Dirty ventilation ducts are hazards that carry possible fire and health risks

Over time, exhaust ventilation duct systems in apartment buildings, resorts and hotels, even unit complexes become blocked with lint, dust and fibrous or material build-up. These blockages not only place pressure on the systems ability to perform, they can present fire and health risks throughout the buildings duct system.

State Fire & Emergency Services as well as The Office for the Commissioner for Body Corporate and Community Management recommend a buildings exhaust ventilation system should be inspected at a set interval and any build-up removed that has accumulated over time.

Lint and matter build-up within ducts is a fuel load. Combustible lint and other build-up is highly flammable and ignition would quickly spread fire throughout the ducts. With added moisture and humidity content, this matter can become host to mould, fungus, microbes and bacteria and has been known to aggravate allergies and breathing or respiratory conditions such as asthma in those most vulnerable such as children and the elderly.

Blocked ducts not only impact the systems ability to exhaust expired air and moisture content within bathroom, en suite, toilet and laundry areas. Blockages within ducts cause poor indoor air quality and create embarrassing moments for residents and guests due to build-up of toilet and bathroom odours. In many instances these areas do not meet Australian Standards recommended number of air changes per hour.

Keeping your buildings ventilation duct system clean should be included as part of your annual planned maintenance services. A yearly visual inspection of roof exhaust fans, air registers and control dampers will ensure future cleans can be scheduled with management or the committee to occur when sufficient build-up is present. On average we find most clients will re-clean systems at 4-6 year intervals due to the benefits gained in removing any build-up and balancing airflow throughout toilet, bathroom, en suite and laundry areas, as well as maintenance work on roof exhaust fans and associated ductwork.

SafeAir deep clean services include all major follow-up inspections and condition assessment reports at no further cost. This service is beneficial to the building as it allows the body corporate and/or building management to stay informed of the systems current health level and ensures the ventilation system is working at an optimal level throughout the building.