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Ventilation and air quality in the workplace

Learn about ventilation and air quality at work, how they affect health and wellbeing and how to take positive action to improve your workplace.

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Improving ventilation and air quality in the workplace

Ventilation is the process of supplying fresh outdoor air and removing stale indoor air. Poorly ventilated spaces may feel stuffy, hot, humid or contain pollutants.

Types of ventilation

The most appropriate approach depends on your workplace design and activities:

Natural ventilation

Uses windows, doors, vents and other openings to allow fresh air to flow in and out.

Mechanical ventilation

Uses fans, ducts and systems to supply and extract air. These systems may be local (single rooms) or part of a building-wide system.

Mixed-mode ventilation

A combination of natural and mechanical systems, often used in different parts of a building.

Visit the HSE website for more information about ventilation in the workplace.

Page last reviewed: 18th June 2026