Nationally renowned System Hygienics, the ventilation hygiene market leader, presents Sidewinder – the fresh solution to chute cleaning.

Local Councils require maintaining their buildings' bin chutes both externally and internally. Due to their design, the refuse chutes have historically proved difficult to clean effectively and safely resulting in a build up of offensive and unpleasant odours and bacteria.

Local Authorities do not have trained persons or proper machinery to conduct a proper, effective and safe clean. Access to the bin chute can only be obtained from the top, bottom or through the hoppers. This access does not make it possible to clean the chute correctly. This results in lengthy disruption for maintenance and the residents living with unpleasant odours.

Sidewinder’s high-powered, remotely operated jet cleaning service uses a unique spinning head design in conjunction with new hot water technology to ensure chutes are cleaned thoroughly, quickly and effectively, with minimal disruption to the site. A spinning head is selected based on the diameter of the chute. A constant jet of hot water at 350 bar is mixed with a biodegradable detergent and sprayed through onto the surface of the chute and winched down and up the total vertical length. Detailed cleaning of the hoppers, bin cupboards and associated areas to remove grease, dirt and bacteria are also supplied.

The unique design of Sidewinder allows a 50% reduction in water usage. No brushes are used so no scraping of the surface is obtained. This prolongs the life of the internal chute. The biodegradable detergent kills 99% of smells. All waste is washed down the chute and is collected. The results can be seen instantly and with negligible disruption to tenants.

Sidewinder is a self contained unit that will leave the chute thoroughly cleaned and smelling fresh quickly.

Hospital Survey and Clean

System Hygienics were recently pleased to successfully complete an Air Hygiene Survey and Ductwork Cleaning within a highly sensitive Children’s Ward at this forward thinking Hospital which prides itself on battling Infection Control.

Survey

Firstly System Hygienics carried out the survey in the Children’s Ward in particular looking for Heavy Dust Deposits, Aspergillus Niger and MRSA using TR19 vacuum tests, Tryptone Soya Agar for the identification of Bacteria, and Malt Extract Agar for the identification of Fungi contact plates. The Plant room area and within the Children’s ward itself were tested at a total of 6 locations. Results from a Third Party (University of Hertfordshire Laboratories) indicated that a heavy deposit of dust, Aspergillus Niger and MRSA was present within the AHU (Air Handling Unit) and ductwork. It became evident within the Findings Report that a full system clean was required.

Ductwork Cleaning using ‘JetVent’

With System Hygienics unique ‘JetVent’ method (compressed air dislodging gear in conjunction with a mobile high pressure extract unit equipped with high efficiency filtration, and by direct compressed air blasting).

Compressed air is supplied via a specially developed nozzle on a reel and fed from a central compressor. The uniquely designed cleaning head moves forward by compressed air released through holes in a carefully arranged pattern within the nozzle. This creates a low-pressure area in front and a high-pressure area behind. Critically, the high velocity and pattern of the leaving air currents create a local induction-effect whereby the head effectively sticks to the duct surface to concentrate the dislodging power of the air jet at the surface to be cleaned.

Skilled manipulation of the hose allows the operator to cause the rotation of the hose to translate into the head moving around the sides or circumference of the ductwork. Thus all internal surfaces of the duct are cleaned in one operation.

Benefits of the ‘JetVent’ include:

• Minimal access needed
• 100 metres reach from one point
• Swift operation with negligible disruption (during normal working hours)
• No leakage of contaminants

Therefore causing minimal disruption to Patients and Staff. When viewing/discussing the scope of works System Hygienics will speak to the ward Staff (who are directly around the cleaning works) and produce a cleaning procedure to ensure the Ward Staff are happy and confident with System Hygienics working procedure.

CONDOR FERRIES

System Hygienics were recently pleased to successfully complete the extract duct cleaning onboard one of the Condor Ferries, the Condor Clipper. A purpose-built conventional ferry designed for a year round, all-weather service. This well-equipped ship operates daily between Portsmouth and the Islands and has space for 300 passengers and over 100 cars.

Each of the passenger and crew accommodation on decks 7, 8 & 9 have individual extract grilles in the cabins and ensuite bathroom facilities. The extract ductwork is small bore circular ducts that pose specific cleaning difficulties, particularly the restrictions to access of the ductwork system for cleaning. System Hygienics Ltd JetVent method of cleaning, using compressed air and powerful filtered vacuum connected temporarily to the extract system, not only allows cleaning of such small ducts but enables long lengths of ducts, up to 50 metres, to be cleaned from one access point.

