The Importance of Workplace Ventilation

Fresh air flowing into our bodies – why proper workplace ventilation matters!

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In industrial settings such as cleaning, painting, and plating, chemical substances are widely used in the manufacturing process.
Each chemical plays a role according to its unique properties and characteristics. However, these very properties can also become harmful when workers are exposed, leading to toxic effects on the human body.

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There are three primary routes through which chemicals enter the body: ingestion, inhalation, and skin absorption. While ingestion is rare in the workplace, skin absorption can occur depending on the type of chemical and working conditions. Inhalation, however, is a constant risk for workers, as it happens throughout their shifts. Occupational diseases caused by inhaling hazardous substances have been documented since the 1980s and remain a concern today.

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Why ventilation is critical

Chemical poisoning accidents often occur when workers continuously inhale contaminated air that has not been properly treated. For this reason, contaminated air must be captured and safely discharged outside before it spreads throughout the entire workspace.

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In South Korea, regulations require that workplaces install the following types of ventilation equipment to control hazardous substances:

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1. Hood – Installed at every source of hazardous emissions to capture contaminants.

2. Duct – Designed to be as short and straight as possible, maintaining sufficient airflow to prevent buildup of pollutants.

3. Exhaust fan – Installed to ensure enough power to discharge treated air from local exhaust systems.

4. Air purifier – Processes and neutralizes pollutants so they cannot harm workers’ health.

5. Exhaust outlet – Positioned outdoors, directly open to the outside, to prevent re-entry of dust or fumes back into the workplace.

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These five components make up a local exhaust ventilation system. Because it is a system that connects from hood to outlet, proper design tailored to the work environment and the type of emissions is essential.

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Regulations and compliance

Certain chemicals are categorized as hazardous substances requiring safety inspections (≥ 60㎥/min exhaust volume) or controlled substances (≥ 150㎥/min exhaust volume). For these, employers must submit a hazard-prevention plan, obtain approval from relevant authorities, and confirm that the installed system matches the approved plan before use.

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Maintenance matters

Even the most well-designed exhaust systems cannot permanently guarantee effective removal of hazardous substances without regular upkeep. Like any machinery, ventilation systems require routine inspection and maintenance.

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• All local exhaust systems must be inspected at least once a month by supervisors or equipment managers.

• Inspections should check for visible damage such as dents or corrosion, and airflow tests should confirm whether smoke is properly captured and discharged.

• If smoke fails to be captured by the hood, precise measurements (e.g., using an anemometer) are required to diagnose performance issues and implement corrective measures.

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Many workers assume that simply having a hood installed means contaminated air is being removed. In reality, depending on the hood design and system condition, polluted air may not be captured at all.

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Final note

Every workplace should install local exhaust systems where needed and maintain them at optimal performance levels. By doing so, we can keep work environments filled with clean air and protect the health and strength of workers.