Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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170. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the meaning of the term ventilation in the context of his Department’s recently published Work Safety Protocol that was drafted in conjunction with the HSA; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31869/21]

Damien English (Meath West, Fine Gael)
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The Work Safely Protocol explains that ventilation, refers to the movement of outdoor air into a building, and the circulation of that air within the building or room while removing stale air to improve the air quality. Ventilation is best achieved by direct access to outdoor air, but artificial circulation of outdoor air through a ventilation system fitted with high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters are also affective.

The reason for improving ventilation is to minimise transmission, so that the level of “fresh” outside air should be maximised therefore reducing the level of recirculated air in the workspace, unless high-efficiency particulate filters (HEPA) are installed in the ventilation system. The Protocol is of the opinion that reoccupying workplaces should not, in most cases, require new ventilation systems but improvements to ventilation will help increase the quantity of clean air and reduce the risk of exposure to airborne concentrations of the virus.

The Deputy may be aware that under the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (General Application) Regulations 2007, employers are required to make sure enclosed workplaces have an adequate supply of fresh air (ventilation) in enclosed areas of the workplace. The requirement remains in place irrespective of the Protocol.

The Health and Safety Authority provide the following advice to employers to meet this responsibility:

- natural ventilation which relies on passive air flow through windows, doors and air vents that can be fully or partially opened. This is the simplest way to ensure adequate air quality in poorly ventilated areas.

- mechanical ventilation using fans and ducts including window fans 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.

Employers should also consider regulatory requirements under building, food and/or health and safety regulations when planning any changes to ventilation at a workplace.