THE ACTS , REGULATIONS AND BEST PRACTICE

WORKPLACE (HEALTH SAFETY AND WELFARE) REGULATIONS 1992, REGULATION 5 (1)

The workplace and the equipment, devices and systems to which this regulation applies should be maintained (including cleaned as appropriate) in an efficient state, in efficient working order and in good repair.

REGULATION 6 (33)

Mechanical ventilation systems (including air conditioning systems) should be regularly and properly cleaned, tested and maintained to ensure that they are free from anything which may contaminate the air.

COSHH (CONTROL OF SUBSTANCES HAZARDOUS TO HEALTH), REGULATIONS REVISED 2004

Air quality must be assessed for substantial quantities of hazardous substances including human disease and dust.  Employers must ensure that employees are not exposed to such risks and that such hazards are adequately controlled.

MANAGEMENT OF HEALTH AND SAFETY AT WORK, REGULATION 3, 1999

Approved codes of practice, and other HSE guidance, emphasise the need for regular inspection, testing and cleaning and maintenance of mechanical ventilation systems.  The employer must ensure the health and safety of everyone affected by his undertaking and in this respect shall make a “suitable and sufficient Risk Assessment”  to determine the actual measures that are appropriate for each ventilation system.

THE OCCUPIERS LIABILITY ACT 1994

Imposes a duty of care on an occupier of premises to prevent risk to others of injury, which includes any disease and impairment of physical or mental condition.

LOCAL EXHAUST VENTILATION (LEV) COSHH REGULATION 9, 2004

Where  a Local Exhaust Ventilation is provided for the control of exposure to hazardous substances, every system shall be maintained in an efficient state and thoroughly examined and tested at least every 14 months.

HVCA TR / 19 GUIDE TO GOOD PRACTICE – INTERNAL CLEANLINESS OF VENTILATION SYSTEMS

Establishes good practice for testing, cleaning and verification of cleanliness of ventilation systems.