Safety in most work environments is often based on specific tasks or tools used in a task. Working at heights would mean that the ladders used to get there, safety harnesses, etc., are all secure and in place. Working with hazardous materials would require protective equipment, and rules and policies dictate other methods of reducing existing risks.
Breathing, however, is constant, and the air that we breathe has to be as clean as possible at all times. Ventilation is not always considered a risk issue until it becomes one, but it serves more than just ventilating out harmful air and substances. Wood particles and other particles from abrasive wheels can be dangerous. Any abrasive wheel online training course will tell you that the residue from their usage needs to be ventilated and filtrated out.
Ventilation is crucial to maintain in any workplace, both for the workplace environment and the health of the employees inside.
In this blog, we will discuss the importance of ventilation and why it should be more of a priority.
Table of Contents
Why is it Important to Ventilate a Worksite?
Providing adequate ventilation for workers and proper fresh air is a necessity for employers. Proper ventilation can also be associated with:
- Better overall health
- Improved workplace productivity
- Environmental cleanliness
- Better quality of sleep
- Lower risk of exposure to pollutants and illnesses
Ventilation can also be necessary for circumstances where the air is affected by toxic chemicals, dust, or other harmful substances where removing contaminants might be necessary. These ventilation systems:
- Remove contaminant materials, such as pollutants, moisture, and smelly odors, and can even help against airborne viruses and diseases
- Control airflow to regular air in and out of buildings
- Maintain a humid environment while also keeping condensation to a minimum. It reduces the negatives of a potentially damp environment where mold can grow
What Would be the Negative Effects of Poor Ventilation in a Workplace?
When a workplace has poor ventilation, it can lead to workers suffering from a stuffy or humid atmosphere that is both hazardous to health and creates an uncomfortable working environment. A few negative effects of poor ventilation include:
- Headaches
- Fatigue
- Dizziness
- Poor concentration
- Drowsiness
- Shortness of Breath
- Respiratory issues
- Sneezing
- Coughing
- Hypersensitivity and allergic problems
- Dryness
These effects are not immediately noticeable, and some need to already exist but are exacerbated by the lack of proper ventilation. These are only the general negative effects of poor ventilation. Regardless, poor ventilation is only a detriment to a workplace, and it should be avoided at all costs.
Ensuring Proper Ventilation – A Guide
Ensuring ventilation is done properly requires using the three types of ventilation effectively, which are:
- Natural Ventilation
- Mechanical Ventilation
- Hybrid Ventilation
Natural Ventilation
Natural ventilation is to create a pathway for air to move in, out, or through a building, such as by opening a door or window. Natural ventilation does require a proper flow of air to be effective, but overall, it is a method with clear benefits and drawbacks.
Natural ventilation is largely energy-efficient, uses natural forces and large openings in an area, and does not have the same cost associated with more specialized methods of ventilation that include filtration.
This method also has clear disadvantages. The cold weather can prevent windows and doors from being effective ventilation sources, and fire doors are not meant to be kept open, as they are designed to keep fire out.
Ensure natural ventilation through:
- Open doors
- Open windows
- Working in an open environment
- Have air ducts that create a naturally ventilated environment
- Use of any openings to allow natural air through
Mechanical Ventilation
Mechanical ventilation is used in Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) systems. It uses controlled methods of air filtration and ventilation as compared to natural ventilation.
This method can significantly improve air quality and ensure that pollution from the outside does not come in either. This limited circulation of polluted air is done through High-Efficiency Particulate Absorbing (HEPA) filters.
Using this method can be especially useful for workplaces where a controlled environment is needed, which means isolating the air in the controlled room from the rest. This is especially useful in labs and other places where temperature and air quality are critical components.
Ensure mechanical ventilation through:
- Proper use of fans (Intake and exhausts)
- Air conditioning and HVAC systems
- Temperature controls (thermostats)
Hybrid Ventilation
Hybrid or mixed-mode ventilation is simply the mixed use of these methods. While most places may adopt hybrid ventilation systems, it may be beneficial to limit to one of them in some cases.
Both methods have their uses, and the hybrid approach can be especially useful in regulating fluctuations in air quality or temperature in any workplace.
Conclusion
Proper ventilation in a workplace is a necessity for the health of workers in a professional environment, as well as to ensure that they are productive. The negative effects on health associated with poor ventilation make it a necessity for employers to ensure that it is provided for their workers.
