Organization of physical facilities: Building, Sanitation, Lighting, Air Conditioning and Safety

The Organization of physical facilities involves careful planning and management of various aspects to create a safe, comfortable, and efficient environment. The organization of physical facilities requires a holistic approach, considering the interplay of various elements to create a harmonious and functional environment. Regular assessments, maintenance, and updates are essential to adapt to evolving needs and ensure the ongoing safety and well-being of occupants. Collaboration between facility managers, architects, health and safety professionals, and technology experts is crucial for effective facility organization.

1. Building Design:

• Space Planning:

Efficient space planning ensures optimal use of available space for different functions within the facility. Consideration is given to workspaces, storage, common areas, and circulation paths.

• Architectural Design:

Architectural elements contribute to the overall aesthetics and functionality of the building. This includes the layout of rooms, entrances, exits, and the overall design style.

• Accessibility:

Design should comply with accessibility standards to ensure that the facility is inclusive and accessible to individuals with disabilities. This involves considerations for ramps, elevators, and accessible restrooms.

• Flexibility:

Building design should allow for flexibility to accommodate future changes and expansions in operations or technology. Modular layouts and adaptable spaces contribute to flexibility.

2. Sanitation:

• Hygiene Standards:

Maintaining high hygiene standards is crucial for the health and well-being of occupants. Sanitary facilities, including restrooms and kitchens, must be regularly cleaned and stocked with necessary supplies.

• Waste Management:

Proper waste disposal and recycling facilities should be in place. Waste bins should be strategically located, and recycling programs can contribute to sustainability efforts.

• Cleaning Protocols:

Establishing and enforcing cleaning protocols ensures that all areas of the facility are regularly cleaned. This includes floors, surfaces, common areas, and high-touch surfaces.

3. Lighting:

• Natural Lighting:

Incorporating natural lighting through windows and skylights helps reduce reliance on artificial lighting. It also contributes to a positive and energizing environment.

• Artificial Lighting:

Adequate and well-designed artificial lighting is essential, especially in areas with limited natural light. It should be evenly distributed to prevent glare and shadows.

• Energy Efficiency:

Using energy-efficient lighting solutions, such as LED bulbs, can contribute to cost savings and environmental sustainability. Motion sensors and programmable lighting systems enhance efficiency.

4. Air Conditioning and Ventilation:

• Temperature Control:

Maintaining a comfortable temperature is crucial for occupant well-being. Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems should be properly maintained and calibrated.

• Air Quality:

Ensuring good indoor air quality involves proper ventilation to bring in fresh air and remove pollutants. Regular maintenance of HVAC systems, air filters, and ducts is essential.

• Energy Efficiency:

Energy-efficient HVAC systems contribute to cost savings and environmental sustainability. Smart controls and zoning systems allow for targeted temperature control in different areas.

5. Safety:

• Emergency Exits:

Clearly marked and unobstructed emergency exits are essential for quick and safe evacuation in case of emergencies. Exit routes should be regularly reviewed and communicated to occupants.

• Fire Safety:

Fire safety measures include the installation of fire alarms, fire extinguishers, and sprinkler systems. Regular fire drills and training sessions ensure that occupants know how to respond in case of a fire.

• Security Systems:

Implementing security systems, such as access control and surveillance cameras, enhances the safety of the facility. Security personnel and protocols contribute to a secure environment.

• First Aid Stations:

First aid stations with necessary medical supplies should be strategically located. Trained personnel should be available to administer first aid in case of injuries.

• Compliance with Regulations:

The facility should comply with building codes, safety regulations, and occupational health standards. Regular inspections and audits help ensure ongoing compliance.

6. Workplace Ergonomics:

• Ergonomic Furniture:

Providing ergonomic furniture and workstations contributes to the well-being and productivity of employees. Adjustable chairs, desks, and computer stations help prevent musculoskeletal issues.

• Workspace Layout:

Efficient layout design considers the placement of workstations, equipment, and common areas to support smooth workflows and minimize physical strain on employees.

7. Signage and Wayfinding:

• Clear Signage:

Clear and visible signage helps occupants navigate the facility easily. This includes directional signs, room labels, and safety signs indicating exits and emergency procedures.

