Ventilators

About Ventilators

Industrial and portable ventilators are essential equipment for maintaining proper air circulation and ventilation in enclosed or poorly ventilated spaces. These powerful air movers help to extract stale air, fumes, dust, and contaminants whilst drawing in fresh air to create a safer, more comfortable working environment. Whether you're working in confined spaces, conducting paint spraying operations, or simply need to improve airflow on a busy construction site, a quality ventilator is indispensable for protecting health and ensuring compliance with workplace safety regulations.

Our range includes portable air ventilators from trusted manufacturers like Sealey and Draper, designed to deliver high-volume airflow where it's needed most. These units are built for professional use, offering robust construction and reliable performance in demanding site conditions. Many models feature wheeled bases for easy transportation around larger work areas, whilst compact designs ensure they can be positioned effectively even in tighter spaces. Complementing the ventilators themselves, we also stock flexible ducting and PVC ventilation hoses that allow you to direct airflow precisely where required, extending the reach and versatility of your ventilation system.

Proper ventilation isn't just about comfort—it's a legal requirement under HSE regulations for many working environments. From paint booths and welding areas to basement renovations and confined space entry, having the right ventilation equipment can mean the difference between a safe work environment and serious health hazards from toxic fumes, oxygen depletion, or dust accumulation.

Jargon Buster

• CFM (Cubic Feet per Minute): The measurement of airflow volume that indicates how much air a ventilator can move per minute. Higher CFM ratings mean greater air-moving capacity, essential for larger spaces or more demanding applications.
• Flexible Ducting: Expandable hoses that attach to ventilators to direct airflow over distances or around obstacles. Typically made from PVC or fabric-reinforced materials, allowing for bends and curves whilst maintaining airflow efficiency.
• Portable Air Ventilator: A self-contained ventilation unit designed for easy transportation between job sites. Often features carrying handles or wheel assemblies for improved mobility.
• Axial Fan: A type of fan design that moves air parallel to the fan's axis. Common in industrial ventilators, axial fans are ideal for moving large volumes of air at relatively low pressure.
• Extraction/Exhaust Mode: Operating configuration where the ventilator removes contaminated air from an enclosed space, typically venting it outside or to a filtration system.
• Supply/Blow Mode: Operating mode where fresh air is forced into a space, increasing air pressure and circulation whilst helping to displace stale air through natural openings.

Who Uses Ventilators?

Portable ventilators serve a wide range of professional trades and applications:

• Painters and Decorators: Essential for spray painting operations, removing solvent fumes and maintaining air quality in enclosed painting areas
• Welders and Fabricators: Critical for extracting welding fumes and maintaining safe oxygen levels in metalworking environments
• Construction Workers: Used for ventilating confined spaces, basements, trenches, and newly constructed buildings before occupancy
• Facilities Managers: Maintaining air quality in commercial buildings, particularly during refurbishment or maintenance work
• Groundworkers: Ventilating manholes, excavations, and underground chambers before and during entry
• Restoration Specialists: Drying out flood-damaged properties and improving air circulation during renovation projects
• Manufacturing and Industrial: Maintaining air quality in warehouses, factories, and production facilities
• Marine Industry: Ventilating boat holds, engine compartments, and confined spaces on vessels
• DIY Enthusiasts: Home renovation projects involving paint stripping, garage workshops, or cellar conversions

How to Choose the Right Ventilators

Selecting the appropriate ventilator depends on several key factors related to your specific application:

Airflow Capacity: Consider the size of the space you need to ventilate. Larger areas or those with higher contamination levels require ventilators with greater CFM ratings. For confined space work, calculate the volume of the space and choose a ventilator capable of providing multiple air changes per hour as recommended by HSE guidance.

Portability Requirements: If you'll be moving the ventilator between locations regularly, look for models with ergonomic carrying handles or, for heavier-duty units, wheeled bases that make repositioning effortless. Compact designs are advantageous for sites with limited space or where equipment needs to be transported in vans alongside other tools.

Power and Electrical Supply: Most portable ventilators operate on standard 230V mains power. Check the power consumption and ensure your site electrical supply can accommodate the unit. For outdoor or remote locations, consider whether you'll need extension leads rated appropriately for the ventilator's amperage draw.

Ducting Compatibility: If you need to direct airflow over distances or through openings, ensure you select compatible flexible ducting. Check the diameter specifications of your chosen ventilator and purchase ducting of matching size. Common diameters include 200mm, 250mm, and 300mm, with different lengths available depending on your reach requirements.

