HSE advises public to ensure ventilation guidelines when using fans to combat heatwave
DUBLIN: The HSE has warned the people to be cautious while using fans to keep cool during the heatwave.
On most days, the morning temperature is 28 degrees Celsius and it rises to 30C. Tropical nights have also been reported since the beginning of this week. Most people rely on fans to cope with the unbearable heat.
The Department of Public Health Mid-West has reminded people to use pedestal fans to ensure ventilation in the workplace and at home.
The Department said: “In line with WHO ventilation guidance, the Government’s Work Safely Protocol, and the Department of Public Health Mid-West’s Safe Work Stops Covid guidebook, fans should not be used in poorly ventilated spaces as they could circulate virus droplets and aerosols.
“Using pedestal fans close to an open window can bring more clean air into a room, but they should only be used if the ventilation rate is right for the room and occupancy. Otherwise, it may spread particles.”
The HSE also cited an example of a workplace outbreak that occurred despite staff in a kitchen maintaining social distance. They weren’t wearing masks and were in a poorly-ventilated room with a pedestal fan.
Dr Marie Casey, Specialist in Public Health Medicine, said: “We appreciate that there is an additional demand for fans, particularly in workplaces amid the surge in high temperatures. If you are using a fan, please ensure that it can be used to bring more clean air into the room, instead of circulating poor quality or contaminated air in a room with a high occupancy of people and workers.”
Although the temperature is lower today than in previous days, Met Éireann predicts that the average temperature will rise to 28C in the coming days.
Kindly click the link below to join WhatsApp group chat to get important news and breaking news from Irish Samachar
Comments are closed.