A compressor supplying the air for the Jetvent cleaning system was sited dockside alongside the Condor Clipper undergoing its programmed refit. Working around other trades, System Hygienics' engineers were able to run hoses from the compressor to the work areas in the cabins. The large filtered vacuum, our Powervac, was temporarily connected to the access panels located in the fan rooms on the upper deck. When switched on, this produced a negative pressure in the selected system to be cleaned. The air hose was fed into the cabin extract ductwork through an existing open grille position at the opposite end of the system. By the skilled manipulation of the System Hygienics' engineers, rotating the air hose clockwise then counter clockwise through the open grille position, the air issued from the unique nozzle on the end of the air hose dislodged the extract duct contamination.  Composed mainly of lint, skin flakes and general detritus, it became airborne, drawn into the negative pressure air stream created by the powerful filtered vacuum position up by the extract fan and was collected by the filtered vacuum to allow the collection and proper disposal of the contaminants.

The benefits were immediately apparent to

• the Condor Clipper clients -improved ventilation, more air circulation and removal of stale odours and removal of combustion load and the possible breeding ground for bacteria - and
• the ships staff - greater system efficiency therefore possible fuel savings

ENVIRONMENTAL HYGIENE MANAGEMENT PROGRAMME:

SITUATION:
Specific hygiene issues regarding air quality were brought to the attention of System Hygienics by a leading pharmaceutical company.
‘Fresh’ air is supplied to their office and manufacturing areas via mechanical ventilation systems, similarly forced ventilation systems are also used in the pharmaceutical manufacturing process.
Therefore high standards of air quality are essential.

SOLUTION:
System Hygienics working closely with the client implemented an environmental hygiene maintenance programme so that the room ventilation systems and the pharmaceutical manufacturing systems, including the local exhaust ventilation systems (LEV’s), received regular ‘health checks’. The programme included cleaning specific areas and components of the ventilation systems, primarily:

• The fresh air intake ductwork and the heating and cooling coils, including condensate drain trays. Following hygiene maintenance ‘wet’ areas such as the cooling coils and humidifiers were disinfected with a low-toxicity biocide, which included the flushing of the condensate exterior drain lines to ensure efficient drainage.
• The AHU’s and other components of the ventilation systems were inspected with a view to their material and hygiene conditions. Tests were taken from the ventilation systems interior surfaces to establish dust/contaminant build up and microbiological samples taken to determine bacterial and fungal colonization.

RESULTS:
The environmental hygiene maintenance programme (EHMP) ensures that the served environments and the pharmaceutical manufacturing systems are supplied with high standards of ‘Fresh’ air.
Following the EHMP System Hygienics provides a concise report complete with photographs and an assessment of test and sampling results, including any recommendations for remedial works, if applicable.
These scheduled ‘Health Checks’: -

• Comply with Workplace Regulations (1992) Approved Code of Practice, which states that: - “Mechanical ventilation systems, including air conditioning systems, should be regularly and properly inspected, tested and maintained to ensure that they are clean and free from any thing which may contaminate the air”.
• Provide reassurance to occupants.
• Document management actions.

FIRE AND IGNITION RISKS
Kitchen extract ducts have long since been recognised as a potential fire hazard. All cooking equipment is a potential source of ignition. Gas fired equipment with an immediate source of flame together with electric equipment such as toasters, fryers and griddles are all potential sources of fire.

Fuel is available in the form of:

• Oil/fat and food products
• Combustible materials adjacent to and inside exhaust ducts
  Air is supplied in large quantities by the inlets of the ventilation system, and the extract ducts act as chimneys, increasing the intensity of the fire.

• Flames or hot gases from cooking.
• Superheated oils leading to spontaneous ignition.
• Hot sparks can ignite combustible deposits inside extract ducts.
• Fan motor failure or overheating caused by hardened grease when restarting seasonal catering establishments or non 24-hour operations.
• Thermostats not working correctly.
• Individual equipment not switched off.
• Combustible food debris trapped in the grease filter.
• Remnants of paper napkins left in cooker hoods etc.
• Metal extract ducts are good conductors of heat and can ignite nearby building materials or litter.
• Poor hygiene and cleanliness of extract ductwork.

STANDARDS FOR SYSTEM TESTING
Kitchen extract ventilation systems are defined as extract systems intended to collect and remove contaminants; heat and moisture from cooking appliances.

A kitchen extract system would typically comprise of the following components: - Canopy/Hood, Grease Filters, Canopy inlet plenum, Drip trays, Extraction Ductwork, Extract Fan and Exhaust Discharge Ductwork.

