Air purification is the removal of dust and other harmful impurities from the air using various technical means. Air purification by means of supply ventilation and air conditioning systems takes place in residential, public, and industrial buildings. In addition, air purification is used in various technological processes, such as oxygen production. The air is also cleaned by means of extraction from production buildings, followed by dry or wet cleaning in industrial plants. The air supplied to the buildings is cleaned from dust to create a favorable microclimate for employees and to prevent pollution of equipment and other elements of ventilation systems. Many technological processes of modern industrial production should be carried out only in premises where the air is thoroughly cleaned. Such air purification is most relevant for microelectronics and medicine, as well as for precision instruments, films, and photographs. Selection of means for air purification The choice of air purification agents depends on the requirements for air purification. Air purification, with the help of air filters, is the most common. These air purification filters are installed in the rooms of supply air ventilation, air conditioning, and air purification systems. Air purification at industrial enterprises plays a significant role in the system of environmental and health protection measures. Various filters are used for air purification and neutralization. For finer air purification, dust chambers, gas catchers, “cyclones” PVM units and other devices are used. Industrial air purifiers – how do they work? The air purifier can be integrated into the room ventilation system, or placed separately. Its task is to drive the air through special filters that capture dust, smoke, odors, and microorganisms, so that “at the output” the air is fresh, without foreign matter. If an air purifier is integrated into a ventilation system, the air is supplied to the filters by this system. If it is a separate device, then it works on the principle of air conditioner, “running” through the air in the room. By the way, certain types of cleaners can work in pairs with the conditioner. Such purification is also a great way to improve the microclimate in the room. By removing harmful impurities, dust, and bacteria, purifiers make not only the air cleaner. The general sanitary situation in the room is improved – after all, dust particles settling on the filters will not get back into the room, and thus will not settle on the surface of furniture and equipment. This is especially important for high-precision production and chemical and catering facilities (e.g. medical laboratories, precision optics plants, food processing plants, etc.). Many air purifiers have additional functions, such as the ability to saturate the air with ozone. If you have such a purifier, the room will smell like mountain air. Ozonation is a great way to get rid of pathogenic bacteria in the air and dust. It is also good for your health. According to research, people work better in rooms where air purifiers are installed as muscle and brain activity levels increase. If you want your employees to feel less sick and work better, buy this device.

Leading engineering services sector bodies BESA and ECA have jointly developed two new guides to help contractors to manage coronavirus-related issues on site. The new guides will be freely available to the wider industry during the current emergency. They provide sector-relevant guidance for engineering and building services contractors working across construction and FM in two specific areas: ‘Specific Environments’ (where there may be higher risk of COVID-19 transmission); and ‘close proximity working’ (less than 2m). The new guides: – align with the hierarchy of preventative measures shown in the Construction Leadership Council Site Operating Procedures, based on guidance from Public Health England;   – do not recommend the deployment of respiratory protective equipment (RPE) for general site activities, most notably where social distancing is possible; and – recommend that any decision to deploy RPE in site-specific situations should be based on risk assessment. The guides have been drawn up with the support of a COVID-19 Expert Panel made up of BESA and ECA safety practitioners. The panel is also helping ECA and the BESA to provide informed, practical comments on site health and safety issues to the government and industry bodies who are generating overarching guidance in this area. BESA Health & Safety Advisor Rebecca Crosland said: “It is imperative that there is further guidance out there to help keep the industry safe. “The health, wellbeing and safety of everyone on site must be a priority during the COVID-19 health crisis. Businesses must exercise their duty of care under legislation to ensure all workers are protected and ensure that any critical information related to their health and safety is communicated clearly and then implemented.” Paul Reeve, ECA’s CSR Director and a member of the CLC’s working group on site safety measures said: “The CLC SOP is an overarching industry document, but it refers to the need for sector guidance. These two guides are the start of joint ECA and BESA activity to produce more detailed, sector-relevant information that’s desperately needed by many engineering services contractors. “They aim to help with the practical management of coronavirus-related issues on site, which may include the challenges associated with doing essential work in closer proximity than 2 metres.” The BESA and ECA welcome comments on the new guides from across the industry

