Regulation 6 of the Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992 (WPR) requires that all workplaces, including offices should be ventilated with either fresh air from outside or re-circulated air that has been adequately filtered and purified.  This is to ensure that stale, contaminated, hot or humid air is removed, so workers do not suffer ill health effects such as tiredness, lethargy, headaches, dry or itchy skin and eye irritation.  Adequate ventilation is particularly important in call centres, as the high concentration of employees and high level of occupation increase the risk of airborne pollutants and irritants.  These, in turn, increase the risk of sickness absence, as bacteria and viruses can cause colds, and dust can irritate the throat and lungs which may contribute to voice problems or trigger asthma.   Adequate ventilation also reduces the risk of allergic reactions from volatile organic compounds (VOCs).   VOCs are released by certain glues, paints and carpets, and, with such rapid growth, many call centres are in buildings that have been recently constructed or refurbished, and these materials may have been used.

User Comments: There were many comments on the inadequacies of air-conditioning systems.  Many call handlers were frustrated that the windows in their office would not open, although they did appreciate that open windows also result in draughts and traffic noise as well as fresh air.  (HSE)