We use cookies to collect anonymous data to help us improve your site browsing experience.

Click 'Accept all cookies' to agree to all cookies that collect anonymous data. To only allow the cookies that make the site work, click 'Use essential cookies only.' Visit 'Set cookie preferences' to control specific cookies.

Set cookie preferences

Your cookie preferences have been saved. You can change your cookie settings at any time.

Publication - Advice and guidance

Coronavirus (COVID-19): ventilation in the workplace

Last updated 28 February 2023 - see all updates
Part of
Building, planning and design, Business, industry and innovation, Coronavirus in Scotland, +2 more … Health and social care, Public safety and emergencies

Guidance for employers on improving ventilation and the the supply of fresh air into the workplace.

This document is part of a collection

Risk-controlled approach to ventilation

It is recommended that appropriate risk assessments are carried out for each indoor environment, including a Covid-19 Risk Assessment. Organisations should take account of the risks within their specific settings when considering which measures are most appropriate.

The provision of fresh air should be considered as part of a hierarchy of risk controls aimed at reducing the risks of transmission of COVID-19 and other respiratory diseases. These include:

  • effective fresh air ventilation, working alongside other protective measures including face coverings and enhanced hygiene regimes
  • restricting or reducing duration of activities indoors
  • room layout
  • using rooms with good ventilation and avoiding the use of those without
  • factoring in the possible use of suitable air cleaning and purifying devices to enhance indoor air quality. Although these units are not a substitute for fresh air ventilation - read more about air cleaning technologies

The risk of transmission depends on the interaction of multiple factors including the amount of virus in the air, the level of ventilation, the duration of exposure and the number of occupants. Therefore, improving ventilation reduces the risk of transmission.

Contact

Email: covid-19.policy@gov.scot

First published
18 December 2020
Last updated
28 February 2023 - show all updates

  1. Update to mechanical ventilation.

  2. Updated links to Health and Safety Executive website on 'Natural ventilation' and 'Overview'.

  3. Updates to Mechanical ventilation and Air cleaning technology.

  4. Taken out of archive and updated.

  5. Updated to reflect current situation

  6. Updated to reflect current situation.

  7. Updated to reflect current situation.

  8. A few amends to reflect impact/reccomendations due to Omicron variant

  9. Minor update to amend link in overview.

  10. Poster summarising good ventilation advice added.

  11. Updated guide to include need for winter vigilance and information about ventilation fund for SMEs.

  12. guidance updated to reflect current position.

  13. Reviewed by policy team and still current.

  14. Revised the layout and text to make it clearer.

  15. First published: December 18, 2020 at 1:08 PM.

Back to top