Indoor Air Cleaning Methods - The Truth of it All
December 22nd, 2006
The 'Apparatus for Treating Air' (U.S. Pat# 808897), submitted and approved in 1906, was the first of several air-conditioning patents. It paved the way to the first air (temperature and humidity) conditioner in operation. That first "flash of genius" patent used the phrase 'air-conditioning', referring to a device that added water vapor to the air in textile plants - to condition yarn. In 1911, the basic Rational Psychrometric Formulae were born, and serve today as the basis in all fundamental calculations for the air-conditioning industry. Along with that formula came an even further understanding of the relationship between humidity, temperature, dew point and contaminates.
Along with that exciting new formula should have came the need to understand the importance of properly handling contaminated environments, when replacing systems that have broken down. Sadly, this has not been the case at all.
Looking forward since that first "flash of insight", let us make an analysis of the so-called modern air-conditioning cleaning techniques that exist today. There are many problems with the methods and systems used in the cleaning of heating and air- condition systems. We have definitely made improvements. However, between competitors there is still a lot of disunity in the industry. Each has their own belief, as to how to perform the tasks at hand. Since the methods in heating and air-conditioning vary significantly, in each part of the world that they are used, this lack of unity has produced many terrible effects. TB, Legionnaire's disease, Radon, Formaldehyde and now S.A.R.S., affect many unknowing victims worldwide, each and every day. Surely, it would be best to address these issues at the global level!
My belief is that the "old-fashioned" method of manual cleaning is still the best way to ensure, and maintain, a healthy living environment - both in the home and in the factory.
To produce these clean environments, we would need the world's industry professionals and governments to get genuinely involved with each other, from each of their respective countries. Working together, using several manual cleaning techniques, these leaders would definitely have the power to ensure that everyone’s environmental concerns are addressed. To accomplish this goal, each industry professional and government would need to standardize to the following procedures:
The above procedures will vary, depending on the construction of the building or structure involved. If the duct-work is large enough, manual cleaning of all surfaces can be accomplished by actually entering into the system, efficiently vacuuming all four sides of the ducts. If the duct system is too small, most of the procedures previously mentioned in this chapter would apply. In some situations, the use of a robot or mechanical cleaning system is ideal, in the case that access to the system is limited.
Employer beware! It is always a wise idea to carefully select and hire the right service company, when undertaking the cleaning of heating and conditioning systems. Some service companies may give you an impression of assurance - that they have the tools and ability to complete a proper job - but the results of these impressions are not satisfying at all. At this time, not one single company has the total ability to perform a complete and thorough cleaning project. It is true that service companies have certain tools, to be adapted to the situation, but these devices are still not totally effective, and really do not justify the cost to the employer.
Often, heating and air-conditioning contractors have been cheated, when buying tools and equipment they never had a chance to test. A test of the equipment would have enabled them to see how ineffective they really were. Due to these hurried sales, many H.V.A.C. businesses have lost a great deal of money, purchasing tools that are not effective at all. As a result, many cleaners feel they must still get a return on their investment, even at the health and cost of the consumer. As well, some employers have been mislead - in order for the contractor to be able to make their equipment payments on time (and not "lose their shirts"). Other cleaning contractors employ the standard practice of "blow and go", and do not even consider the task of creation and adherence to any cleaning guidelines and standards. They worry little about ensuring a healthy living and safe workplace environment for all.
The problem of creating standardized cleaning procedures stems from one certain fact. This fact is that the cleaning professionals themselves are not able to work jointly with any relevant associations and government bodies. Large cleaning contracts are normally controlled by misleading specifications, given to an engineer. The engineer takes his specifications from just one cleaning contractor; therefore making those specifications geared to hire only that one company that can meet those defined specifications. For example, the type of tools listed in the specifications or the type of bonding to be used, easily indicates and controls which contractor the contact will be awarded to.
Every year, many large hospital contracts are put up for tender, which include the removal, installation and cleaning of ventilation systems. Alarming is the observation that cleaners involved in these projects have had to be "spot-trained" in asbestos removal. They make use of a robot to clean the brand new ductwork after the system is installed, but would it not make sense for the site engineer on this same contract to include testing on items being removed from the renovation as well? Considering that many hospital structures do contain asbestos, a hazardous material, it would be wise of these engineers to note the Building Code, which states that any project that contains asbestos removal, must to be performed as a "Type Three" removal.
Personal observation proves that asbestos removal and installation in hospitals are never handled as a hazardous waste situation. The same robots that are used on the newly installed ducts are never used for decontaminating the hazardous building materials removed from the site. The protection of all contract personnel, working at these hazardous sites, is given little regard as well. Patients and workers, handling asbestos and other dangerous materials in hospitals, are not being required to wear respirators. Little need is seen to have materials tested, before being removed from the structure. Little patience is given to waiting for test results, before removal of these ducts and materials takes place. When we consider that these buildings have had many sick people in residence for many years, we see the true importance of global and standardized cleaning guidelines. In fact, some hazardous life forms lie dormant in such materials, until they find a place to incubate and come back to life!
Please consider the huge number of hospitals worldwide, which are currently
undergoing such deplorable cleaning operations and renovations. Can we truly
hope that this type of activity is actually creating an industry standard?
In fact, a close look at modern heating and air-conditioning practices produces
one sure and frustrating truth. One company or contractor, with a permit or
authorized contact, can end up being the only company to do work for the federal
government, or other large organization. Awarding of contracts based on economy,
inaccuracy of required specifications, and complete disregard for the safety
of employees and the public at large, appears to be the new wave of the future.
And so, a global set of cleaning practices is needed, to help ensure a healthy
and happy tomorrow for all. A "new age" of source-removal specialists
is required.
I have always considered myself as belonging to just such a group. With the right tools and specifications, combined with the proper procedures, my focus is to help pave the way toward a global industry standard. Only in this manner can I assist in providing a clean and healthy environment for the employer, employee and consumer alike.