CLEANLINESS OF VENTILATION SYSTEMS

WHY CLEAN DUCTWORK? 

Many of us spend long periods of time breathing air that has been supplied via an air conditioning system. Therefore the quality of the air we breathe is of utmost importance.

Debris builds up in air conditioning systems meaning that after three to four years problems the quality of the air supplied may deteriorate. The extent of the problem may range from a light build up of dust through to decaying vermin in air conditioning and ventilation ductwork. Add to this the presence of dampness and there is the perfect environment for the growth of bacteria, yeast and fungi that may be breathed in.

Ventilation cleaning can remedy the following effects of years of neglect and poor initial fitting:

  • Poorly maintained fan units
  • Degradation of insulation material and acoustic filters
  • Badly fitting filters
  • Missing vermin screens

Extract systems tend to be neglected as it is being sucked out of the building, but this gets contaminated with fibres, working materials, dead skin and many other types of contamination just from your office.

The following chart shows some of the problem bacteria and viruses associated with air conditioning that haven't had proper ventilation cleaning.

POSSIBLE RESULTS OF CONTAMINATED AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEMS:

 

This chart shows some of the problem bacteria and viruses associated with air conditioning systems.

WHILST IT IS POSSIBLE FOR THE LIST BELOW TO BE FOUND IN SYSTEMS IN HARMFUL QUANTITIES IT IS IN FACT RARE.  HOWEVER, REGULAR CLEANING AND SANITISING WILL PREVENT THIS. 

SYMPTOMS

POSSIBILITIES

CAUSE TYPE

CATEGORY NAME

Hay Fever
Colds
Asthma type symptoms
Wheezing
Breathlessness
Runny Nose

 

Severe lung and ear infections.

 

Fungi.

 

Aspergillus
Cladosporium
Penicilium

Itchiness on skin with specific emphasis on genital area and mouth.

 

Severe skin and genital infections.

 

Fungi.

 

Rhodotorula
Candida

Itchiness
Sore Skin
Tendency to scratch

Dermatitis
Ring Worm
Scalp Infections

 

Fungi.

 

Trichophita
Microspora

Sore Throat
Eyes Watering
Itchiness

 

Eye and throat infections.

 

Bacteria.

 

Streptococcus

Tenderness around wounds.
Pain in kidney area and possible pain in passing urine.

Urinary tract infections.
Severe infections in open wounds.
Possibly fatal in minors.

 

Bacteria.

 

Proteous
Pseudomanas

Diarrhoea
Stomach Cramps
Dehydration

 

Gastro Enteritis.

 

Bacteria.

 

Coliform

Fever
Weakness
Severe Flu like symptoms

Pneumonia type infection, possibly fatal.

 

Bacteria.

Klebsiella
Pneumonia
Legionella

REMEMBER UNDER THE COSHH REGULATIONS YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR YOUR EMPLOYEES AND CLIENTS.