Sweeping changes made to the Fire Safety Law by the new Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order will place responsibility for preparing fire risk assessments and addressing the identified risks to building occupants squarely on the shoulders of a designated ‘responsible person’ who could be an in-house or outsourced manager, or any person deemed to be ‘in control’ of the premises.

Summary of Law Changes:

• Fire certificates will be abolished.
• Fire Risk Assessments must be produced and a ‘responsible’ person appointed.
• “Responsible Person” to ensure safety of building occupants by eliminating or minimising fire hazards identified in Fire Risk Assessment.
• Fire authorities will be enforcing authorities to check production of a Fire Risk Assessment and ensure responsibilities are being met.
• Failure to meet responsibilities can result in personal liability action against the “responsible person”.

The Fire Safety Law will mean that failure to have grease extract systems thoroughly and regularly cleaned could result in criminal prosecution of the “responsible person” if a fire in the system were to cause damage to property and/or injury to building occupants.

The Heating and Ventilating Contractors Association (HVCA) Ventilation Hygiene Working Group have investigated many different methods for testing kitchen extract ventilation system surfaces in order to establish an objective method for determining when a ventilation system is considered dirty, in terms of grease deposition, and hence when it would be appropriate to clean.

The HVCA TR/19 Guide to Good Practise ‘Internal Cleanliness of Ventilation Systems’ (2005), Section 7 – Specific Considerations for Kitchen Extract Systems, is used to give guidance on good practise and to establish standards for testing, cleaning and verifying the internal cleanliness of kitchen extract ventilation systems.

The recommended method for measuring grease deposition levels is the HVCA TR/19 Wet Film Thickness Test (WFTT). This incorporates using a precision gauge which is capable of measuring wet film thickness from 25 to 500 microns and has become the industry standard for determining hygiene conditions.

The testing method provides an objective, repeatable and verifiable measurement of grease deposits and overcomes the subjectivity of a visual inspection alone. On completion of a kitchen extract ventilation system cleaning service System Hygienics provide a Fire Safety Cleanliness Certificate.

This certificate can be shown to insurers as evidence that appropriate actions have been taken to eliminate potential risks to your building and occupants, thus complying with The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.

Princess Royal University Hospital

System Hygienics carry out various works at Princess Royal University Hospital in Orpington Kent, These works consist of Annual Surveys and Testing, Cleaning of operating Theatres, Cleaning of Laundry Extract Ductwork, Cleaning of AHU’s and Plant and the cleaning and testing of Fire Dampers.

Fire dampers at Princess Royal University Hospital have to be tested on an annual basis just to make that they are working correctly, should the hospital ever have a fire these would automatically shut.

Princess Royal University Hospital has over 1400 Fire dampers to be tested.

When System Hygienics won the tender to carry out these works we had to go through each Fire Damper report in order to find out what kind of access would be used to reach inside the Fire Dampers. In some cases it was pretty straight forward as we could fit an access door to reach inside the damper, in other cases it was a little more tricky as the Ductwork was too small to get your hands inside, in order to carry out these tests. What we had to do was remove a section of the Ductwork, we would then put 2 flanges on either side of the Ductwork so that dampers could be accessed now and every year when these works are carried out.

There was another instance when we had to knock down a small section of wall as the fire damper had been put in the wrong way round making it inaccessible.

The following covers the scope of works carried out by System Hygienics

To seek out fire/smoke damper using drawings/schedules supplied by client

To install access panel or remove section of ductwork, to test and clean as necessary the damper channel and damper

To lubricate with light oil (eg WD40) bearings any cleaned dampers

To test fire/drop damper and reset, using local controls

To reset any dampers found inadvertently dropped, replacing any damaged fusible links in the airstream or in external control panel

To complete a brief service report

It may arise that fire dampers are not properly accessible, with non-existent or awkwardly-located access panels, in which case we would remove a section of the ductwork, flange it and replace the ductwork after carrying out the necessary test and clean on larger Ductwork we would have to fit access panels (in ordinary gss ductwork - not in specialist fire-rated) to HVCA DW144 against Measured Term Contract rate prices, after consultation with the client.

Taylor Woodrow will be supplying labels to mark up date inspected and a green label to put on ceiling where damper is situated

In addition to individual service reports for each damper, we would provide a concise summary exception report summarising findings and with recommendations for any further action required.

