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The importance of clean air

Whether you work in a manufacturing or service industry, the majority of time for most of us is likely to be spent indoors, so the quality of the indoor environment is very important to us.

An essential factor in providing adequate fresh air is that the heating, ventilation and air conditioning ductwork systems must be kept clean. Two examples where fresh air and clean ductwork are paramount are in commercial kitchens and hospital buildings. The health and performance of kitchens staff can be affected when heat, cooking and combustion products, such as unburnt gases and carbon monoxide, are not effectively removed. There is likelihood of grease, oil and fat deposits building up in the kitchen extract system if it is not regularly cleaned, and there is a potential risk of fire occurring.

In healthcare envirnoments, the control of infection is a daily battle. The disinfection of wards, equipment and linen can be ineffective if the unseen ventilation ductwork surfaces are not equally well cleaned. The dust and dirt that builds up in ductwork can contain a high proportion of organic compounds such as skin and hair, which are nutrients for micro-organisms that can be easily become airbourne and would be an ideal home for harmful germs such as the dangerous superbugs MRSA and clostridium difficile.

Modern technological advances are making it easier and quicker to carry out effective cleaning of ventilation systems with little disruption to buildings occupants and business operation. To maximise efficiency, it is important that the cleaning process can be achieved with minimal access to ductwork and there is no possible leakage of contaminants. The cleaning process must meet recognised standards, such as the Department of Health guidelines on the operational management and performance verification of specialised ventilation systems.

It is easier today than it has ever been to ensure HVCA ductwork is clean, safe and where proper cleaning regimes are in place. There is no excuse for building occupants not to be confident that the air they breathe is fresh and healthy.