Page 19 - Occupational Health & Safety, March 2018

can be helpful in limited spaces, their high wind speed and noise levels may cause problems. They also use a relatively high amount of electricity. HVLS fans, on the other hand, use relatively little energy and provide a gentle, quiet breeze that is very comforting to workers. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Hu- man Services paper “Workers in Hot Environments,” a 2-3 mph air speed creates an evaporative cooling sensation of 7-11 degrees F. To put this in perspective, the effective temperature of an 84-degree warehouse environment can be dropped to 73 degrees by adding a fan moving air at 3 mph.
A technically advanced HVLS fan can move large volumes of air up to 22,000 square feet and replace as many as 10 to 20 floor fans. By mixing air, HVLS fans also help air-conditioning systems work more efficiently, allowing them to be operated at a set point up to 5 degrees lower.
There are a number of factors to consider when deciding how and where to use HVLS fans. They include obstructions such as pallet racks, machinery, and product staging, personnel work ar- eas, and overall building layout, to name a few. Larger-diameter fans (up to 24 feet in diameter) will move air further down rack aisles and over obstructions. Smaller-diameter (8-12 foot) fans can be most effective in specific work areas or where installation space is limited.
Fan suppliers can help determine the number, size, and loca-
tions that will provide buildings with maximum ROI. They also can help network up to 18 fans into a single control unit and/or a building management system.
Keep Hot Air Out, Circulate Indoor Air
Like most challenges in life, prevention is typically the best solu- tion. A complete seal at the loading dock will help prevent hot air from getting into a facility. On the inside of the facility, HVLS fans are gaining recognition as an efficient way of improving air move- ment, reducing heat stress, lowering energy costs, and creating a better overall environment.
Creating a more comfortable, healthier workplace clearly sig- nals that a company’s management is willing to invest in employees and is serious about their safety, as well as the integrity of the prod- ucts it manufactures, warehouses, or ships. All can have a direct and significant impact on the organization’s bottom line.
Andy Olson is Director of Marketing, Rite-Hite Aftermarket. Rite- Hite is based in Milwaukee. The information in this article is provided as a general reference regarding the use of the applicable product(s) in specific applications. This information is provided without warranty. It is your responsibility to ensure that you are using all mentioned products properly in your specific application and in accordance with all laws and regulations.
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