The Role Of Ventilation In Workplace Air Quality
Ventilation is a crucial factor and is an essential part of the workplace. It is a necessity to provide suitable work conditions for employees, otherwise health risks and problems might arise.
THE PURPOSE OF VENTILATION
Ventilation has many purposes in the workplace. Firstly, it controls the air quality and impurities by reducing and displacing polluted air. Additionally, ventilation will affect the temperature by controlling how much moisture is present in the air, reducing condensation, the main cause of mould. Having ventilation in place will also dilute gasses such as carbon dioxide, and lessen the spread of respiratory diseases. All of this will enable employees to work comfortably, and a main role of ventilation is to provide a healthy and hygienic work environment for employees.
Ventilation will also improve the quality of the air by reducing odours and keeping the environment fresh. During the summer months humidity increases, therefore polluted air and insufficient means for fresh air to flow could result in problems. However, ventilation isn’t just for the humid months; it is an investment for use all year round, and will be an important asset that employees will be extremely thankful for.
Proper ventilation is a legal requirement in workplaces, to ensure the health and wellbeing of employees.
POOR AIR QUALITY: WHAT HAPPENS WITHOUT VENTILATION?
If ventilation is not present in the workplace, staff may experience the symptoms of Sick Building Syndrome such as fatigue, dizziness, sneezing, dry and irritated eyes and headaches. These symptoms could result in work efficiency being low, and often lead to more serious illnesses; the most cited cause of the phenomenon is inadequate ventilation.
Polluted air is made up of many different sources which can lead to asthmas and lung diseases in the future; ventilation will reduce the polluted air and replace it with fresh air. If installed and controlled correctly it will lead to a pleasant working environment for employees. Ventilation will mean that the polluted air has a way to withdraw from the workplace, so employees can work in a clean environment with fresh air.
Ventilation doesn't only offer health benefits but is an investment for the future. Controlling air quality, humidity and temperature is beneficial to the building itself, as well as its inhabitants. Prolonged periods of dampness can lead to the appearance of mould, which can be costly and time consuming to remove, and can also lead to damage and disrepair to the property. A good ventilation strategy can ensure building maintenance costs are kept to a minimum.
As an employer, ventilation in the workplace is a factor that needs to be taken seriously. Polluted air in a working environment can cause an increase in health problems, therefore to keep your employees healthy and maintain performance levels, ventilation is a must. Air quality may not be the first thing employers think of, however it is essential for your employees. Get in touch with Pratley & Partners, who provide natural and smoke ventilation, as well a range of manual and electric window controls.