This bulletin has been provided to us by the HSE.
This week's digest contains HSE's updated guidance on ventilation and air conditioning during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
We also have links to help ensure your workplace is COVID-secure as businesses prepare to reopen.
Updated advice on ventilation and air conditioning during the pandemic
HSE has updated and expanded its advice to help employers provide adequate ventilation in their workplaces during the pandemic.
This guidance builds on helping you to identify and take action in poorly ventilated areas. It also provides guidance on other factors to consider when assessing the risk from aerosol transmission, and determining whether adequate ventilation is being provided to reduce this risk.
You should be maximising the fresh air in a space and this can be done by:
- natural ventilation
which relies on passive air flow through windows, doors and air vents that can be fully or partially opened - mechanical ventilation
using fans and ducts to bring in fresh air from outside, or - a combination of natural and mechanical ventilation, for example where mechanical ventilation relies on natural ventilation to maximise fresh air
Read the updated guidance and find out how you can provide adequate ventilation in your workplace, helping to protect workers and other people from transmission of coronavirus.
Prepare for inspections by making sure your business is COVID-secure
Last week, the Prime Minister announced the four-step roadmap out of the current lockdown in England.
As businesses start to open, as detailed in the roadmap, HSE will continue to carry out spot checks and inspections on businesses to check they have COVID-secure measures in place.
The following links will help you prepare:
- Making your workplace COVID-secure
- Information on spot checks and inspections
Workplace experts Acas also have some free advice and resources
Published on Thursday 4th March 2021