Respiratory infections including Coronavirus (COVID-19): ventilation in the workplace

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


Risk-controlled approach to ventilation

It is recommended that appropriate risk assessments are carried out for each indoor environment. 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 respiratory infections including COVID-19. These include:

  • effective fresh air ventilation, working alongside other protective measures including enhanced hygiene regimes and giving more space and care around those using the Distance Aware scheme (wearing a badge or lanyard)
  • 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

Contact

Email: covid-19.policy@gov.scot

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