Electricity is a necessary part of the modern world, making electricians vital for as long as there is a need for this utility. Most people take this component of their lives for granted, not imagining a life without it. And with the level of dependence on technology and being connected, we would truly be lost without it. In saying that, we must have high-quality trade professionals responsible for the installation and repair of the electrical systems and wires in our homes and businesses such as the computer network, HVAC, security, and, of course, lighting systems. Categories of Electricians In the modern world, the note is that there are four main specialty categories under which electricians fall. When choosing the best electrician near me, I take these categories into consideration. Those that work within the single-family homes and apartment complexes deem residential. Public facilities not fitted with high-voltage lines such as industrial, office spaces, rental building, all fall under commercial electricians who are responsible for the repair, maintenance, and renovation of the various electrical systems. The industrial electrician works to install and maintain a variety of different components and machines as well as high-voltage electrical systems. Low-voltage systems like video, data, voice, networks, and systems are taken care of by electricians specializing in this field. Their primary responsibility is the repair, installation, and maintenance of fiber optic cables and phone lines.  In some instances, the low voltage and residential will be one category with the commercial and industrial combined into one. Some classes separate electricians based on their level of training and experience as well. Trainee electricians who work under a more qualified, experienced professional during a specific period deem to be an apprentice. After working as an apprentice, there is a need to obtain licensing from a state-approved authority, which will then bring the status of journeyman electrician. After taking a state-approved exam which will provide a license and deem a high level of competence in the field, a master electrician offers years of experience on top of that. Every state is different and will have its expectations and requirements for each level of the electrician. In situations where you need an emergency electrician, it is important that they are qualified. So make sure they are part of a registered board for the state. Facts About Electricians Not many of us realize how reliant we are on our electricity or specifically the electricians who take care of the power for us. In each moment of our daily lives with every activity, we have an extensive requirement and use for electricity. Let’s check out some facts about the critical tradesman who are responsible for our utility. In many instances, the only way to differentiate between multiple types of wiring is through color-coding. Without color vision, someone working with electrical wires could make what would be a fatal mistake. In saying that, it’s not widely known that those who work as electricians must have appropriate color vision. Follow this link for facts on things electricians wish we knew: https://www.familyhandyman.com/electrical/10-things-your-electrician-wants-you-to-know/. Many of these tradesmen use a lot of diagnostic tools in an effort to diagnose and evaluate potential defects and issues where the cause is not so readily available. These professionals need to have a solid understanding of math and the ability to read blueprints and technical schematics.  The electrician trade is only growing with anticipated increases in years to come as the job is critical for home construction and properties as a whole, not to mention the ever-evolving dependence on digital technology. The reliance on electricity and electrical appliances has no signs of decreasing, meaning there will always be a need for those knowledgeable in the maintenance, upkeep, and repair of these systems. The demand will be critical as technology continues to advance. We’ve become a society so oblivious to the extent of our ‘luxury’ that we take it all as if it will always be here without question. It would be a very curious prospect if we all woke up and all the modern conveniences were temporarily inoperable for even a day specifically electricity. No one would know how to function. That’s a sad and scary reality. Our great grandparents, even our grandparents would have had a party in that situation with food and friends. In today’s world, we wouldn’t know what to do. Hopefully, we never have to do without our electrician friends who keep this utility humming and our technology running for those who would simply crumble under similar circumstances.

