The lack of maintenance and cleaning of air conditioning systems is a major contributor to staff sickness by helping to spread common infections in the workplace often known as ‘Sick Building Syndrome’.
In order to ensure that conditions for building occupants are comfortable and safe there is a ‘duty of care’ requirement that ventilation systems are kept clean.
The Legal Requirements
The Workplace (Health, Safety & Welfare) Regulations require building owners and managers to ensure that enclosed workplaces are ventilated with fresh and purified air and that, where this is provided by a mechanical system, it be regularly maintained, inspected and cleaned and a suitable record kept to support this requirement.
Meeting Legal Requirements
Our ventilation cleaning service has been designed to assist those responsible to meet their legal obligations and exercise their ‘duty of care’. As a first step, we carry out a survey of your system and provide a detailed assessment of risk, highlighting issues or defects that impact on the overall cleanliness of the system and benchmarking any accumulated soiling within the system against current industry standards laid down by HVCA TR19 and CIBSE TM26. This will be identical to providing an MOT on the state of the system.
Assisting the battle against Healthcare Associated Infections (HCAI)
There is considerable evidence to show that uncleaned ventilation systems can assist the development and spread of HCAI. Temperature and humidity conditions typically found in these systems, allied to the presence of organic matter including human hair and skin particles, provide excellent opportunities for bugs like MRSA and C. diff. to thrive and to be disseminated. Ventilation systems act both as a support for, and disseminator of very harmful bacteria. Just improving system filtration is rarely an effective measure to tackle this problem. Only thorough system cleaning, allied to better filtration materials, can provide an effective contribution to the battle to defeat infection.
System cleaning
Where it is found that a general ventilation system needs cleaning we will draw up a set of proposals with costs highlighting particular issues such as installing additional access doors to facilitate thorough cleaning of internal duct surfaces, post-clean reporting and testing. Ductwork cleaning will be carried out with the minimum of disruption and using the latest hygiene methods, in accordance with industry standards.
Cleaning prior to commissioning new or re-furbished systems.
In general, the ventilation system is one of the first major services to be installed during a new build, or modified during refurbishment projects, and is prone to contamination from other work such as drilling, carpentry and plastering. CDM regulations require a system to be clean before it is handed over to the client, and it is recommended that it be cleaned prior to commissioning to avoid debris and dirt within the system affecting the commissioning and balancing. Just ask us to survey and provide quotations at the planning stage.
Keeping your costs down
All our contractual prices are guaranteed not to be increased for a minimum of three years.
Our services include:
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Meticillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a prevalent bacterium of UK hospitals, which together with other organisms, remains a cause for concern over increasing incidences of healthcare-associated infection (HCAI).
According to Dancer (1999) MRSA is Gram-positive bacterium which can be transmitted through cross-contamination and direct contact; it thrives at relatively non-humid environment as compared to Listeria and Salmonella and feeds on flakes of dead dry human skin. It can withstand desiccation at a higher temperature 18-37 degrees celsius which makes it resistant to drying and is thus a frequent component of hospital dust. If we accept that MRSA is a frequent component of hospital dust it is highly probably that it circulates through the air supply and extract via ventilation and AC systems which poses a major air-borne risk of cross-infection vis-a-vis there is a greater potential of spreading air-borne MRSA and other hazardous HCAI via these systems primairly due re-circulation of hospital dust which potentially include dry sweeping and anti-static mopping as much as polishing buffers.
By the same token there is a plethora of empirical evidence to suggest that increasing air- tightness will lead to health problem which historically appears to have been significantly substantiated with the emergence of Sick Building Syndrome (SBS) after the 1970’s oil crisis.
As hospitals are becoming more airtight and warmer to comply with Building Regulations, this undoubtedly has compromised indoor air qualities significantly. Both indoor relative humidity (RH) and air temperature could have wider effects on the colonization and spread of air -borne infection in ducting and supply and extract diffusers.
Subscribe to the www.ductwork-cleaning-services.co.uk blog for more information about ventilation system services, specialist ventilation cleaning services, General Ventilation System Cleaning, Indoor Air Quality Monitoring, Grease Extract Ventilation Cleaning, Local Exhaust Ventilation System and Expert Witness Service, visit our main site www.indepthhygiene.co.uk or visit our Kitchen Deep Cleaning Services website at www.kitchendeepcleaningservices.co.uk
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Clearly, maintaining RH significantly below 35% reduces the potential for microbial growth in buildings (Kilcoyne, 2006; Maksion & Swan 2006). Environmental conditions can affect the survival and persistence of microorganisms on surfaces of the indoor environment. For instance humidity levels are known to influence microbial survival and growth such as mould, mildew and bacteria inside ductwork and ventilations diffusers leading to high concentration of the production of allergens, odour and toxins in the ambient environment. Non-humid and dry environments appear to be optimal for MRSA to thrive given that the comfort zone 21° C to 24° C is well within the MRSA survival temperature range of 18-37° C. What measures can be undertaken to reduce the impact of indoor temperature and relative humidity (RH) on the survival of MRSA and other harmful pathogens given the aforementioned comfort zone temperature and RH requirements? It becomes increasingly apparent that the risk of cross-infection to patients from ward through the extract and the supply system will be significantly greater than patient to patient transfer and cross-contamination.
