CHTMAG.COM HVAC FEATURE Last year saw air quality hitting the headlines with ambient air pollution labelled by the World Health Organisation as the “greatest environmental risk to health”, causing over three million premature deaths worldwide on top of a range of other health problems Indoor and outdoor air pollution are inexplicably linked, but while the improvement of the air outside our windows requires a global eff ort, proper ventilation inside our buildings can have an immediate impact on health and wellbeing. Steven Booth, associate director for Guardian Water Treatment explains how this can be achieved. It’s clear from 2016’s headlines that indoor air quality (IAQ) is a topical and important issue; one which needs to be prioritised by buildings old and new. But, with the most common form of ventilation simply opening a window, in busy cities where the outdoor air is full of pollution and toxins this could be doing more harm than good. On the flip side of open windows, modern design and technology has enabled buildings to be more airtight than ever before in an attempt to reduce energy wastage, leaving natural ventilation in short supply, potentially compromising air quality if well maintained mechanical systems aren’t in place. While a commitment to carbon reduction is necessary in the long-term, it must not come at a cost to our health. THE PRICE OF POOR IAQ As well as exacerbating common conditions such as asthma, poor air quality contributes to ‘Sick Building Syndrome’ (SBS), causing a range of symptoms including dry or itchy skin, eyes, nose and throats, headaches, lethargy and lack of concentration. While many SBS symptoms are relatively short-term issues for employees, the financial effects of low staff productivity and increased time off can be significant for employers and businesses. And, if not addressed, in the long-term more serious health problems may develop, including strokes and heart attacks in susceptible individuals. A survey commissioned by the Building Engineering Services Association (BESA) in 2016 reported that almost 70 per cent of office workers believe poor air quality in their place of work is having a negative effect on their day-to-day output. Given that we spend an average of 212 days at work, there is a real need to ensure well maintained air handling systems are operating effectively in all workplaces for the benefit of both employees and employers. A balance between energy efficiency and quality air flow is essential. STEPS TO IMPROVING IAQ: In most cases, improving air quality is not a simple case of turning up the ventilation rate, however. For total control/peaceof mind a holistic approach is required, encompassing design, monitoring, cleaning and ongoing maintenance. AIR QUALITY MONITORING Monitoring air quality allows building managers to identify specific problems and address them swiftly and effectively. Important factors such as temperature and humidity levels, and pollutants such as carbon monoxide, dust, fungus, bacteria and pathogens can be monitored on a regular basis to ensure the system is working efficiently. As well as controlling air quality, IAQ monitoring helps buildings to comply with Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations. Regulation 7 (1) requires the employer prevent exposure and where this is not practicable, ensure that any exposure is adequately controlled. Without monitoring, employers are in the dark as to what substances their staff come into contact with. VENTILATION AND DUCTWORK CLEANING As the carriers and removers of air, ventilation and ductwork systems should have a general level of cleanliness as a minimum. For example, Air Handling Unit (AHU) grilles should be free from dust and grime that could restrict air flow or stop the unit from working altogether. The correct filtration is key to helping stop this debris. To prevent costly repairs and maintain good air quality, AHUs should regularly be maintained and inspected: Coil sections cleaned and sanitised on a 6–12 monthly basis Debris removed from inlet sections annually Filters changed on a 3–6 monthly basis, depending on the type of system and area served. For more dangerous environments such DECEMBER / JANUARY 2017 21 CLEANING HYGIENE TODAY As well as exacerbating common conditions such as asthma, poor air quality contributes to ‘Sick Building Syndrome’ (SBS), causing a range of symptoms including dry or itchy skin, eyes, nose and throats, headaches, lethargy and lack of concentration.”
Cleaning Hygiene Today December/January 2017
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