Ventilation is the process of removing and replacing air in a building. Sometimes, additional ventilation can be provided through exhaust fans in bathrooms and toilets.
Tips
- Vent odours to the air outside.
- Use extractor fans in showers to remove steam.
- Shower quickly.
Potential harm
- Breathing issues
- Unpleasant odour
Identified hazards and controls
Odours
Cause
- Unpleasant odours spreading to nearby areas.
What workers can do
- Use exhaust fans, where provided.
- Report any maintenance issues to your building maintenance team, such as blocked drains, toilets not flushing, or mould build up.
What employers can do
- Install extractor fan that vents odours to the outside air and prevents odours being drawn into the office air conditioning system.
- If appropriate, install deodorisers or automatic air fresheners in bathrooms. Check with workers before introducing air fresheners to ensure that no-one has an allergy to certain scents or is susceptible to breathing issues, as these can bring new risks.
- Follow up on maintenance reports.
- Clean showers regularly to prevent mould build up.
Steam
Cause
- Excessive condensation from steam generated from hot water.
What workers can do
- Use any exhaust fans provided.
- Try not to shower for too long when using hot water.
- Report any issues.
What employers can do
- Install an extractor fan or appropriate vents to disperse steam appropriately.
- Use a thermostat to control hot water temperature.
More information
Legislation
- Work Health and Safety Regulations 2011 – Refer to part 3.2 General Workplace Management.
Codes
- How to Manage Work Health and Safety Risks Code of Practice 2015
- Managing the Work Environment and Facilities Code of Practice 2015 – see Appendix A for a checklist.
Page last reviewed: 30 April 2021