Air Movers Provide a Safe Work Environment and Keep Construction Projects on Track in Summer

Temporary heat is commonly used on construction projects in winter. Beyond the obvious benefit of keeping the work environment warm for employees and materials, it also ensures proper air ventilation inside an enclosure. While heat is not required in summer, maintaining good ventilation is critical. Temporary air movers provide a safe work environment and keep your project on track during the hot, humid summer months.

What is an Air Mover?

Air movers are pieces of equipment that are used to move air in a building or enclosure. They are typically used to provide ventilation in spaces such as construction sites or warehouses.

While there are small air movers that are battery-powered, making them convenient to transport and use anywhere, industrial air movers are typically large, heavy-duty pieces of equipment that require a stable power source. These units are ideal for construction sites, warehouses, factories, and other areas where air quality and ventilation are a concern.

There are many different types of air movers, including:

• Blowers: Blowers are a common type of air mover that provides a steady flow of air, often preferred over other air movers that are more prone to air fluctuations. Blowers can be used in conjunction with other forms of ventilation to keep air currents consistent. For example, they may be used alongside a portable air conditioner in the summer to aid indoor ventilation.
• Fans: These are another common type of air mover. Fans can circulate air in a room, blow air across an object to cool it, or be used when ventilating construction equipment. This is especially important when working in small spaces that can heat up quickly during the hot summer months.
• Compressors: Compressors are another common type of air mover. They are often used in conjunction with blowers or fans to provide a steady airflow. They are typically used to ventilate large, enclosed spaces.

What Are Air Movers Used For?

Rated in cubic feet per minute (CFM), air movers prevent the accumulation of dust, fumes, gasses, and other unwanted materials in the work area. However, they can also be used for other purposes such as cooling, odor removal, and even light filtering.

Renovating or constructing a green building? To earn EED EQ Credit, you must have an Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) Management Plan During Construction (Section 3.1) and Before Occupancy (Section 3.2).

The objective is to “provide additional outdoor air ventilation to improve indoor air quality for improved occupant comfort, wellbeing, and productivity.” During construction, the IAQ Management plan must meet or exceed SMACNA IAQ Guidelines for Occupied Buildings Under Construction to prevent moisture damage and contamination hazards.

Late in construction or prior to occupancy, an entire building must be flushed with 14,000 cubic feet (CFM) of fresh, outside air per sq. ft. of floor area.

Proper ventilation also prevents moisture buildup from causing project delays and damaging materials.

For example, moisture produced by the water table presented challenges for Turner Construction during the building process of a multi-level, underground parking garage in Miami, FL. Well-planned air movers and exhaust fans removed unwanted moisture and kept the project on schedule. One might think a dehumidifier is the best solution. But, for large enclosures, air movers accelerate the evaporation process and are far more effective at removing moisture.

How Do Air Movers Create a Safe Work Environment?

Construction sites can be hot, dusty, and often heavily populated with equipment and material. A safe work environment is imperative for the health and safety of workers and the productivity of a project.

Air movers provide a safe work environment in many different ways:

• Ventilation: As previously mentioned, air movers provide a constant fresh air flow, removing stale air from the enclosure. This prevents moisture buildup, which can lead to mold, mildew, and other health issues.
• Removes Airborne Pollutants: Air movers can also help remove airborne pollutants such as dust, smoke, and fumes from the enclosure. This prevents the buildup of contaminants that can lead to respiratory and other health issues for workers.
• Keeps Workers Cool and Comfortable: Air movers can keep workers cool and comfortable in hot enclosures. This is especially important during summer when workers are more prone to heat-related illnesses.
• Keeps Equipment Functioning Properly: Air movers can also help keep equipment operating properly by keeping it cool and dry. This is especially important for air compressors and other equipment that can be damaged by excessive moisture. It also helps prevent the buildup of dust and debris that can clog filters and damage equipment.
• Improves Productivity: Air movers can also improve productivity by keeping the air flowing in the enclosed area. This allows workers to focus on their tasks because they are not distracted by poor air quality or machinery that is not working correctly due to overheating or the buildup of contaminants.

How Do Air Movers Comply with OSHA Regulations?

OSHA regulations are based on the type of enclosure, work being done (such as welding or blasting), and equipment being used in the space.

For example, OSHA sets standards for proper ventilation in confined and underground spaces: A minimum of 200 cubic feet of fresh air per minute shall be supplied for each employee and 100 CFM per brake horsepower of equipment in the space.

BABFAR recommends an air change every one to two hours for temporary enclosures (not confined or underground projects). This means that a 60,000 sq. ft. enclosure (approximately 600,000 cu. Ft.) would require an air mover with the capacity of 10,000 CFM or 5,000 CFM. This can be achieved using one or two units rated at 6,000 CFM.

Well-planned ductwork ensures clean, fresh air is distributed evenly and maintains positive pressurization of the space. Unlike temporary enclosures, underground construction projects do not have openings for air to escape passively. Therefore exhausts, often called “glory holes,” are required to ensure an adequate air change. This requires a bit of engineering to create the right balance and maintain positive pressurization. In some situations, such as asbestos removal, a project may require negative pressurization.

Air movers are available in different sizes for different applications. They are also simple to use and maintenance-free. For a relatively small investment, companies can provide a safe work environment for employees and keep their projects on schedule during warmer weather.

The BABFAR Difference

Building a positive work environment for employees is not always easy. But it is possible with the right air movers and temporary heating equipment. The BABFAR team has years of experience working with companies of all sizes to build their air mover systems.

Our approach is simple: We listen, understand, and provide the right solution for our customers at a fair price – resulting in our team’s continued success over the last 45 years. With our commitment to our customers, we can offer a wide range of heating and ventilation products and services designed to meet your every need.

Looking to rent air movers or a temporary heating solution for your next project? Contact BABFAR today!