Dust effects people’s performance in different ways and can lead to psychological as well as physiological problems. Feelings of dissatisfaction within the workplace may eventually lead to increased absenteeism and reduced labour productivity. (Report by Vereniging Schoonmaakresearch (VSR), Tilburg 1989). Numerous studies support this research.

Sick Building Syndrome

In 2002 a study carried out by the Norwegian Bygg og Innemiljø Vestlandet AS within the brief of the “Frisk pust i skolen (Clean air at school)” project and a similar Finnish study “Indoor air in Helsinki” confirm the above conclusions. High levels of airborne dust, especially with poor heating and ventilation, causes irritation to the airways and eyes, resulting in headaches, fatigue, etc., resulting in concentration lapses and generally reduced performance.

Health complaints of this nature are often referred to as the Sick Building Syndrome (SBS). It is important to be aware that dust is not neutral and may contain bacteria, viruses, fungi, insects and chemicals.
Building Managers must therefore focus on minimising dust. Studies have shown that Cleaning Operators rarely have the time to remove any more than the visible, coarse dirt. Invisible, fine dust particles remain undisturbed.

Protect Super: super-effective

The Norwegian study “Frisk pust i skolen” has shown that Protect Super Clean-Off-Zone installed in the entrance absorbs dirt much more effectively than, for instance, a floor grid installed in front of the entrance. When combined with a floor grid, Protect Super increases the dirt absorption rate by approximately 90%!

The conclusion of the Norwegian study in respect of the effectiveness of Protect Super when compared to other Clean-Off- Zones states:

‘Dust levels, after installing a Protect Super Clean-Off-Zone, are up to 100% lower compared with other installed branded Clean-Off-Zones.’

Conclusion: Protect Super assists to combat sick leave!