Coronavirus (COVID-19): ventilation in the workplace
Guidance for employers on improving ventilation and the the supply of fresh air into the workplace.
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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
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