ventilation
Ventilation is an important factor and it needs to be considered carefully in the workplace. Ventilation is the process whereby polluted air is replaced by clean air. Ventilation can be produced in many ways, for example the use of a fan, opening windows, heat recovery ventilation systems and utilising natural passive ventilation systems. The idea is to dilute and disperse any pollutants to very low levels of contamination. But why is ventilation so important in the workplace?
For public buildings, effective ventilation is required under the Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992 Act. Employees and visitors are entitled to sufficiently ventilated buildings to prevent the onset of health problems.
How do Ventilation Systems work?
Ventilation will introduce ‘clean’ air into the desired area, removing the existing stale particles to create a fresher environment. This will reduce the room temperature and replenish the internal oxygen supply, boosting air quality for occupants.
Although this can be achieved by leaving doors and windows open, your heating bills will suffer and there’s also security risks. Likewise, mechanised fans have limited use as they simply recirculate existing air particles without introducing fresh air.
Reducing Infection
The introduction of clean air not only counteracts the consequences of stuffy rooms but also reduces the effects of Sick Building Syndrome. This is where the accumulation of ‘bad’ air in a confined space leads to illness over a prolonged period.
In cases where numerous people are required to work, sit or study together in close proximity, these infections are more likely to spread throughout the recirculated air. This is because the accumulation of bacteria, dust, odours and other contaminates cannot escape the room and so are passed on unknowingly.
Ventilated air will also reduce the likelihood of mould and damp forming inside your property – a proven cause of allergens, skin irritation and allergic reactions. These issues can cause respiratory infections for those with weaker lungs, resulting in asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in extreme cases.
To keep these illnesses and infections at bay, a reliable air filter system will push away the bad allergens and pollutants before they can reach the body.
Ventilation Solutions
A high-quality ventilation system will stop infections spreading by ensuring new air particles are introduced into the room when required. Although this can be achieved via air vents or mechanical fans to some extent, they do not generate sufficient air change to permanently stop infection.
For commercial buildings, a natural ventilation strategy is more desirable and will help create a clean indoor environment, safeguarding the health of those inside. 361 Servicing, a specialist ventilation company will be able to offer a bespoke solution for your building that can even integrate into a building management system for enhanced control.
A further business case for good Ventilation in the Workplace
If people in the workplace are content and comfortable in their working environment, it will make the employees feel more alert and ready to take on the challenges of the day. This can be done simply by having good ventilation. The main motivator is to have a pleasant place to work, therefore employees will enjoy their job more, and increased satisfaction will lead to increased productivity.
Productivity is very important in the workplace. Not only are goals more likely to be met, but colleagues are likely to be a lot more motivated. By installing ventilation and creating a more pleasant atmosphere, you may find employees will be more inclined to spend extra time in the office, and the time that they are there they will be achieving higher levels of concentration. If the office is humid and stuffy it can cause health problems which will prove to be disruptive to the working environment. For example, the lack of ventilation in the workplace can cause itchy eyes, headaches and tiredness, and an increase in allergy symptoms.
It makes sense that if employees have increased productivity, companies overall operating costs will be less. This is based on the fact that the major operating costs will be staff salaries, and as such any impact to staff due to illness or ability to work effectively, will have a greater impact. Therefore, simply improving the flow and quality of ventilation will not only benefit the employees but will directly impact the company’s profits.
If employees are breathing in polluted air which can contribute negatively to their health, or forced to take extended breaks to cool down, this will directly impact staff productivity and morale.
Research shows that providing a workplace with adequate ventilation can result in increased cognitive function in your employees. Improved cognitive function means that the brain is working more efficiently, therefore the work that is being done will be at a high standard, done efficiently and decision-making will be at a faster rate.
The impact of ventilation is not only seen upon employee health, it also means that goals and targets will be met for the company. For this reason, offices are recommended to have appropriate ventilation systems in place, which should also be regularly serviced and monitored. As an employer, there are some air quality standards that the workplace you provide must adhere to, so ensure that you look into installing ventilation solutions that meet the requirements.
