Why Indoor Humidity Control Regulations are Important in Public Spaces

Importance of Indoor Humidity Control

While it is not always apparent, indoor humidity in public buildings plays an important role in health and safety. Whether in a house, strata, restaurant, school, office or hospital, there is a considerable risk in people’s health if there are no regulations in place. Unchecked and unhealthy levels of humidity can worsen asthma and cultivate the growth of mould and dust mites. But more than these, the biggest concern around humidity is the increased risk to viruses, especially at this time of COVID-19.

Absence of Humidity Control Regulations

Currently there are no definite regulations backed by government agencies on humidity control and indoor air quality in public buildings. Generally speaking, maintaining humidity between 40-60% is both comfortable for people and scientifically known to stop viruses from growing and cross contaminating. Older buildings such as schools, hospitals and aged care facilities most likely do not have updated measures on humidity levels, exposing their people to health threats that could be avoided.

Research has shown that viruses, such as the coronavirus, deactivate at a faster rate on surfaces under mid-range humidity. This important aspect has not been included in any new official humidity control regulations, making people still susceptible to infections. To address this important health issue, building developers and designers are forced to incorporate humidity controls in their building design plans.

Seasonal Differences on Humidity Control

Humidity control varies per season. If it is too high in the summer, it increases temperature and causes discomfort and excessive perspiration. In winter, people could develop skin problems and sinus infections from the cold weather if their buildings do not have proper ventilation. Incorrect humidity levels for sustained periods could also lead to more serious respiratory problems.

Indoor humidity control depends on the outside temperature. Make sure your air-conditioning, humidifiers, dehumidifiers and windows are used in ways that are comfortable for people.Importance of Indoor Humidity Control

Melrose Retirement Village in Pendle Hill utilizes louvres for optimal ventilation and indoor humidity control

Suggestions for Enjoying Optimal Indoor Humidity

While there are no official humidity control regulations in place yet, experts have shared their best practices in regulating temperature and humidity for occupants’ health:

  • Adjust air-conditioning temperature and humidity – make sure humidity falls between the comfortable 40-60% range
  • Deflect uncomfortable draughts by installing deflectors on air vents, while ensuring adequate air flow
  • Control heat from sunlight through louvres and blinds
  • Use dehumidifiers to extract the moisture from the air and reduce humidity
  • Increase ventilation by using extraction fans in bathrooms and laundry areas – generally humid areas of a house that can dramatically increase humidity when used
  • Use a hygrometer or thermometer to check humidity levels indoors

Most of the time, maintaining proper humidity is as easy as opening a window. When designing public buildings, it is critical to use easily operable equipment that can be used by anyone. Windows are a cost-effective measure to control humidity without driving energy consumption.

On the other hand, there are also automated windows that are highly effective in controlling humidity by using air quality sensors. They open and close depending on the humidity, temperature, and CO2 levels of its surroundings. These automated windows can also purge stale air during off-peak hours.

The Final Word

Managing the humidity and overall quality of indoor air is a must in public buildings. It is the responsibility of building owners and managers to protect the health and well-being of their occupants from the risk of virus spreading indoors. At this time when the coronavirus poses a grave threat to our immune system, better regulations could be a valuable tool in our line of defense.

Read our recent case study on the Royce to learn how Safetyline Jalousie louvre windows can assist in improving indoor air quality and humidity control.

Sign up to receive all of our latest news and updates

We wont spam you and you unsubscribe at anytime

Subscribe

Download SmartAir System & Free Motor Initiative proposal

The complete turnkey air quality solution that can deliver on environmental, economic and social benefits for built environments across Australia. In this brochure, you will find:

Smart Air Brochure

Download SmartAir System & Free Motor Initiative proposal

The complete turnkey air quality solution that can deliver on environmental, economic and social benefits for built environments across Australia. In this brochure, you will find:

Enter your details

Smart Air Brochure

Sign up to receive access to our complete Design Manual & more

You’ll receieve access to our 52 page complete Design Manual that includes:

Sign up to receive access to our complete Design Manual & more

You’ll receieve access to our 52 page complete Design Manual that includes:

Enter your details

Ali Asmar

Business Manager - VIC & SA

Likes

Dislikes

As the most recent addition to the Safetyline Jalousie family, Ali is still coming to terms with the fact that a typical telephone conversation will often be answered with “You’re calling from Safety what”? followed by having to sound out and spell the name “ja-lou-sie” (it happens to us all). Born in Lebanon, Ali has moved around a lot over the years, living in Cyprus, Sydney for most of his Schooling, as well as China and Hong Kong. He currently resides in Melbourne where he spends a lot of time in his garden or doing some sort of work around the house. (Not too dissimilar to many other Melburnians following the onset of Covid). With a very obvious cultured background, Ali is warm and talkative and he’ll get you talking too.

Romile John

National Business Manager

Likes

Dislikes

One of the Safetyine Jalousie originals, Rom (often mistaken for John) holds a great passion for the product. He says its “its innovative, a market leader and ever-evolving, very much like the company itself”. When you meet Rom, it is apparent that he is well-educated and well-travelled. Coming from a family of medical professionals, they moved around extensively and often. Last count was 125 countries. So nearly all of them! It’s really no surprise that Rom has mastered packing a weeks-worth of clothes and necessities into a carry-on bag. And when we say clothes we actually mean meticulously prepared outfits and accessories. When Rom enters a room, you’re sure to know it!

