scope of this guideline. Whether treatment of an area is justified under the scope of this guideline; and Appropriate solutions (passive or mechanical) to meet the thermal comfort of space occupiers. 6.4 Buildings and Grounds Director The Buildings and Grounds Director has responsibility for assessing and recommending the order of priority and financial approval of all mechanical heating, ventilation and air conditioning treatments at La Trobe University to the Planning and Resources Committee or its appropriate sub-committees. 7. Guideline Statement 7.1 La Trobe University recognises that appropriate thermal comfort optimises the safety and comfort of staff and students. It is the responsibility of line managers to respond to concerns about thermal comfort and plan to avoid heat and cold related hazards for staff and students. Buildings and Grounds 9 February

6 7.2 La Trobe aims to achieve the following thermal comfort standards in existing buildings, new buildings and refurbishments in all non-exempted spaces: (i) Minimum (winter design temperature): 19 deg C (ii) Maximum (summer design temperature): 27 deg C (iv) Maximum range in a non air conditioned space deg C (v) Ventilation system to comply with AS Line managers may request the Manager, Mechanical Projects and Energy Management to make a formal evaluation of a workplace for thermal comfort. All requests should detail any non-mechanical options for heating or cooling (see sections 6 and 7 below, as appropriate) that have been explored. 7.4 When making an evaluation of thermal comfort, the Manager, Mechanical Projects and Energy Management will consult with affected Space Occupiers. 7.5 If the Manager, Mechanical Projects and Energy Management determines to be an area to be outside the thermal comfort standards, in line with sustainability principles, preference will be given to passive thermal control solutions, such as shading, insulation, natural ventilation, in accordance with Australian Standard Installation of mechanical solutions will only be considered when passive thermal control fail to achieve the above thermal comfort standards, with a preference given to energy efficient installations such as Mixed Mode systems. 7.7 Failure of passive thermal control solutions does not automatically justify a mechanical solution, due to: (i) (ii) (iii) (iv) the high cost of upgrading air conditioning, heating and ventilation and implications for running costs; strategic building upgrade priorities and plans in place; the implications of such equipment for the overall mechanical load in a building which may negatively affect other aspects of building operations; and inadequacy of existing building management systems leading to a much greater scope and expense of necessary remediation work. Consistent with the points above, a Space Occupier s capacity to pay does not confer the right to pursue a mechanical solution. Accordingly, approvals for heating, air conditioning and ventilation are to be through the Manager, Mechanical Projects and Energy Management and Director of Buildings and Grounds Division. 7.8 Where there is a pre-existing air conditioner, heating or ventilation device, portable air conditioners which are not compliant with this guideline under the new space occupancy, and there is sufficient economic and energy savings to be made and where such action will not compromise the thermal comfort conditions within the space, the Manager, Mechanical Projects and Energy Management may decide to remove it. Use of portable air conditioner is restricted to extreme emergency and medical conditions. Buildings and Grounds 9 February

7 7.9 All heating, air conditioning and ventilation must be controlled by: (i) (ii) a building management system; or in the case of individual units, an energy saving push-button timing device to ensure that the unit will only operate for a limited time 8.0 Special Provisions 8.1 The following are the example of the areas that may require air-conditioning owing to the requirements of a specialised function and such cases will be assessed on a case by case basis for priority attention: (i) Animal House (ii) Research and teaching laboratories (iii) Computer room servers (iv) Plant room areas (v) Museums and Special collections Further Information OHS Section Telephone: Buildings and Grounds Division Telephone: bg-enquiries@latrobe.edu.au Buildings and Grounds 9 February

