To meet existing regulations, every workplace needs to be adequately ventilated to the required standard – Health, Safety and Welfare Regulations 1992.

In practice, this means clean air needs to be drawn from a source outside the building and then circulated throughout the workplace. Ventilation is essential in the office environment to remove carbon dioxide, humid air, odours and many airborne contaminants. It also is vitally needed to provide fresh oxygen for all those working there!

Where Mechanical Ventilation Becomes Necessary

 

Workplace Ventilation 2

 

In smaller areas, natural ventilation like operable windows or trickle release vents may supply sufficient ventilation.

To sustain a refreshed and comfortable air flow in a larger area, mechanical ventilation will usually be needed. A mechanical ventilation system supplies fresh air via fans distributed throughout the area, sometimes tempered or mixed with the air conditioning system so that there are no uncomfortable draughts. These systems can help reduce the load on the building’s heating/cooling system.

Avoiding the Consequences of Poor Ventilation

Insufficient fresh air may lead to an unproductive workforce through suffering from tiredness, headaches, dry throat or sore eyes. These are all symptoms of an under-recognised illness called Sick Building Syndrome.

Mechanical ventilation systems require routine maintenance, filter cleaning and replacement, along with electrical tests and air flow quality tests. If you are unsure whether your building has sufficient ventilation, or whether your system could be overdue for an upgrade, contact us today for a free, no obligation survey and report.

Findlay Palmer