Month: May 2023

Did you know your workers are 15 times more likely to die from a work-related disease than they are from a work-related acute injury?

While this may seem hard to believe, it’s true, which is why it’s extremely important that you assess the risk of airborne contaminants in your workplace and take the necessary steps to eliminate them. This is where local exhaust ventilation comes into play.

Not sure what this local exhaust ventilation is, how it works, and who can benefit from it? Read on to find out everything you need to know about local exhaust ventilation (LEV) and why it is crucial.

What is Local Exhaust Ventilation?

Local exhaust ventilation is a type of engineering system that is designed to reduce the risk of exposure to airborne contaminants in confined spaces. These contaminants include dust, mist, fumes, vapours, and gases, which could be harmful to your employees if they are inhaled.

However, using this type of ventilation system can help reduce these contaminants in the air and protect your staff from respiratory damage and diseases, such as COPD and respiratory cancers.

Why do You Need Local Exhaust Ventilation?

The most obvious reason why you need to invest in local exhaust ventilation is to maintain your employees’ health and wellbeing. However, this is not the only reason you need an LEV:

• Required by Law

If your working environment creates dust or any other contaminants, you are required by law to take the necessary steps to protect your employees. A local exhaust ventilation system offers one of the most effective ways to remove these contaminants and safeguard your workers.

• To Reduce Exposure

If you are unable to change the work processes that cause contaminants in your workplace, then the next best course of action is to reduce the risk of exposure.

Again, one of the most effective ways to do this is by using a local exhaust ventilation system to reduce your team’s exposure to airborne nanoparticles.

How Does Local Exhaust Ventilation Work?

How local exhaust ventilation works is simple:

1. Sucks in air and collects contaminants
2. Takes these contaminants away from the workplace
3. Cleans the air

What Type of Workplace Needs Local Exhaust Ventilation?

As briefly touched upon above, some workplaces are required by law to use contaminant-removal systems such as local exhaust ventilation.

If your workplace produces any of the following airborne contaminants, you should consider local exhaust ventilation:

• Mineral dust
• Welding fumes
• Metallic dust
• Chemical dust
• Harmful gases such as carbon monoxide and nitrogen dioxide
• Vegetable dust
• Fibres from wool, ceramic, nylon, or carbon
• Moulds and spores

If you are concerned about airborne contaminants in your workplace, it’s recommended to have an assessment carried out by a trained professional – and that’s where our experienced team comes in.

Here at Air Improve, we are experts in ventilation and can help you make your workplace safe for you and your employees.

Get in touch today and learn more about how local exhaust ventilation can help your business and protect your employees.

Winchester Office: 01962 841366

Plymouth Office:  01752 769000

Warmer Weather

As the weather gets warmer, your air conditioning system will be working harder to keep your home or office cool and comfortable. It’s important to ensure that your AC unit is working efficiently and effectively, to avoid potential breakdowns and costly repairs. Here are six signs that you may need a maintenance check-up on your air conditioning system.

Reduced airflow

If you notice that your Air Conditioning unit is not blowing as much air as it used to, it may be a sign that your air filters are clogged, or your system needs a tune-up. Reduced airflow can also be caused by a damaged blower motor or a blocked duct. Low refrigerant levels, or malfunctioning evaporator fans. If this is the case, contact Air Improve today. We can do an annual check-up to ensure your company or personal unit is complying with legislation.

Unusual noises

If you hear unusual noises such as rattling, grinding, or squeaking coming from your AC unit, it’s a sign that something is not working as it should. Identifying the type of noise it’s making can help an engineer to assess the problem over the phone & will in turn make the system easier to fix. Unusual noises can be caused by loose parts, damaged belts, or a malfunctioning compressor.

Bad Smells

If your AC unit is emitting foul odours, it’s a sign that there may be mould or mildew growing inside the system. This can be caused by clogged air filters, condensation build-up, or a dirty evaporator coil. A bad smell in your air conditioning unit will deter you from using the system. Wall-mounted split air conditioners have easily accessible filters that require regular cleaning to keep them functioning optimally. To do this, simply remove the front panel and pull out the filter – no detergents necessary! Simply give it a good wash with some warm water.

High humidity levels

If your home or office feels excessively humid, it may be a sign that your AC system is not functioning properly. High humidity levels can be caused by an oversized AC unit, a malfunctioning compressor, or a clogged air filter.

Increased energy bills

If you notice a sudden increase in your energy bills, it may be a sign that your AC unit is not running as efficiently as it should. Increased energy bills may mean you’re less likely to use the air conditioning unit & therefore, not experience the benefits. Having an engineer inspect this as soon as possible will mean you can resume using the system at an energy-efficient level. This can be caused by a dirty air filter, low refrigerant levels, or a damaged compressor.

Uneven cooling

If your AC unit is not cooling your home or office evenly, it may be a sign that there is a problem with the ductwork or that the system is not properly sized for the space. This can lead to increased energy bills and decreased comfort.

Conclusion

Regular maintenance checks on your air conditioning system can help to ensure that it is working efficiently and effectively. If you notice any of these signs, it’s important to schedule a maintenance check-up with air improve, to address any potential issues before they become more serious. By taking proactive steps to maintain your AC unit, you can help to extend its lifespan and avoid costly repairs in the future.