Healthy workplace
A healthy working environment is essential for the productivity and well-being of employees. The quality of the air we breathe plays a central role in this. The Technical Rules for Workplaces (ASR) set standards to ensure that the working environment complies with the latest findings in technology, occupational medicine and occupational hygiene. In particular, ASR A3.6 specifies the requirements for ventilation in workspaces. In this context, the air-Q air analyzer offers an innovative solution for monitoring and optimizing compliance with these standards.
What is ASR A3.6?
ASR A3.6 defines the requirements for the ventilation of workplaces in enclosed spaces. The aim is to provide workers with a sufficient quantity of healthy breathing air. The reference value here is the outside air quality, as long as this is not impaired by exhaust air from extraction or ventilation systems, heavy traffic or poorly ventilated locations. If this is the case, separate measures must be taken as part of the risk assessment. Possible measures for optimization would be, for example, the elimination of the sources or the relocation of the intake opening for air handling units.
The safety guideline also takes into account factors such as physical strain or people present in the room. In addition to the workplace itself, ASR A3.6 also includes recommendations for break rooms, standby rooms, first aid rooms, sanitary facilities and accommodation.
The rule covers various aspects of air quality, including the control of material, moisture and heat loads. ASR A3.6 defines specific measures to minimize or eliminate these pollutants.
What are material loads?
Causes of material loads can be, for example
- Presence of employees and other persons who produce CO₂ and odorous substances
- Emissions from building products or furnishings such as volatile organic compounds (VOCs), formaldehyde or other pollutants
- Ingress of contaminated air from other rooms or areas (e.g. from activities involving hazardous substances or biological agents)
- polluted outside air, for example through particulates
- Poorly maintained HVAC systems
- Mold spores
- Radon, which can penetrate buildings from underground
How should the air quality be checked according to ASR A3.6?
Determining the CO₂ concentration in a room is a common method for identifying substance loads. This is because CO₂ exposure affects workers' ability to concentrate and causes symptoms such as a lack of concentration. Tiredness or headaches.
The Committee for Workplaces has drawn up corresponding proposals for the Occupational Health and Safety Directive A3.6, which are published by the Federal Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs in the Joint Ministerial Gazette. According to ASR A3.6, the following measures are recommended depending on the CO₂ concentration in the room.
In addition to the CO₂ concentration, the Occupational Health and Safety Directive also recommends keeping the room temperature, including the corresponding humidity and noise, within reasonable limits. Although measurements are not mandatory under the Occupational Health and Safety Directive, it is often not possible to detect poor indoor air quality without measuring the air. This is particularly true if you have been in a room for a long time, become accustomed to the declining air quality and therefore no longer perceive it through your sense of smell. In addition, many pollutants such as volatile organic compounds are gaseous and colorless and therefore escape the eyes and nose. Poor air quality also favors the spread of diseases, as the indoor air contains a higher proportion of viruses or bacteria. This increases the concentration of pathogens. This is also confirmed by the results of a study from the UK. The researchers discovered that The more CO₂ there is, the more virus-friendly the air becomes.
Continuous air analysis is required to objectively determine and assess the concentration of the values.
Challenges in complying with ASR A3.6
Compliance with ASR A3.6 can be challenging in practice. Factors such as the presence of people, emissions from building materials, poorly maintained ventilation systems or external influences such as traffic and industry can have a significant impact on air quality. Monitoring CO₂ concentrations and other pollutants in particular requires continuous attention and precise measurements. Air measuring devices such as the air-Q, which detects a variety of air parameters and issues a warning if the recommended limit values are exceeded, are suitable for this purpose.
How can ventilation be ensured in accordance with ASR A3.6?
With regard to the renewal of indoor air by direct or indirect supply of outside air, a distinction is made between different types of ventilation:
- Free ventilation: This ventilation is achieved by pressure differences due to wind or temperature differences between outside and inside, e.g. through window ventilation, shaft ventilation, roof top ventilation or via other ventilation openings and can be supported by fans if necessary.
- Room air conditioning systems (RLT systems): The air is cleaned by means of mechanical conveying using filters and heated, cooled, humidified or dehumidified using at least one thermodynamic air treatment function.
- Draught: Describes a disturbing draught that can be caused by both free ventilation and air conditioning systems.
- Degree of turbulence: Is the measure for the fluctuation of the air velocity and represents the ratio of the standard deviation of the air velocity to the mean air velocity.
The air-Q air analyzer: a smart tool for ensuring air quality
The air-Q air analyzer is a smart device that monitors air quality in real time and provides you with comprehensive data on the development of indoor air. With up to 15 different sensors, the air-Q not only records the CO₂ concentration, but also volatile organic compounds (VOCs)particulatestemperature, humidity and much more.
Advantages of the air-Q in the working environment
- Real-time monitoring: The air-Q provides continuous air quality data that can be viewed directly on your smartphone or computer. This allows you to take immediate action if limit values are exceeded.
- Detailed analyses: The air-Q's extensive sensor technology provides you with detailed information on various pollutants and environmental factors. This makes it easier to identify and eliminate pollutant sources.
- Automated reports: The air-Q generates regular reports on air quality, which are helpful for audits and compliance with regulations such as ASR A3.6.
- Integration into smart building systems: The air-Q can be easily integrated into existing building automation systems. This means that ventilation systems can be controlled automatically to ensure optimum air conditions.
Practical application of the air-Q to comply with ASR A3.6
By using the air-Q, you as an employer can ensure that the requirements of ASR A3.6 are continuously met. For example, the CO₂ concentration can be monitored and ventilation measures automatically adjusted to ensure that the values remain below the recommended 1000 ppm. Monitoring of other pollutants such as VOCs or particulates is also possible with the air-Q, ensuring comprehensive protection for your employees.
Conclusion
Compliance with ASR A3.6 is crucial for creating a healthy and productive working environment. The air-Q air analyzer provides employers with a powerful tool to effectively monitor and improve air quality. By integrating the smart air-Q technology, your company can not only comply with legal requirements, but also sustainably promote the well-being and health of your employees.
Invest in the future of your workplace - with the air-Q air analyzer you can ensure optimum air quality and a healthy working environment.
