FEATURE HVAC as commercial kitchens, ductwork cleaning should be carried out to mitigate fire risk as well as keeping air clean and hygienic by removing all types of contamination. Many insurers now require specialist contractors to undertake the cleaning in accordance with B&ES TR/19 – Internal Cleanliness of Ventilation Systems, which details best practice guidance for keeping ventilation ductwork clean. In healthcare premises there are specific guidelines, covered by HTM 03 01: Specialised Ventilation for Healthcare Premises. All ventilation plant should meet a minimum requirement in terms of the control of Legionella and safe access for inspection and maintenance All ventilation plant should be inspected annually The performance of all critical ventilation systems (such as those servicing operating theatres) should be verified annually The plant must not contain any material or substance that could support the growth of microorganisms. CHECKING A BUILDING’S IAQ CREDENTIALS Fresh-air should flow at minimum of eight litres per second, per person Areas with an air flow velocity in excess of 0.25 to 0.3 metres per second should be considered draughty An area with an air flow velocity of 0.1 metres per second is stagnant For an area of normal temperature, air velocities should be between 0.1 to 0.15 metres per second, and 0.25 metres during the summer Where a room houses machinery, separate extract ventilation should be included Air inlets for the ventilation system should be sited to avoid introducing pollution from outside the building – a particular issue in city centres or areas of high traffic. What’s crucial is that AHU maintenance and the units themselves are reviewed as and when the way an area is being used, changes. More offices, significant increases in staff, or other ‘change of use’ factors will impose new conditions on the AHUs which could leave them struggling to service a building effectively. IMPROVE HEALTH AND SAVE MONEY Monitoring and maintenance of air ventilation systems will not only improve health and safety for building occupants, it can also contribute to improved HVAC efficiency, while cutting the risk of breakdown and reducing overheads. By understanding the issues, the best course of action can be taken, with a planned approach to maintenance and cleaning contributing to extended plant life - avoiding expensive call-out charges. ‘Good’ air will ensure illness is avoided, facilitate staff productivity and cut the cost of HVAC equipment operations; all effects that should encourage IAQ to become a priority for businesses in 2017. Guardian Water Treatment provides IAQ monitoring, air hygiene assessments, extract, ventilation and ductwork cleaning. For more information, visit: www.gwtltd.com. 22 DECEMBER / JANUARY 2017 CLEANING HYGIENE TODAY Monitoring and maintenance of air ventilation systems will not only improve health and safety for building occupants, it can also contribute to improved HVAC effi ciency, while cutting the risk of breakdown and reducing overheads.” WHEN IT COMES TO IAQ MONITORING, THE FOLLOWING ELEMENTS MUST BE CHECKED: Temperature Carbon monoxide Carbon dioxide Relative humidity Airborne dust particulates Airborne fungus and bacteria Recommendations and remedial actions
Cleaning Hygiene Today December/January 2017
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