The method used was as follows

1. Each day Taylor Woodrow office will be informed of the day’s likely work areas and operatives will sign in.
2. In the main we expect to locate fire/smoke dampers by using drawings to inspect fire barriers.
3. The area is viewed and checked for safety and convenience to others of access for inspection work. Where specialist access equipment is required (e.g. mobile tower) or where inspection work is likely to inconvenience users, then the damper/area will be noted and arrangements made for a revisit, in most events for night work
4. Where necessary to avoid disruption or hazard to operatives, plant will be isolated by calling up the Taylor Woodrow office
5. The access panel will be opened, taking care to avoid drop-out of dusts/debris.
6. The damper is inspected and serviced, as above
7. The access panel and any ceiling tiles etc are replaced
8. The work will generally be carried out horizontally, i.e. across each floor to maximise working efficiency. A combination of the schedule of dampers giving grid ref and the fire compartment drawings will be used to guide day-to-day progress of the service crew
9. The site report will follow the format in excel as provided by Paul Gregory. The date and time of each damper drop will be recorded accurately so that this can later be linked in to a log
10. A summary report will be produced at the end of the project

KITCHEN EXTRACT SYSTEMS NOT COMPLETELY CLEANED

When quoting or tendering for cleaning of kitchen extract systems, one of the first things we look for is access points within the ductwork. Typically a ductwork system will need a purpose made access panel at approximately 3 metre intervals, at both sides of in-duct items such as attenuators and dampers, and both sides of a change in direction.

Often there are few if any access panels fitted, which means that previous cleaning attempts will have been at best, with only limited success - what we in the trade call a ‘partial clean’.

The reason for cleaning kitchen extract systems is to remove the grease, thereby removing the fuel or ‘combustion-load’ to help reduce the chance of in-duct fires in addition to reducing potential odours and breeding grounds for bacteria. If a system has only been partially cleaned there is still a potentially lethal fire hazard contained within the duct.

The Fire Safety Order (2005) puts the legal responsibility with the building owner or manager to reduce the risk of fire within the buildings they own or manage. Employing a sub standard contractor to carry out a partial clean has the potential to land that owner/manager in jail.

Recently we have had several enquiries from multi-site restaurant groups where we are quoting in competition with their incumbent duct cleaning companies; following site visits we have found that many systems have woefully inadequate access points.

In one example the Client’s busy ground floor restaurant had a large riser extending 5 floors up through a multi-tenanted office block, exhausting through a roof-top plant room; our site inspection found that only the canopy and small sections of the riser had ever been cleaned resulting in not only an increased fire risk but also complaints of cooking smells and grease leaking from the ducts at various points. The fan unit and several other areas had never been cleaned.

Following meetings with the client, the various tenants and their health and safety advisors, it was decided to install additional access panels and to use rope access techniques to abseil inside the riser shaft and to remove the fan unit from the duct so that all parts of the system could be thoroughly and properly cleaned.

System Hygienics were of course awarded the contract and carried out a successful complete clean of the system entirely to the satisfaction of the Client, the building tenants and their health and safety experts. Onwards and upwards (with adequate access of course).

A Short Time scale Case study

System Hygienics Air Hygiene Division are used to short time scale opportunities.

This is typical of how System Hygienics succeeds using team efforts.

An M & E contractor sends an urgent enquiry to the System Hygienics head office, the contents of the enquiry are to clean a supply & extract system of part of the results of a failed air flow check during a refurb to 2 levels of a multi-occupancy building but the work needs to be completed within 7 days. The enquiry is then passed to the nearest sales engineer to the location of the building in question. From then the sales engineer makes urgent arrangements to visit the site. On arrival the site manager guides our engineer through the building to assess the amount & routing of the ductwork due to the fact that drawings did not exist. After removing an access panel, if the evidence of a lack of cleaning is present, the engineer then makes the decision that the desired equipment - JetVent - will be required for this type of work with its long reach minimal access point & minimal disruption with a high level of cleaning. It is estimated that the amount of ductwork will require 10 days for a thorough clean to be carried out , this is against the requirements, so to meet the deadlines given by the client, a call is made to the Operations Department at System Hygienics to arrange for 2 crews to be used instead of the usual 1. The sales engineer has concerns for the safety of the other occupants of the building for the location of the compressor; due to the route of the hoses, it was agreed that the compressor would be sited near to the entrance with barriers surrounding it , the hoses would then be routed between the stair hand rails securely to avoid the occupants having a trip hazard. The job was organised to start almost by the next working day after the usual risk assessments & method statement had been sent. Our crews then arrive at the given time to meet the site manager for the job location; they then assess & agree the method statement before starting the work. They then set the equipment up & fit the required access doors in accordance to DW144 and start the cleaning by means of using compressed air inconjunction with the mobile extract unit to extract the dust from the duct. The before & after photograghs for the report are not forgotten, which is then presented to the client for the re-assurance of a thorough clean.