Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) Liability

4/12/2022 | Michael D. Vinick, ASCS, CVI, President - Duct & Vent Cleaning of America, Inc. Past President - NADCA

We are all concerned about the liability that is being created by Covid-19 for schools and businesses. Are you doing enough to ensure that your business or municipality is protected? Most facilities have implemented safety protocols to protect facility occupants from Covid-19 transmission. Yet are you doing enough? Are masks, social distancing, hand washing and general frequently touched surface cleanings enough?

The title of NPR's latest article on August 20, 2020, "NYC Teachers Union 'Prepared to Strike' If Safety Demands Are Not Met," brings attention to one of the current issues we're now facing in light of Covid-19.

As the article states, "A growing chorus of voices, including the city's principals union, have been asking for a delay because of "basic, but vital questions" about reopening. The concerns include repairs to building ventilation, the availability of personal protective equipment and cleaning supplies, and staffing." These concerns are shared by schools and businesses everywhere.

Has your facility over the years maintained an Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) program? Have you increased the fresh air exchanges in your building to protect the occupants from breathing recirculated air? Are your mechanical systems maintained properly to ensure they are working efficiently and effectively? Are you on a regular scheduled filter changing program? Are the Air Conditioning Coils (AC) clean? Have you had the HVAC system components and ductwork cleaned? Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC’s) and Debris that is accumulated in the HVAC system can become dislodged and distributed into the occupied spaces. Have you had your Air Handling Units (AHU’s) cleaned and treated with a Virucidal Disinfectant that has demonstrated effectiveness at killing Covid-19 (Sars-CoV-2)?

By following a good HVAC program, you can protect the occupants in your facility to promote healthy IAQ and lessen the chances of exposure to VOC’s and Covid-19. There are never any guarantees, but if you have followed the above guidance, you are demonstrating your efforts to combat the spread of Covid-19 when your building is occupied.

Duct & Vent Cleaning of America, Inc has been in the air duct cleaning business as a nationally regarded leader in our industry for over 31 years. Please feel free to call us if we can help you in any way.

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