Build Quality and Durability: Professional-grade units from manufacturers like Sealey and Draper offer robust construction with impact-resistant housings and protected motor assemblies. These are designed to withstand the rigours of site work, including exposure to dust, moisture, and the occasional knock. For intensive or daily use, investing in quality equipment ensures reliability and longevity.

Noise Levels: High-volume ventilators can generate significant noise. If working in noise-sensitive environments or for extended periods, consider the decibel rating and ensure appropriate hearing protection is available for operators.

Popular Accessories

• Flexible Ventilation Ducting: Essential for extending the reach of your ventilator and directing airflow precisely where needed. Available in various lengths and diameters to suit different applications.
• Ducting Clips and Fasteners: Secure connections between ventilator units and ducting hoses, preventing air leaks and ensuring maximum efficiency.
• Window and Door Sealing Panels: Temporary barriers that seal openings whilst accommodating ducting pass-throughs, improving ventilation efficiency by controlling airflow paths.
• Extension Leads and Cable Reels: Heavy-duty electrical extensions rated for industrial equipment, allowing you to position ventilators where needed regardless of socket locations.
• Air Quality Monitors: Devices that measure oxygen levels, carbon monoxide, and other atmospheric hazards, ensuring the ventilation is effectively maintaining safe conditions.
• Replacement Filters: For ventilators with filtration capabilities, maintaining clean filters ensures optimal performance and protects motor components from dust ingress.

Safety Information

Proper use of ventilators is critical for maintaining workplace safety, but the equipment itself must also be used correctly:

Confined Space Regulations: When using ventilators for confined space work, ensure compliance with the Confined Spaces Regulations 1997. Never rely solely on ventilation to make a space safe—always conduct proper atmospheric testing before entry and maintain continuous monitoring throughout the work period.

Electrical Safety: Ensure all ventilators are connected to properly earthed electrical supplies. Inspect power cables regularly for damage, and use RCD protection, particularly in damp environments or outdoor locations. Never operate damaged equipment or use inadequate extension leads that could overheat.

Positioning and Stability: Place ventilators on stable, level surfaces to prevent tipping. Ensure ducting is properly secured and won't create trip hazards. When positioning equipment near openings or at height, take measures to prevent accidental displacement.

Hazardous Atmospheres: Ventilators are not explosion-proof unless specifically certified as such. Never use standard ventilators in atmospheres containing flammable gases or vapours where the motor could provide an ignition source. Consult HSE guidance (EH40 workplace exposure limits) for specific requirements relating to your working environment.

Personal Protective Equipment: Ventilation systems supplement but don't replace appropriate PPE. Continue to use respiratory protection as required by COSHH assessments, particularly during initial ventilation of heavily contaminated spaces.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I calculate what size ventilator I need for my space?

Calculate the volume of your space (length × width × height in metres), then multiply by the required air changes per hour (typically 6-20 depending on contamination levels). Divide this by 60 to get the required CFM rating. For example, a 3m × 3m × 2.5m space (22.5m³) requiring 10 air changes per hour needs: (22.5 × 10) ÷ 60 = 3.75m³/min, approximately 132 CFM. Always round up and allow a safety margin.

Can I use a ventilator in extraction and supply modes simultaneously?

Individual portable ventilators operate in one mode at a time. However, best practice for confined space ventilation often involves using two units—one supplying fresh air and another extracting contaminated air from the opposite end of the space. This creates positive airflow and prevents dead spots where contaminants could accumulate.

What's the difference between a ventilator and a standard fan?

Whilst both move air, ventilators are specifically designed for air exchange in enclosed spaces and often deliver higher volumes at greater pressures. They're built for ducting compatibility, continuous operation, and industrial environments. Standard fans are typically designed for comfort cooling with lower airflow capacity and aren't suitable for safety-critical ventilation applications.

How long should I ventilate a space before entering?

This depends entirely on the contamination level and space characteristics. HSE guidance requires atmospheric testing to verify safety rather than relying on arbitrary time periods. As a general rule, allow at least 5-10 complete air changes before conducting gas tests. Continue ventilation throughout occupancy and monitor continuously for changes in atmospheric conditions.

Do I need to maintain my ventilator, and how often?

Yes, regular maintenance ensures reliability and longevity. Before each use, inspect power cables, housings, and connections for damage. Clean intake grilles and any filters to maintain airflow efficiency. Periodically check that wheels and handles remain secure. Store units in dry conditions when not in use. For intensive commercial use, consider professional servicing annually to check motor bearings and electrical components.