8 Appendix A. Management of Thermal Comfort Guidelines Buildings and Grounds 9 February

9 LA TROBE UNIVERSITY MANAGEMENT OF THERMAL COMFORT GUIDELINES THERMAL COMFORT Thermal comfort is generally accepted as being that that condition of mind which expresses satisfaction with the thermal environment. Thermal comfort is about the environmental conditions and a person s perception of whether they feel comfortable; that is, neither too hot nor cold. Perceptions of thermal comfort can vary from person to person and it is unlikely that a single temperature or level of humidity will suit everyone. Factors which affect thermal comfort include: Air temperature; Relative humidity in the workplace; Radiant heat Air movement; The amount of physical activity The amount and type of clothing worn The generally accepted indoor temperature range is 18 to 30 degrees. For most office workers or workers in sedentary occupations, the optimum comfort levels occur between 21 to 26 C air temperature and 30 to 60% relative humidity. Although the proper evaluation of the thermal environment takes into account temperature, humidity, radiant heat, movement of air as well as the tasks being performed, for sedentary workers the dominant factor is the air temperature (dry-bulb reading), particularly when workers are not acclimatized. HEAT ILLNESS AND HEAT DISCOMFORT People most at risk of heat illness are those working in industries where heat is generated (e.g. foundries, bakeries), or those doing work involving significant physical activity during hot weather. Heat illness covers a range of medical conditions that can arise when the body is unable to properly cope with working in heat. These conditions include: Heat stroke - a life threatening condition that requires immediate first aid and medical attention Fainting Heat exhaustion Heat cramps Rashes (also called prickly heat ) Heat fatigue Worsening of pre-existing illnesses and conditions. Signs and symptoms of heat illness include feeling sick, nauseous, dizzy or weak. Clumsiness, collapse and convulsions can also be the result of heat illness. Staff or students with these signs or symptoms need to seek immediate medical attention. If the conditions are less severe the effect on individuals is referred to as heat discomfort. Heat discomfort is not an illness, and symptoms include the flushing of the skin and an increase in sweating. Heat discomfort will occur long before any illness occurs. People working in office environments doing light work are unlikely to be exposed to a risk of heat illness. However, extremes in thermal conditions may have adverse effects on productivity. Staff should advise their supervisor if they have a medical condition that would be exacerbated by exposure to excessive heat, so that suitable arrangements to accommodate their needs can be made. Similarly, staff who are distressed by the thermal environment should report it to their supervisor.

10 RELATED HEALTH AND SAFETY PROBLEMS Hot working conditions can give rise to risks apart from heat illness by contributing or causing other health and safety problems. For example, loss of grip while handling tools, objects, or chemicals due to sweaty hands, not following safe work procedures or using protective clothing, or cutting corners and mistakes can arise from heat fatigue. CONTROLLING HEAT DISCOMFORT OR HEAT STRESS Preventing or minimising heat discomfort and heat illness for indoor workers can be achieved by a number of ways: Immediate measures Increasing air movement using fans Encouraging staff to dress appropriately for the conditions (e.g. light clothing) Rescheduling work to the cooler parts of the day (e.g. changing start and finishing times) Ensuring access to and encouraging people to drink cool water frequently Allowing staff to take suitable rest breaks, preferably in a cooler environment Identifying suitable areas than can be used as rest areas (e.g. air-conditioned meeting rooms or tea rooms) Longer-term measures Reducing radiant heat by installing shading, blinds or curtains Installing air conditioning or cooling (particularly for areas performing essential services) to work areas Installing air conditioning or cooling to rest areas Managers and supervisors should monitor the work environment, particularly during hot seasonal conditions, to ensure heat discomfort and heat illness is prevented or minimised. Particular attention should be given to safety critical tasks such as operating plant or equipment or handling chemicals and tasks involving significant physical activity or performed outdoors may need further assessment if there is uncertainty about whether heat illness could occur. Control measures include developing plans for managing heat related safety and productivity issues well in advance. Seasonal weather forecasts should also be monitored and activities planned around anticipated times of high temperatures. If air-conditioning has been requested or approved for an area, it is still important to plan immediate measures until the unit is installed and operating. A regime of rest breaks, preferably taken in a cooler environment, is recommended where the temperature exceeds 30 degrees. At 30 degrees a rest of 10 minutes every hour is recommended, and at 32 degrees a rest break of 20 minutes every hour is recommended. The University promotes a threshold of 32 degrees C for indoor workers who otherwise cannot be accommodated in a cooler environment, to leave work without loss of pay on request. REFERENCES WorkSafe Victoria Guidance Note Working in Heat (March 2009) WorkSafe Victoria Officewise A Guide to Health & Safety in the Office (January 2006) Workplace Environment and Wellbeing Unit November 2009