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Tim Eaves  
#1 Posted : 08 July 2021 14:25:16(UTC)
Rank: New forum user
Tim Eaves

Hi we are making preparations to reopen our office and I am interested in other peoples views on recirculting air conditioing systems (recirculates are in the same room, not room to room). HSE guidnace suggests it is OK to use such units if there is adequate ventilation, e.g some windows partly open. However I have some staff who have concerns they could spreasd the virus. UV LED sanitation strips have been suggested by one air con contractor and another says they are a gimic and will damage the units. Has anybody come across these or had them fitted. I am interested in any thoughts on air con with regard to Covid. Thanks

Connor35037  
#2 Posted : 08 July 2021 14:33:31(UTC)
Rank: Forum user
Connor35037

http://forum.iosh.co.uk/posts/t131377-Fans-in-the-workplace

This thread may be of interest

thanks 1 user thanked Connor35037 for this useful post.
Tim Eaves on 08/07/2021(UTC)
WatsonD  
#3 Posted : 08 July 2021 15:17:28(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
WatsonD

By ventilating and putting the aircon (on a low fan) what you are doing is ensuring the air is constantly moving (not stagnant) and that the air exchange is therefore good.

Keep the fans low, make sure they are all serviced with new filters and get yourself a CO2 monitor. This (CO2 monitor) will be part of the updated 'working safely' guidance to reassure staff that areas are well ventillated. And that those that are not, are quickly identified and measure put in place to takle them.

thanks 1 user thanked WatsonD for this useful post.
Tim Eaves on 08/07/2021(UTC)
Roundtuit  
#4 Posted : 08 July 2021 15:20:50(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
Roundtuit

Sounds like another snake oil salesman.

Surprised none of them have suggested a "misting bar" pumping god knows what in to the outbound air-flow.

thanks 2 users thanked Roundtuit for this useful post.
Tim Eaves on 08/07/2021(UTC), Tim Eaves on 08/07/2021(UTC)
Roundtuit  
#5 Posted : 08 July 2021 15:20:50(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
Roundtuit

Sounds like another snake oil salesman.

Surprised none of them have suggested a "misting bar" pumping god knows what in to the outbound air-flow.

thanks 2 users thanked Roundtuit for this useful post.
Tim Eaves on 08/07/2021(UTC), Tim Eaves on 08/07/2021(UTC)
chris42  
#6 Posted : 08 July 2021 16:55:50(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
chris42

Originally Posted by: Tim Eaves Go to Quoted Post

. UV LED sanitation strips have been suggested by one air con contractor and another says they are a gimic and will damage the units. Has anybody come across these or had them fitted. I am interested in any thoughts on air con with regard to Covid. Thanks

There was a piece on the morning live program the other day regarding UV and Covid. It was saying that it is UVC that is being used in Hospitals, London underground and some big office complex. The system did not come on if there was anyone in the meeting room. In offices in use, they had a tube with a fan in it that draws air in one end subjected it to UVC and then pushed it out the other end. Similar set up in London underground at the escalators.

Perhaps that is what the person was referring to?

Chris

A Kurdziel  
#7 Posted : 09 July 2021 08:46:38(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
A Kurdziel

I have used UV on surfaces to deal with virus and I know the water industry sometimes use it to neutralise virus in water but I have no idea how effective it is against airborne virus and I suspect nobody else does as testing for viable viruses ( as oppose to bacteria) is not straightforward.  

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