Process ventilation captures pollutants close to the source

Process ventilation captures pollutants from a process near the source using exhaust air. This reduces the spread of pollutants in the room. The ability of process ventilation to handle pollutants is therefore of great importance for the level of air pollutants in a room.

Process ventilation involves capturing and extracting air pollutants at the source, so that they do not spread throughout the premises. This means that significantly lower air flows are required to ventilate the pollutants than if only general ventilation is used.

There are different types of process ventilation, such as fume cupboards, fume benches, microbiological safety benches, spray booths, integrated extractors, fixed extractors and movable point extractors.

Follow manufacturers' recommended process ventilation

According to the REACH Regulation (EC) 1907/2006, users of chemical products must follow the recommendations provided by the manufacturer in the safety data sheet. It is common for the manufacturer to recommend process ventilation with, for example, 90 per cent efficiency.

The employer must then be able to demonstrate that the process ventilation has at least the specified efficiency. The employer can also conduct their own chemical safety assessment to show that the use is safe.

Substances that can cause serious harm

Process ventilation must be used when hazardous substances are released during work or processes. If employees are exposed to various types of pollutants, chemicals or microbiological agents, this can give rise to many different diseases or even death. Pollutants could be, for example

  • welding fumes in mechanical industry
  • oil vapour from cutting machines
  • wood dust from sanding machines
  • chemicals in laboratories
  • solvents and pigments from painting
  • viruses and bacteria from laboratory work
  • hair colouring agents in hairdressing salons
  • acrylic powder and liquid monomer at nail therapists
  • water vapour and cooking fumes in restaurants and commercial kitchens.

How can the risks by remedied?

If general ventilation is not sufficient for the work being carried out in a room, there are three options:

  1. increase the air flow in general ventilation
  2. introduce process ventilation
  3. design the general ventilation so that the spread of air pollutants in the premises is reduced.

In most cases, process ventilation is needed to capture the pollutants close to the source and general ventilation is also needed to ventilate out the pollutants not captured by the process ventilation.

The process ventilation should be adapted according to:

  • how dangerous the air pollution is
  • the direction and speed of dispersion of the air pollutant
  • the amount of air pollution generated
  • the particle size and density of the air pollutant.

Get a better work environment through working systematically

As an employer, you must manage the work environment systematically, so as to improve it. Our provisions for systematic work environment management apply to all employers – regardless of the activities or the risks that you and your employees could be exposed to.

The employer is responsible for the risks from pollutants in the workplace

As an employer, you are responsible for reducing risk from different pollutants in the workplace, just as you are responsible for all aspects of the work environment. You must be familiar with the Work Environment Act and other work environment regulations. If your activities involve the handling of hazardous substances, you must take the necessary measures to deal with them.

The special ventilation required to deal with the pollutants is not always included in the ventilation provided by the property owner. The property owner is only responsible for process ventilation if this has been specifically agreed upon.

Employees and safety representatives are important for a good work environment

Employees and safety representatives have an important role in work environment management. As an employer, you must give all employees the opportunity to participate in work environment management. For example, you can let employees suggest measures or provide feedback on measures you have implemented.

Employees' participation in work environment management

As an employee, you must participate in work environment management and participate in implementing the measures needed to achieve a good work environment. You must follow the employer's instructions. You must also report to your employer or your safety representative if the work involves immediate and serious danger to life or health.

Last updated 2025-11-26