WHY IS CO2 BEING MEASURED FOR AIR QUALITY?

As we breathe, we expel CO2 and that mixes in with the air around us. So the more we breathe, the higher the level of CO2 that will be found in the area.

If an area is well ventilated, the mix of fresh and cleaner air will keep the levels of CO2 low. But if an area isn't well ventilated, the level of CO2 will rise. This is why CO2 is a great indicator of air quality. 

This is where our Air Quality Guardian can help, it constantly monitors CO2 levels and lets you know when to start ventilating the area.

DO I NEED ANY TRAINING TO USE THE AIR QUALITY GUARDIAN?

The unit is ready to go straight out of the box and is extremely easy to use, meaning that anyone and everyone can take accountability for their own safety. Give the user manual a good once over and simply place a unit in an area that requires monitoring and rest assured that you can work safely.

If you would like more guidance on using the Air Quality Guardian, Safety Gear Store is only a phone call away, and we are more than happy to help! 

WHY SHOULD I VENTILATE?

It’s been shown that a well-ventilated area significantly reduces the risk of airborne viruses’ such as COVID-19. As some viruses can spread through small droplets in the air, when an area is not well ventilated, these droplets can build-up, increasing the risk of infection when inhaled. To limit this risk it’s important to ventilate the area, ensuring clean air is passed through, removing the build-up of virus droplets. 

For more information, take a look at this document by SAGE from the UK Government website: Simple summary of ventilation actions to mitigate the risk of COVID-19, 1 October 2020

The UK Health and Safety Executive has also released lots of great information about why ventilation is important.
Take a look at these two articles: 

• Ventilation and air conditioning during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic
• Making your workplace COVID-secure during the coronavirus pandemic
   

HOW DO I KNOW WHEN I SHOULD VENTILATE?

The Air Quality Guardian uses a simple and easy to read traffic light system to inform you of the current CO2 levels. If it’s showing green, you’re good to go. If it is showing amber, this indicates that the level of CO2 has risen and you should consider ventilating the area. Finally, the red light will indicate a high level of CO2, meaning that you should ventilate the area. 
As well as a visual alarm, there is also a sounder alarm, alerting all staff in the area to take action. 

THIS IS ALL VERY INTERESTING, BUT CAN’T I JUST LEAVE THE WINDOWS OPEN?

Yes, you can leave the windows open, but this can reduce the efficiency of your building. 
Knowing when to ventilate the area means that you never have to worry about wasting energy and money on heating the building unnecessarily, especially during the colder months. If a room is showing green, then there is no need to ventilate.

There is also a well-being factor, understandably, some people are reluctant to get back into the office or place of work because they are worried about the spread of the virus. The Air Quality Guardian, with its simple traffic light system, gives a clear indication of the air quality in the area. Ensuring those working in the area have true peace of mind.