Setting up a dust collector in your factory comprises the desire to keep workers, equipment, and the working areas safe from dust. This installation, however, often undergoes a grudge purchase scenario.  The initial thought may be to choose the cheapest dust collector. But, you need to keep in mind that a dust collector’s key purpose is to keep the working environment safe, so corners should not be cut.  According to Baghouse America, a leader in the environmental industry for developing, licensing, and deploying air filtration systems, the cost of the unit and accessories should not interfere with the safety dust collectors are intended to produce.  That said, the following tips will help make your dust collector the safest out there, ensuring the job is done effectively. Even the best dust collector systems need to be well maintained so that they will last longer and serve their purpose better, Read on to know more on how to maintain your dust collector system and to make sure that everyone is safe around it. Equip With Deflagration Protection Does your dust collector handle combustible dust? If so, consider equipping it with proper deflagration protection.  There are several different forms of passive deflagration/explosion protection out there. However, explosion vents tend to be the most common and cost-efficient method.  Typically, an explosion vent opens once a specific amount of pressure builds up within the collector, allowing the flame front and excess pressure to exit to a secure area. Explosion vents are built to prevent your dust collector from blowing up during a deflagration, thereby diminishing the hazard. Also, they help minimize damage to the dust collector itself. The Protection for the Ductwork The National Association for Fire Protection (NFPA) overlooks ductwork protection and the dust collector’s upstream safety procedures. The ducting must be equipped with a valve comprising flow-activated isolation that preserves the downstream workspaces and operations from that of the spreading of pressure and flames via the inlet duct as deflagration occurs in the dust collector. After that, the pressure wave will close the valve through the deflagration of the dust collector, preventing the spread of smoke and flames to parts upstream of the valve. Note that the valve is closed and should be opened manually. Once enabled, the valve parts could be compromised and a comprehensive inspection is needed before it is returned back to regular service. Do Not Use the Hoppers to Collect Dust This is a common mistake people make, especially those new in manufacturing. You shouldn’t use hoppers to store dust.  Keep in mind that the hopper’s key purpose is to funnel processed dust toward the storage bins. As it so happens, the dust that’s about to fill up the hopper will most likely create some potential deflagration or fire risks.  Another important factor to note is that the dust in the hopper may further decrease the dust collector’s performance via blocking the system and pulse-cleaning from performing the task it was designed to. Self-dumping hoppers are an easy dust disposal system while still protecting against dust leaks among the hoppers and the collector. Prevent fire Some applications are able to generate a spark and can cause fires. This must be taken care of quickly and effectively.  The market offers plenty of technologies and features to choose from. For example, there are flame-retardant filter media and spark arrestors in the form of drop-out boxes, cyclone devices mounted at the collectors’ inlets, perforated screens, etc. Even fire sprinkler installations require some implementations. You can also install cartridges vertically mounted to help limit fire and deflagration by reducing the heavier loads of dust on the attached filters. Inversely, particularly with mounted systems arranged horizontally, the dust may get trapped at the filters. In situations like these, the filter life may be shortened, thereby allowing for the dirty surface to spark/ignite and raise the working pressure drop of the filter elements. Create a Maintenance Program Industrial dust collectors have enabled businesses to efficiently capture airborne particles that help provide a clean and healthy work environment.  To make sure an industrial dust collector is working as it should be, periodic inspections in conjunction with a maintenance program will come in handy in terms of keeping the dust collector functioning properly, at a higher level.  Scheduled inspections on an annual, semi-annual, monthly, weekly or even daily level will keep your industrial dust collector working effectively and keep the maintenance expenses down. Remember, failing to regularly check and maintain your dust collector will hurt its performance.  Continued neglect may lead to your dust collector not following EPA outlet emissions standards.  Incorporate Safety Accessories Image source Major concerns like what type of dust collector you should use and how to maintain it must take precedence, but when you’ve actually addressed such concerns, there are several other ways to make your dust collector safer.  Safety accessories can be an excellent way to do this. Turns out they are not simply a great idea— in some situations, safety accessories are an absolute must to ensure the workers’ safety.

Heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems must be allowed to play their important role in helping essential services deal with the Covid-19 pandemic, according to the UK’s F Gas register REFCOM. It refuted rumours that air conditioning and ventilation could help to spread the virus adding that these were completely unfounded and not backed up by any scientific evidence. Speaking on a webinar hosted by the Building Engineering Services Association (BESA), Head of REFCOM Graeme Fox, said cooling and ventilation systems were not the problem, but rather they were part of the solution. For example, by switching air handling units to full fresh air mode and temporarily disabling recirculation with heat recovery, facilities managers could ensure contaminated air was not recirculated in occupied spaces.  “Health is more important than energy efficiency right now,” said Mr Fox. “It is also important to keep up air change rates – even in partially occupied buildings – to minimise the risk of moisture, which could contain the virus, settling on internal surfaces.” Public Health England stated that transmission of the virus is thought to occur mainly through respiratory droplets generated by coughing and sneezing, and through contact with contaminated surfaces. It has not recommended any special cleaning measures for ventilation and cooling systems. Mr Fox said scaremongering was unhelpful to those trying to understand the threat. Crucial “The truth is that HVAC systems perform a crucial role in keeping essential services like hospitals, supermarkets, care homes and schools operating – this is going to be more important than ever over the coming weeks and months,” he said. The Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) is also urging the industry to keep up its vital work for the NHS, food suppliers and other essential services. During another BESA webinar last week, an official from BEIS confirmed that building maintenance should continue as normal, subject to compliance with Public Health England guidance, the government’s social distancing policy and the site operating guidance published by the Construction Leadership Council. “Building maintenance is helping to save lives,” he said. “People who fix crucial safety issues in buildings…must be able to keep working. They are carrying out important work”. REFCOM’s position is also supported by guidance from REHVA, the European Federation of HVAC associations, which said humidification, air conditioning and duct cleaning had no practical effect on the transmission of the coronavirus. It said Covid-19, unlike some other viruses, is largely resistant to environmental changes and is susceptible only to high relative humidities above 80% and temperatures above 30degC. It is recommending that heating and cooling systems are operated normally to ensure buildings can continue to support critical activities and maintain the health and wellbeing of occupants. www.refcom.org.uk ENGINEERS ON THE FRONTLINE Josh Emerson from Swegon shared pictures with BESA of two of the firm’s service technicians attending a critical breakdown at an NHS hospital. “I know there has been plenty of negative political and social media messaging with regards to the construction industry,” said Mr Emerson. “I am sharing a few pictures that show building services in a positive light. The industry is on the frontline, facing Covid-19, and going to great lengths to keep our hospitals operational to support the NHS.” PIC Caption: Two service engineers from Swegon attending a critical breakdown at an NHS hospital.

BLE Lighting & Power Ltd helped to make history by providing Emergency Lighting Power Solutions for the brand new RNHRD and Brownsword Therapies Centre located at the Royal United Hospitals site in Bath. Originally opened as Bath General Infirmary in 1738 as a free hospital for the poor, the historic building was closed and services gradually moved over to the new facility which, became fully operational in early September 2019. Former patron of the Royal National Hospital for Rheumatic Diseases; HRH The Duchess of Cornwall officially opened the centre on 22 October 2019. She was given a guided tour of the £20m building and introduced to local entrepreneurs Andrew and Christina Brownsword, whose £1m Match Funding Challenge enabled the hospital charity to raise £2m towards the overall cost of the new Centre. Over the years the hospital developed a reputation as a national leader of rheumatology therapies and chronic pain services. They now continue their service with the benefit of a purpose-built facility allowing them to utilise modern amenities including a large hydrotherapy pool, group rooms, a specialist gym, rehabilitation equipment, and a biologics treatment space. The 3-story building utilises a wireless DALI lighting system throughout and BLE’s inverters were requested, in the initial project plan, to provide power to the emergency lighting in the event of a failure, allowing patients, visitors and staff to exit safely should they need to. The key challenge was ensuring BLE’s inverters worked effectively with a non-BLE Lighting system. Other lighting companies may refuse to supply emergency lighting power without also having supplied the emergency lighting fixtures. This is where BLE stands out; its emergency lighting solutions are always offered with the customers specific requirements at the core. BLE took a front facing role working with the consultant to make sure the inverters would cooperate with the pre-identified lighting and DALI system. Although the product had been requested within the initial project, BLE’s partners were unsure of the specifics regarding what power was required and needed assistance. Contained power was not an option because too much lighting power was required. BLE therefore recommended two of its 400W inverters and one 200W inverter which fit the purpose completely. Additionally, the company remained on hand to provide assistance regarding the requirements for emergency lighting legislation and what the facility needed to do to in order to be compliant and ensure the safety of its occupants and the smooth opening and operation of the new facility.