DOLE issues ventilation rules for workplaces, public transport

CEBU, Philippines — As part of the measures to prevent and control the spread of coronavirus, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) has issued a new guidelines on the proper ventilation in private workplaces and public transportation.

DOLE Secretary Silvestre Bello III recently issued Department Order 224-21 setting the guidelines that include the installation and utilization of exhaust fans in indoor workplaces, restrooms and water closets as well as ventilation in air, rail, land, and sea transport, and other measures to improve and maintain the quality of air in the workplace and public transportation.

These guidelines cover all commercial and industrial establishments, projects, sites and all other places where work is being undertaken indoors, except healthcare facilities which require special considerations or stricter rules in the COVID-19 control.

For non-air-conditioned spaces, the guidelines recommend maximizing natural ventilation through the use of doors, windows, and other openings.

However, if natural ventilation is not feasible or inadequate, mechanical ventilation shall be provided.

For air-conditioned spaces and heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems, the outdoor air supply should conform to the recommended breathing zone ventilation rates for air dilution and comfort control.

The said ventilation system is also recommended to be utilized for at least 30 minutes before and after spaces are occupied.

In a statement, Bello said proper ventilation in the workplace is as important as the observation of minimum public health standards inside workplaces and public transport.

He said properly maintained ventilation within a building and other indoor workplaces eliminate contaminated air and reduce the risks of exposure to potentially virus-contaminated air.

Sought for comments, Allan Tanjusay, the spokesperson of the Associated Labor Unions, said the new guidelines are “very important” COVID-19 health and safety protocols to protect the workers and the commuters.

He said the guidelines must be complied with, observed and enforced at all times in order to minimize, if not prevent, the spread of the disease and stem the rate of infection among establishments and its workforce.

 “This will aid workers and businesses thrive in the reopening of the economy. Without it, if we don’t do these measures we will be vulnerable to COVID and its recurring deadly variations,” he said. — KQD (FREEMAN)