The UK Government has stated ventilation cleaning is an essential component to fighting COVID-19 so we can continue to have some normalcy in life. It often the simple measures touted as having the most benefit in both business and private settings:
- Handwashing and cleaning
- Avoiding sharing rooms or having too many people in one room
- Disinfecting surfaces
- The management of deliveries
- Adequate ventilation
The last is the topic of this article, as it is considered the most effective preventative measure to curb the COVID spread. It’s pretty conclusive that clean air makes everyone safer in regular times, so now it’s even more important to consider the air we breathe. But in some ways, it’s more complicated than it sounds, as ventilation and filtration requirements vary between venues. What may work for restaurants or bars may not work in a warehouse or office.
The Problem
Before COVID, there were of course general safety guidelines for ventilation systems. These were mandatory to keep workers and anyone else who came in and out of buildings safe. Now, this is more important than ever. Facilities where people gather, work or study need to focus on proper ventilation, air filtration, and air quality monitoring as there is evidence that the virus often stays airborne. And while it was previously debated whether COVID was transmitted by air or saliva droplets that have landed on surfaces, a wealth of data indicates that COVID-19 spreads through fine aerosol particles. As a result, this is now considered in all health and safety legislation brought in for venues and businesses to stop the spread.
So, where does that leave all of us? Should we close up shop for good and never leave the house? While that may be a solution for some, the best plan of attack is to ensure we all adhere to government guidelines while being accountable – or holding employers accountable – to provide secure public and workspaces. This can be assured primarily by the air being cleaned through a ventilation system.
The Ventilation Solution
Every business needs professional assessment and advice on what system will work for them. However, having a system that cleanses the air of potentially virus-laden aerosols has long-term benefits for health while also allowing businesses and schools to open and operate in uncertain times. Simply proper ventilation replaces stale indoor air with fresh air from outside. This recirculation dilutes any virus particles present, making the likelihood of breathing any in so much lower. And no, a fan that moves air around the room won’t cut it as all it will do is move dirty air around, yielding zero benefits. Opening a window is a good option but usually, only one that can work in nice weather or specific venues. Many have no opportunity to open the windows, and if they can be open, they have limited effect. Therefore, it is necessary to have a fully operational ventilation system that pumps air in and out – these are common in offices, shops, and restaurants.
There is another area to consider in all this – air filtration systems. Increasing ventilation is essential, but only if there is a way for the air to be cleaned as it goes from one room or space to another. Experts recommend filtering in a way and through filters that trap airborne particles. Such devices include HEPA filters which effectively remove viruses, pollen, dust, and bacteria along with other particles from the air.
The caveat to all of this ventilation and filtration is that all of the systems need to be clean. That’s the kicker that many businesses contend with – when was the last time the ventilation system was cleaned? If it’s not clean, it won’t be running efficiently and may, in fact, just be recirculating dirty air and virus particles. Undertaking the cleaning of a ventilation system and ensuring it’s up to scratch is a job best left to professionals.
Need Help With Your Ventilation System Cleaning?
If your business needs professional ventilation cleaning assistance, reach out to Grease Gone Commercial Cleaning London. We specialise in helping companies keep their ventilation systems in tiptop condition before and during COVID times, so you can be confident that our experts will get the job to a high and healthy standard. We offer this and other services, including business premises deep cleaning, to ensure your business is always ready to welcome employees and customers safely. Call us today to receive further information on how we help keep your business or venue safe.
