The Importance of Industrial Air Filtration and Ventilation for Safer Work Environments

Industrial environments, whether they’re commercial kitchens or manufacturing plants, are prone to airborne hazards. Dust, fumes, smoke, vapours and chemical particles don’t just compromise people’s comfort: they risk your staff’s health and safety. They can also have an impact on legal compliance. 

At Sigma Engineering, we’ve made it our mission to solve this problem with the finest quality air filtration and ventilation systems that protect both people and the planet.

Headquartered in Irvine, Ayrshire and operating across Glasgow, Edinburgh and Central Scotland, we’re trusted ventilation engineers delivering bespoke solutions for commercial and industrial spaces. Whether it’s a high-efficiency kitchen extractor or a custom-built local exhaust ventilation (LEV) system, we help businesses breathe easier, literally.

The Hidden Dangers of Poor Air Quality Indoors

Workplace air quality isn’t just a matter of comfort. It’s vital for people’s health, along with compliance and operational efficiency. Without proper air filtration and extraction, workplaces can accumulate:

• Toxic fumes from welding, soldering and solvents

• Grease-laden vapours in kitchens

• Dust and particulates from cutting, grinding or sanding

• Mould spores and allergens in poorly ventilated spaces

Exposure to such contaminants can cause a range of health issues, from asthma and irritated skin to long-term respiratory disease and cancer. According to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), thousands of workers in the UK suffer each year from illnesses linked to poor air quality, many of which are preventable.

Industrial and commercial kitchens, in particular, face unique challenges with ventilation. Without a reliable kitchen extraction system, grease vapour builds up fast, posing not just a hygiene risk, but also a serious fire hazard.

Why a Local Exhaust Ventilation (LEV) Makes Such a Difference

Unlike general ventilation, LEV systems are designed to capture harmful airborne substances at the source; in other words, before they spread into the wider workspace.

At Sigma Engineering, we design, manufacture, and install LEV systems that are tailored to the specific processes and risks of each site. Our wide range of solutions include:

• Custom-built extract hoods and canopies

• State-of-the-art impeller designs

• Electronically Commutated (EC) fan technology for energy-efficient performance

• Patented heat recovery systems that cut emissions and running costs

Every component is engineered with whole-life cost and environmental impact in mind.

Safer Kitchens with More Efficient Extraction

For commercial kitchens, extractor systems have become an essential feature. High temperatures and constant cooking lead to intense volumes of heat and grease vapour. Without proper ventilation, staff are left working in uncomfortable and dangerous conditions.

Sigma’s bespoke kitchen extraction systems combine stunning designs with reliable performance. We deliver systems that:

• Remove grease vapours and smoke quickly and effectively

• Reduce fire risk by managing airborne grease build-up

• Improve thermal comfort for kitchen staff

• Support hygiene compliance and indoor air standards

And thanks to our EC fan technology and advanced airflow control, our systems run efficiently, cutting noise, energy levels and maintenance costs.

Compliance with HSE & COSHH Regulations

Under the UK’s Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations, employers are legally required to control exposure to hazardous substances in the workplace.

Ventilation and extraction systems play a central role in achieving COSHH compliance. But it’s not just about installing the right system: it’s also about maintenance, testing, and verification. At Sigma, we offer full lifecycle support for our systems, including:

• System commissioning and airflow testing

• LEV inspection and maintenance services

• Advice on COSHH assessments and ongoing compliance

This ensures your site doesn’t just meet regulations, it stays ahead of them.

Going Green: Efficiency That Pays Off

At Sigma Engineering, sustainability isn’t a buzzword: it’s built into every system we design. Our advanced ventilation solutions are engineered to:

• Reduce energy use through heat recovery and smart fan control

• Lower carbon emissions across the system’s lifespan

• Improve indoor air quality without sacrificing performance

Whether it’s a kitchen canopy in Glasgow or a full LEV system for a manufacturer in Edinburgh, our systems are designed with energy efficiency and environmental impact in mind. Cleaner air, lower bills, and a smaller carbon footprint, that’s the Sigma difference.

Why Choose Sigma?

From the first site survey to the final installation, Sigma Engineering delivers ventilation systems that truly deliver. We’re not just engineers: we’re problem-solvers. Our team of specialists brings decades of experience in:

• Ventilation system design and airflow modelling

• Fabrication and installation across a wide range of industries

• Ongoing service and support for long-term system performance

Our team always tailors solutions to your space and business. We appreciate that every space has its own challenges, which is why we build systems that meet them head-on: efficiently, safely, and sustainably.

Get in Touch

If you operate a commercial kitchen, workshop, or any industrial site where air quality matters (and it always does), talk to the ventilation experts. Sigma Engineering Product Design Ltd provides tailored ventilation and extraction systems across Glasgow, Edinburgh, and throughout Scotland.

Breathe easier. Work safer. Choose Sigma.