The importance of indoor air quality (IAQ)

According to the World Green Building Council report on Health, Wellbeing and Productivity in Offices, research suggests that better indoor air quality can lead to productivity improvements of 8-11%. For good indoor air quality (IAQ), it’s important to have low concentrations of CO2 and pollutants, and high ventilation rates.

A healthy and productive workforce, with a lower rate of absenteeism, can have a significant financial impact for employers. Add to this the fact that a ductwork system that is not running efficiently has higher operating costs due to increased energy consumption. It also may need potentially expensive remedial works. When looked at like this, the financial benefits of having a resilient air hygiene strategy are obvious.

A legal responsibility

You know that as a property owner, landlord or duty holder, you have a legal responsibility to ensure that your premises are safe for anyone using them. Air hygiene forms a vital part of this responsibility. No one wants to spend time in an environment where a badly maintained ductwork system is contributing to poor indoor air quality. Poor IAQ can even lead to ill-health or, as it is sometimes called, sick building syndrome (SBS).

Fire is another major risk. If ventilation ducts are not cleaned properly, over time a layer of highly flammable grease, lint and dirt can build up on surfaces. Fires within ductwork are very difficult to stop once they start. As well as the danger this presents to life, damage is often serious. In the worst scenario, businesses may even be forced to close.

Fortunately, help is at hand. You can protect yourself and your staff and safeguard against future unexpected cost and inconvenience with an air hygiene compliance plan from Rock Compliance. There is a lot of complex legislation and guidance to navigate, so avoid risk by leaving it to the experts at Team Rock.

Protect your people.  Protect your buildings.  Protect your reputation.  Rock Compliance makes it simple.
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Over the years, we have neglected the role that the air circulating inside a building plays in the way germs and viruses may spread between people. The pandemic has exposed that deficiency in our understanding and the way we seek to make buildings safer to use.
Action to improve ventilation to reduce exposure to airborne pathogens will bring other benefits, including reducing exposure to other air pollutants and improved performance and wellbeing.

Cath Noakes
Professor of Environmental Engineering for Buildings at Leeds University, and a member of SAGE

TEAM ROCK – YOUR AIR HYGIENE PARTNER

A planned preventative maintenance (PPM) package from Rock Compliance helps you to achieve:

  • An ongoing reduction in non-conformances
  • Low risk, compliant systems
  • Minimised and predictable spend

The objective of all air hygiene compliance contracts is to reduce risk.  We achieve this by working with you to take the appropriate preventative action on the back of all non-conformances.  By doing this, we eliminate the root cause of risk.

We work across the sectors, offering expert advice on BS 9999:2017, HTM 03-01 and HTM 05-02.  We enable you to work in compliance with Workplace Regulations 1992, Regulation 5 (1), 6 (33); The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 (as amended); Local Exhaust Ventilation (LEV) COSHH Regulation 9 (2004); HVCA TR/19 Internal Guide to Cleanliness of Ventilation Systems and The Occupiers’ Liability Act (1994).

With national coverage, delivered by skilled engineers, we are always on hand when you need us.

SERVICES OFFERED

Fire and smoke damper testing

What are fire dampers?

British Standard 9999:2017 Code of Practice for fire safety in the design and use of buildings states, “…any grille or opening through the (service duct) enclosure for ventilation purposes should be protected by a fire damper.”

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Ventilation system risk assessment

Wellbeing in the workplace

It’s your responsibility to create an environment that is safe for your employees, tenants or any other users. We all know that we feel better when breathing air that we perceive to be clean and fresh.

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Local exhaust ventilation (LEV) testing

Does my business need LEV testing?

Lots of work processes create dust and fumes, for example cutting, drilling, demolition, milling and grinding can create dust. Tiny particles in the air can be inhaled, ingested or cause irritation when they come into contact with the skin or eyes.

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Kitchen extract and ventilation system cleaning

Many of the fires that occur in commercial kitchens originate in faulty extract ventilation systems due to an accumulation of fat and grease. Grease build-up also reduces system efficiency and causes an environmental health hazard by providing a breeding ground for bacteria.

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Ventilation Risk Awareness training

Our Ventilation Risk Awareness training course is designed for managers, specifiers and persons responsible for health and safety and the general wellbeing of building users and occupants.

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Ductwork and ventilation system cleaning

Does the system need to be cleaned?

All workplaces need an adequate supply of fresh air. It’s essential for a comfortable environment, in which staff are able to work productively and safely . Sometimes natural ventilation is sufficient, but in many instances controlled mechanical ventilation, supplied and/or removed by a powered fan, is also required.

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Indoor air sampling and analysis

Take a deep breath

There is no doubt that the air we breathe has a direct effect on our performance and wellbeing. Considering the number of hours many people spend in buildings, it is important to ensure the quality of air your staff and customers are breathing, particularly if mechanical ventilation systems are in use.

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Filter changes (including high efficiency HEPA filters)

Air filters

Air handling units (AHUs) are contained within a heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system to regulate and circulate air. They are an effective way to ensure good air quality and are usually found in industrial and commercial buildings.

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Laundry extract cleaning

Keep it clean

It’s very important to have laundry ventilation ductwork cleaned regularly. Laundry, especially bedding and towels, generates a lot of lint, dust and fibres when cleaned and dried in commercial machines. Over time, these impurities can build up and collect in the laundry extract system, making the system slower and less efficient. It also causes a potential fire hazard, as this material is extremely combustible.

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Planned Preventative Maintenance (PPM) contracts from Rock Compliance:

Do I need a PPM strategy?

At Rock Compliance, integrity is important to us, so we’re going to be honest with you – you don’t have to have a PPM strategy, but it makes really good business sense to set one up as soon as possible.

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Paul Downing at the IFSM Annual Conference

Paul Downing at the IFSM Annual Conference

Head of Faculty (Air), Paul Downing, had a full house for his presentation, made on behalf of BESA.
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Team Rock – ready to roll!

Team Rock – ready to roll!

We are excited to welcome a large group of new starters to the company!
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Rock Compliance Air Hygiene
Testimonials

“Office staff are polite and helpful and have always advised in advance when they will be sending staff to site. Rock Compliance’s engineers have always been knowledgeable and punctual.”

Customer Case Studies brochure

Customer Case Studies icon Customer Case Studies

Download our case study booklet to learn more about our many successful compliance projects throughout the UK

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CAN WE TALK?

Whether it is an issue of compliance, an investment decision or you are just not quite sure whether your existing provider is giving you what you want, please contact us. We will be happy to give you advice on how to create low risk, compliant air hygiene systems, ensuring spend is minimised and predictable.

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