This might prove to be particularly detrimental to patients in higher risk areas in hospital such as isolation rooms, intesive theraphy unit (ITU) Bone Marrow Transplant (BMT) and AE. Equally, the changes in energy efficiency regulations require buildings to be ‘better sealed’ and ‘more airtight’. The new Part F of Building Regulation have been designed to ventilate buildings having air permeability down to 3m³/h/m² at 50 Pa, allowing designers to plan to ‘worst case’ as Buildings Regulations document Part L allows air permeability up to 10 m³/h/m². As hospitals are becoming more air-tight and warmer, they are more likely to require mechanical ventilation and air-conditioning systems but are these systems adequately designed for infection control? and how significant this can be given that most patients spend up to 90% of their time indoor?
A vicious circle!
Several maintenance and cleaning regimes and protocols have been developed and introduced over the last five years to ameliorate and mitigate the impact of air-borne infection in heating, ventilation and air-conditioning systems (HVAC) as part of other infection control measures in British Hospitals. These include, inter alia, deep cleaning, steaming, fumigation, UV, multi- layer filtration and air purifiers amongst many others. Apart from a few anecdotal evidence there is a very limited evidence- based research to assess the efficacy and robustness of these interventions in reducing air-borne infection in various hospital areas.
How effective and robust are these methods and protocols in controlling the spread of MRSA in ventilation and AC systems. How effective are the current positioning of supply and extract grilles in promoting effective contaminant dilution and removal of infection agent particularly in high risk areas like isolation rooms and ITU? We know that isolation rooms now locate extract close to the patient at the bed head providing an easy route to spread of infection whereas the majority of all other systems locate supply and extract grilles in the ceiling which is quite paradoxical and essentially contradictory in terms of infection control impacts. Does this promote effective contaminants dilution and removal or does it exacerbate the situation further vis-à-vis impairing indoor air quality by adversely increasing the circulation of infectious agents in indoor hospital areas? Is there adequate access to maintain and clean ductwork which runs in some hospitals for miles? How robust is air-handling units (AHUs) cleaning? What improvements can be made to maximise MRSA and other infection control through hospital dust and filtration? What role can facilities managers (FMs) play in implementing and monitoring the problem of such increasing complexity on a daily basis in the light of the wealth of MRSA knowledge-base generated over the past few years?
After years of negligence, hospitals indoor air quality is becoming increasinginly infectious and hazardouss to patients and users alike. What went wrong and how could that possibly be allowed to happen in both old and flagship British hospitals?
Whilst much emphasis on cleaning of hard surfaces, floors and walls been given in varying hospital environments very limited and fragmented emphasis has been expended on cleaning ventilation and AC systems. Most are highly oudated and inaccessible which significantly hinders operation and reduce cleaning and maintemance protocols effectiveness. Extract and supply grilles as much as ductwork, air nhanding units, extract fan and discharge are becoming more prone to contamination harbouring deadly bugs. Apart from significantly higher risk to patients they become increasingly a major medium for air-borne infection.
It is imperative that all ducted systems should be subject to regular yet rigorous periodic inspection and intial assessmnent using a dust thickness technique outlined in the HVCA guide TR19 to measure dust accummulation. Both photographic and visual aids of cleanliness can be used to support analytical techniques. Certificates of inspection and cleaning must and should be made available for ventilation and air-conditioning systems in the same way legionnella logs are prepared for water systems and asbestos registers for asbestos materials.
Cost-benefit-analysis must preclude any process involved to ensure that the costs of inspection will outweigh significant maintenance and cleaning expenditure on duct cleaning and AHUs replacement on the long-term. What about the cost to patients care and NHS the ultimate beneficiaries of such interventions.
Equally hospitals indoor air quality is largely accentuated by prescrpitive indoor relative humidity and temperture requirements and air-tightness and air-infilteration thresholds dictated by part F and L of Building Regulations. A radical rethink is most urgently needed to save life.
Dr Ghasson Shabha, MRSA project Co-ordinator, School of Property, Construction and Planning (PCP), Birmingham City University.
(0121) 331 5184
Email Ghasson Shabha here
Link to Birmingham City University.