• Wayfinding Systems:

Implementing wayfinding systems, especially in large facilities, assists visitors and employees in finding their way around. Maps and digital wayfinding tools can enhance navigation.

8. Technology Integration:

• Smart Building Systems:

Integrating technology into the facility can enhance efficiency and safety. Smart building systems can control lighting, HVAC, security, and other aspects through automated and remotely accessible systems.

• Communication Tools:

Implementing communication tools, such as intercoms, emergency notification systems, and digital displays, enhances information dissemination in the facility.

9. Sustainability Practices:

• Energy Conservation:

Implementing energy conservation measures, such as energy-efficient appliances and lighting, contributes to sustainability goals and cost savings.

• Water Conservation:

Installing water-efficient fixtures and implementing water conservation practices helps reduce water consumption and promotes environmental responsibility.

• Green Spaces:

Incorporating green spaces, indoor plants, and sustainable landscaping contributes to a healthier environment and improved air quality.

10. Collaboration Spaces:

• Designing Collaborative Areas:

Creating collaborative spaces within the facility supports teamwork and creativity. These areas can include meeting rooms, open workspaces, and common areas designed for collaboration.

• Technology in Collaboration Spaces:

Equipping collaboration spaces with technology, such as video conferencing tools and interactive displays, enhances communication and collaboration among teams.

11. Accessibility for People with Disabilities:

• Accessibility Features:

Facilities should include features such as ramps, elevators, and accessible restrooms to ensure that individuals with disabilities can navigate the space independently.

• Compliance with Accessibility Standards:

Compliance with accessibility standards, such as the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), is essential to create an inclusive environment.

12. Occupancy Planning:

• Optimizing Space Utilization:

Regularly reviewing and optimizing space utilization ensures that the facility meets the changing needs of the organization. This may involve reconfiguring workspaces or expanding certain areas.

• Occupancy Limits:

Establishing and communicating occupancy limits for different areas helps maintain a comfortable and safe environment. This is especially important in shared spaces and during emergencies.

Factory Building

Factory building is a factor which is the most important consideration for every industrial enterprise. A modem factory building is required to provide protection for men, machines, materials, products or even the company’s secrets. It has to serve as a part of the production facilities and as a factor to maximize economy and efficiency in plant operations. It should offer a pleasant and comfortable working environment and project the management’s image and prestige. Factory building is like skin and bones of a living body for an organization. It is for these reasons that the factory building acquires great importance.

Following factors are considered for an Industrial Building:

• Design of the building
• Types of buildings

Lighting

It is estimated that 80 per cent of the information required in doing job is perceived visually. Good visibility of the equipment, the product and the data involved in the work process is an essential factor in accelerating production, reducing the number of defective products, cutting down waste and preventing visual fatigue and headaches among the workers. It may also be added that both inadequate visibility and glare are frequently causes accidents.

In principle, lighting should be adapted to the type of work. However, the level of illumination, measured in should be increased not only in relation to the degree of precision or miniaturization of the work but also in relation to the worker’s age. The accumulation of dust and the wear of the light sources cut down the level of illumination by 10–50 per cent of the original level. This gradual drop in the level should therefore be compensated for when designing the lighting system. Regular cleaning of lighting fixture is obviously essential.

Excessive contrasts in lighting levels between the worker’s task and the general surroundings should also be avoided. The use of natural light should be encouraged. This can be achieved by installing windows that open, which are recommended to have an area equal to the time of day, the distance of workstations from the windows and the presence or absence of blinds. For this reason it is essential to have artificial lighting, will enable people to maintain proper vision and will ensure that the lighting intensity ratios between the task, the surrounding objects and the general environment are maintained.

Control of Lighting

In order to make the best use of lighting in the work place, the following points should be taken into account:

• For uniform light distribution, install an independent switch for the row of lighting fixtures closest to the windows. This allows the lights to be switched on and off depending on whether or not natural light is sufficient.
• To prevent glare, avoid using highly shiny, glossy work surfaces.
• Use localized lighting in order to achieve the desired level for a particular fine job.
• Clean light fixtures regularly and follow a maintenance schedule so as to prevent flickering of old bulbs and electrical hazards due to worn out cables.
• Avoid direct eye contact with the light sources. This is usually achieved by positioning them property. The use of diffusers is also quite effective.

