REGULATION OF VENTILATION IN INDUSTRIAL ENVIRONMENTS CNI – IAQ Cluster
The Regulation of Air Quality in Industry: A Necessary Framework
Air quality in industrial environments is a crucial issue both for workers’ health and for the efficiency of production processes. Although the regulation of ventilation in industrial settings may seem scarce at first glance, there is actually a broad regulatory framework that, while dispersed, provides the necessary guidelines to ensure clean and safe air.
Differentiation Between RITE and Industrial Environments
One of the first points to clarify is that industrial environments are not governed by the Regulation on Thermal Installations in Buildings (RITE), which applies to commercial, residential, and office settings. Within the same industrial facility, spaces may be subject to different regulations: production areas are regulated under occupational risk prevention (PRL) regulations, whereas offices and cafeterias must comply with RITE.
To understand this distinction, one can refer to the 2010 RITE questions and answers document, which states that heating in offices within industries must comply with the regulation, while industrial warehouses are outside its scope.
Regulations and Evolution of the Framework
Royal Decree 486/1997 established general criteria for environmental working conditions, but with minimal specifications. The comfort temperature was set between 17 and 27 °C for sedentary work and between 14 and 25 °C for light work, with relative humidity between 30% and 70%. Additionally, ventilation of 30 m³/h per person was recommended in non-hot environments and 50 m³/h in other cases.
Despite these specifications, much is left to the employer’s discretion, which entails risks. Without a clear obligation, many industries opt not to implement ventilation improvements. However, the recently compiled occupational risk prevention regulations, published in January 2024, emphasize the need for detailed risk assessments.
Risk Assessment and Contaminant Measurement
Employers must identify the chemical agents present in the work environment and assess the risks to workers’ health. Regulations also mandate measuring contaminant concentrations in the worker’s breathing zone and comparing them with defined environmental limit values.
The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (INSST) provides valuable tools through its Technical Prevention Notes (NTP), which offer methodologies for designing effective ventilation systems and conducting proper air quality assessments.
Exposure Limits and Contaminant Agents
Each year, exposure limit values for chemical agents in Spain are published, serving as a reference for ensuring safe work environments. A common example is formaldehyde, a substance used in the manufacture of particle boards and varnishes, classified as a carcinogen. The presence of this and other toxic compounds in the air necessitates appropriate ventilation strategies to minimize exposure.
Conclusions and Future Challenges
Despite the available information and the existence of clear contaminant limits, implementing effective ventilation systems in industry remains a challenge. The key is to foster a prevention culture that prioritizes workers’ health, adopting preventive measures even before regulations formally require them.
The upcoming revision of RITE with the EN 16798 standard promises significant changes in ventilation considerations. It is imperative for industries to anticipate these modifications and adopt technical solutions that ensure a safe and efficient work environment.
Commitment to air quality not only ensures regulatory compliance but also enhances productivity and worker well-being, guaranteeing a healthier and more sustainable industrial future.
More articles
Interested in other (technical) knowledge articles? Keep yourself up to date and read them all
