Ventilation remediation and interim air-cleaning procedure

The [ventilation responsible role] should apply this procedure where an enclosed area used by staff has inadequate ventilation and remedial works or interim air-cleaning measures are required. Occupied areas used by pupils and visitors should also be considered.

1. Identify inadequate ventilation

Use the ventilation risk assessment to identify poorly ventilated parts of the estate. Include areas with no effective natural ventilation, such as open windows, doors or vents, and areas with no mechanical ventilation, such as fans or ducts bringing air in from outside.

Also identify areas that feel stuffy or smell bad, and areas where CO2 monitoring indicates poor ventilation.

2. Plan remedial works

For each area identified as poorly ventilated, document the remedial works required and the planned timescale for undertaking them. Keep the ventilation risk assessment and the remedial-works plan together with the relevant records for the area.

3. Apply interim air-cleaning controls

Where adequate ventilation cannot be maintained, an air-cleaning unit may be used as an interim measure while remedial works are undertaken.

Record the air-cleaning unit specification and its placement in the affected area. Record the maintenance undertaken on the unit and review its use against the remedial-works plan.

Do not use an air-cleaning unit as a substitute for ventilation. Do not use it as a reason to reduce or not undertake long-term remediation of poor ventilation.

4. Maintain the records

Retain the ventilation risk assessment, the identification of poorly ventilated areas, the remedial-works plan and timescale, and the records of any interim air-cleaning measures and maintenance.