Climatic Conditions

Control of the climatic conditions at the workplace is paramount importance to the workers health and comfort and to the maintenance of higher productivity. With excess heat or cold, workers may feel very uncomfortable, and their efficiency drops. In addition, this can lead to accidents.

This human body functions in such a way as to keep the central nervous system and the internal organs at a constant temperature. It maintains the necessary thermal balance by continuous heat exchange with the environment. It is essential to avoid excessive hear or cold, and wherever possible to keep the climatic conditions optimal so that the body can maintain a thermal balance.

Working in a Hot Environment

Hot working environments are found almost everywhere. Work premise in tropical countries may, on account of general climatic conditions, be naturally hot. When source of heat such as furnaces, kilns or hot processes are present, or when the physical workload is heavy, the human body may also have to deal with excess heat. It should be noted that in such hot working environments sweating is almost the only way in which the body can lose heat. As the sweat evaporates, the body cools. There is a relationship between the amount and speed of evaporation and a feeling of comfort. The more intense the evaporation, the quicker the body will cool and feel refreshed. Evaporation increases with adequate ventilation.

Working in a Cold Environment

Working in cold environments was once restricted to non-tropical or highly elevated regions. Now as a result of modern refrigeration, various groups of workers, even in tropical countries, are exposed to a cold environment.

Exposure to cold for short periods of time can produce serious effects, especially when workers are exposed to temperatures below 10°C The loss of body heat is uncomfortable and quickly affects work efficiency. Workers in cold climates and refrigerated premises should be well protected against the cold by wearing suitable clothes, including footwear, gloves and, most importantly, a hat. Normally, dressing in layers traps dead air and serves as an insulation layer, thus keeping the worker warmer.

Control of the Thermal Environment

There are many ways of controlling the thermal environment. It is relatively easy to assess the effects of thermal conditions, especially when excessive heat or cold is an obvious problem. To solve the problem, however, consistent efforts using a variety of available measures are usually necessary. This is because the problem is linked with the general climate, which greatly affects the workplace climate, production technology, which is often the source of heat or cold and varying conditions of the work premises as well as work methods and schedules. Personal factors such as clothing, nutrition, personal habits, and age and individual differences in response to the given thermal conditions also need to be taken into account in the attempt to attain the thermal comfort of workers.

In controlling the thermal environment, one or more of the following principles may be applied:

• Regulating workroom temperature by preventing outside heat or cold from entering (improved design of the roof, insulation material or installing an air-conditioned workroom. Air-conditioning is costly, especially in factories. But it is sometimes a worthwhile investment if an appropriate type is chosen);
• Provision of ventilation in hot workplaces by increasing natural ventilating through openings or installing ventilation devices;
• Separation of heat sources from the working area, insulation of hot surfaces and pipes, or placement of barriers between the heat sources and the workers;
• Control of humidity with a view to keeping it at low levels, for example by preventing the escape of steam from pipes and equipment;
• Provision of adequate personal protective clothing and equipment for workers exposed to excessive radiant heat or excessive cold (heat-protective clothing with high insulation value may not be recommended for jobs with long exposure to moderate or heavy work as it prevents evaporative heat loss);
• Reduction of exposure time, for example, by mechanization, remote control or alternating work schedules;
• Insertion of rest pauses between work periods, with comfortable, if possible air-conditioned, resting facilities;
• Ensuring a supply of cold drinking-water for workers in a hot environment and of hot drinks for those exposed to a cold environment.

Ventilation

Ventilation is the dynamic parameter that complements the concept of air space. For a given number of workers, the smaller the work premises the more should be the ventilation.

Ventilation differs from air circulation. Ventilation replaces contaminated air by fresh air, whereas as the air-circulation merely moves the air without renewing it. Where the air temperature and humidity are high, merely to circulate the air is not only ineffective but also increases heat absorption. Ventilation disperses the heat generated by machines and people at work. Adequate ventilation should be looked upon as an important factor in maintaining the worker’s health and productivity.

