Balancing ventilation with keeping people warm at work

HSE have made some suggestions on how employers can balance ventilation with keeping employees warm at work during the winter period.

Details of their recommendations are below.

Providing adequate ventilation does not mean people have to work in an uncomfortably chilly or cold workplace.

There are simple steps you can take to make sure your workplace is adequately ventilated without being too cold:

• Partially opening windows and doors can still provide adequate ventilation
• Open higher-level windows to create fewer draughts
• If the area is cold, relax dress codes so people can wear extra layers and warmer clothing
• You could set the heating to maintain a comfortable temperature even when windows and doors are open
• Consider providing additional sources of heating if required. Only use fan convector heaters if the area is well ventilated

You can also regularly air the space in rooms that rely on natural ventilation, by opening windows and doors as fully as possible.

For example, you can do this when people leave for a break. Even 10 minutes an hour can help reduce the risk from virus in the air, depending on the size of the room.

This article forms part of HSEs ventilation during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic guidance and you can view it here.