Occupational Air QualityUK Workplace Guide 2026
Millions of UK workers are exposed to hazardous air at work. Understanding occupational exposure limits and controls protects long-term health.
UK Occupational Health Statistics
Industry Air Quality Risks
| Industry | Key Hazards | Risk Level |
|---|---|---|
| Construction | Silica dust, cement, wood dust, diesel fumes | HIGH |
| Manufacturing | Metal fumes, solvents, oil mist, particulates | HIGH |
| Healthcare | Infectious aerosols, disinfectants, surgical smoke | HIGH |
| Woodworking | Wood dust, formaldehyde, varnish fumes | HIGH |
| Food Processing | Flour dust, ammonia, food particles | MEDIUM |
| Offices | VOCs, printer emissions, poor ventilation | MEDIUM |
| Laboratories | Chemical fumes, biological agents | HIGH |
| Warehousing | Diesel fumes, dust, loading dock pollution | MEDIUM |
HSE Regulations & Employer Duties
COSHH Regulations
Control of Substances Hazardous to Health requires employers to assess exposure risks, implement controls, monitor air quality, and provide health surveillance for workers exposed to hazardous substances.
Workplace Exposure Limits (WELs)
HSE sets legal limits for hundreds of substances. General respirable dust limit is 4 mg/m³. Silica (crystalline) is 0.1 mg/m³. Employers must keep exposures as low as reasonably practicable.
Ventilation Requirements
Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations require effective ventilation with sufficient fresh air. This applies to all workplaces including offices, factories, and construction sites.
Hierarchy of Controls
1. Elimination
Remove the hazardous substance or process entirely
2. Substitution
Replace with less hazardous alternative
3. Engineering Controls
Local exhaust ventilation, HEPA filtration, enclosure
4. Administrative Controls
Training, procedures, rotation, signage
5. PPE
Respirators, masks—last resort after other controls
Office & Knowledge Worker Air Quality
Office workers face different but significant air quality challenges:
- • Poor ventilation: Sealed buildings with inadequate fresh air exchange
- • VOCs: Off-gassing from furniture, carpets, printers, and cleaning products
- • CO2 buildup: High occupancy leads to elevated CO2, reducing cognition
- • Sick building syndrome: Headaches, fatigue, and concentration problems
Solution: HEPA air purification and improved ventilation can increase cognitive performance by 20-50% according to Harvard studies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are workplace exposure limits for air quality?
The UK HSE sets Workplace Exposure Limits (WELs) for hazardous substances. For example, respirable dust is limited to 4 mg/m³ (8-hour TWA). Specific substances have individual limits. Employers must monitor and control exposures below these limits.
Is my employer responsible for workplace air quality?
Yes, under the Health and Safety at Work Act and COSHH regulations, employers must assess air quality risks, implement controls, provide adequate ventilation, and supply PPE if needed. Workers can report concerns to HSE.
What industries have the worst occupational air quality?
Construction, manufacturing, woodworking, welding, painting, healthcare, and food processing often have significant air quality challenges. Even office environments can have issues with poor ventilation and VOCs.
Do air purifiers work in industrial settings?
Industrial-grade HEPA and activated carbon systems can significantly reduce workplace particulates and gases. They supplement but don't replace proper ventilation, source control, and PPE requirements.
Can poor office air quality affect productivity?
Yes, studies show poor indoor air quality reduces cognitive function by 20-50%. Symptoms include headaches, fatigue, and difficulty concentrating. HEPA filtration and proper ventilation improve both health and productivity.
Workplace Air Solutions
Industrial-grade HEPA and carbon filtration for offices, workshops, and industrial spaces.
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