BSEE-SEP21-PG07 Evergreen Comment_Layout 1 23/08/2021 14:28 Page 7


AIR CONDITIONING, COOLING & VENTILATION


In February 2021, PM Boris Johnson announced the government’s roadmap to cautiously ease lockdown restrictions in England. A hugely positive step in the right direction, creating much optimism for all, that life can soon return to normal. However, with the lockdown restrictions being eased it has now become an important focus of companies and businesses, on how to safely reopen their doors to receive, and protect, their returning workforce and customers.


the pandemic, and post pandemic period, this has never been more important, as we have learned how and why the COVID-19 virus spreads. However, sourcing the correct information on these important matters can be a minefield. We have used some of the latest information provided by the Health and Safety Executive and World Health Organisation to help you understand the importance of good ventilation in enclosed workspaces.


T


WHY IS VENTILATION IMPORTANT? Adequate ventilation reduces how much virus particles are in the air. It helps reduce the risk


of aerosol


transmission. This is when someone breathes in small particles (aerosols) in the air after a person infected with the virus has been in the same enclosed area.


It is proven that the risk of virus transmission is greater in areas that are poorly ventilated.


VENTILATION AND AIR CONDITIONING IN THE CONTEXT OF COVID-19 In simple terms, during a pandemic, we should all be maximising the fresh air in our enclosed spaces. There may be opportunity to increase air flow by opening, or partially opening, doors, windows, and air vents. That said, buildings being used for purposes such as retail,


he law says employers must make sure there is an adequate supply of fresh air (ventilation) in enclosed areas of the workplace, and during


healthcare and hospitality, must rely on mechanical ventilation and air conditioning.


We know that heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems are used to maintain indoor air temperature, and humidity, at comfortable levels, but how do these systems potentially help to reduce the spread of a virus such as COVID-19?


A well maintained and operated system can reduce the spread of COVID-19 in indoor spaces by increasing the rate of air change, reducing air recirculation, and increasing the amount of outdoor air coming in. Settings that recirculate the internal air have been advised not to be used during a pandemic, however, with the advancements in air cleaning technology, including hydroxyl radical technology, this issue has been minimised. Air conditioning systems should always be regularly inspected, maintained, and cleaned.


LIFE AFTER COVID … A CLEANER FUTURE FOR OUR WORKPLACES Important lessons have been learnt during the pandemic and the health of our employees, colleagues and customers is something that we can never be complacent about. We have already discussed the importance of a modern air conditioning system that is correctly installed, set up and maintained, but how can an air conditioning system in the workplace continue to keep us safer and well post the COVID crisis?


There are many other benefits of air conditioning that you may not be aware of. One of the most obvious benefits is that the working environment can be kept at a comfortable and constant temperature, but here we touch on other benefits that the installation, and regular maintenance of, air conditioning systems can provide.


AIR CONDITIONERS REDUCE HUMIDITY Keeping humidity down is of crucial importance in the workplace. A humid, damp environment can be very detrimental to our health. In fact, enclosed areas where humidity is high, have been strongly linked to an increase in mould, dust mites, dehydration and heatstroke.


AIR CONDITIONERS REDUCE ALLERGENS


Air conditioners contain air filtration systems that can reduce dust mites, allergens and pollutants, which can lead to asthma attacks.


AIR CONDITIONERS IMPROVE AIR QUALITY


Air conditioners can help us to breathe easier, by assisting in the removal of dust and bacteria from the working environment.


AIR CONDITIONERS REDUCE THE RISK OF DEHYDRATION & HEAT STROKE Keeping the air at the optimum temperature reduces the amount of water we lose from our body through sweating. When temperatures at work soar, dehydration can be an unpleasant side effect causing headaches, tiredness, and loss of concentration.


AIR CONDITIONERS KEEP UNWANTED PESTS AT BAY


No one would welcome an invasion of insects or parasites into the workplace. The installation of an air conditioning system will put a stop to any unwanted visitors of this kind, by being able to maintain a comfortable temperature with windows and doors closed.


AIR CONDITIONERS ELIMATE ODOURS AND FUMES


Many workplaces are in areas that are polluted because of high traffic volumes, public transport, and industrial buildings.


The air filtration system in your air conditioner can enable you to breathe easier and help to provide cleaner air that is free from odours and fumes, providing a more positive environment.


AIR CONDITIONERS MAKE FOR A PRODUCTIVE WORKPLACE A workplace with cool, consistent, and clean air makes for a comfortable and more productive working environment. We all know too well how being too hot can make you feel sluggish and agitated.


The ideal room temperature is around 21-22 degrees and having air conditioning makes the ideal temperature far easier to maintain.


NEW TECHNOLOGY


The HVAC industry have been working hard to bring cutting edge technology to our workplace, with air conditioning systems that inhibit the growth of pollutants such as certain bacteria, viruses, moulds, and odours by breaking them down and neutralising the unpleasant effects.


PANASONIC NANOE™ X Panasonic have developed a patented technology called ‘nanoe™ X’ which is incorporated into a selection of their air conditioning systems. They are also currently looking at rolling this out across their entire range of air conditioners.


nanoe™ X can inhibit several types of pollutants, such as certain types of bacteria, viruses, mould, allergens, pollen, and certain hazardous substances. This process happens via generators that contributes to clean air and deodorises by producing nano-sized hydroxyl radicals. This technology is now used in offices, hospitals, healthcare centres, hotels and even people’s homes. The nanoe™ X technology has now been through rigorous testing to establish its effectiveness against COVID-19 and the results were impressive. We now know that nanoe™ X has the capability to inhibit the activity of the SARS-CoV-2 virus.


So, whilst air conditioning has proven benefits to provide better quality air to an environment, we are now better equipped with technology that contributes to the reduction of COVID-19. Not only are we able to provide a comfortable working and living space, but we are also able to provide a safer one.


Article by Evergreen Air Conditioning


BSEE Recovering from Covid…… Air conditioning matters


Read the latest at: www.bsee.co.uk


BUILDING SERVICES & ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEER SEPTEMBER 2021 7


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40  |  Page 41  |  Page 42  |  Page 43  |  Page 44  |  Page 45  |  Page 46  |  Page 47  |  Page 48  |  Page 49  |  Page 50