In recent years, employers have come up with an array of office perks and benefits to attract workers and keep them happy. While free snacks and beverages are a nice perk and unlimited vacation days sounds nice too, a healthy work environment is what workers need most.
That includes the air needed to breathe. About three percent of the air an occupant in the average office building breathes in consists of air exhaled by other people. This is why workplace air quality is important, especially during the pandemic.
Workplace air quality
Virus transmission is a top concern for building managers as the spread of the Omicron variant. Pure Air Control believes taking on issues of workplace air quality requires more than a whack-a-mole strategy. In fact, getting more fresh outside air into the work environment is critical.
This requires a prescriptive approach to IAQ that includes testing, cleaning, and restoration as well as monitoring to meet ASHRAE Standard 62.1 for ventilation rates. The combined approach offered by Pure Air Control is a way to get cleaner air in buildings and keep occupants safe. Pure Air Control offers several methods and services to improve IAQ. Using this combined approach to IAQ reduces the risk of virus transmission but also reduces mold, bacteria, VOCs, and gases.
Improving indoor air
The first step in any treatment plan, however, begins with a diagnosis. For IAQ, that means testing indoor environmental conditions. The first step toward improved workplace air quality begins with testing. Pure Air Control Services offers effective methods to improve indoor air.
By evaluating indoor conditions based upon HVAC zones, they gauge the effect that biological conditions have on a building’s performance. The Environmental Diagnostics Laboratory inspects and tests the HVAC system and collects air and surface samples. Testing these samples provides data on levels of mold, allergens, and other particulates. They also measure and log readings of temperature, relative humidity, and wall moisture and base the treatment plan on the findings.
Coil cleaning method
By conducting an HVAC Hygiene Assessment, they assess the impact the system has on workplace air quality. This includes a visual inspection of the blower, ductwork, drain pan, and coil. Samples collected from the HVAC system undergo analysis by their EDLab to determine the presence of viruses, fungi, bacteria, and other pathogens including SARS-CoV-2.
After the initial assessment, the next step is a thorough cleaning and disinfection of system components as well as monitoring IAQ. This is done through the following methods: An important tool in the effort to improve workplace air quality is PURE-Steam. This proven HVAC coil cleaning method cleans and restores the air handling unit using high-temperature steam at temperatures up to 350° F.
Air handling unit
This system also uses pressure up to 350 psi to push debris and dirt through the coil where it is then removed with a HEPA vacuum. The result is an air handling unit restored to near factory specifications by a system certified by the Green Clean Institute.
PURE-Duct is a hygiene duct cleaning process that uses EPA-registered disinfectants to disinfect interior spaces as well as the air conveyance ductwork. This method goes deep inside the system’s ductwork to break up debris. After dirt and dust are dislodged it gets removed by an industrial-strength vacuum system equipped with a HEPA filter.
Indoor environmental conditions
The PURE-Decon system uses electrostatic DEP sprayers and misters to coat surface areas that traditional sprays and wipes cannot reach. The result is the removal of 99.9 percent of bacteria, viruses, and microbes and improved workplace air quality.
IAQ Guard provides 24/7 monitoring of indoor environmental conditions such as temperature, relative humidity, and total volatile organic compounds. The next step in improving workplace air quality is HVAC Restoration. This is done with the HVAC New Life system completed with the following steps:
- PURE-Coat – Includes sanding and garnet blasting, as well as the application of specialized paint to prevent corrosion, rust, and microbial growth within the system.
- PURE-Cell – Replaces insulation with fiberglass-free insulation that repels moisture and slows microbial growth.
- PURE-Liner – Refinishes drain pain to prevent moisture and also slows the oxidation process. Made to withstand the high demands of continuous HVAC operation.
Air cleaning technologies
The use of air cleaning technologies ensures IAQ remains safe. For example, the AeraMax Professional air purifier uses a 4-stage filtration system that traps airborne pollutants in a carbon filter. Also, UV lights sanitize and disinfect the rooms in which they are placed.
These devices use ultraviolet C disinfection and ultrasonic dry mist to kill 99 percent of harmful pathogens. Air quality pros since 1984, Pure Air Controls have studied the air quality in over 15,000 buildings.
