Blog2 March 2021

A guide to air quality control in the education sector

A growing concern about the effects of indoor air pollution has prompted many educational organisations to go further than ever before in order to combat it. Ineffective ventilation systems, the fumes of nearby vehicles and a modern tendency for newly constructed buildings to be tightly sealed all have an impact on indoor air quality, which can be particularly obstructive in a learning environment. An inadequate response to air quality problems can lead to severe consequences, with short-term implications for people under your care including coughs, headaches and allergic reactions.

In many ways, the COVID-19 pandemic has been a watershed moment for schools, colleges and universities given that air quality control equipment is now widely perceived as a ‘must-have’ rather than the dispensable provision it once was. Recent studies indicate a tangible link between an excessive CO2 presence and concentration levels being affected, so it is essential that indoor air quality is managed to not only protect the well-being of students, but also, aid their ability to digest and retain information.

Air purifiers, air cleaners and ventilation fans all offer unique benefits to institutions in the education sector. These units can operate alongside your existing HVAC systems to deliver the desired conditions by removing contaminants and simultaneously deliver the air changes required to help safeguard your environment.

Dedicated air quality control equipment can be used for a multitude of purposes, with different units suited to different circumstances. A technologically advanced air quality range will provide reliable, efficient and cost-effective cleansing solutions coupled with a flexibility that allows simple redeployment if and when your needs change. In situations where additional space is required or existing facilities require conversion into study, recreational or dining areas, a practical air quality solution will help expedite this process.

 

How does air quality control work and what are the benefits?

There are various advantages of air quality monitoring, with both short-term and long-term solutions available. An installation can be configured to suit the needs of any school, college or university and greatly reduce smog dangers, protect people’s health and enhance the overall air quality within your buildings.

Other benefits include:

  • Minimal installation
  • Instantly functional
  • Energy efficient arrangements tailored to long-term hires
  • Dual-purpose solutions that intercept toxins while introducing clean air
  • Portable products allowing simple relocation

 

Correct Sizing

It is critical to assess the size of the area in which you have air purification or ventilation requirements. If you need assistance in sizing your space, an expert in this field would be a great resource. Make sure your provider offers a free no obligation site survey.

Here are a few factors to consider when sourcing an air quality control solution:

  • Size of the area
  • Number of occupants
  • Available power supply
  • Desired number of air changes per hour
  • The level of natural ventilation that exists
  • Location of doors, windows and other openings

 

Types of air quality control equipment

AIR PURIFIERS work by removing harmful particles and toxins from the atmosphere before neutralizing them within a built-in reactor chamber. The core technology of any reputable air purification product will have been tested against ozone release, hazardous gases and other volatile organic compounds (VOCs) to instill a drastically cleaner and safer environment. Air purifiers are proven to inactivate airborne bacteria and significantly reduce the likelihood of viruses being transmitted between a room’s occupants, hence their rising popularity.

AIR CLEANERS are principally similar to air purifiers, with their robust design lending themselves to gymnasiums, indoor sports courts and other leisure facilities. Incorporating powerful fans and high air circulation rates, these units intercept particles via a combination of G4 pre-filters and HEPA 14 filters. As highly portable freestanding units, air cleaners can be installed and operational almost instantly and fitted with lengths of ducting to reach areas a short distance away from an available power source.

VENTILATION FANS play a crucial role in creating a comfortable working environment and can be used to either deliver large volumes of clean air to an area or extract polluted air. In an educational setting, it is far more common for ventilation fans to be used to provide air changes by supplying fresh outdoor air to corridors, marquees or other temporary structures.

Selecting a supplier of air quality control equipment

With countless suppliers out there, how do you select the right one? Here are a few questions to ask when evaluating your options:

  • Will the provider assist in determining your needs and size the right equipment for your specific application?
  • Does the provider offer delivery and installation as well as a set-up service?
  • Does the provider offer both hire and purchase options?
  • Does the provider have ample stock of equipment to meet your needs at a moment’s notice?
  • Does the provider offer a 24/7 emergency response service?
  • Is your supplier accredited to ISO 9001:, ISO 14001: and OHSAS?
  • Does your supplier have a national coverage?
  • Can your supplier deliver same day?
  • Will your supplier respond to breakdowns within 4 hours?

Your chosen supplier should give you the confidence that they can successfully undertake every aspect of your project at the first time of asking.

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