(Source: http://www.govtoday.co.uk/Blog-Channels/Health/MRSA-vs-Hospital-Dust.html)
Subscribe to the www.ductwork-cleaning-services.co.uk blog for more information about ventilation system services, specialist ventilation cleaning services, General Ventilation System Cleaning, Indoor Air Quality Monitoring, Grease Extract Ventilation Cleaning, Local Exhaust Ventilation System and Expert Witness Service, visit our main site www.indepthhygiene.co.uk or visit our Kitchen Deep Cleaning Services website at www.kitchendeepcleaningservices.co.uk
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@ Meta Description: Learn how air duct cleaning in Corpus Christi, TX can transform your home’s air quality and uncover surprising benefits that you won’t want to miss!
# Air Duct Cleaning Corpus Christi, Tx
If you’re considering **air duct cleaning** in Corpus Christi, TX, you might want to think about how it can greatly improve your home’s **air quality**. Dust, allergens, and mold can accumulate in your HVAC system, affecting your **family’s health** and comfort. Regular cleaning not only enhances airflow but can also lead to lower energy bills. You may be surprised at what else air duct cleaning can do for your home. Curious about the specific benefits and methods available to you?
## air duct cleaning
Air duct cleaning removes dust, allergens, and debris from your HVAC system, improving air quality and **efficiency** in your home. Over time, your air ducts can accumulate a significant amount of dirt and grime, which can hinder airflow and affect the performance of your system. When you invest in cleaning, you’re not just enhancing the air you breathe; you’re also ensuring your HVAC system runs more efficiently.
Regular cleaning of your air ducts can prevent **costly repairs** and **extend the lifespan** of your system. You might notice that your heating and cooling costs decrease after a thorough cleaning, as your system doesn’t have to work as hard to circulate air. Plus, you’ll likely find that your home feels more comfortable, with improved **temperature consistency** throughout.
If you haven’t had your ducts cleaned in a while, it’s time to reflect on it. Schedule a **professional service** to assess your system. They’ll use specialized tools and techniques to remove contaminants effectively.
## air quality
Improving air quality in your home starts with clean air ducts, as they play an essential role in circulating fresh, breathable air throughout your living space. Over time, dust, **allergens**, and pollutants accumulate in your ducts, which can greatly impact the air you and your family breathe. If you notice increased allergy symptoms or dust settling on surfaces, it might be time to think about duct cleaning.
When your air ducts are clean, they help maintain ideal airflow, reducing the strain on your HVAC system. This not only improves air quality, but it also enhances energy efficiency. Cleaner ducts mean your system doesn’t have to work as hard, saving you money on energy bills while prolonging the lifespan of your equipment.
Additionally, regular air duct cleaning can eliminate odors trapped in the system. Whether it’s from pets, cooking, or other sources, fresh air can make a noticeable difference in your home’s atmosphere. By investing in air duct cleaning, you’re taking a proactive step towards healthier living.
## UV sanitizer
A UV sanitizer can considerably enhance your home’s air quality by eliminating harmful microorganisms lurking in your air ducts. These devices use ultraviolet light to target bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens that can negatively impact your health. When installed in your HVAC system, a UV sanitizer works continuously, ensuring that the air circulating through your home is cleaner and safer.
Imagine breathing in fresh, purified air every day. By incorporating a UV sanitizer into your air duct system, you’ll reduce the risk of respiratory issues, allergies, and other health problems related to poor air quality. It’s like having an invisible shield protecting you and your family.
Moreover, UV sanitizers can help reduce unpleasant odors often caused by mold and mildew growth in your ducts. Unlike traditional cleaning methods, which may only provide temporary relief, a UV sanitizer offers a long-term solution.
Investing in this technology not only enhances your indoor air quality but can also extend the lifespan of your HVAC system by reducing the buildup of harmful contaminants. So, consider adding a UV sanitizer to your air duct cleaning routine for a healthier, **more comfortable home environment**.
## Mold removal
Mold removal is fundamental for maintaining a **healthy indoor environment**, as it can thrive in damp air ducts and pose serious **health risks**. If you’ve noticed a **musty smell** or visible spots in your ducts, it’s time to act. Mold can trigger allergies, respiratory issues, and other health problems, making it essential to address the issue quickly.
To effectively remove mold, you should start by inspecting your air ducts for moisture and contamination. If you find mold, don’t just clean the surface; you need to eliminate the root cause. This typically involves a **thorough cleaning**, which may require professional help if the infestation is extensive.
When hiring a service, make sure they use proper **mold removal** techniques and equipment. Look for **certified professionals** who understand how to safely remove mold without spreading spores throughout your home.
After the removal, it’s crucial to address **humidity levels** in your home. Using dehumidifiers and ensuring proper ventilation can help prevent mold from returning.
## Conclusion
To sum up, investing in **air duct cleaning** in Corpus Christi, TX, is a smart move for your health and comfort.
By improving **air quality** and reducing allergens, you create a safer environment for your family.
Don’t forget the added benefits of using UV sanitizers and effective mold removal techniques to keep your HVAC system running efficiently.
Regular maintenance not only extends the life of your system but also helps you breathe easier.
Make air quality a priority today!