Maintaining Good Air Quality in the Workplace

3 Mar 2017

A company’s most important assets are its workers, so it is of paramount importance that they are kept healthy and safe whilst in the workplace. One of the many aspects to consider when providing that safety, is the quality of air in the place of business, so as to fall in line with the 2011 Air Quality Standards Regulations and Cleaner Air For Europe directive (CAFE) that are now part of Irish law.

Responsibility

To be compliant with this legislation, a business is required to actively monitor and manage its air quality. If you are reading this and are worried about where to start what sounds like a daunting task, the good news is that there are professional organisations in Ireland that can help companies ensure their compliance.

These agencies, such as OHSS possess specialised equipment and methods of analysis to help implement this vital health and safety measure. Able to test the ambient air in the workplace for existing substances that could endanger the health of employees.

How is Your Air Quality?

If you run a business that conducts work that can naturally result in poor air quality as a matter of course, then there are a few common situations that can lead to problems:

• Visible dust or vapours from business processes

• Higher than usual humidity

• Poorly operating air conditioning or ventilation

• Workplaces that operate in relatively high temperatures

• Areas that use volatile chemicals for their work

Symptoms

If your employees, or even you experience irritation of the eyes or throat, respiratory problems or any mental fatigue, nausea or headaches with no other obvious cause, then there is more than a good chance that it is as a result of poor air quality in the place you’re working in.

Professional Help

Allow an organistion, such as OHSS, to assist you in becoming compliant with air quality regulations will take a lot of the headache away from the whole process. An expert eye will identify any problems you may have and their extent will be provided in a report, which will also include recommendations on appropriate measures to take.

Failing to act on potential poor air quality in the workplace puts employees (the most important part of any organisation) at risk, which puts the business in question at risk. Addressing the issue as a matter of urgency makes sense whichever way it’s viewed.   




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