The Building Engineering Services Association (BESA) has launched a new specification for ventilation hygiene as part of its ongoing efforts to minimise the risk posed by contaminated indoor air to human health and well-being. This is part two of a two-part article.

BESA.

BESA. Supplied by BESA

… continued from part one.

This was developed to help address the specific risks to people and property posed by poorly maintained systems in commercial kitchens, highlighted by fire officers up and down the country.

With this new document, BESA is responding to growing demand for another targeted specification focused on the specific cleaning requirements for air ducts. TR19 Air is also part of a wider campaign to improve indoor air quality (IAQ) in buildings and address the threats posed to human health by airborne pathogens and particulate matter.

“Poorly maintained, dirty air ducts cannot provide the level of air quality needed to safeguard human health and well-being in buildings,” said Fox. “Ventilation management is also at the heart of the challenge to reduce energy consumption and prolong system life in line with wider carbon reduction goals.

“Accumulated debris in air ducts can obstruct the airflow, forcing fans to work harder to maintain the desired temperature and air change rates. Cleaning will allow the system to operate more efficiently and reduce wear and tear. This will also be an increasingly important consideration when retrofitting buildings to achieve net zero,” he said.

Cleaning the ventilation also reduces unpleasant smells and the risk of mould and condensation. Moisture in the ductwork encourages the growth of fungi, which releases spores into the air that can cause or exacerbate respiratory problems and allergies.

Insurance

BESA also pointed out that insurance providers were taking a keen interest in this area and adjusting their premiums to reflect the level of risk created by poor building management.

TR19 Air costs GBP75 for BESA members and GBP150 for non-members. Anyone booking onto one of the training courses will also receive a free copy.

It covers all relevant legislation and professional guidance, including BSEN15780 ‘Cleanliness of Ventilation Systems’, which has been the British and European Standard since 2011.

The specification also reflects the aspirations of the first British Standard for Health and Well-being in Buildings British Standard 40102 (Part One), which was published this year and provides recommendations for measuring, monitoring and reporting indoor environmental quality (IEQ) in non-domestic buildings.

BESA’s new specification can be applied to new construction, upgrades and retrofits, and the regular maintenance of ventilation systems. It is useful to building operators, occupants, specifiers and consulting engineers as well as specialist contractors.

TR19 Air can be downloaded from the BESA website and details of the training courses can be found here.

Source: Refrigeration Industry