Adam Racomelara

National Manager – Partnerships & Strategy

Likes

Dislikes

Adam is our strategist and big ideas generator whose somewhat reserved nature could have some mistake him as a bit of an introvert. But that’s only until this quiet thinker is given a whiteboard and a marker – and then there’s no stopping the dialogue! 7 Years in at Safetyline Jalousie, Adam is continually expanding on his knowledge of the construction industry and is incredibly driven in his pursuit to help create better buildings via the use of better products. When Adam’s not on his quest to improve Australia’s built environment he’s spending most weekends escorting one of his 4 young kids to birthday parties, sometimes multiple parties. He has some stealth survival tips for other parents currently in the same predicament.

Michael Cocks

Factory Manager

Likes

Dislikes

Michael has become recognised at Safetyline Jalousie for his continually changing hairstyles (facial hair included). Buzz cut, undercut, dreadlocks, even a mullet. We’ve see it all. His current man bun could even be gone before we finish this sentence. Always up for a laugh, friends and colleagues love a chat with Michael, and his easy-going and approachable nature has earned him the respect of all staff. In fact, he even has a cohort of followers on the factory floor sporting his same hairstyles. Outside of work Michael has recently turned his attention to mountain bike riding. His very first ride ended with a pretty serious accident resulting in a deep puncture wound to his leg– it’s been a sore topic for his leg and his ego.

Jonathan Gueudinot

National Logistics & Production Manager

Likes

Dislikes

Our South American Native, Jonathan is more simply and better known as “Chilli” (no need to try and guess his country of origin). After 16 years of military service, Chilli joined the Safetyline Jalousie team for what he describes as “a change of pace”. Although his average work day might look very different these days, there’s no doubt that Chilli’s previous experience has contributed in shaping a culture of commitment, community and comradery within the production team – the very important engine room of our company. Driven by a sense of accomplishment, in addition to running Safetyline Jalousie’s production line with military precision, Chilli has recently been studying hard to complete his Master’s Degree in Business and Logistics.

Mandy Saliba

Marketing Manager

Likes

Dislikes

Mandy has been with Safetyline jalousie since day one so would technically be considered a geriatric in “Jalousie years”. Whilst her role has changed and evolved over her time with the business, one thing that hasn’t is the happy and fun, team culture that she says “continues to make each day at work a joy”. As a mum of two little ones, Mandy thrives on new challenges and a little bit of chaos. Although, as a self-proclaimed clean freak, she ensures that all forms of chaos are kept in a very neat and tidy manner. We’ve also observed that Mandy appears to have an inherent fear of colour and will almost only ever be seen in black or white (or sometimes grey if she is being really out there).

Lisa Spinks

Office Administration Manager

Likes

Dislikes

As a busy mother of 4, Lisa is highly skilled in organising, delegating, and troubleshooting – the proficiencies which she also demonstrates in her daily management of the Safetyline Jalousie office. Lisa tells us that she lives by the saying “What doesn’t break you makes you stronger”. (No doubt she’s had to use this little piece or personal encouragement from time to time to deal with our infinite requests)! Always on the go, Lisa has a very active lifestyle and starts every day with a walk to the beach with her husband and two dogs. Of an evening she still has the energy to spare for star jumps and squats in her makeshift gym/ (our office) before heading home to her other full-time job as “mum”.

 

 

 

Nathan Rust

Founder & National Operations Director

Likes

Dislikes

The younger brother of the co-founding sibling duo, “Nath” is the go-to for just about every technical, install, and manufacturing enquiry that comes via the business. Very early on, Nath’s product knowledge and problem-solving ability saw him organically take on the role of Operations, overseeing the design and management of Safetyline Jalousie’s behind-the-scenes work. When he’s off duty (and not answering a million questions), Nath enjoys spending time with his wife and 3 young kids. You’ll find him cheering on his son at weekend sports, enjoying the water somewhere along the Northern beaches and this lover of food is generally always planning his next big meal. Preferably a Lebanese banquet if anyone can suggest a restaurant he doesn’t frequent already.

Leigh Rust

Founder & Director

Likes

Dislikes

Leigh aka “Wolfpack” is one-half of the driving force behind Safetyline Jalousie and comes with two decades of experience within the Australian manufacturing and construction industry. The multi-award-winning entrepreneur and father of three youngsters is a passionate advocate for supporting Australian-made goods and improving the built environment for future generations to come. Always up for a challenge, Leigh never sits still and is constantly pushing himself to test his physical and mental endurance. He’s given just about everything a go. From amateur MMA fights, triathlons, or personal development endeavours, Leigh stands by the motto, ‘I never lose, either I win or I learn’.

Sign up to receive access to our complete Design Manual & more

You’ll receieve access to our 52 page complete Design Manual that includes:

Sign up to receive access to our complete Design Manual & more

You’ll receieve access to our 52 page complete Design Manual that includes:

Enter your details