Assessing Ventilation Measures to Support Employee Wellbeing

The updated guidance builds on the requirement to identify and take action in poorly ventilated areas, with expanded guidance on areas including air handling and filtration units, as well as ventilation in vehicles.

Employers should be maximising the fresh air introduction into workplaces by means of natural ventilation, mechanical ventilation or a combination of the two. And to support organisations in meeting their obligations and maintaining the quality of indoor air within their workplaces, Bureau Veritas UK offers a portfolio of occupational hygiene and indoor air quality services.

Support from Occupational Hygiene specialists

Our solutions offer both a quantitative and qualitative approach to help ensure compliance with the Health & Safety at Work Act 1974 and ensure the wellbeing and comfort of workers. The specialist Bureau Veritas Occupational Hygiene Team is already working with facilities, maintenance and H&S managers to provide indoor air quality surveys, surface swab-sampling regimes and quantification of fresh air assessments.

Our expert services include accurate assessment of indoor air quality parameters including CO₂, CO, temperature, relative humidity and particulate matter. We can also undertake qualitative assessments of provision of fresh air (mechanical vs passive), which includes assessing installed HVAC units.

Joe Marais, Engineering Team Leader – Occupational Hygiene at Bureau Veritas, said: “The law says employers must make sure there’s an adequate supply of fresh air (ventilation) in enclosed areas of the workplace and HSE guidance clearly states that this has not changed during the pandemic.

“In fact, it’s arguably more important than ever to assess and maintain the quality of indoor air to mitigate any risks in relation to the transmission of COVID-19, as more people return to offices and hospitality venues prepare to reopen.

“By developing effective systems including monitoring, assessment, cleaning routines and more, employers can minimise the risk of infection and demonstrate their continued commitment to workplace wellbeing.”

Get in touch

To find out more about Bureau Veritas’ Occupational Health services or to discuss your requirements with a member of the team, call 0345 600 1828 or click here.