The health of our employees is important to us. That is why we are continuously working on improving the working conditions of employees, for example by introducing lifting aids and creating pleasant rest areas. In addition, Schiphol works together with sector partners to improve the air quality on airside.
Schiphol is taking measures to improve airside air quality. We are conducting research into ultrafine particles (UFP), reducing UFP emissions, and reducing employee exposure to UFP. For example, by replacing diesel equipment with electric alternatives, tightening rules on the use of an aircraft's auxiliary power unit (APU) and adjusting departure procedures so that engines are started further away from employees.
Because technical and organisational measures take time, additional personal respiratory protection is required until then. This is an effective form of protection that can be used while the air quality is not yet sufficient. This is an important intermediate step towards a healthier workplace.
Schiphol employees who work on airside are advised to wear respiratory protection at the aircraft stands (VOP). This advice also applies to other outdoor places on airside near running aircraft and diesel engines. The more often and longer you wear respiratory protection, the better you are protected against ultrafine particles.
Employees working for various companies work on airside. Other employers are also looking at how they can offer their employees a healthy working environment. If you work outside on airside and would you like to know more about respiratory protection, contact your employer.
In 2023 and 2024, Schiphol tested various types of respiratory protection equipment for safety and comfort; first with its own employees and later in collaboration with other employers at the airport. All respiratory protection items were also tested for effectiveness by an external party. After the tests, a selection of reliable and well-functioning equipment (that blocks at least 96% of ultrafine particles from the air when worn properly) was made.
There are different types of respiratory protection. You can distinguish between non-motorised respiratory protection (such as FFP3 masks), or motorised respiratory protection (masks with a motor). An FFP3 mask is familiar to many and easy to use. Motorised respiratory protection has the advantage of not having to breathe through a filter yourself. As a result, you experience no breathing resistance. The motor sucks the outside air through the filter and blows clean air into the mask. Which respiratory protection a person likes often depends on their job, facial structure and personal preference.