Did you know? About 80-90% of our time is spent indoors (homes, schools, workplaces, and other public spaces), and poor air quality within these spaces can have serious repercussions on your health.
When it comes to the workplace, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) highlights that the fresh-air supply rate should not normally fall below 5 – 8 litres per second per occupant to maintain the air quality within a room.
With these set guidelines, industrial units, production facilities, and other industries must maintain air quality to support the well-being of their workforce.
Why Is Ventilation Important?
While the law clearly defines that businesses must have a ventilation system installed and maintained within their workspaces, the importance of ventilation goes beyond general business operations.
Good workplace ventilation is associated with better health, improved productivity, and reduced exposure to harmful elements.
Regulation 6 of the Workplace Health, Safety, and Welfare Regulations clearly states that employers must ensure that a sufficient quantity of fresh or purified air ventilates every enclosed workplace.
Poor air quality can lead to a range of health issues and discomfort, such as nausea & respiratory diseases.
How to Improve Ventilation in the Workplace, Industrial Unit, or Production Facility?
1. Natural Ventilation
Natural ventilation helps circulate fresh air within the facility and regulate the air quality of the environment.
- Cross ventilation: Opposite-positioned doors, vents, or industrial windows help facilitate natural ventilation in larger commercial environments.
- Single-sided ventilation: If cross-ventilation is not an option, then windows on one side of the facility can also help bring in fresh air from outdoors.
- Stack ventilation: Cooler outdoor air can enter through ground-floor windows, warm up from internal machinery or heat sources, and exit via the top vents, establishing an efficient air flow system.
2. Mechanical Ventilation
In industrial and commercial environments, mechanical ventilation helps enhance air quality and control exposure to airborne contaminants.
- High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) Filters: These filters are designed to capture almost 99% of airborne particles, including dust, pollen, and pathogens.
- Local Exhaust Ventilation (LEV) system: LEV systems are essential in industrial units or production facilities. They help capture and remove hazardous airborne contaminants like dust, fumes, and vapours at the source before they spread throughout the space.
- Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC): While HVAC systems help regulate temperature and humidity, in industrial environments, the focus should be on targeted extraction and air filtration systems, like LEV, that directly address pollutant sources.
3. Implement Zoning Within The Workplace
Zoning helps enhance the ventilation of a space by compartmentalising it into smaller, manageable sections. In industrial settings, isolated zones help contain high-contaminated areas. Zoning promotes energy efficiency as it can help optimise energy needs based on foot traffic in particular zones.
Using separate extraction or ventilation controls can further make zoning effective, as it allows for greater control in adjusting the airflow within different zones.
4. Minimal Furniture; Maximum Ventilation
Large equipment, high shelving units, or machinery can obstruct the airflow and result in poor air quality in the room. Decluttering increases your open space, enhances air circulation, and improves the efficiency of your ventilation system.
In many cases, air ducts or extraction grills are covered to improve the appearance of a workspace, particularly in commercial settings, but this often reduces system efficiency and disrupts airflow.
5. Install Smart Sensors
Carbon dioxide (CO2) monitors and air quality sensors can help you understand your workplace’s outputs and emissions. This can help you optimise your system and also lead to long-term energy savings.
6. Regular Maintenance
Regular testing and maintenance of LEV systems ensures the year-round effectiveness of air quality control measures.
Under HSE’s Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations, Local Exhaust Ventilation (LEV) testing is a legal requirement in industrial environments. Your LEV equipment must be thoroughly examined and tested by a competent person at least every 14 months to ensure your employees are safe.
Quick Tips for an Effective LEV Ventilation System
- Avoid blocking air vents with furniture or storage.
- Position desks to allow consistent airflow across the room.
- Ceiling diffusers and displacement systems can help distribute air evenly.
- Regular testing and maintenance help with efficiency and upkeep of your LEV systems.
A well-ventilated industrial or commercial workspace is fundamental to a healthy, high-performing team. Whether managing a production facility, manufacturing unit, or large commercial environment, implementing the right ventilation strategy improves well-being, compliance, and efficiency.
At Vent-Tech, we specialise in designing, installing, and testing ventilation and LEV systems that meet UK workplace standards. Our experts can help assess your current setup and recommend tailored solutions for your space.
Get in touch today to discuss your workplace ventilation needs and create a safer, more comfortable environment for your team.