Why Clean Ductwork?
Majority of buildings in the UK have ventilation systems, be it an office, retail store, hospital or education facilities. It comes in all shapes and sizes and much of it is hidden from view.
Without an established maintenance routine, the systems will accumulate dust and debris, pathogens, vermin and over a period of time a significant build up can occur. This will cause the system to be inefficient and unhealthy.
In today’s world of conscious wellbeing in the workplace, it is imperative to maintain a good quality standard of IAQ. Breathing in air that is contaminated can cause serious risks to health and wellbeing.
Regulations on cleaning ductwork
To ensure best practice and a healthy environment, there are several regulations, standards and guidelines on maintaining and cleaning ductwork.
These are: –
| Regulation/Standard | Organisation | Title |
| L24 | HSE | Workplace health, safety & welfare 1992 Regulations 5 & 6 |
| EN15780 | BSI | Code of Practice for Mechanical Ventilation & Air Conditioning in Buildings |
| LPS 2084 | BRE | Standard for Inspection, cleaning & Maintenance of Ductwork Systems |
| HTM 03 01 | DOH | Health Technical Memo Specialised Ventilation for Healthcare Premises |
| TM26 | CIBSE | Hygiene Maintenance of Office Ventilation Ductwork |
| TR19 | BESA | Guide to Good Practice Internal Cleanliness of Ventilation Systems |
There are many other regulations and guidance, but we have highlighted the most critical to ensure that you as a building owner or facility manager, are aware of your legal obligations.
Under current standards clients’ air conditioning should be maintained to the new British Standards, failure to do so would leave them open to litigation from anyone claiming their respiratory problems were made worse by the air conditioning.
By inspecting and taking action to the relevant British Standards you will prevent problems caused by the air conditioning.
RAMS
Overclean provide each project with specific method statements and risk assessments to ensure that your project is bespoke and completed to the highest standard. Entry points in the form of access panels are required to enter the ductwork. The intervals for entry are specified in EN15780. BESA DW/144 and in BESA TR19. Our fully trained technicians can fit access panels with the minimum of disruption to yourselves.
Once entry to the ductwork has been achieved various methods of ductwork cleaning are employed depending on the type of building, ductwork and contamination.
Before cleaning commences sampling is carried out for the level of dust contamination (NADCAs) and microbiocidal growth (DIFCOs) and photographs, for a comparison after the project is completed.
Overclean’s preferred method is rotary brush cleaning in conjunction with an air mover. Other methods such as wanding, manual hand cleaning and air whipping can be employed if necessary. The equipment used has been designed specifically for ductwork cleaning by our own CEO, Peter Reid and this equipment is sold worldwide.
Once the systems have been cleaned and disinfected, we carry out testing in the form of NADCAs and DIFCOs. All our sampling is compliant with EN15780 and TR19 and is verified by an Independent UKAS Laboratory; South West Water.
Extract from Cleanliness of Ventilation Systems to EN 15780
The following is a quick check of compliance chart to ensure clients are aware of their responsibilities.
The recommended periods for inspections:
| LOW | MEDIUM | HIGH | |
| AHU | 24 Mths | 12 Mths | 12 Mths |
| Filters | 12 Mths | 12 Mths | 6 Mths |
| Humidifiers | 12 Mths | 6 Mths | 6 Mths |
| Ductwork | 48 Mths | 24 Mths | 12 Mths |
| Air Terminal Device | 48 Mths | 24 Mths | 12 Mths |
Low: Rooms with only intermediate occupancy. e.g. storage and technical rooms.
Medium: Office, Hotels, Restaurants, Schools Theatres, Residential Homes, Shopping Areas, Exhibition and Sports Halls, General areas in Hospitals and General working areas in Industries.
High: Laboratories, Treatment Areas in Hospitals and High-Quality Offices.
By inspecting and taking action to the relevant British Standards you will prevent problems caused by the air conditioning/ventilation system.
Reporting
At the end of each project Overclean produce for you a full report containing sampling results, photographic evidence, advisory notes, our recommendations for future maintenance and remedial costs.
