Ventilation System Monitoring
Introduction
Ventilation systems are designed to circulate fresh air throughout a building. They can comprise of a number of different forms of equipment and often create a complex network of ductwork throughout a building.
Why Monitor the System?
Ventilation systems require regular inspection to ensure they are working correctly and to assess if they need cleaning. Approved Code of Practice (ACoP) 33 states that Ventilation systems should be regularly cleaned, tested and maintained.
Poorly maintained Ventilation systems will reduce the flow of air throughout the building, potentially causing users to suffer the effects of Sick Building Syndrome. Monitoring and inspection is therefore vital to establish what remedial work needs to be undertaken to improve system performance and ensure a healthy building.
Our Service
The Heating and Ventilation Contractors Association (HVCA) recommends that you inspect and monitor your Ventilation system at least annually. However, frequency can vary depending on the quality of the air supply, the level of filtration, and the sensitivity of the serviced area.
H2O Chemicals has the skills and capabilities to conduct the two surface contaminant monitoring methods recommended by the HVCA; the Deposit Thickness Test (DTT) and the Vacuum Test (VT).
DTT measures the thickness of the contaminants on the surface of the ductwork, whilst VT weighs contaminants taken from the system. Samples must be taken at various locations in the ductwork to establish a mean reading. It is therefore important to hire specialist contractors with the skills, training and equipment to gain access to the ductwork.
The levels below are based on current good practice and can be used to indicate if a Ventilation system requires cleaning. At these levels the system would appear visibly dirty.
|
SYSTEM TYPE |
Surface Contaminant Limits |
Test Method |
|
Extract |
6 g / m2 |
VT |
|
Recirculation and Supply |
1 g / m2 |
VT |
H2O Chemicals will assist you to establish a suitable monitoring regime that guarantees the quality of air flow in your building, and will advise you on the next appropriate course of action if your Ventilation system requires cleaning or remedial attention.
