Ventilation is the movement of air within a work environment. One of the main purposes of ventilation within the workplace is to increase air flow and air exchange which assists to remove contaminated air from the workplace. Contaminants can include; vapours, dust, fumes, mist, gas, other liquid or substances that may cause health and safety concerns. Adequate ventilation is important within office and workshop environments, and especially important when working in confined spaces. Special permits and conditions are applicable when working in confined spaces and the relevant Australian Standards should be consulted.
There are several different kinds of ventilation that can be used in the workplace from simple strategies such as opening windows and doors, to systems such as fans, air conditioners and systems that allow more outdoor air to reach indoors and improve air flow.
Maintaining ventilation also helps to maintain appropriate temperatures in the workplace. When considering ventilation issues the following also needs to be taken into account:
- ensuring adequate air flow (rate air changes) through the workplace
- ensuring relative humidity of workplace is suitable to work undertaken
- ensuring air temperature is suitable for types of work undertaken
- ensuring air pollutants are adequately removed or filtered
- ensuring central air conditioners are serviced regularly and filters changed to minimise spread of harmful bacteria.
Ensuring adequate workplace ventilation should be part of a company’s overall air quality management program.
Workplace solutions and adjustments
Adequate ventilation within work environments is important to minimise risk of adverse health effects from exposure to airborne contaminants as a result of work tasks. For people with specific health needs, including breathing conditions such as asthma and sensitivities to certain substances, more specific ventilation needs or personal protective equipment needs can be considered. Other options to improve the condition of the air in the workplace include:
- allowing regular breaks
- ensuring windows and doors are open for ventilation where possible and positioning of individuals with respiratory conditions near well ventilated areas
- ensuring air conditioning and ventilation systems are well maintained
- isolating tasks resulting in vapours or dust from other areas of the workplace to minimise employee exposure.
When considering ventilation in the workplace, the following links may be useful:
References
Comcare 2008, Ventilation, Australian Government Comcare, Canberra, viewed 22 February 2011, http://www.comcare.gov.au/safety__and__prevention/working_environment/offices .
Standards Australia 1995, Safe working in a confined space: AS 2865 – 1995, Standards Association of Australia, Sydney, viewed 22 February 2011, http://www.ascc.gov.au/NR/rdonlyres/EA530632-CC28-4DD0-853D-0A462B9F192B/0/ConfinedSpaces.pdf.