Staffordshire businesses offered help to improve ventilation as part of a free scheme

Video link: Free C02 Monitor Scheme - YouTube

Businesses in Staffordshire have the opportunity to create a healthier environment for their employees by improving the air quality in their workplace.

Staffordshire County Council is offering businesses the chance to borrow a carbon dioxide (CO2) monitor for two weeks, to identify areas where CO2 levels are high, indicating poor air quality. The hand-held monitor is free to borrow and helps businesses create a healthier working environment for their employees.

According to the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) buildings with good ventilation can prevent the spread of respiratory viruses such as Covid and flu. Good ventilation has also been linked with health benefits such as better sleep and concentration, and fewer sick days off work.  

Over 60 businesses have already taken advantage of the scheme and over half have identified places in their business, such as meeting rooms, that need more ventilation. In the majority of cases, simple measures like opening vents and windows have improved ventilation levels, without the need for purchasing equipment or investment.

Staffordshire Fire and Rescue borrowed one of the devices for two weeks and found easy solutions to improve ventilation.

Rich Williams, Station Manager said: “The scheme has given reassurance to our leaders that staff are safe whilst at work. By using the monitor, we have put measures in place, such as ventilating rooms post-use to ensure our CO2 levels are low. It has made our staff feel secure, knowing they can carry out their work in a healthier environment and I would encourage other businesses to take advantage of this scheme”

Any business borrowing a CO2 monitor from the county council will not need to hand over any data they have collected from testing and will be signposted to guidance by the Health and Safety Executive if more help is needed.

Businesses who have a trading address in Staffordshire (not including Stoke-on-Trent) can express an interest to borrow a hand-held CO2 monitor for free at: www.staffordshire.gov.uk/CarbonDioxideMonitors