Except for confined spaces, all working premises have some minimum ventilation. However, to ensure the necessary air flow (which should not be lower than 50 cubic meters of air per hour per worker), air usually needs to be changed between four to eight times per hour in offices or for sedentary workers, between eight and 12 times per hour in workshops and as much as 15 to 30 or more times per hour for public premises and where there are high levels of atmospheric pollution or humidity. The air speed used for workplace ventilation should be adapted to the air temperature and the energy expenditure: for sedentary work it should exceed 0.2 meter per second, but for a hot environment the optimum speed is between 0.5 and 1 meter per second. For hazardous work it may be even higher. Certain types of hot work can be made tolerable by directing a stream of cold air at the workers.

Natural ventilation, obtained by opening windows or wall or roof air vents, may produce significant air flows but can normally be used only in relatively mild climates. The effectiveness of this type of ventilation depends largely on external conditions. Where natural ventilation is inadequate, artificial ventilation should be used. A choice may be made between a blown-air system, an exhaust air system or a combination of both (‘push-pull’ ventilation). Only ‘push-pull’ ventilation systems allow for better regulation of air movement.

Work-Related Welfare Facilities

Work-related welfare facilities offered at or through the workplace can be important factors. Some facilities are very basic, but often ignored, such as drinking-water and toilets. Others may seem less necessary, but usually have an importance to workers far greater than their cost to the enterprise.

• Drinking Water

Safe, cool drinking water is essential for all types of work, especially in a hot environment. Without it fatigue increases rapidly and productivity falls. Adequate drinking water should be provided and maintained at convenient points, and clearly marked as “Safe drinking water”. Where possible it should be kept in suitable vessels, renewed at least daily and all practical steps taken to preserve the water and the vessels from contamination.

• Sanitary Facilities

Hygienic sanitary facilities should exist in all workplaces. They are particularly important where chemicals or other dangerous substances are used. Sufficient toilet facilities, with separate facilities for men and women workers, should be installed and conveniently located. Changing- rooms and cloakrooms should be provided. Washing facilities, such as washbasins with soap and towels, or showers, should be placed either within changing-rooms or close by.

• First Aid and Medical Facilities

Facilities for rendering first-aid and medical care at the workplace in case of accidents or unforeseen sickness are directly related to the health and safety of the workers. First-aid boxes should be clearly marked and conveniently located. They should contain only first-aid requisites of a prescribed standard and should be in the charge of qualified person. Apart from first-aid boxes, it is also desirable to have a stretcher and suitable means to transport injured persons to a centre where medical care can be provided.

• Rest Facilities

Rest facilities can include seat, rest-rooms, waiting rooms and shelters. They help workers to recover from fatigue and to get away from a noisy, polluted or isolated workstation. A sufficient number of suitable chairs or benches with backrests should be provided and maintained, including seats for occasional rest of workers who are obliged to work standing up. Rest-rooms enable workers to recover during meal and rest breaks.

• Feeding Facilities

It is now well recognized that the health and work capacity of workers to have light refreshments are needed. A full meal at the workplace in necessary when the workers live some distance away and when the hours of work are so organized that the meal breaks are short. A snack bar, buffet or mobile trolleys can provide tea, coffee and soft drinks, as well as light refreshments. Canteens or a restaurant can allow workers to purchase a cheap, well-cooked and nutritious meal for a reasonable price and eat in a clean, comfortable place, away from the workstation.

• Child Care Facilities

Many employers find that working mothers are especially loyal and effective workers, but they often face the special problems of carrying for children. It is for this reason that child-care facilities, including crèches and day-care centers, should be provided. These should be in secure, airy, clean and well lit premises. Children should be looked after property by qualified staff and offered food, drink education and play at very low cost.

• Recreational Facilities

Recreational facilities offer workers the opportunity to spend their leisure time in activities likely to increase physical and mental well-being. They may also help to improve social relations within the enterprise. Such facilities can include halls for recreation and for indoor and outdoor sports, reading-rooms and libraries, clubs for hobbies, picnics and cinemas. Special educational and vocational training courses can also be organized.