Lee: Improve ventilation at workplaces

PETALING JAYA: Building owners and employers are advised to take the necessary actions to improve air circulation and ventilation in their premises, says Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye.

The chairman of the Alliance for a Safe Community said building owners should adhere to the advice of authorities and consult their occupational safety and health officers to take appropriate measures to address any issues related to poor indoor air quality.

“Like everything else, no matter how good the equipment is, when left idle for long periods of time, it could get mouldy and transmit viruses. Air-conditioners, too.

“As people begin returning to work after an extended period under the movement control order (MCO), indoor air quality in offices and the workplace should be made a high priority.

“For example, in Guangzhou, China, a group of researchers have suggested that droplet transmission of the virus from an index patient eating in an enclosed restaurant may have infected others due to the direction of airflow from the air conditioner.

“If mould can grow on every other item in shopping complexes and supermarkets, they can also grow in the air-conditioning ventilation systems,” said Lee, adding that health experts had pointed out that Legionnaires Disease, a form of pneumonia spread chiefly in droplets through mouldy air conditioning vents.

Lee asserted the need for building owners to comply with the Health Ministry’s standard operating procedures and ensure the safety of workers returning to work, as well as the health and safety of clients, customers and the public.