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Work Ventilation Linked to Deaths in the UK
January 11th, 2018
Last updated: October 5th, 2022
Employers have been reminded to consider suitable and robust service and maintenance agreements for their indoor ventilation and air conditioning systems, after study figures linked poor ventilation to a number of deaths in the UK, which makes maintaining good quality air crucial for businesses.
There are a great variety of ventilation systems now used in the workplace, such as heat recovery ventilation, and through our own work at Robinsons Facilities Services we know that air conditioning systems are becoming more and more popular, with employers making the investment to provide a more comfortable environment with cleaner air quality. However, once this investment is made, you need to ensure the systems are serviced and maintained properly so that they are always providing clean and unpolluted air to the workplace.
How Poor Ventilation Can Affect the Workplace
Study findings released in 2015 by the National Institute for Health and Welfare suggested that a number of deaths in the UK could be linked to poor ventilation, both at home and in the workplace. It was found that indoor pollutants were a primary link to cardiovascular disease, asthma, lung cancer and respiratory diseases.
The report concludes that a fundamental change to how we ventilate our homes and workplaces could reduce the risk of disease by as much as 38% annually. Naturally, some old residential properties only have open windows as a form of ventilating the indoors, but this is better than doing nothing. While most new-build properties have ventilation systems installed that allow air to be circulated properly and cleanly. Commercial kitchen ventilation is also extremely important for both employees and for the building.
It is true that not all workplaces have suitable ventilation systems in place, even though for many years it has been a key legislative responsibility for all employers to provide a safe and comfortable work environment. When this extends to potentially reducing an employee’s life expectancy, then you can see how important it is to install adequate ventilation in the workplace and then to ensure it is suitably maintained.
Professional Ventilation Engineers
At Robinsons Facilities Services we are fully accredited with REFCOM and our engineers hold valid CSCS cards and are fully trained in installation, service and maintenance and the health and safety techniques of handling refrigerants, for example. Our HVAC service and maintenance agreements take into consideration all the latest technology and environmental legislation and we can tailor our packages to suit your requirements and your budgets.
Our primary aim is to ensure your ventilation systems are working adequately to protect your employees from what is a proven risk of disease from airborne pollutants. These report findings have highlighted the risk that exists if this issue is ignored, and therefore, we can help you to provide suitable ventilation throughout your buildings in a safe and cost-effective manner in order to eradicate this risk.
Hotel Air Conditioning: How It Works and Maintenance Tips
For hotel business owners, ensuring guest comfort is a top priority, and air conditioning plays a significant role in this. This is especially true in buildings where there aren’t so many windows. Some hotels forego windows as a safety precaution but this can come with its own problems.
Properly functioning air conditioning units help regulate temperature and keep rooms fresh. However, hotel air conditioning systems require regular maintenance to remain effective and efficient. This article will delve into how hotel air conditioning works and provide essential maintenance tips to keep your units running smoothly.
Read moreCan Air Conditioning Make You Sick?
Air conditioning units really show their value in the hot months of the year, but there may also be some rumours spreading about whether or not they’re good for us. In recent years, there’s been some buzz around whether these cooling machines might actually be making us unwell. Could they be the culprit behind those sneezes, headaches, or general feelings of being under the weather?
Read moreHow to Prepare Your Commercial Building for Winter
We don’t always want to think about winter, especially when the sun is out outside, but as the winter months approach in the UK, it’s crucial for commercial building owners and managers to start preparing their properties for the colder weather.
Winter can bring a host of challenges, from freezing temperatures and heavy snow to icy conditions, all of which can impact the efficiency (and safety) of a building. A little preparation can go a long way in avoiding potential problems and ensuring that your building is ready to handle whatever winter throws its way.
Here are some essential tips to help you prepare your commercial building for winter.
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