What makes a workplace comfortable to you? Some people prefer well-lit, wide open spaces. Others like to work in smaller, more personal environments. But almost everyone can agree that fresh air is necessary for any workplace, and good ventilation can significantly increase the comfort of a workplace.
Occupant comfort is one of the most crucial aspects of building design. Ventilation and air quality might not be the first thing that comes to mind when designing a space but it’s a significant component of a workplace’s safety and comfort. A good ventilation system can address airflow, temperature, and air quality.
When you set up a fan in a hot room you’re not actually lowering the temperature, but it sure feels cooler in front of the fan. Having fresh air blowing over our skin can significantly impact our comfort in a hot room. Similarly, a room with high humidity or poor air quality can feel hot and muggy. Even in the winter season, buildings with poor ventilation can feel stale or otherwise unpleasant.
Our bodies are very well equipped to detect issues with air quality, so when a building is poorly ventilated we can pick up on it easily. We feel changes in airflow and quality before we will feel a few degree changes in temperature. While many industrial ventilation systems address air temperature as well, this is why ventilation is so important to physical comfort. Fresh moving air can be the difference between a warm day in the office and a total shutdown.
Employee comfort goes beyond physical comfort, we should feel safe and looked after in our workplaces as well. In settings with hazardous materials and heavy equipment, good ventilation is a crucial part of workplace safety. Proper ventilation will prevent the buildup of gases, maintain operating temperatures for equipment, and remove harmful particulates from the air. A well-ventilated workplace is a safe one.
If you’re concerned about the ventilation of your business it is best to have a professional company inspect your current system and offer their recommendations. The pros will know the elements of good ventilation design and what equipment/modifications are necessary to make a system work
But ensuring good ventilation doesn’t stop at the design and installation of a system either. Just like any other equipment your ventilation system should be on a regular maintenance schedule. Keep the system clean and in good working order, from the vents themselves to control units. Standing fans and window units can help when ventilation is poor, but they are no replacement for proper maintenance.
Regardless of career, the average American spends more than 90% of their time indoors. As this has become a reality employee comfort and quality of life has become more and more important. Keeping a workplace well ventilated is just one part of the puzzle, but a very significant one. When employees have complaints about comfort, your ventilation system should make the list of factors to check out!
