5.2 Work Environment
5.2.1 Climate
5.2.1.1 Effective Temperature
The optimum range of effective temperature for accomplishing light work while dressed appropriately for the season or climate is 21 - 27°in a warm climate or during the summer, and 18 - 24℃ in a colder climate or during the winter.
5.2.1.2 Temperature Differences
Temperature difference between any two points within the workplace should be maintained below 5℃, e.g. the temperature of the air at floor level and at head level.
5.2.1.3 Humidity
Humidity should be maintained between 20% and 60% with 40% to 45% preferred. Approximately 45% relative humidity should be provided at 21℃. This value should decrease with rising temperatures, but should remain above 20 % to prevent irritation and drying of body tissues, eyes, skin, and respiratory tract.
5.2.2 Ventilation and Air-conditioning
5.2.2.1 Air-conditioning
The wheelhouse should be equipped with an adequate air-conditioning or mechanical ventilation system to regulate temperature and humidity. The temperature and the humidity should be adjustable within the limits of the foregoing requirements 5.2.1, by closed wheelhouse doors and windows.
5.2.2.2 Hot Air Discharge
Heating systems should be designed so that hot air discharge is not directed at personnel.
5.2.2.3 Cold Air Discharge
Air conditioning systems should be designed such that cold air discharge is not directed at personnel.
5.2.2.4 Air Velocities
Ventilating systems should not produce air velocities exceeding 0,5 m/s. If possible, the preferred air velocity of 0,3 m/s should be used to preclude manual pages from being turned or papers from being blown off work surfaces.
5.2.3 Noise and Acoustic
Workplace noise should be maintained at levels that do not: (1) interfere with necessary voice, telephone, and radio communication, (2) cause fatigue or injury, and (3) degrade overall system effectiveness.
5.2.4 Vibration
Uncomfortable levels of vibration should be avoided on the bridge. Vibrations on the bridge should be reduced to such extent that the bridge personnel are neither hindered in their functions nor put at a health risk.
