Importance of Proper Ventilation in the Workplace
Understanding the importance of proper ventilation in the workplace can make or break your business. No one wants to work in an uncomfortable environment. The environmental protection agency (EPA) sets standards for indoor air quality. Keep reading to uncover the reasons you should maintain proper ventilation in your building.
What Is Ventilation?
Ventilation is the process that removes dirty or toxic air from your building or facility while intentionally supplying it with clean air. Using advanced airflow measurement equipment, plant managers use ventilation to control the temperature, humidity, and direction of airflow in their warehouses and factories. Ventilation is most important in industrial and commercial settings where chemicals and other hazardous materials may evaporate into the air. Different types of ventilation systems include:
- Air conditioning
- Air curtains
- Air recirculation
- Air infiltration
Improve Circulation
Proper ventilation in the workplace will remove dirty air from your building. You should circulate good air from outside to the interior of your building while using a system that cycles out the air that is inside. Circulating your indoor air prevents it from becoming stale and balances the level of oxygen in the room so that you and your staff can breathe comfortably.
Pro Tip: In addition to using an HVAC system to remove toxins, you should open the windows in your facility to bring in fresh air.
Control Humidity
You should ventilate your facility to ensure your humidity levels are balanced. Low moisture in the air can cause eye irritation and skin problems like rashes. At the same time, too much humidity may cause mildew to grow. Buildings with too much humidity prevent moisture in bathrooms and kitchen areas from drying, which can lead to dry rot and other mold problems.
Boost Productivity
Improved indoor air quality can increase employee retention and improve productivity in the workplace. Clean air makes for a more comfortable and healthy work environment. People who work under these conditions are less likely to request excessive time off or file for disability for workplace injuries caused by poor air quality, such as asthma. Improving air quality can reduce absences and increase workflow.
Display Company Values
When clients and potential customers or investors visit your facility, you want to make a good first impression. The likelihood of that happening decreases as your air quality decreases. Anyone who breathes the air around your workplace will know that your employees are working under those conditions. You can encourage clients and potential investors to stick around your offices longer and believe in your company when they see the investments you have already made in your facility and your staff.
The importance of proper ventilation in the workplace extends far beyond satisfying government standards. When you operate a clean building, you manage more motivated employees and can attract more clients and investors. Don’t forget to ventilate your spaces and maintain your equipment properly.
