Why is Ventilation Important for Commercial Buildings?

Air ventilation plays a major role in the operations of commercial buildings. Dust, odors, and other air pollutants that may linger can cause a hazard in the workplace. Warehouses, factories, and other commercial buildings can benefit from air ventilation systems by creating a safer work environment, a cleaner venue, and overall more efficient operations by minimizing hazards and improving conditions.

Importance of Efficient Commercial Air Ventilation Systems

Proper ventilation is designed to circulate air through the building, bringing in fresher air. This is beneficial for buildings that may have exhaust, smoke, dust, or other air pollutants that may obstruct vision or are unsafe to breathe.

OSHA has standards for indoor air quality in the workplace. Additionally, The American Lung Association emphasizes how critical it is to provide adequate ventilation and circulation, stating that, “Air indoors can build up high levels of moisture, odors, gases, dust, and other air pollutants. To keep the air safe indoors, fresh outdoor air is needed to dilute these indoor pollutants.”

Inadequate commercial air ventilation systems and poor ventilation may lead to health issues such as:

Dizziness
Carbon monoxide poisoning
Eye irritation
Headaches
Allergic reactions
Asthma attacks
In rare cases, life-threatening conditions

All of these symptoms of insufficient air exchange lead to higher business costs as well, both monetarily and socially:

Increased usage of sick days
Decreased worker performance
Create strain between workers and owners/operators
Loss of community trust and respect
Moisture issues
Increased wear and tear on machines

OSHA Compliant Air Ventilation

Due to the frequency of respiratory health complaints by workers, OSHA determined there was a necessity for supplying adequate air filtration and ventilation within commercial buildings. While OSHA does not have a general indoor air quality (IAQ) standard, it does, “Provide guidelines addressing the most common workplace complaints about IAQ,” and it does have specified standards regarding ventilation and some airborne contaminants frequently involved in IAQ issues. Broadly applicable is Section 5(a)(1) which requires employers to provide for a workplace free of recognized hazards that threaten the life and health of employees.

Commercial Air Filtration Systems by DCI

DCI is a team that provides steel building accessories to businesses and property owners. Having studied OSHA compliance, our products are built with quality and value in mind in addition to meeting and exceeding strict OSHA standards. DCI provides a variety of ventilation systems such as:

Design Component’s heavy-duty fans are ideal for keeping your metal buildings cool and keeping the air circulating properly. DCI offers both wall-mounted and roof-mounted fans, depending on the ventilation design and airflow requirements of your particular facility. The DCI team will ensure your needs are met within your budget, providing solutions that improve your commercial building’s operations.

Contact DCI for Commercial Ventilation Solutions

If you are feeling overwhelmed by all the options of ventilation equipment in the steel building industry, look no further. We here at DCI pride ourselves on providing excellent customer service in addition to our carefully designed and fabricated products. All of our products meet OSHA’s strict standards, allowing you to worry less and manage more.