Summer’s here, and with it comes rising temperatures across the nation. Expect heatwaves, bright sun, sticky humidity, and not a lot of reprieve until autumn. Unfortunately, this can be an especially trying time for large warehouses and industrial spaces where workers, livestock, and product all require specific temperatures. Luckily, if we have a game plan to keep your space and valued workers cool, inspired by none other than the power of HVLS (High-Volume, Low-Speed) fans.
Big Spaces Require Massive Cooling Power
Sure, you can try using smaller fans spaced more frequently, but this usually does not have the desired effect of moving massive amounts of air and reducing the strain on HVAC systems that is bound to happen during the summer months. High-volume, Low-speed fans are the ultimate, quiet powerhouse in the fan world. Once air gets stagnant, the heat climbs—and so do irritations.
EnergyLogic carries a large selection of industrial and HVLS fans to ensure you can keep workers comfortable and safe this summer. HVLS fans also help to improve air quality within large spaces by circulating air efficiently, minimizing dust and pollutants. When the air is moving around, it also makes it more difficult for mold to grow, further improving the indoor air quality.
Air Circulation Is Vital to Worker Comfort
Heat stress can tank performance and can put workers at risk for developing serious health conditions, such as heat exhaustion and heat stroke. It’s estimated that the inaction of companies to protect workers from heat and humidity each year costs the U.S. $100 billion dollars per year! Trust us, an HVLS fan is a small price to pay. Unfortunately, the study also found that most of the dangers of heat stress are experienced by low-income workers.
The Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) is responsible for overseeing workers in the workplace, providing guidelines and standards that businesses must adhere to. It’s most recent standard will include heat safety, but it’s best not to wait until they publish guidelines.
OSHA is not the only organization protecting worker’s health, the National Institute of Health has recognized a condition called sick building syndrome (SBS). SBS occurs when people get sick from spending time in a building contaminated with microorganisms or one that is not properly ventilated. The good news is that HVLS fans can prevent most of these problems and keep your workers safe this summer.
Moisture Creates Slipping and Air Quality Concerns
HVLS fans prevent moisture from accumulating, reducing slip hazards in warehouses and industrial spaces and preventing the growth of mold. When HVLS fans are running, they prevent wet spots, sweaty slab syndrome, mold growth, fogging, dripping, and inconsistent temperatures.
Hunter Fans outlines the staggering impact and cost of worker injuries related to moisture! “With slip-and-fall incidents accounting for around 211,640 non-fatal occupational injuries annually, representing 18% of all work-related injuries, the transportation and warehousing sectors are prominently affected. The economic burden of these incidents is staggering, with combined compensation and medical costs reaching approximately $70 billion each year in the U.S.”
The Numerous Benefits of HVLS Fans
HVLS fans were developed specifically for large spaces as an alternative to costly or inefficient HVAC systems and smaller, louder industrial fans. They can help to mitigate problems with moisture and slipping hazards, they improve air quality by circulating air more efficiently, and they improve worker comfort and safety by maintaining consistent climate control without excessive noise. Overall, HVLS fans can help you protect your workforce this summer and save on energy costs.
We’re expecting a hot one, so make sure you can all breathe easy! Contact EnergyLogic today to find the perfect HVLS fan for your space.
