Air Quality Feature
An effective ventilation system keeps a home environment healthy as it prevents the build-up of excessive levels of humidity, therefore preventing condensation and mould
HOW GOOD VENTILATION HELPS Having a mechanical ventilation system in place means that social housing landlords can have peace of mind that residents are living in homes with good indoor air quality and with less risk of developing or exacerbating respiratory conditions. An effective ventilation system keeps a home environment healthy as it
prevents the build-up of excessive levels of humidity, therefore preventing condensation and mould. In the past many homes relied on natural ventilation, such as opening
windows or doors, passive air vents and the natural leakage of the building to keep them condensation-free. However, with modern properties being more airtight, natural ventilation is oſten insufficient. In new homes, updates to Building Regulations Approved Document L and
F were introduced in 2022, which require increased levels of air tightness and enhanced ventilation rates in new homes. Tis has led to a need to review the ventilation systems specified to ensure they are meeting increased airflow rates. Whole house heat recovery units offer a cost-effective way of meeting
Building Regulations Part F requirements, as well as providing low running costs for tenants. Tese updated Building Regulations are relevant both to new homes and those undergoing refurbishment, making effective ventilation systems increasingly important and mechanical ventilation a compliant solution. Installing an effective mechanical ventilation system into a property keeps relative humidity under control and delivers improved indoor air quality.
Occupants find they oſten experience an improvement in their symptoms of respiratory conditions such as asthma and other conditions that are known to be exacerbated by poor indoor air quality. For a relatively small investment in an effective ventilation system, the result
is a long-term solution that reduces the maintenance burden and provides an all-round healthier indoor environment. Any social housing provider concerned about how condensation and
mould growth could affect the fabric of their properties and the health of their tenants, is advised to contact their local ventilation manufacturer. Many offer free surveys that will assess any condensation, damp or mould problems in a property, measure relative humidity levels, identify any underlying problems and make recommendations for a permanent solution.
Richard Carter is regional sales manager at EnviroVent How to enhance accessibility and independent living
With 22% of the population now disabled and the growing demand for social housing, AAT GB is highlighting a rapid way for Housing Associations to support their disabled tenants. Now, more than 50% of tenants have a long term illness and impairment with a similar number who need an adaptation not having it. T e most common reported impairments aff ect mobility, liſt ing or carrying. AAT’s top-selling and Class 1 Medical Device certifi ed S-Max stairclimber delivers an almost immediate way to enable a tenant with reduced mobility – whether a short- or long-term limitation – to safely transfer up, down almost any stairs or steps. T us, every home be it fl at (some 20% of housing stock) or house, can become accessible without impact on common parts. T e battery-powered, German-engineered unit is available in two versions, one which fi xes to a wheelchair, one with an integral seat. Operated by the carer, the mobile unit safely moves its passenger up, down stairs and onward. It is not fi xed in any way to the building fabric. T us it optimises risk management by reducing or eliminating transfers at the top of stairs, and eliminates impairment of the stairway for other users. T e portability of the S-Max also means there is no delay for DFG funding, survey nor installation. A safe solution for the tenant can be eff ected within days. Full details can be found on the website, where a free, no obligation assessment can also be booked.
01978 82 18 75
www.aatgb.com/s-max HMM08_AAT_Safety & Security - Accessibility_Double
PR.indd 1 A new discovery in smoke protection
Gilberts’ “ fi rst of its kind” Series 60 damper were chosen by leading smoke control systems company Baiceir to protect the 14-storey Discovery Quay development. Some 26 dampers – each capable of providing up to two hours’ fi re integrity – were incorporated into the common corridors to protect the two stairwells within the £24.5m building, comprising 400 student bedrooms and ancillary communal space. Baiceir managing director Andy Baker said: “We believe in doing things right. Gilberts’ new Series 60 is claimed to be ‘the best yet’ in British smoke evacuation dampers. It enables us to deliver a smoke control system that will meet the most rigorous standards in every detail and deliver a best value solution.” Manufactured from galvanised steel with intumescent material and gaskets within, Series 60 has passed all relevant smoke and fi re tests (EN12101-8 and EN1366-10), retaining its integrity and performance when incorporated into evacuation shaſt s and risers. T us customers have the assurance that they are meeting, if not surpassing, current Standards for smoke ventilation in multi-storey buildings- new build and refurbishments. Believed to be the only vent of its kind designed and manufactured in the UK, Series 60 off ers what Gilberts claims will the biggest standard range of EN12101-8 compliant fi re-tested dampers. T e initial launch provides seven sizes, from 440mm x 440mm up to 1,000mm x 1,125mm.
01253 766911
info@gilbertsblackpool.com HMM08_Gilberts_Safety & Security - Smoke & Fire Protection_Double
PR.indd 1
www.housingmmonline.co.uk | HMM August/September 2023 | 45 21/08/2023 10:13 15/08/2023 10:22
Heating, Ventilation & Air Conditioning; Safety & Security
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