COVID 19 – Improving Ventilation

Public news

A new fact sheet on Improving ventilation in indoor workplaces – COVID-19 has been developed by Safe Work Australia

The fact sheet highlights three steps that will help to reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission and improve ventilation in indoor settings:

1. Ensure the HVAC system is working properly

HVAC systems are an essential safety measure for most buildings. It is important they are maintained in accordance with relevant regulations to ensure compliance and effectiveness.

2. Take steps to improve ventilation for indoor workplaces

You should consider adjusting the settings of your HVAC system to help minimise the risk of COVID-19. This includes not recirculating the air or limiting the level of recirculation.

3. Other things you can do

Crowded and noisy places have a higher risk of generating and spreading respiratory droplets. To improve effective ventilation on a per person basis, you should, where possible:

  • look at your workplace floorplan and adjust workstations to maintain physical distancing of at least 1.5 metres between workers
  • stagger your workers’ start, finish and break times
  • relocate work tasks to different areas of the workplace, off-site or support workers to work from home, or
  • provide teams their own dedicated meal areas or break facilities.


    • Some industries have specific directions that should be followed so it is important to understand what you need to do at your workplace. Visit SWA’s COVID-19 information for workplaces webpage by clicking here for information for your industry.

    Read SWA’s fact sheet by clicking here for more information on improving ventilation in indoor settings to help reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission.

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