Employers are now required to ensure the proper ventilation in their workplaces to prevent the spread of Covid-19, according to the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE).
Under his Department Order (DO) No. 224, series of 2021, Labor and Employment Secretary Silvestre H. Bello III tasked employers, through their designated safety officer, to ensure the indoor air quality in their offices will be āacceptable and safeā through the implementation of prescribed measures.
The measures includes maximizing natural ventilation through the use of doors, windows and other openings for non-air conditioned spaces.
āIf natural ventilation is not feasible or inadequate, mechanical ventilation shall be provided,ā Bello said.
In the case of air-conditioned spaces, employers must ensure their Heating, Ventilation, and Air-conditioning (HVAC) systems conform to the recommended breathing zone ventilation rates for air dilution and comfort control.
āThe said ventilation system is also recommended to be utilized for at least 30 minutes before and after spaces are occupied,ā Bello said.
DO 224 also recommended for employers to minimize the spread of infection in restrooms, such as the installation of a functional exhaust fans as well as banning the use of hand blowers or jet dryer and flushing the water closet with the bowl seat open.
It also has provision requiring the implementation of proper ventilation, physical distancing and a āno eating and no talkingā policy for public transportation.
Bello said the DOLE Regional Offices will be monitoring the compliance of commercial and industrial establishments, project sites and other workplaces with the said guidelines which took effect on Wednesday.
āIn case of violation or non-compliance, the applicable sanctions/penalties under pertinent laws, rules, regulations shall be imposed,ā Bello said.