| By :
Alison Withers
Copyright (c) 2011 Alison Withers We all hope for a long, hot summer after the grey skies and semi-darkness of the winter, but then we decide it's all a bit much and we want to use the air conditioning. There is no denying that a hot, sweltering office can be difficult to work in and concentrate on the task in hand and there is Health and Safety guidance on what is called thermal comfort. It advises that the ideal workplace temperature should be between 13º Centigrade and 16º Centigrade. It warns that if conditions are too hot and uncomfortable employee complaints may increase, productivity may fall and in some cases people may refuse to work in a particular environment. However, it also advises that for people to feel comfortable and work productively humidity, air movement and air temperature all need to be assessed. It is among an employer's responsibilities to ensure that employees are able to work in an environment at a comfortable temperature. This might mean using air conditioning in hot weather and it may be that many large offices already have ducted air conditioning already installed in the building. Because predicting temperatures in the UK is notoriously unpredictable it is difficult to know in advance at what point the air conditioning may be needed. However, when it is needed it should be possible to turn it on and be confident that it is working efficiently. Ducted air systems can build up dust and bacteria, and over time the air filters can become clogged. It therefore makes sense as part of spring routine maintenance that attention is paid to the air conditioning system, ducting and filters well ahead of when it is needed. A specialist cleaning company can carry out the necessary checks of the system and identify any repairs that might be needed. The company will consult with the building's facilities manager to inspect the system and establish when it would be convenient to carry out thorough ductwork cleaning as well s filter inspection and replacement, and provide a written report of its recommendations. Regular air duct cleaning can be particularly important in buildings being used by vulnerable people, such as hospitals or residential homes for the elderly whose resistance to infection is lower than in the rest of the population. Air cleanliness is also important to control the passage of substances like pollen that can spark of allergies like hayfever and asthma and also for ensuring that a building does not suffer from sick building syndrome which can cause occupants to suffer from skin irritations and rashes, persistent coughs and breathing difficulties. Carrying out air conditioning duct cleaning well in advance of the need to use an air conditioning system can ensure that all the possible hazards that could arise without proper cleaning and maintenance will be eliminated to ensure the productivity of those who are working in the building when the weather heats up.
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