The Health Hazards Of Improperly Maintained Air Conditioning Systems

If you are an entrepreneur, making certain that your grounds ' air-con system is professionally maintained isn't just a choice, but a legal duty

. As there are definite health hazards connected with air con systems it's critical to guarantee they're constantly maintained and checked so as to forestall the dissemination of illness.

Air conditioning systems have been shown to harbor the Legionella bacteria ; the organism that will bring on probably lethal episodes of Legionnaires disease. They don't seem to be, however the sole source of the illness, which is contracted by breathing water droplets that contain the bacteria. Other potential threats include anything that creates wet air such as economic cooling towers, hot water systems, spa baths and humidifiers.

According to experts there are over 40 variations of Legionella bacteria that can also be found naturally in soil and water. But, although the thought of becoming infected is very frightening, Legionnaires Disease is fatal in only around 15 per cent of total reported cases.

But that's still a major enough threat for the governing body to have passed legislation making certain that companies have a duty of care to occupants of their buildings. Under UK Health & Safety regulations building owners must guarantee their grounds are safe for staff and clients, and that includes taking the obligatory cares to guarantee there isn't any risk from water based infection.

The Approved Code of Practice and Guidance for the control of Legionella bacteria in water systems, otherwise known as 'L8', places the emphasis firmly on business and premises owners to identify and assess any risk, and to subsequently prevent or minimise that risk. The best way to remove any possible threat is to regularly check the premises' equipment, and the water that runs through it.

A regularly maintained air conditioning system will provide a lesser threat of spreading disease than those left unattended. Thankfully, regular, simple tests can detect the presence of bacteria, and they should be performed in addition to regular maintenance.

However, it's not just Legionella bacteria that can cause a health hazard in air conditioning systems. Refrigerants can also be dangerous and they are covered under the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations (COSHH) 1988. One particular type of widely used refrigerant, R1, has already been banned and another common variety R22 is to be outlawed from the beginning of 2010.

In the light of these imminent rules it is a good idea for any building owner to make certain that they are in the bounds of the law. An one off inspection would exhibit whether any of the building's air-conditioning plant would have to be replaced, and would permit the owner to make the essential agreements, well ahead.

by: Jeremy Guinich

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