Ventilation

Objects

Hazards

Possible Controls

Air flow

• Insufficient volume of air through the area

• Arrange for rate of air flow to be measured and if necessary increase
• Ensure placement of air-conditioning vents is appropriate to allow adequate air flow (i.e. within enclosed offices)

Air temperature

• High or low indoor air temperatures

• Have temperature in affected area measured and adjustments made to stabilise temperature in the area in consultation with the effected workers
• Look at location of workstations in relation to ducts and openings

Humidity

• High or low levels of relative humidity in workplace

• Have humidity in affected area measured and adjusted to the appropriate level in consultation with the effected workers

Atmospheric contaminants

• Ozone may be released in small amounts by electrostatic photocopiers and printers
• High levels of dust or other particles (e.g. pollen, printer emissions) in indoor air
• Harmful levels of airborne contaminants (e.g. lead fumes, acid mist, solvent vapour) released by specific work processes
  

• Ensure that filters are of the correct type to remove expected contaminants, and that filters are clean and are replaced regularly or as required
• Avoid continuous photocopying and collating or ensure adequate breaks are taken
• Consider moving printer and photocopiers to a designated printer room
• Ensure local control measures such as exhaust ventilation are in place to remove contaminants at the source
  

• Odours and airborne contaminants entering building from the street
• Excess accumulation of odours inside the workplace

• Implement a smoking policy to ensure workers and visitors do not smoke near access points or ventilation intakes
• Consult with other relevant people in relation to smoking guidelines around the building
• Utilise air-conditioning, ventilation systems and extraction units to ensure the air is adequately ventilated and excess odours removed from the workplace
  

Disease control

• Spread of harmful bacteria via central air-conditioning system (e.g. Legionnaire disease)

• Ensure that air-conditioning equipment is being serviced in accordance with manufactures instructions
• Ensure that checks are being carried out for the detection and measurement of harmful bacteria