Most workers in Australia (just over 60 per cent according the Bureau of Statistics) work an average of 38 hours a week, mostly inside. On top of this, the Department of the Environment shows Australians spend more than 90 per cent of their time indoors.

That’s a lot of time in indoor environments – which is why it’s so surprising air quality and proper ventilation systems are not a primary concern for many. When indoor air quality isn’t adequately maintained, dangerous gases can build up. This in turn can lead to lowered productivity through fatigue, as well as longer-term health consequences.

Maintaining healthy air flow is the key to lowering the risk of employees falling ill through poor indoor air quality (IAQ) – and is an area where Testo can help. Our range of IAQ measurement solutions can log temperature, humidity and gas build-up statistics to give a more accurate view of how your working environment may impact the health of your staff.

Workers spend a lot of time indoors - and poor air quality can contribute to heightened stress and lowered productivity.Workers spend a lot of time indoors – and poor air quality can contribute to heightened stress and lowered productivity.

How does air quality impact productivity?

Concentrated pollutants, such as methane gas or micro debris from materials, all have obvious health consequences which can contribute towards:

  • Asthma.
  • Dizziness.
  • Lung infections.

However, what many people don’t realise is that even higher-than-average levels of CO2 can greatly impact indoor air quality. Without adequate airflow or a functioning ventilation system in place, CO2 can build up and contribute to lowered worker productivity through fatigue. This is due to the brain’s need for oxygen – if there is less in the air, you’ll have a harder time focusing.

Air velocity and IAQ measuring

The best way to check your working environment facilitates  maximum productivity is to invest in high-quality IAQ measuring equipment, such as the testo 440 air velocity and IAQ measuring instrument.

The testo 440 IAQ measuring system is the perfect tool for assessing the air quality in your workplace. The testo 440 IAQ measuring system is the perfect tool for assessing the air quality in your workplace.

This wireless measuring system monitors for air turbulence and mould, and tracks long-term measurements for common pollutants such as CO2. This provides you with the dual benefits of safer air quality and an indoor environment that stimulates productivity.

The testo 440 air velocity and IAQ measuring tool combines a number of parameter measures in a single device, while the graphic display makes it easy to monitor and adjust air conditioning and ventilation systems or carry out comfort level measurements.

Getting help to monitor indoor air quality

The importance of proper airflow and ventilation cannot be underestimated – failure to give your employees the best environment to work in can be a sacrifice of both productivity and, further down the track, safe health. For more guidance on maintaining adequate indoor air quality, contact the expert team at Testo today.