Yes, there are there legislation around Air Duct Cleaning and Ventilation Systems, legal requirements for air duct cleaning and this will apply when it comes to maintaining clean air and ventilation extraction systems:

COSHH – the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health 2002 (COSHH) law, requires employers to ensure that assessments and checks are carried out that may be hazardous to health, which would include the control and limit of exposure to pathogens, fumes and dust particles in the air
HASAWA – Health & Safety at work Act 1974, where employers must protect the health and safety at work for all employees and visitors
Workplace (Health & Safety regulations) 1992 – regulatory requirements for employers’ workplaces including issues such as ventilation
ACOP6 (52) – relating to the Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992, “mechanical ventilation systems (including air conditioning systems) should be regularly and properly cleaned, tested and maintained to ensure that they are kept clean and free from anything which may contaminate the air”
BS EN 15780 – British Standard for Ventilation Hygiene outlines the frequency of inspections and levels of cleanliness required in order to maximise efficiency, lengthen the system’s service life and achieve optimum levels of air purity for the building, in line with its intended use.
The new standard details three classification levels for buildings that are dependent on the intended use. In turn, these classes then determine the inspection frequencies for the ventilation systems within. The inspections should be undertaken on an annually as a minimum. Cleaning of the installation should occur once the levels of dirt and debris that are present within a system exceed the clearly defined levels in the EU legislation.
Low – for low occupancy rooms, such as storage rooms
Medium – for higher occupancy rooms, such as general offices, hotels, restaurants or schools
High – for specialist environments, such as treatment areas in hospitals and laboratories

(n.b. the above list is not definitive, please ensure you check all legal requirements for your business)

Must operatives be trained in order to perform air duct cleaning?

According to NAADUK and the schemes operated and supported by BRE Global and BESA, yes.

For further information on Duct Cleaning Training courses please see AEME Scotland. In the event of a claim insurance companies may also require evidence of competency.

What can I do as a building owner for Legislation around Air Duct Cleaning?

Reducing toxic emissions from vehicles and industrial processes is vital, but it will take many years to produce results and involves major long-term investment.

However, improving building ventilation can involve quick, low cost measures which will help protect people in the meantime. Ensuring ventilation systems work properly and incoming air is filtered and cleaned would make a major difference to the health and well-being of millions of building occupants.

Mechanical ventilation protects building occupants from rising pollution levels outside, but only if those systems are regularly checked and maintained. BESA’s ‘Guide to Good Practice – Internal Cleanliness of Ventilation Systems’ (TR/19) – includes step-by-step guidance and it refers to international standards on maintaining ventilation systems to a level essential for good indoor air quality.

The key is getting the message across that this is an essential process and that it can deliver very quick results at low cost while the longer term plan to clean up the outside air grinds on. The government could help by making this part of its clean air consultation and by considering IAQ in any future legislation.

At Perfect Service Solutions our experienced, trained and specialist teams understand the components that make up your ventilation system and will deliver a comprehensive ductwork cleaning service ensuring the supply/extract ductwork system is thoroughly cleaned from the fresh air intake to air handling unit(s) all the way through to supply diffusers/extract grilles.

Start protecting your building users now and ask us about compliant buildings for improved indoor air quality. Click here to get more detailed information on our Air Duct Cleaning Service or give us a call on 08000 197 794 to create your unique action plan to get your business compliant.