To comply with current EU Health and Safety directives, private medical insurer Standard Life Healthcare Limited appointed Broadview, a leading manufacturer of commercial blinds, to supply and install suitable adjustable window solutions to attenuate the daylight that falls on the workstation.

Following a two-way pitch, Broadview were chosen to introduce suitable window solutions to the seven storey building which would reduce heat gain, remove solar glare as well as enhance the look and ambience of the office environment. 

With large expanses of glass in the Standard Life Healthcare building design, Broadview designed and manufactured more than 120 black-out vertical blinds. Produced from the highest-grade PVC fabric, which is flame-retardant, the vertical lines create a distinctly neat effect, whilst allowing maximum control of light and privacy.  Adjusting the louvres on the vertical blinds to the right angle helps to avoid glare, block UV rays by 100 per cent and create a suitable level of lighting in the workplace.

Glenn Russell, facilities manager at Standard Life Healthcare, said: “The health, safety and welfare of our staff are very important to us. We are committed to running the company to high ethical, legal and professional standards. Broadview have completed a first-class job to ensure that the solar heat entering our building is controlled and the light coming through the windows is not the source of glare on computer screens.” 

He added: “Solar heat gain can make employees uncomfortable in the workplace and trying to achieve an ambient temperature of 21.5°C, as stipulated in current EU Health and Safety directives, can be difficult. Cooling systems are expensive to install, maintain and run, and in context of climate change, their emissions are not environmentally friendly. Without doubt, Broadview’s blinds have provided us with a cost effective solution to meet employment law requirements in reducing excessive heat gain and solar glare as well as helping the company to minimise its carbon foot print.”

Mark Pratt, managing director at Broadview, said: “We were delighted to win this contract. Our bespoke custom made blinds are specifically constructed using materials which offer strength and durability, combined versatility and light control options including anti-glare and black-out fabrics. Staff can work more efficiently without glare on computer screens and improved protection from direct sunlight. We manufacture a huge range of styles and solutions which are made to measure to fit any office window and they can be made to meet all corporate design and colour criteria precisely.”

• Broadview Blinds Tel: 01202 679012